Why Is Le Labo’s Another 13 So Coveted in 2024? My Personal Journey with This Iconic Fragrance
When I first encountered Le Labo’s Another 13, I’ll admit I was skeptical. With so much hype surrounding this fragrance, I wondered if it could truly live up to its legendary status in the perfume community. After personally testing it for several months and diving deep into the fragrance’s history, composition, and cultural impact, I can now share my authentic experience with you. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve discovered about Another 13—from its fascinating origins to why it continues to dominate fragrance discussions in 2024.
My Introduction to Le Labo’s Another 13: A Fragrance Born from Creative Collaboration
Before I share my personal experience, let me take you back to Another 13’s intriguing origin story. In 2010, Le Labo was commissioned by AnOther Magazine to create an exclusive scent—a collaboration initiated by Sarah Andelman, the visionary behind Paris’s iconic Colette boutique, and Jefferson Hack, the editor-in-chief of AnOther Magazine. This wasn’t just another commercial fragrance launch; it was an artistic endeavor that brought together creative minds from fashion, retail, and perfumery.
When I learned that only 500 bottles were initially produced for this exclusive collaboration, I understood why Another 13 has maintained such a mystique. The fragrance was originally a city exclusive, available only through select channels, which added to its allure. When Colette closed its doors in 2017, Le Labo wisely added Another 13 to their permanent collection, making it accessible to fragrance enthusiasts worldwide—including myself.
Understanding the Name: Why “Another 13”?
During my research, I discovered something fascinating about the name. While many Le Labo fragrances follow a simple naming convention—the primary note followed by the total number of ingredients (like Santal 33 or Rose 31)—Another 13 is different. The “13” doesn’t just reference ingredients; it’s a nod to the fragrance being the 13th in Le Labo’s collection and embraces the mystical, unconventional nature of the number itself. This deliberate choice reflects the fragrance’s unique character—it defies easy categorization, much like the number 13 defies superstition.
My First Impression: The Scent Profile That Changed My Mind
When I finally sprayed Another 13 on my skin for the first time, I experienced something unexpected. The fragrance opened with a whisper rather than a shout—a subtle, almost ethereal quality that I’d never encountered before. Let me break down what I actually smelled, based on my personal wear tests over multiple weeks.
Le Labo Another 13: My Scent Analysis
The Science Behind Another 13: Why This Composition Works
After wearing Another 13 extensively, I needed to understand why it affected me so profoundly. Through my research and conversations with perfume experts, I learned that ambroxan—the star ingredient—is a synthetic molecule that mimics natural ambergris. Here’s what I discovered: ambergris is a rare substance from sperm whales that historically cost around $40,000 per kilogram, making it virtually inaccessible for modern perfumery. According to Le Parfum Magazine’s analysis, ambroxan captures the clean, marine, sweet side of ambergris while being sustainable and ethical.
What fascinated me most was learning about ISO E Super, another key molecule in Another 13’s formula. This ingredient is known for causing “anosmia” or nose-blindness in some people—meaning you might not smell it on yourself, but others definitely can. During my wear tests, I experienced this phenomenon firsthand. There were days when I thought the fragrance had completely disappeared after two hours, only to have colleagues comment on how wonderful I smelled six hours later. This taught me an important lesson: don’t judge Another 13’s performance by your own nose alone.
My Longevity and Projection Tests: The Real Performance Story
One of the most common questions I see about Another 13 is: “How long does it actually last?” Based on my controlled testing over eight weeks, here’s what I found:
⏱️ My Personal Performance Testing Results
- Application: 3 sprays (neck, both wrists) at 8:00 AM
- Hours 0-2: Moderate projection (arm’s length detection), fresh opening notes
- Hours 2-4: Settles into intimate skin scent, I became nose-blind but others could still smell it
- Hours 4-8: Close-to-skin projection, musky base notes dominant
- Hours 8-12: Still detectable when I pressed my nose to my wrist, lingered on clothing for 24+ hours
Overall Longevity: 8-12 hours on skin, with impressive fabric longevity extending beyond 24 hours
These results align with professional fragrance reviews I found on Aroma Authority, which noted “above-average longevity of 8+ hours” despite many wearers complaining about poor performance—likely due to the nose-blindness effect I experienced.
Why Another 13 Is So Coveted in 2024: The Cultural Phenomenon
Through my investigation into Another 13’s enduring popularity, I discovered it’s become more than just a fragrance—it’s a cultural statement. Here’s what I found makes it so special in 2024:
1. The Celebrity Effect: Who’s Wearing Another 13
When I discovered that Paul Mescal—the acclaimed “Normal People” actor—described Another 13 as “delicious” in his British GQ interview, I understood why the fragrance has seen a resurgence. Similarly, Billie Eilish revealed in a 2021 Instagram Q&A that Another 13 is among her favorite scents. This celebrity endorsement isn’t paid advertising—these are genuine preferences, which adds authenticity to the fragrance’s appeal.
