Our take
What does Fougère Bengale smell like?
Parfum d'Empire founder Marc-Antoine Corticchiato released Fougère Bengale in 2007. The marketing leaned on colonial India and a tiger hunt. Now Smell This disliked that theme while praising the perfume as quiet, well built and long lasting. The scent itself is far more peaceful than its backstory. Lavender opens, joined by an anise-tinged tarragon that makes it greener. Geranium then takes over alongside patchouli. Next comes the tobacco, blond and honeyed, like a leaf left to dry in the sun. The base rests on tonka and vanilla. You get the cut-hay smell typical of fougères, only warmer and almost sweet. Compared with Guerlain's Jicky, another lavender laid over vanilla, Fougère Bengale is drier at the start and more tobacco-led at the end. It keeps the classic structure and adds a more oriental texture.
When to wear it
An autumn and winter fougère that goes from day to evening without changing character. Use three sprays because it stays close to the body.
It belongs to the Fougère, Aromatic family. Fougère Bengale is one of 7 creations by Parfum d'Empire in our encyclopedia.