Head to head
Le Labo Santal 33 and Byredo Bal d'Afrique are often compared by people choosing between the two. Both belong to the woody family, and they share violet and cedar. They are related in style but clearly different once you smell them side by side.
Santal 33 stands apart with cardamom, iris and papyrus, while Bal d'Afrique brings bergamot, lemon and neroli. Santal 33 lasts longer (long-lasting against moderate), and it also projects more (strong against moderate). Bal d'Afrique is the cheaper one: about $255 against $330 for a standard bottle.
How we picked. We put the two fragrances side by side using the data in our catalog: notes, olfactory family, longevity, projection, the seasons and occasions each one suits and its typical price. A fragrance smells different on each person, so try both on skin if you can. Prices are typical US retail prices and may differ at checkout.
| Santal 33Le Labo | Bal d'AfriqueByredo | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $330 · 3.4 oz | $255 · 3.4 oz |
| Concentration | Eau de Parfum | Eau de Parfum |
| Launched | 2011 | 2009 |
| Family | Woody, Leather | Woody, Floral |
| Top notes | Cardamom, Violet | Bergamot, Lemon, Neroli, Blackcurrant |
| Heart notes | Iris, Papyrus | Violet, Jasmine |
| Base notes | Sandalwood, Cedar, Leather | Vetiver, Musk, Amber, Cedar |
| Longevity | Long-lasting | Moderate |
| Projection | Strong | Moderate |
| Best seasons | Spring, Fall, Winter | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Occasions | Everyday, Office, Date | Everyday, Office |
| Style | Urban, Natural, Mysterious | Natural, Elegant, Urban |
Le Labo
$330 · 3.4 oz · EDP · Unisex · Woody
Creamy Australian sandalwood, dry leather and a touch of violet. The scent of a generation of design cafés and exposed-brick lofts.
Choose Santal 33 if you want longer wear, stronger projection and something better suited to cold weather.
Byredo
$255 · 3.4 oz · EDP · Unisex · Woody
1920s Paris fascinated by Africa: luminous citrus, violet and warm vetiver. Joyful and sophisticated.
Choose Bal d'Afrique if you want a lower price, a quieter scent that stays close to the skin and something better suited to warm weather.
Answer 7 quick questions about the person and the occasion, and we will match the fragrances that fit best.
Take the quizSantal 33 lasts longer (long-lasting against moderate), and it also projects more (strong against moderate). Longevity also depends on your skin and on how much you apply.
Bal d'Afrique is the cheaper one: about $255 against $330 for a standard bottle. These are typical US retail prices for a standard bottle and change often, so check the current price before buying.
They share violet and cedar. They are related in style but clearly different once you smell them side by side.
For spring and summer, Bal d'Afrique is the better fit. For fall and winter, Santal 33 is the better fit. Santal 33 is at its best in spring, fall and winter, and Bal d'Afrique in spring, summer and fall.
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