Our take
What does L'Eau de Paille smell like?
Serge Lutens introduced L’Eau de Paille in February 2016. It was the fourth entry in the house’s series of eaux, after L’Eau Serge Lutens, L’Eau Froide and Laine de Verre. The brand called it a dry eau for people who don’t like getting wet. On skin you expect hay and cut grass. They show up briefly at the top as a shy green. The heart hints at grain, with a warm cereal note and light incense. Vetiver ends up carrying everything. It smells fresh and slightly lemony, backed by a sweetness close to tonka. The result is clean and fairly conventional, and some reviewers likened it to a department store fougère. Next to L’Eau Froide, which is smokier and stranger, it feels tame. Longevity is good for this kind of eau, though.
When to wear it
A summer scent for the office or hot days, worn over linen. Three sprays, since it stays quiet.
It belongs to the Woody, Aromatic family. L'Eau de Paille is one of 31 creations by Serge Lutens in our encyclopedia.