Houbigant Bois Mystique Review (Luca Maffei) + Man of The Woods Draw

Luca Maffei Falconeri©

In perfume (as in life) timing is everything, and the timing is perfect to be reaching for the new aromatic fragrance Houbigant Bois Mystique. Signed by 2 x Art and Olfaction award-winning Luca Maffei, Bois Mystique is a wood and spice infused eau de parfum that’s absolutely spot-on as the cooler days and nights prevail.

Still from Justin Timberlake's Man of The Woods vidoe (dancing with wife Jessica Biel)

Houbigant is one of those wonderful French perfume houses with a legacy history that dates back to the 1700’s and Marie Antoinette. Managing to reinvent themselves a few times over the past four centuries has kept them alive and relevant, shaking off dust and cobwebs and soldiering forward with colognes and perfumes perfect for a contemporary audience. Houbigant Bois Mystique is a textbook example of a modern perfume with a classic backbone. The scent is “tweedy” but more Barneys New York than Brooks Brothers.

Vogue USA 2015

The multitude of fans of Terre D’Hermes by Jean-Claude Ellena (who’s back with Houbigant for Essence Rare) are sure to fall deeply in love with this new release that straddles multiple fragrance categories. Maffei has created a warm-sweater scent that is an extraordinary hybrid of what feels at times like a fougere (sans fern), chypre (sans moss) and floriental, and offers something for everyone (although marketed to men) and is perfectly suited for women as well.

Camp Fire by Michael Pudelka for Numero France May 2015

The first spray of Houbigant Bois Mystique gives you a heady and sharp citrus blast, and the spices help turn up the heat immediately.The ginger sweetens and energizes, and the incense is so subtle and beautifully blended that it shimmers like hot oil in a pan, giving a slightly smoky vibe that will have you thinking of bonfires, campfires, fireplaces, and wood stoves. It’s so light that you may not even notice it, which is what makes it so magical.

Adam Driver for L’Uomo Vogue

The bois iris adds the slight touch of floralcy that will keep you sniffing and guessing all day long. During the six-hour plus drydown the cedar, cashmerewood, and guiacwood envelop you in a buttery resinous blanket, like that first moment you step into a cedar lined closet with its haunting aroma of ice-cold moonlit nights and warm woolen blankets Houbigant Bois Mystique is an extraordinary offering. Is it destined to become a classic? Time will tell it but it sure as heck feels like it. Notes: Bergamot, neroli, cardamom, pink pepper, fresh ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, incense, papyrus, bois iris, cashmerewood, guaiacwood, cedarwood, myrrh, amber, musk

Disclosure: Many thanks to The Perris Group for the perfume. The opinions are my own.

Robert Herrmann, Senior Editor

-Art Direction: Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Apped by Robert H

Thanks to The Perris Group & Houbigant Paris we have one 100 ml bottle of Houbigant Bois Mystique for one registered reader in the USA and the EU so be sure to register if you have not done so. To be eligible please let us know what you thought of Robert’s review, where you live and your favorite Houbigant fragrance. Draw closes October 11, 2018.

N/A in the USA until later this month

We announce the winners only on our website so like Cafleurebon and use our Blog feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

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47 comments

  • Judging by Robert’s enthusiasm, this scent must be mesmerising!
    I am drawn to anything marrying fougère, chypre and floriental characteristics all together, plus spices, incense and ginger sound ll so heavenly.
    My favorite Houbigant fragrance is probably the legendary Quelques Fleurs, although I haven’t tried more than a couple.
    Thank you for the generous draw, as always.
    I live in EU (France)

  • I love this line and the gorgeous bottles. My favourite scent is Fougere Royale and I love to try this one. The notes are amazing and presumer very talented, so it must be good. I live in Poland.

  • This fragrance sounds like a wonderful unisex perfume. I’m an incense lover, and the myrrh is calling my name. USA

  • I’m not familiar with this brand, but Houbigant Bois Mystique sounds fabulously from the base of this nice and enjoyable review. And I also very like the notes. It sounds like a perfect autumn fragrance. I would very love to try it. Thank you for the draw. I live in Europe.