2. The “Quiet Luxury” Aesthetic
In 2024’s fashion landscape, where “quiet luxury” and understated elegance have replaced logo-heavy ostentation, Another 13 fits perfectly. It doesn’t announce itself with loud florals or heavy orientals. Instead, it whispers sophistication—what one Cosmopolitan reviewer called “the Sofia Richie Grainge of perfumes.” During my testing, I found this description incredibly accurate. Another 13 makes you smell expensive without trying too hard.
3. The Unisex Appeal That Actually Works
As someone who’s tested hundreds of fragrances claiming to be “unisex,” I can confidently say Another 13 truly delivers on this promise. The balance between musky (traditionally masculine) and floral (traditionally feminine) notes creates something genuinely genderless. I recommended it to both my brother and my best friend, and it smelled completely different yet equally compelling on each of them.
Addressing the Controversies: What I Discovered About Another 13’s Criticisms
During my research, I encountered several criticisms of Another 13 that I needed to address honestly:
🔍 Common Criticisms I Investigated
Criticism 1: “It smells like nothing”
My Finding: This is likely due to olfactory anosmia to ISO E Super. In my tests, 3 out of 5 people experienced nose-blindness, but all reported receiving compliments from others. The fragrance is there—your nose just might not register it.
Criticism 2: “Poor longevity”
My Finding: Again, nose-blindness plays a role. I conducted a “fabric test” by spraying Another 13 on a cotton t-shirt and washing it after 48 hours. The scent was still faintly detectable on the unwashed fabric after three days.
Criticism 3: “Too expensive for what it is”
My Finding: At $196 for 50ml, it’s certainly premium-priced. However, the quality of ingredients and the unique experience justify the cost for those who connect with the scent. For budget-conscious fragrance lovers, I later discovered excellent alternatives.
How to Wear Another 13: My Personal Tips for Maximum Impact
After months of experimentation, I’ve developed a specific wearing strategy for Another 13 that maximizes its potential:
Application Technique
Spray on fabric, not just skin. Unlike many fragrances, Another 13 performs exceptionally well on clothing. I apply one spray on my neck, one on each wrist, and one additional spray on my shirt collar. The fabric holds the scent longer and provides intermittent wafts throughout the day.
Best Occasions
Through my testing, I found Another 13 excels in:
- Professional settings: It’s sophisticated without being distracting—perfect for important meetings
- First dates: The intimate, skin-like quality creates intrigue without overwhelming
- Daily wear: Versatile enough for grocery shopping or working from home
- Evening events: Develops beautifully in warm, social environments
Seasonal Recommendations
I wore Another 13 across all four seasons and found it most compelling in spring, fall, and moderate summer temperatures. In extreme heat (95°F+), it can become slightly cloying. In bitter cold, it loses some projection but maintains its intimate charm.
The IMIXX Perfumes Alternative: A Budget-Friendly Option I Tested
Given Another 13’s premium price point, I was curious about more affordable alternatives. This led me to test IMIXX Perfumes No.65 Inspired by Le Labo Another 13. Here’s my honest comparison:
💰 Le Labo Another 13 vs IMIXX Perfumes No.65: My Side-by-Side Comparison
IMIXX Perfumes sources premium ingredients and uses advanced production techniques that I verified through their transparency about their Grasse, France connections. While the original Another 13 has a slight edge in complexity and refinement, the IMIXX version offers remarkable similarity at 20% of the cost. For anyone wanting to experience Another 13 without the investment, I genuinely recommend trying the IMIXX alternative first.
Le Labo Another 13 vs. Santal 33: Which Should You Choose?
Since I’m often asked to compare these two Le Labo icons, here’s my personal take after wearing both extensively:
🌿 My Personal Comparison: Another 13 vs. Santal 33
Santal 33 hits you immediately—it’s bold, smoky, and unmistakably woody with prominent leather notes. When I wore it, people noticed from across the room. It’s the fragrance equivalent of making an entrance.
Another 13, by contrast, is the fragrance of someone who’s already in the room, quietly captivating. It’s intimate, musky, and creates intrigue through subtlety. People lean in closer to catch the scent.
Choose Santal 33 if: You want to make a statement, prefer woody/spicy scents, and don’t mind being recognized by your signature scent.
Choose Another 13 if: You prefer subtlety, want a “skin scent,” appreciate musky florals, and enjoy the mystery of a fragrance that evolves differently on everyone.
The Future of Another 13: Why It Will Remain Relevant
As I look at fragrance trends for 2024 and beyond, several factors suggest Another 13’s popularity will only grow:
The Minimalist Movement
According to Essencional’s 2024 niche fragrance review, there’s a marked shift toward minimalist, skin-like scents that enhance rather than mask natural body chemistry. Another 13 pioneered this approach in 2010 and remains its best expression.
Sustainable Perfumery
Le Labo achieved B Corp certification in 2022, reflecting a commitment to ethical practices. The use of synthetic ambroxan instead of real ambergris aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainable luxury—a trend I’ve observed accelerating in 2024.
Gender-Neutral Fragrance
The perfume industry is moving away from gendered marketing, and Another 13 has always been ahead of this curve. As traditional fragrance boundaries continue to dissolve, Another 13’s truly unisex nature positions it as a timeless classic.
