A Lab on Fire What We Do in Paris is Secret Review (2012) + Not Anymore Draw

Paris Je t’aime  Flickr©

A Lab on Fire got its start in Brooklyn (of all places under the S-Perfumes umbrella) and is known for collaborating with many master perfumers. What We Do in Paris Is Secret was their second perfume and is one of the fragrances that may not get a lot of attention these days of mega and multi launches.

Heliotrope flowers digitalized by Michelyn

It was composed by Dominque Ropion in 2012, who Frederic Malle once said “has the best knowledge of raw materials”,  A Lab Fire What We Do In Paris Is Secret shows M Ropion's skill to great effect. At times it is sweet (Honey, tonka), floral (rose)  resinous (tolu) and woody (sandalwood), with heliotropin, an almond-powdery note playing an important role, yet never overwhelming the composition I never had a middle name but my fragrance friends say it should be “Gourmand” and I have worn this perfume since it debuted.

Katy Perry by Will Cotton©

A Lab on Fire What We Do In Paris Is Secret is an ideal comfort fragrance. During these uncomfortable times we all need a cozy blanket of scent to wrap around us.

A Lab On Fire What We Do In Paris Is Secret Review + Full Bottle USA Giveaway

Sr. Contributor Sebastian Jara of the YouTube Channel Smelling Great, and founder of a popular Facebook Group, reviews A Lab on Fire What We Do in Paris is Secret – Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

Photo by Sebastian©

Thanks to the generosity of Intertrade Europe and, we have one bottle/ $125 for one registered reader and Smelling Great subscriber in the USA (if you are not sure if you are registered click here (you must register on our site or your entry will be invalid) in the USA. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what appeals to you about A Lab on Fire What We Do in Paris is Secret based on Sebastian’s review. Draw closes 11/19/2018

Available at @zgopefumery  @twistedlily @luckyscent

Follow us on Instagram: @cafleurebon, @lookingfeelingsmelling great @alabonfire

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like ÇaFleureBon and use our Blog feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.  

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59 comments

  • Gibraltar says:

    Dominque Ropion is what got my attention to this frag. He’s one of my fav perfumers. Absolutely love Portrait Of A Lady by him and would love to get my nose on this turkish rose lychee gourmand concoction of deliciousness. I’m from Montana, USA. Super excited for this!!

  • aud604 says:

    Sounds like a wonderful floral gourmand! Sabastian is a great and succinct writer, my favorite reviewer by far. This would be my first time trying/smelling this house. WA

  • NiceVULady says:

    M. Ropion is one of my favorite perfumers and this fragrance is gorgeous. Love Sebastian’s review as always. Thank you for the draw. I’m in the USA

  • Eeju says:

    Great name, “What We Do in Paris is Secret” and it’s a gourmand! Isn’t this the perfect fragrance as a conversation starter ? Lol I would love me some of these. The notes is splendid as well. Count me in. VA, USA

  • AdrianR says:

    This sounds so incredibly cozy and comforting. I tend to gravitate towards gourmands, The review definitely confirms that this is something I would love. Thank you.

  • YVONNE says:

    I have not tried any of the A LAB ON FIRE fragrances, but I am a fan of Dominque R’s work, I love his creations at Frederic Malle. This scent sounds really lovely, and cozy due to the floral almond powdery note, I think it would be a great scent for winter! Thank you for the great review and opportunity to win a bottle!
    I am USA based!

  • gtabasso says:

    based on his review, I love heliotrope and loved how he talked about the qualities of it. I don’t have any heliotrope gourmands. Interesting.

  • Amy Leonhardt says:

    Sebastian’s got it right; what we need now is comfort..even if we can only get it through a scent. Regardless, What We Do In Paris Is Secret is perfect for winter days.CA, USA

  • Jake smith says:

    I was very excited about this review I have had this on my fragrances to Sample list for awhile! I haven’t tried anything from this house yet but I love there presentation and I hear good things. This just sounds amazing! Powdery sweet gourmands are my favorite I honey and almonds sign me up! I haven’t tried a lychee fragrance but it sounds interesting and I really like heliotrope in most fragrances. Thank you for the great review sebastian and thank you cafleurebon for the generous giveaway. Keep up the good work! I am in the USA in AZ.