  • I love the description of this being a warm sweater scent that is perfect for any gender, I have heard of this brand and have wanted to try a scent from them. I also like Robert telling the history of this brand although briefly but I live learning that it been around since Marie Antoinette and it has been able to stay relevant and evolve with the times but still stay classy! I live in the USA.

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    Ooh, Robert is speaking my language with this one – a sweater scent with barely noticeable incense? It sounds perfect for autumn! I really appreciate that it has bois iris for a touch of floralcy, too. Thank you for telling us about this one! I’m in the USA.

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    Any modern masculine release that sounds accessible but interesting is always intriguing to me! I love Robert’s description of how it ticks of boxes in multiple genres while being its own thing. The photo of Adam Driver is also appropriate for what it sounds like–classic and contempo masculinity smooshed together and made into a new being. I’ve enjoyed the Houbigant Fougere Royale reissue. I also really enjoyed their Iris and Orange Blossom scents! Thanks for the draw. I’m in the US.

  • Just Add Light says:

    Fougere Royale is a magnificent piece of work from Rodrigo Flores-Roux for the brand, but I can easily see this one being my second favourite. In fact, I’ve already gone through several bottles of Terre de Hermes as of this evening. Robert’s description of smoky woods, warm sweaters and spices alone make me think of autumn, but it’s the hybrid nature of the composition that intrigues me the most – both fougere and chypre and modern and timeless. Literally a perfect description of my personality. What more can I say other than – look for me in the heart of the woods! From US.

  • This sounds wonderful and since I very often grab scents from the men’s counter for myself, I’ll take this one too! Robert really got my attention with his description of the incense that “is so subtle and beautifully blended that it shimmers like hot oil in a pan, giving a slightly smoky vibe that will have you thinking of bonfires, campfires, fireplaces, and wood stoves.” It really does sound perfect for this time of year! My favorite Houbigant scent is Iris de Champs and I’m in the US. Thanks for the review and draw!

  • Awesome review Robert, this juice sounds awesome from your description. My favourite is still Fougere Royale but i would love to try Bois Mystique. Thanks for the draw , i am in the EU.

  • I’m a huge fan of Houbigant’s modern release of Fougere Royale, and this sounds like a stellar addition to their line of exceptional fragrances. While the drawing references to Terre d’Hermes give me pause, due the headaches I get from TDH – likely due to high concentration of Iso E Super in it (55%), I would hope that Bois Mystique will not have that much intense concentration of synthetics in it. Looking forward to the draw. I live in the USA. Thank you.

  • I am most interested because this is a fragrance by Luca. I recently started following his releases because of Terra Mia. I am drawn towards the note of Guaiac wood. I like that it is more on the lines of Barney than Brooks Brothers. I think it would be great for a walk in the woods!! Thanks for the chance and as always great writing. USA.

  • I liked the opening “perfume (as in life) timing is everything”…it’s good that it’s also suitable for women although marketed for men. I love the notes included.
    I’m not familiar with Houbigant fragrance.
    I live in California

  • You had me at smoky vibe. And I don’t think I fully understand ginger in fragrances yet, so please let me try this, to be won to Germany. Thanks for the draw!

  • marcopietro says:

    Wow! This one sounds great! Maffei and Houbigant accomplices can not go wrong, Herrmann’s description of Bois Mystique is fascinating and excites all my curiosity. My admiration for Maffei as a perfumer and Houbigant as a brand has been enormous for some time. I love Fougere Royale and I’m sure I’ll fall in love with that enchanted forest.
    i live in EU
    Thank you for the gorgeous draw.

  • I like how Robert considers Bois Mystique as a fragrance that straddles multiple fragrances categories and that this one is at the same time a fougere, a chypre and a floriental. I know from this house only Fougere Royale, and if this one will be as good as Fougere Royale, then it is a total winner in my books.

    I am in EU. Thanks for the draw!

  • Lovely pictures! Interesting how this fragrance manages to fall into so many categories: chypre, floriental, fougere. If I were to win, it would be the perfect gift for my special other. From EU. Thanks!

