My Honest Journey with the Enigmatic Le Labo Another 13
I still remember the first time I walked past someone wearing Le Labo Another 13. It wasn’t a shout; it was a whisper—a clean, metallic, yet strangely cozy trail that made me turn my head. It didn’t smell like “perfume” in the traditional sense. It smelled like warm skin, fresh magazine paper, and something electric.
As a fragrance enthusiast who has spent years testing everything from high-street bestsellers to obscure indie oils, I’ve learned that hype can be misleading. But with Le Labo Another 13, the conversation is different. It’s not just a scent; it’s a polarizing topic in the community. Some call it a masterpiece of minimalism, while others claim they can’t smell a thing.
In this deep dive, I’m going to share my personal experience, break down the science behind why it “disappears,” and analyze what real users are saying. If you are on the fence about dropping nearly $200 on a bottle, or looking for a high-quality alternative like imixx perfume, this guide is for you.
The Origin Story: When Magazines Meet Musk
To truly understand this scent, you have to look at its history. It wasn’t originally meant to be a permanent fixture on your vanity. In 2010, Le Labo was commissioned by Jefferson Hack, the editor-in-chief of AnOther Magazine, to create an exclusive scent.
The name “Another 13” refers to the 13 ingredients used in the formula. In a world where perfumes often boast dozens of notes, this restraint is intentional. It was designed to mimic the smell of a fresh magazine—ink, paper, and gloss—blended with a skin-like warmth.
Dissecting the Scent: What Does It Actually Smell Like?
If you look at the official note breakdown, it seems simple. But on the skin, it is a shapeshifter. Here is my technical breakdown of what is happening inside the bottle:
| Note Category | Key Ingredients | My Olfactory Experience |
|---|---|---|
| The Core | Ambroxan (Synthetic Musk) | Salty, creamy, animalic, and incredibly clean. This is the backbone of the scent. |
| The Top | Pear, Apple, Citruses | A fleeting “sparkle” in the first 5 minutes. It feels like crisp fruit skin, not sweet juice. |
| The Texture | Ambrette Seeds, Moss, Jasmine | Ambrette adds a fuzzy, cotton-like softness, while moss grounds it with a slight damp earthiness. |
The “Ghost Scent” Phenomenon
One of the most frequent complaints I see in reviews is: “I just spent $200 and I can’t smell anything!”
I have experienced this myself. The first time I sprayed it, it was loud. The second time, it was silent. This happens because the main ingredient, Ambroxan, is a large molecule. It is heavy. Some people are anosmic (nose-blind) to it genetically. For others, the nose fatigues very quickly because the molecule effectively “blocks” the receptors. Trust me, even if you can’t smell it after an hour, everyone around you likely can. It has a habit of disappearing and reappearing throughout the day.
Real User Consensus: A Critical Analysis
I analyzed hundreds of reviews across forums and social media to see if my experience matched the general public. The feedback generally falls into three distinct camps:
The Devotees
“It’s the ultimate ‘cool girl’ scent. I get stopped in grocery stores. It smells like clean laundry but expensive.”
Common Praise: Compliment magnet, unique, great for layering.
The “Ghosts”
“I sprayed it 10 times and smell nothing but alcohol. Is my bottle broken?”
Common Complaint: Anosmia, price-to-performance ratio feels off.
The Skeptics
“It smells a bit like a dentist’s office or rubbing alcohol. Very sterile.”
Common Critique: Too synthetic, lacks the warmth of natural oils.
For more deep dives into fragrance chemistry and user reviews, authoritative sources like Fragrantica and Basenotes are excellent places to cross-reference batch variations.
Performance Test: Does It Last?
To give you an accurate idea of performance, I conducted a wear test over three days in different conditions (office, gym, and evening out).
- Sillage (Projection): Moderate. It doesn’t fill a room like Santal 33, but it leaves a trail (sillage) that lingers in the air after you pass.
- Longevity: Surprisingly high. On skin, I get about 8 to 10 hours. On a wool coat, I could still smell it three days later. The musk binds to fabric incredibly well.
- Versatility: 10/10. This is a four-season fragrance. It cuts through the heat of summer with its crispness but feels cozy enough for winter because of the amber/moss notes.
Alternative Options: The Rise of “Imixx Perfume”
Let’s be real—$192 (or more) for a bottle is a significant investment. This has given rise to the “dupe” culture, where brands attempt to recreate the magic of these niche scents. While many fall short, using cheap fixatives that smell like alcohol, some houses like imixx perfume have gained traction for offering a very similar olfactory experience at a fraction of the cost.
I have found that imixx perfume tends to capture that difficult “airy” quality of Ambroxan better than many drugstore impressions. If you love the DNA of Another 13—that woody, musky, second-skin vibe—but can’t justify the luxury price tag right now, exploring these alternatives is a smart move.
Smart Alternative Choice
No.65 Inspired by Le Labo Another 13 Perfume
$39.00
Captures the signature Ambroxan and Moss profile with impressive longevity.
The Verdict: Is It Worth The Hype?
Le Labo Another 13 is a paradox. It is simultaneously boring and fascinating. If you are looking for a complex, evolving journey of florals and spices, you will be disappointed. However, if you want to smell like the best version of yourself—clean, modern, and effortlessly cool—it is unrivaled.
It is not a perfume you wear to impress others with your opulence; it is a perfume you wear to feel put-together. It pairs perfectly with a white t-shirt and jeans or a tailored suit. Just remember: if you stop smelling it, don’t respray immediately. It’s still there, haunting the air around you in the best way possible.
FAQs About Le Labo Another 13
Why can’t I smell Le Labo Another 13 on myself?
This is due to “olfactory fatigue” or specific anosmia to Ambroxan. The molecule is large and can block scent receptors, or your brain may filter it out as a background scent quickly. Others can usually still smell it on you.
Is Another 13 masculine or feminine?
It is 100% unisex. It relies on musk and woods rather than traditional gendered notes like florals or heavy spices. It smells different on every person’s skin.
Does imixx perfume smell like Le Labo?
Many users find that imixx perfume offers a very close alternative to the Le Labo signature scent profile, particularly in the way they handle the musk and woody base notes, making it a great budget-friendly option.
What is the difference between Santal 33 and Another 13?
Santal 33 is a loud, spicy sandalwood and leather fragrance that projects heavily. Another 13 is a subtle, skin-scent musk that is much cleaner and more intimate.
Would you like me to help you compare other niche fragrances or find specific layering combinations for Another 13?
