What Does Another 13 by Le Labo Smell Like
What does Another 13 by Le Labo smell like?
Another 13 by Le Labo is a clean, musky fragrance with subtle woody undertones and a transparent character. It opens with crisp, slightly fruity hints that evolve into a warm, powdery skin scent with remarkable longevity. The fragrance creates an understated, sophisticated aura that feels intimate rather than overtly perfumed.
1. Introduction
Released in 2010 by niche perfume house Le Labo, Another 13 was originally created as an exclusive collaboration with fashion magazine AnOther Magazine (hence the name). This minimalist fragrance has steadily built a cult following among fragrance enthusiasts seeking something sophisticated yet understated. Upon first impression, Another 13 presents itself as deceptively simple yet intriguing—a fragrance that seems to enhance your natural scent rather than mask it.
2. Why People Search for Another 13 by Le Labo
Another 13 has gained significant traction through word-of-mouth and celebrity endorsement. Its mysterious, hard-to-pin-down character has made it a topic of curiosity in fragrance communities. Many search for it after encountering someone wearing this distinctive yet subtle scent, while others are drawn by its association with celebrities like Emma Chamberlain and Alexa Chung, who have mentioned it as their signature scent.
3. Perfume Notes Breakdown
Top Notes – First impression
The opening of Another 13 is surprisingly transparent. While no traditional citrus or fruity notes are officially listed, many detect subtle hints reminiscent of crisp pear, apple, or a clean metallic sharpness. This creates a fresh, airy introduction that’s modern and gender-neutral.
Heart/Middle Notes – Character of the fragrance
The heart of Another 13 reveals a delicate touch of jasmine that never fully blooms into a typical floral character. Instead, it provides a subtle sweetness that complements the star ingredient—ambrette seed (musk mallow). This botanical musk gives the fragrance its distinctive character, balancing between clean and slightly earthy elements.
Base Notes – Longevity and final scent impression
The foundation of Another 13 relies heavily on synthetic molecules, primarily Ambroxan (synthetic ambergris) and woody notes like Iso E Super. These create a warm, skin-like quality with impressive staying power. The dry-down feels powdery, slightly woody, with a persistent musky thread that lasts throughout the wear.
Perfume Mood & Vibe
Another 13 evokes the feeling of clean, expensive skin—subtle yet unmistakably present. It carries an effortless sophistication that speaks of minimalist luxury, perfectly aligned with Le Labo’s understated aesthetic philosophy.
4. When & Where to Wear Another 13 by Le Labo
Best Seasons
Another 13 is remarkably versatile across seasons. Its clean, lightweight character makes it excellent for spring and summer, while the warm musky base provides enough substance for fall and winter wear. It truly shines in transitional weather when its complexity can fully develop.
Day vs Night
This is a chameleon fragrance that adapts beautifully to various settings. For daytime, its subtle presence works perfectly in office environments and casual outings where you want to smell good without overwhelming others. In evening settings, it creates an intimate aura that draws people in rather than announcing your presence.
Weather Performance
Another 13 responds interestingly to different weather conditions. In heat, it becomes slightly more expansive but never overwhelming. In cold weather, it stays closer to the skin but maintains its distinctive character. Humidity tends to enhance its musky qualities, making it quite adaptable year-round.
5. Longevity, Sillage & Projection
Longevity
Another 13 offers impressive staying power, typically lasting 6-8+ hours on skin. Some users report detecting it on their clothing even after several days. The ambroxan and synthetic molecules contribute significantly to this longevity.
Sillage
This fragrance presents a moderate to intimate sillage. It creates a personal scent bubble rather than filling a room, making it ideal for those who prefer subtlety over statement.
Projection
The projection is masterfully balanced—present enough that close contacts will notice but never overwhelming. As it evolves, the projection becomes more intimate, drawing people closer rather than reaching across a room.
6. How Another 13 Compares to Other Fragrances
Another 13 shares DNA with other minimalist, musky fragrances but maintains its unique identity. If you enjoy the ethereal quality of Angel by Mugler’s celestial sweetness, you might appreciate Another 13’s contrasting transparent approach to creating memorability.
It’s often compared to Molecule 01 (Escentric Molecules) for its reliance on synthetic molecules, though Another 13 offers more complexity. Fans of Not a Perfume (Juliette Has a Gun) will recognize similar clean, musky characteristics. However, Another 13 distinguishes itself with subtle jasmine and ambrette notes that add dimension.