  • Ivan.napoleon says:

    Sebastián s review perfect as usual and Id love to try this one.wonderful floral gourmand.
    Miami Florida Thanks

  • INYA says:

    If Sebastian says it’s “yummy”, lol, it goes on my “to try” list”! Thanks for another fabulous draw! USA

  • audesko1 says:

    Love this fragrance but my sample is empty! I would love to win a bottle of this lovely, warm and beautiful perfume. Thank you Sebastian for the great review. You always get me excited about fragrances you like! I live in California.

  • crystalgmedina says:

    What I find most appealing about this fragrance is the honey and tonkabean notes. Also, anything Rompion creates is amazing. I’m so glad you did this review hope you do more from this brand!

  • dana.sandu says:

    I would love a bottle of this. It’s been on my list for a long time as a better-quality version of my first perfume obsession (smelled it in a vial, didn’t know what it was, chased it for 6 years before I found it)- Le Bain from the German house of Joop!. I was happy to hear Sebastian describe in the same words (including the dough-y reference) what I feel—and enjoy-about both both.

  • Jorge Mora says:

    “What We Do in Paris is Secret” This just sounds amazing! Powdery sweet gourmands, Sabastian is great and my favorite reviewer by far. This would be my first time trying/smelling this house, thanks cafleurebon for the generous giveaway. I am in the USA in Ks.

  • Jolene says:

    The house’s name as well as the choice of names for perfumes are very interesting. Though I have never had the chance to try them, I have them on my list. After Sebastian’s description of powdery heliotrope and sweet almonds, I knew it was something I wanted to try. I really enjoy both notes. I reside in the US.

  • cobra10a says:

    Not too familiar with the house, but it sounds delicious. Big fan of heliotrope and Tonka. Love the title.

  • Hasib says:

    Just finished watching the review and I enjoyed it. This one sounds really good. I like most of the notes listed. Haven’t tried this or anything else from this House. Thanks
    U.S

  • Teresa says:

    I love the name of this perfume! Sebastian describes this with such enthusiasm and it sounds like something I would enjoy very much also. I understand when he describes this as a sweet spiced ‘doughy’ fragrance and I love that scent as well. Thank you for the opportunity for a chance to win this…I am in the US.

  • malka leybov says:

    I would love to try this perfume! I had a few perfumes from this brand but not this one. I love the fact that it’s a sweet and powdery fragrance, my fave!

    Thanks Sebastian for another awesome amazing review!!

  • cyndih says:

    The Heliotrope is so interesting in Sebastian’s review! I smelled this ages ago and was smitten…I would be thrilled to own a bottle! Thanks and I live in Maryland USA.

  • doowtnehpets says:

    Sounds great. Sebastian always does a great job of describing scents, here is no different. Heard of, but never tried anything from the house.

  • dukali says:

    Well, always when you see the happiness in Sebastian’s eye, you know immediately that this perfume you should have; moreover, I knew this brand for a while but I have never tried it. I wish this happiness comes to my eyes soon.
    from Springfield Gardens, NY
    Thanks

  • michaelprince83 says:

    Sebastian’s review of What We Do in Paris is Secret is excellent. It sounds like a high quality sweet/gourmandish type scent that I would love to try.

  • Alen says:

    I like the cozy-type of fragrances and What We Do in Paris is Secret sounds really nice, especially the pyramid notes. I would love to try it, thanks for the chance. Oakland US.

  • Chose says:

    Lychee note mentioned in Sebastian’s review is what I find appealing since it is fruit favorite of mine. I’m unfamiliar the brand and The name What We Do in Paris is Secret is interesting. I want to know the connection between ths name and the materilas to compose the scent. Here in the U.S.