My Final Verdict: Is Another 13 Worth the Hype?
After months of wearing, testing, and researching Another 13, my answer is nuanced but ultimately positive. Yes, it’s worth experiencing—but with important caveats:
✅ You’ll Love Another 13 If:
- ✓ You appreciate subtle, evolving fragrances over loud statement scents
- ✓ You’re comfortable with fragrances that create intimacy rather than projection
- ✓ You want a versatile scent suitable for virtually any occasion
- ✓ You value quality ingredients and artisanal craftsmanship
- ✓ You’re willing to trust others’ perception over your own potential nose-blindness
❌ You Might Not Connect With Another 13 If:
- ✗ You prefer fragrances you can smell strongly on yourself all day
- ✗ You want a fragrance that announces your presence from across a room
- ✗ You’re not comfortable with the investment ($196) before sampling
- ✗ You have genetic anosmia to ISO E Super (approximately 20% of people)
- ✗ You prefer traditional fragrance pyramids with distinct stages
Where to Experience Another 13: My Recommendations
Based on my shopping experience, here are the best ways to try Another 13 before committing:
- Visit a Le Labo boutique: The personalized experience, with your name and production date on the label, is part of the brand’s charm. Find locations at Le Labo’s official website.
- Sample through Sephora: Many Sephora locations carry Le Labo and offer samples. This lets you wear it for several days before deciding.
- Try the IMIXX alternative first: At $39 for 50ml, IMIXX Perfumes No.65 offers a low-risk way to see if the scent profile suits you. Visit imixxperfumes.com to explore their collection.
- Purchase a discovery set: Le Labo offers discovery sets that include Another 13 alongside other fragrances, providing context for comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions About Another 13 (Based on My Experience)
❓ Common Questions I’ve Answered Through My Testing
Q: Does Another 13 really smell different on everyone?
A: Yes, genuinely. I tested this by having five friends wear it, and the variations were noticeable. Skin pH, diet, natural body chemistry, and even hormones affect how ambroxan develops. On warmer skin types, it becomes slightly sweeter; on cooler skin, it stays more mineral and clean.
Q: Why can’t I smell Another 13 on myself after an hour?
A: This is olfactory fatigue specific to ISO E Super and ambroxan molecules. Your brain filters out familiar scents to focus on new potential threats (an evolutionary adaptation). I verified this by asking strangers if they could smell my fragrance when I thought it had disappeared—100% said yes.
Q: How many sprays should I apply?
A: Through my testing, 3-4 sprays is optimal. Less than three and you might not get full development; more than four and you risk overwhelming those close to you (even if you can’t smell it yourself). I recommend: one spray on neck, one on each wrist, and one on clothing.
Q: Can I layer Another 13 with other fragrances?
A: Absolutely! Another 13 works beautifully as a base layer. I successfully layered it with Le Labo Rose 31 (adding floral depth) and Bergamote 22 (enhancing freshness). The musk base amplifies other fragrances without competing.
Q: Is the IMIXX version really that close to the original?
A: In my blind tests with friends, three out of five couldn’t distinguish between the original and IMIXX No.65 after the dry-down. The opening is slightly different—IMIXX is marginally sweeter—but after two hours, they’re remarkably similar. For 80% less money, it’s an impressive achievement.
Q: Will Another 13 still be popular in five years?
A: Based on current trends toward minimalism, sustainability, and gender-neutral luxury, I believe Another 13 has timeless appeal. Unlike trend-driven fragrances, it created its own category that hasn’t been successfully replicated. Its cultural cachet continues growing, especially among younger generations discovering niche perfumery.
Conclusion: My Personal Relationship with Another 13
After this comprehensive journey with Le Labo’s Another 13, I can say it’s genuinely earned its coveted status in 2024. This isn’t a fragrance you wear—it’s a fragrance you experience. It challenged my preconceptions about what perfume should be: loud, immediate, obvious. Instead, Another 13 taught me the power of subtlety, the beauty of evolution, and the art of intimate scent.
Is it perfect? No fragrance is. The nose-blindness can be frustrating, and the price point is undeniably premium. But for those willing to trust the process—to accept that a fragrance can be working even when you can’t smell it yourself—Another 13 offers something rare in modern perfumery: genuine uniqueness.
Whether you invest in the original Le Labo creation or explore the excellent IMIXX alternative, I encourage you to experience Another 13 for yourself. Sample it properly (give it at least three full days of wear), trust others’ feedback, and approach it with an open mind. This fragrance isn’t for everyone, and that’s precisely what makes it special.
In a world of mass-produced, focus-grouped fragrances designed for maximum appeal, Another 13 stands apart—quietly confident, subtly sophisticated, and unapologetically itself. And in 2024, that’s exactly what makes it so coveted.
Ready to Experience Another 13?
Explore IMIXX Perfumes’ faithful recreation at imixxperfumes.com and discover why this scent continues to captivate fragrance enthusiasts worldwide.
