Our take
What does Booster smell like?
Jean Kerléo, long the in-house perfumer at Patou, composed Booster for Lacoste in 1996. The name says it all. The opening is intensely minty: mint and eucalyptus chill the skin while orange and grapefruit add a juicy zest. The heart is a classic aromatic fougère, but a loaded one. Lavender and basil mingle with aniseed-like tarragon, very green galbanum and a pinch of nutmeg. The base is more restrained. Vetiver, cedar and sandalwood make a woody finish that smells clean without being bland. Booster keeps the energy of its era, the decade of sporty eaux de toilette, with more character than most. Lacoste now publishes a simplified note list. Large 125 ml bottles still turn up at some French retailers, although it is unclear whether it remains in production.
When to wear it
Spring and summer, daytime, after the gym or at weekends. Three sprays; the mint gets noticed fast.
It belongs to the Fougère, Aromatic family. Booster is one of 14 creations by Lacoste in our encyclopedia.