Horace L'Etiquette Review — The new Horace L’Etiquette Parfum for Men

Last year, I had the absolute pleasure of discovering and reviewing two incredible fragrances by Horace: '& Horace' and 'Oud Rose'. Both scents genuinely impressed me. '& Horace' quickly became my go-to fragrance during the warmer months. Its fresh and clean profile felt perfect for spring and summer days, evoking that unmistakably French, effortlessly stylish vibe. On the other hand, 'Oud Rose' brought a luxurious touch perfect for cooler days or those memorable summer evenings at a chic beach club somewhere around the Mediterranean—trust me, wearing Oud Rose almost guarantees you'll be the center of attention.

So naturally, when I heard Horace was launching a brand new fragrance named 'L'Etiquette', I was thrilled—especially since this fragrance was going to put lavender front and center. Now, as someone who grew up in France surrounded by fields of lavender in Provence, this is an ingredient that always resonates deeply with me. Lavender isn't just nostalgic; it's elegant, timeless, and versatile. So, how did Horace do this time?

About Horace: A French Brand Making Waves

Horace is a French grooming brand that's quickly becoming a staple in men's skincare and fragrance collections worldwide. Founded in Paris, Horace prides itself on creating high-quality products that are straightforward, effective, and stylishly minimalistic. Their approach aligns perfectly with modern, sophisticated men looking for simplicity without compromising quality.

I've had the pleasure of testing several products from Horace, ranging from skincare to fragrances, and I consistently find myself impressed by their attention to detail, effectiveness, and elegant presentation. They effortlessly blend natural ingredients with contemporary style, creating products that resonate deeply with modern gentlemen—especially those of us who appreciate that uniquely French combination of subtlety and sophistication.

Introducing L'Etiquette: A Classic Lavender Reinvented

Horace's latest offering, L'Etiquette, officially launches Thursday 10th of April, and I've been fortunate enough to have had it in my hands (and on my skin) for the past week. And let me tell you, this fragrance has quickly carved a niche for itself in my daily routine.

First, let's talk about its composition. L'Etiquette is built around lavender, but the blend Horace has chosen makes it stand out from the crowd. At the very first spray, the fragrance opens with intriguing top notes of Tobacco, Galbanum, and Juniper. The tobacco gives it a smooth, slightly smoky touch, while the juniper brings an invigorating freshness. Galbanum adds a crisp, green edge, instantly grabbing your attention and piquing your curiosity.

As the fragrance evolves on your skin, the heart notes start to shine through beautifully—lavender and cypress. And this, in my opinion, is where L'Etiquette really shows its charm. The lavender here isn't the overly floral or medicinal lavender your grandfather might have worn. Instead, it's fresh, refined, and perfectly blended with the cypress, creating a harmonious duo that's both soothing and sophisticated. Honestly, this is the kind of fragrance that makes me proud to be French—it encapsulates our understated elegance perfectly.

Finally, the base notes bring everything together, featuring Iris, Tonka Bean, and Cashmeran. The Iris lends an elegant powdery softness, while the Tonka Bean provides a gentle sweetness that enhances the warmth of the fragrance. The Cashmeran rounds it out with a subtle woody depth, ensuring L'Etiquette settles beautifully on the skin.

My Personal Take on L'Etiquette

Having worn L'Etiquette daily over the past week, I can confidently say this is a delightful reinvention of a classic lavender scent. The fragrance is undeniably stylish and sophisticated, and while it nods to traditional lavender fragrances, it does so with a modern twist that feels uniquely Horace. One thing I particularly appreciate about L'Etiquette is how it's perfectly suited for men who are a bit older—let's say over 35. It has a maturity and depth that younger fragrances often lack. This isn't a flashy or overly trendy fragrance; it's refined, balanced, and subtly attractive. It's the kind of scent that quietly draws people in, sparking compliments and intrigue without being overwhelming.

In terms of performance, L'Etiquette's projection is solid, although perhaps not as powerful as Oud Rose, which really stood out in terms of strength and longevity. On my skin, L'Etiquette lasts around five hours, which is respectable for an Eau de Parfum. And while Oud Rose may edge it out slightly in the performance department, L'Etiquette isn't far behind at all.

I've already received numerous compliments while wearing it, which is always a good sign that a fragrance is doing its job well. And let's be honest, isn't receiving compliments one of the joys of finding a great fragrance?

Horace's Signature Packaging: Always on Point

As always, Horace nailed the packaging and flacon design for L'Etiquette. The minimalist aesthetic, clean lines, and premium feel of their bottles never disappoint. It's the kind of bottle you'd happily leave on your dresser or bathroom counter—not just because it's convenient but because it genuinely adds a touch of understated elegance to your daily routine. Packaging isn't everything, of course, but Horace's commitment to quality presentation is just another example of their meticulous attention to detail.

Should You Add L'Etiquette to Your Collection?

If you're not typically a fan of lavender, I'd recommend visiting a Horace store to experience L'Etiquette firsthand before making a decision. The unique blend of lavender and cypress might just surprise you—it's refined enough to change your mind about lavender fragrances altogether. However, if you already appreciate lavender and are looking for something different—something stylish, modern, and distinctly sophisticated—then I'd wholeheartedly encourage you to pick up a bottle. It beautifully strikes the balance of being mature without ever veering into the dreaded "grandad" territory.

Final Thoughts

Horace continues to impress me with their fragrances. From & Horace's freshness to Oud Rose's sophistication, and now L'Etiquette's elegant take on lavender, they're genuinely mastering the art of fragrance creation. I'm genuinely curious how they manage to keep producing scents that resonate so well, but whatever they're doing, I hope they keep doing it!

So, whether you're strolling through the lavender fields of Provence (like my own nostalgic memories), or just navigating your busy urban life, L'Etiquette by Horace could easily become your signature scent this spring and summer. Trust me, this one smells absolutely divine. Get yours at Horace (click here)

Jerome

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