Tabac Nomade by Houbigant

Extremely spectacular, a spiced golden tobacco scent that has made me enjoy the whole day (10 hours) with a two-hour projection. Very happy with the purchase. Winter, both day and night. It never fails.

I bought it blind with trepidation, as many said it was delicious but not very versatile. I was pleasantly surprised: it is super versatile. I detect spices, tobacco, and tonka bean. On my skin, it has a rich honeyed-citrus note, sweet but not cloying or gourmand. The tobacco smells softer than in other perfumes, making it more wearable for everyone. It is unisex, with good performance and a cosy aroma, perfect for autumn and winter, suitable for those over 30. Elegant yet not formal; it goes brilliantly with jeans and a shirt or casual jumper. I insist, it is much more versatile than I expected.

I picked it up on 1st October in Valencia. I could test it before buying. Even without maceration, it has excellent performance, better for evening than morning, very autumnal, nothing for hot weather. The opening is very Nomade: spices, a raw bergamot, and a touch of dry rose, without sweetness, as if saffron dominated. Then comes the sweet phase, without cloying: we smell tonka bean and blonde tobacco, the vanilla has a great touch, and the leather rounds off a crystal-clear fragrance, almost you can cut it in the air. It has personality and superlative attraction power. Worn very comfortably. No tobacco perfume has pleased me more. The spices are a marvel. It’s for night, not very versatile, I wouldn’t wear it to shop in the morning or in summer. Lasts 8 hours more, you wake up with it on you. Price-quality-quantity very good for a niche.

A whole statement of intent: Houbigant rules baby! The Orientale collection is a damn marvel. Whole lot, without exception (with nuances). Testing on paper and on skin is another world. Don’t buy anything without testing on skin. On my skin: ultra-spiced opening, those powerful spices last a lifetime although they dilute with the tobacco. Gradual transition, well done, you don’t realise because they are linked, all dry, dark, oriental and masculine. Gradually a sweet base with vanilla and tonka bean arrives that softens it a lot. The drydown is a work of art, my favourite part. Not very versatile, but it’s a work of art of extremely high quality with flawless execution. My favourite of the brand, without doubt.

I bought the Houbigant set out of curiosity, with Tabac Nomade being the one I was most keen to try. Upon spraying, it dives straight into deep, dense tobacco with a hint of dampness. The spices add warmth, while vanilla, amber, and tonka soften and round out the scent. The tobacco smells identical to Tobacolor; they are conceptual twins, though this one has less staying power and lacks the honey that sweetens the other. Ideal for cold weather and evenings. The longevity is nuclear: over 10 hours, it clings to the skin after a shower, and it’s a nightmare to get out of clothes. I wear it for personal pleasure, on rare occasions, to feel wrapped in luxury. It doesn’t beg for compliments but makes a statement. Note that Houbigant has raised prices to €175 (previously €160), while Tobacolor hovers around €265 and my Maison Alhambra copy cost €35. Yes, the ingredients in the original are superior, but this satisfies me 100% and quenches my desire to wear the most beastly tobacco scent I know.

It is simply FANTASTIC.

The tobacco is noticeable all the time: check. Smells like quality: check. Lasts: check. It’s pleasant: check. Leaves a trail: yes, small but present. It’s not my usual style, but it smells rich. Sweet, vanilla and avainillated; the drier it is, the rounder and friendlier it becomes. It never makes you want to move away, on the contrary, you find yourself smelling your wrist because it evolves slowly towards something prettier and well-intentioned. I like it.