Our take
What does Empreinte smell like?
Empreinte was Courrèges' first perfume, composed by Robert Gonnon and launched at the very start of the 1970s. It is a floral chypre in the classic mould of that era. Aldehydes open with a soapy sparkle, backed by bergamot and mandarin. The rose and jasmine heart is fairly restrained. It mostly serves as a bridge to the base, which is where everything happens. Oakmoss and patchouli lay down dark, damp ground, and castoreum adds an animal note close to tanned leather. Sandalwood and vetiver fill out the woods. The formula was reworked for a 2012 relaunch, especially the animal materials. A further version in 2021 pared it down to bergamot, patchouli and ambroxan. What you buy today has drifted a long way from the original chypre.
When to wear it
Autumn and winter, at the office or in the evening. Two sprays are plenty.
It belongs to the Floral, Chypre family. Empreinte is one of 11 creations by Courrèges in our encyclopedia.