BYREDO Bibliothèque Eau de Parfum

The most popular Byredo scents typically lean towards airy and ethereal. Nonetheless, Bibliothèque is quite strong and long-lasting. The first spritz gave me a punch but then dried down to a mellow and opulent scent that is reminiscent of thick books with leather covers. My nose perceives the powdery touch not as feminine and perfume-y, but mimics the texture of the old paper. The woody note smells like an aged oak barrel and the sour fruit note in the beginning blends with the ambient library fragrant seamlessly.

I once imagined Tom Ford's Tuscan Leather would smell like this because that one is also a combination of plum and leather. I blind bought Bibliothèque instead of Tuscan Leather simply because Kathleen Lights on Youtube raved about it. As a beginner at this type of grown-up fragrance, I give Bibliothèque an 8 out of 10. It has the niche quality and thankfully, it does not contain any boozy notes which I cannot handle at all. If you are interested in Replica's Jazz Club but not a fan of the rum note, give Bibliothèque a try! In my opinion, the latter smells way richer.

The first time I smelled this I knew I had to have it. The top is super sweet, but it's not a sickly candy/artificial sweet. It's thick, absolutely rich, plum syrup and the word that comes to mind is delectable, my mouth is watering! That settles down in the dry down, revealing a very soft, worn leather that has been around burning incense and is slightly smokey, with a touch of peach and violet that has floated in on a warm breeze. I could see this fragrance being inspired by an ancient library of the Arab world: ripe fruits, leather bound tomes, incense, and dust. The longevity is excellent. I've been daringly wearing this already this summer, albeit only at night (it brings me very sweet dreams), and I can still smell it in the morning. I'm really looking forward to this being my champion this Fall/winter.

This is my favourite scent; I cannot get enough of it.

I can understand the dusty/powdery comments but on me, it smells like leather, plum and violet, with a deep note of [you know when you sink your nose in between two pages of a fresh hardback book and inhale really deeply].

It’s unusual, fruity, suits daytime and nighttime, lasts a decent length and turns heads without choking everyone in the room.

For me, it’s a dream. I also don’t think it’s supposed to smell exactly like a public

Woah. This is so romantic. It reminds me of the smell of vintage lipstick in a highly nostalgic and beautiful way. It's oddly addicting. Reminds me of rummaging through my aunt's collection of jewelry and beauty products when I was a child. It's gorgeous and unique - i'd say the notes as described above are all present and eloquently blended. Worth grabbing a sample to see for yourself!

This smells like a feeling or an atmosphere, more than an actual library (books and paper).

It smells like sitting in an old leather chair in front of a lit fireplace, with a big book in your lap. Candles are burning, and on a small table beside you there is a crystal bowl filled with gummy bears and a cup of irish coffee. That's what Bibliothèque smells like to me - something warm, slightly sweet, leathery, relaxing and cozy.

It's smells like evening and it smells like autumn.

I do like it a lot, but I think I prefer the candle over the actual perfume. It's more of an ambiance smell, than a personal scent.

Sillage is medium on me and the longevity is good - 6-8 hours. :)