TEO CABANEL
OH LA LA

2020

PERFUMER
Patrice Revillard

Hazelnut
Saffron

Violet
Orris
Tobacco

Tonka Bean
Sandalwood
White Musk

Oh La La is one of three simultaneous 2020 releases by the brand, as part of the new Les Expressions Parfumées line. This line is aimed a more environmental friendly perfumery. A big plus for me is that they now come in 30ml as well.

I’ve had Café Cabanel on my wishlist for a while, but there’s only a more expensive 100ml option at the time, and honestly, 30ml or 50ml in most cases suits my needs perfectly, so I was excited about these.

Oh La La really stood out from the three for me and it scratches my ‘Café Cabanel itch’ for a gourmand-ish purchase to some extent. The opening is heavy on the hazelnut. It’s a sweet nutty scent, with tonka. It feels like a dry (iris), almost airy texture, especially after a couple of a minutes, when it becomes clear that this is a (sandal)wood fragrance foremost.

You don’t get much of a floral or carrot nuance from the iris, just the texture. There’s also tobacco listed, but I’m not sure if I specifically pick that out; overall it gives me the idea of being in a bar, old wooden furniture, warmth, a sweet pastry (hence the Café Cabanel reference). If anything, I think I get more of a leathery nuance with the saffron, than a tobacco one, but either way it smells amazing.

It does feel quite airy for the scent-profile, not heavy, thick or syrupy, which I would usually prefer, but it’s also nice to see a bit more levity for a change and it adds to the versatility/wearability. I still think Café Cabanel is the gourmand to go from from this house, but Oh La La is a close runner-up.