  • Kalima123 says:

    As I’ve been hoarding my small sample of this since it came out, a full bottle would be wonderful. That lychee note in the opening is fantastic and the heart and base are beautiful as well. It is an easy gourmand to love from a house that doesn’t get enough love. They have had some releases since then but not much buzz about them. I am in Orlando, FL.

  • Steve A. says:

    I have sampled this and like it a LOT. Being chosen for the draw would make a nice gift (for me). I do enjoy the powdery aspect of this fragrance. US

  • amirpasha says:

    First of all, dominque is a great perfumer and heliotrope sounds really amazing, being powdery, vanillic , I hope I’m the lucky winner this time!!
    California USA

  • Delmore says:

    Sebastian is a great reviewer and I really appreciate the introductory to the company that it was from NY and not Paris
    Cozy fragrances are lovely this time of the year and i Likegourmands

    Ps the name of the draw is really funny
    .

  • Michelle says:

    Having tried this fragrance before I thought Sebastian totally nailed the feeling it gives in his review. Cozy, comforting, addictive and one of the few powdery scents I really love. I’m glad to see this brand get some well deserved attention. I also love And The World is Yours & My Own Private Teahupoo. I appreciate the chance to win a full bottle of this – from Cleveland Ohio.

  • MrCologne says:

    I love anything by Mr. Ropion and this sounds like another I need to try out. I love gourmands, as well and Sebastian’s review makes this sound like one I NEED! Thanks for the draw. US

  • roblexky says:

    The powdery heliotrope described on Sebastian’s review sounds delicious, would love to try it out. USA

  • Dosva says:

    So beutiful and emotional review! Thank you, Sebadtian.
    I like gourmand to and hope I will like this creation of MR. Ropion.
    Bye the way I he is one of my favorite perfumers!
    I like the name of this perfume.
    US

  • imimcheng says:

    This was one of my first niche perfume samples and it’s always stuck with me. It’s gourmand, but more complex than many others I have tried–“dough-y” is a great descriptor. The bottle I also find to be quite unique.

  • michelleblair says:

    I have been wearing sweet vanilla fragrances this fall. Vanilla scents are one of my favorite! I also attempt to grow heliotrope in the summertime. So wearing this scent would remind me of the garden! Thanks to ÇaFleureBon and Sebastian for the giveaway!

  • Scabby says:

    Great review Sebastian, what I like most is the lychee note. I love lychee not the prettiest thing to eat but great taste and smell. Thanks from the USA

  • helenlam says:

    I always love Sebastian’s reviews. The heliotrope note sounds like a lovely way to tie everything together and so interesting that it is a gourmand cozy and comforting without being heavy sounds lovely at this time of year! I live in the US. Thanks!!

  • Megan says:

    I’m a sucker for a good gourmand and I personally wear perfume to make myself feel comfort and I love the idea of a dough-y baking sweet scent. I’ve been wanting to try this house for a while but haven’t found much info and I really appreciate the review Sebastian made. I think this would be perfect for a chill, rainy autumn. I’m from the US.

  • Tamra says:

    Such a beautiful photo of the heliotrope flowers. I enjoyed your review and Sebastian’s. I know it is well loved by hearing about how much is left in one of his bottles. I love gourmands and the combination of woody and powdery almond notes sound very enticing to me.

  • cyphione says:

    I ‘ve always been drawn to this fragrance house but never to the plunge lol. I find my self loving powdery vanillic fragrances more and more and the the smell of almond is so so good. I too enjoy Dominnique Ropion`s compositions and sure this one will be no slouch. Im in Tx USA

  • Yasmina says:

    I keep hearing this one mentioned- I never bothered to look up the notes section thanks for presenting them here. I live in the US

  • Vahagn says:

    I enjoyed Sebastian review – was done with big love and professionally!!
    I like gourmand perfume too, one of my favorite notes are caramel, cacao, coffee. I have never tested this perfume and any of Lab on Fire, but by Sebastian description What We Do in Paris perfume sounds beautiful, a fortiori this was created by Dominnique Ropion!!!
    USA

  • Onyinye says:

    Such a beautiful review. I loved his description of powdery heliotrope and sweet almonds. Sebastian’s reviews are always done with so much enthusiasm. The name of the perfume is equally interesting and I’ll love to try this.
    I live in California.

