Cuir (2007)
by Lancôme

OK, I'll admit it. I'll buy just about anything with the word 'cuir' in its title on the hopes that it will be a leather fragrance capable of rivaling the king, Cuir d'Iris. Cuir Lancome doesn't get into that realm, but it's very nice nonetheless.

The initial burst is very citrusy - I would have guessed lemon but per the pyramid mandarin and bergamot make sense. The citrus is immediately joined by a glove-clean leather note... not smoky or rich, but smooth like gloves or a leather coat. It is a very sensual leather, somewhat reminiscent of the Royal English Leather leather, which is also joined by citrus notes. As the citrus subsides in about ten minutes, the leather is joined by distinct florals. At first the citrus and florals intermingle, then the florals become more prominent for about 1-2 hours. The real beauty is in the drydown where a smoky, birch-heavy leather emerges and persists. This is more of the 'old comfy smoking chair' leather that I'd hope for.

Unfortunately at the time of writing I can't say I've experienced pre-Exclusifs Chanel Cuir de Russie, so I don't know what to make of the comparison by other reviewers. Cuir Lancome is much more realistic and rich than the current floral/iris heavy Chanel version. Although Cuir Lancome wears like and EdP in its longevity, it stays close to the skin and requires a few sprays to get a good application. There is nothing particularly feminine about this fragrance, and it is definitely worth investigating for leather fans.

A beautiful leathery oriental, delicate enough for daytime wear. Reminds me of Ambre Sultan, which I love but rarely dare to wear except at bedtime. I haven't tried Cuir de Russie so cannot compare the two and can only judge Cuir de Lancome on its own merits. The drydown is subtly compelling, the bottle design delightful.

I have to say, I cannot help but think that Lancome found out Chanel was discontinuing Cuir de Russie and decided to steal their loyalist.

Bad try.

Yes, it is somewhat similar. No, it's not a valid substitution.

Firstly, I was very surprised not to see "cucumber" in the notes above. At first spray, I smelled a very distinctive cucumber. It goes away, but still, a woman wearing leather associates better with a whip than a cucumber. Ok, fine, with nice leather gloves, rather than a cucumber. :)

Secondly, there's very little staying power.

Thirdly, it's a bit powdery. Some may like it. I don't.

I guess it'll have to do if you want to hold on to those very precious ml's of Chanel's Cuir de Russie and use something in the same group.

However, it brings to mind Fragrance Imposters for some reason.

I'm only giving it a Neutral because it is somewhat similar to Chanel. A bit.

But they definitely need to work on staying power, at the very least.