People who typically enjoy fresh, clean scents but want something more sophisticated and long-lasting will likely connect with this fragrance.
7. Where to Buy Another 13 by Le Labo
Another 13 is available directly from Le Labo boutiques and their official website, where you can also explore their custom bottle engraving service. Authorized retailers include Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and niche fragrance retailers like Luckyscent.
For international shoppers, Selfridges and Liberty London are reputable options. Always purchase from authorized retailers to ensure authenticity.
8. How to Spot a Fake
Authentic Another 13 features meticulous attention to detail. The bottle should have clean, sharp printing on its minimalist label, including a batch code and manufacturing date. The Le Labo label should be perfectly centered and professionally applied.
The fragrance itself has a distinctive character—clean, musky, and transparent. Fakes often smell sharper, with prominent alcohol notes or an overly synthetic character lacking the refined balance of the original.
The packaging features high-quality recycled cardboard with precise printing and no color variations. The bottle’s cap should feel substantial and close with a satisfying weight.
9. Popular Dupes For Another 13 by Le Labo
For those seeking more affordable alternatives, Clean Reserve’s Skin is a comparable option with similar musky, clean qualities at roughly half the price. It lacks some of Another 13’s complexity but captures the overall vibe.
Commodity’s Moss or Book offer similar woody, clean characteristics that appeal to the same audience. While neither perfectly replicates Another 13’s unique ambrette-ambroxan combination, they provide a similar minimalist aesthetic.
Zara’s Emotions collection includes several fragrances with comparable clean, musky profiles at a fraction of the price, though with noticeably shorter longevity.
10. Who Will Love (or Dislike) This Scent
People who appreciate subtle, sophisticated fragrances that enhance rather than mask their natural scent will likely love Another 13. It appeals to minimalists who value quality over showiness and those who enjoy fragrances that evolve with their body chemistry.
Those seeking an aromatic adventure similar to Nishane’s spicy-vanilla Ani might find Another 13 too understated. Similarly, people who prefer traditionally structured perfumes with distinct top, middle, and base progressions might find Another 13’s linear character disappointing. Anyone expecting a bold statement fragrance should look elsewhere.
11. Is Another 13 by Le Labo Worth Trying / Buying?
Another 13’s greatest strength is its versatility and uniqueness—it creates a memorable impression without relying on conventional perfume structures. Its impressive longevity ensures good value despite the premium price point.
However, its subtle character means it’s worth sampling before purchasing a full bottle. Some may find it too subtle or “barely there” for their preferences.
Overall, Another 13 represents a worthwhile investment for those seeking a sophisticated signature scent that feels like an extension of themselves rather than an applied fragrance.
12. Price Range & Value for Money
At approximately $215-290 for 50-100ml (depending on market and retailer), Another 13 falls firmly in the luxury fragrance category. While expensive, its unique composition and impressive longevity offer reasonable value compared to other niche offerings.
The minimalist formula focusing on quality ingredients rather than complexity aligns with Le Labo’s philosophical approach to perfumery. Considering its versatility across seasons and occasions, it can serve as an everyday signature scent, making the cost-per-wear more reasonable than special-occasion-only fragrances.
FAQs About Another 13 by Le Labo
What are the notes of Another 13?
Another 13 features a minimalist composition centered around ambroxan (synthetic ambergris), with supporting notes of ambrette seeds (musk mallow), jasmine, moss, and woody elements.
How long does Another 13 last?
Another 13 typically lasts 6-8+ hours on skin and even longer on clothing, with many users reporting traces remaining after 24+ hours on fabric.
Is Another 13 suitable for work or evening wear?
Another 13 works exceptionally well in both settings due to its balanced projection—subtle enough for professional environments yet intriguing enough for evening occasions.
Why does Another 13 smell different on me than on others?
Another 13 interacts significantly with individual skin chemistry due to its musky character. Factors like skin pH, natural oils, and body temperature can dramatically alter how the fragrance develops, creating a truly personalized experience.
Is Another 13 worth the high price?
While expensive, Another 13’s uniqueness, versatility, and impressive longevity make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a sophisticated, adaptable signature scent that won’t be easily recognized as a mass-market fragrance.