Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Elixir 125ml

The composition

The first minutes bring Lavender and Mint; beneath that sits Vanilla and Benzoin; and the base is Honey, Tonka Bean and Tobacco. Overall it reads sweet without turning sticky.

Presence and staying power

It leaves a long trail, which means one or two sprays is genuinely enough. Built for cold weather, and it comes in a 125ml bottle.

When to reach for it

We file it under Office & Everyday, Date Night and Evening & Gala. The picture we have in mind is a room where nobody should smell you before they see you — that is the moment this one is for. If gourmand scents already work for you, this will feel familiar.