  • Monica Beaton says:

    Love the name, love the house, and as always, love Sebastian’s review. He never fails to make me smile and I’m sold on this fragrance. I love a yummy gourmand, and this one sounds perfect for me! I live in Australia.

  • roxhas1cat says:

    Great review Sebastian. I didn’t know that heliotrope had an almond scent to it. I will have to look for this note more. I love gourmand fragrances. This is their most well known fragrance, but for some reason I sampled Paris/LA and Made in Heaven. Both of those are awesome fragrances. Sebastian is right, this house does deserve much more attention. I’d love to win!! USA.

  • Lori Laws says:

    Great review by Sebastian! You had me at hello when you said the perfumer was Dominique Ropion (Carnal Flower and Portrait of a Lady)…he is one of my all time favorite perfumers. I know that I will LOVE What We Do In Paris is Secret. The notes are beautiful and it sounds amazing in all of it’s gourmand glory. I agree with Sebastian in that this house is so underrated. Thanks for the draw and I live in the US! 🙂

  • cwoody says:

    I’m a sucker for a nice gourmand and this sounds like a great one! I enjoyed hearing Sebastian talk about some personal experiences and relating them to the fragrance. Arkansas

  • Bubeto_GG says:

    As i said a couple of times here-Sebastian is super good with this-bought and sampled so much fragrances because of his reviews.The best reviewer period.

    Sweet with tonka , floral and resinous and woody , with heliotrope and litchi – sounds great , and on top of all it’s made by one of the best perfumers – Dominique Ropion.I need to sample it-no doubt about it.Right now i do wear one of Dominique Ropion’s creations – Lalique Le Parfum by Lalique.
    Cheers from VA

  • VerbenaLuvvr says:

    I purchased a sample of this fragrance not long after it came out and found it to be a fascinating creation. Initially, I got a whiff of cigarette, which dissipated very quickly, followed by a pastry-like impression due to the vanilla/heliotrope/tonka bean combo, so Sebastian and I are in sync with our reviews at least in the latter regard. I cannot specifically identify a honey note as he does, though. As per the name, it feels right on the money–cigarette and sweet pastry, one can easily envision a quick respite at a streetside cafe. As per the house, I recently sampled California Snow, ParisL*A (liked very much), and My Own Private Teahupo’o, and want to also try Hallucinogenic Pearl. Thank you for this chance, I live in the US.

  • Zibbyz says:

    Ooh, yes, comfort is the name of my fall/winter perfume game, a HS this sounds like a nice mix of notes for me. Interested in the vanilla Tonka been mix as mentioned by Sebastian. Always interested in Sebastian’s take on scents. Thank you due the draw. In the US.

  • WaltherP99 says:

    As a gourmand lover i’m 100% sure i’ll love What We Do In Paris Is Secret , as much as i love Paris LA.Up until Paris LA review here on Cafleurebon, i was not familiar with A Lab on Fire house.Bought a bottle and i really like it , but my girfriend loves it even more.She uses it more often to be honest.
    Heliotrope is a note i really like-huge fan of Dolce Acqua by Profumum Roma here.
    Like both the notes and the nose a lot + i do have a sweet tooth , so i presume i’ll love the Parisa afair fragrance too.We’ll see .
    I do follow all of you on IG.
    Thank you all for this nice draw.
    Virginia

  • Diana D says:

    I always enjoy Sebastian’s reviews. The notes in this sound so good, especially the drydown of Tonka Bean, Tolu, Sandalwood, Ambergris.

    I live in the USA.

  • JoeFrank9 says:

    Im totally liking the fact that it’s a Dominique Ropion’s creation. I really liked the name although I think it suits better a sexier, daring almost animalic type of scent. That being said, I would really like to get my nose on this, specially to know what heliotrope done to perfection smells like. From USA