  • doveskylark says:

    The notes of Bois Mystique sound perfect for colder weather. I am especially intrigued by the ginger and the cedar wood. I like the energizing effect of those notes, yet also their coziness.
    I haven’t tried anything from Houbigant, but I have heard many good things about their Fougere Royale.
    I live in the USA.

  • I have looked at other fragrances on the blog, but this is the first time I have registered for the drawing. This sounds exactly like the scent I have been wanting. The sharp citrus notes, then the deeper,more warm mysterious spice infusion are what I relate to.
    I’m in the USA

  • The description shows that this is a very intriguing wood aroma that smells very strongly, intensely and richly. Have to try. My number 1 is Hobigant Fougere Royale. I live in Poland.

  • I like how Robert made analogy to other fragrances such as Terre De Heremes to give us an idea of what this smells like. I havent tried anything from this line. I live in the USA.

  • i am a big fan of woods. I’m a fan of Terre D’Hermes so I guess I will “fall deeply in love” with this one 🙂
    Fort Lauderdale, Fl

  • Fougere Royale is my favorite Houbigant and my mom wore quelque Fleurs many years ago. The new Bois Mystique seems like a great cold weather frag. Woody campfire and sweaters
    I live in USA

  • Bois Mystique sound like a lovely woody and smokey fragrance. Count me in! Love the pics in the article. I live in the us.

  • Solid review Robert. I still have yet to sample Houbigant’s Fougere Royale after Sebastian’s review of it a while ago. However, if ginger and incense are involved (on a woody base) then this fragrance just jump ahead on my To Sample List. Thanks for throwing this giveaway. Cheers from CT

  • Short, but very informative and nice review! Thank you Robert!
    I mostly like this part, which show how this perfume is rich and beautiful: “The ginger sweetens and energizes, and the incense is so subtle and beautifully blended that it shimmers like hot oil in a pan, giving a slightly smoky vibe that will have you thinking of bonfires, campfires, fireplaces, and wood stoves”.
    My favorite Houbigant is Fougere Royale.
    US

  • Ivan.napoleon says:

    Best part “The bois iris adds the slight touch of floralcy that will keep you sniffing and guessing all day long” and It appeals the great notes.
    First time hear From this house
    Id love to try this one Great review as usual Miami Florida

  • I love Houbigant and was waiting for a new launch from them.
    I appreciate how Roberts stated that Bois Mystique is a hybrid, fougere, chypre and floriental that would be perfectly suited for both men and women.
    My favorite from Houbigant is Duc de Vervins, a classic barbershop. Next on my list is Fougere Royale.
    Hope Bois Mystique will become an instant classic and will have a similar success like Terre Hermes, a fragrance I truly appreciate.
    I’m in the EU.
    Thank you for a wonderful review and a very generous draw !

  • The ginger zing is what caught my eye, and then the description of the blanket-like resinous drydown was absolutely fabulous. I haven’t tried anything my this house before.

    I’m in the US.

  • Wonderful review, Robert. I’m love the image of a buttery, resinous blanket. My favorite Houbigant is the vintage Quelques Fleurs Royale that I have. I live in the US.

  • fazalcheema says:

    The addition of Iris in Houbigant Bois Mystique is great as I enjoy iris when it is done well. Luca has taken inspiration from classic perfumes in creating Houbigant Bois Mystique. My fav. Houbigant remains fougere royale. thanks for draw. I am in US.

  • Ooh, love the observation, shimmering like hot oil in a pan, since I like to cook! My fav houbigant is oranger en Fleurs, but I haven’t sniffed meant others by this house, but I love cozy scents in the winter.. I’m in the us, thank you for the generous draw. I like the idea of marrying more than one type of scent family (fougere, floriental).

  • Houbigant is a brand that I like and respect and I am thrilled upon reading about this perfume. The citrus, the smoke, the iris and the woods make this right up my alley.
    Thanks for this opportunity, I live in the EU.

  • So many things make me need to know this fragrance. The very name of this perfume – Bois Mystique. Wonderful. The name of the perfumer – Luca Maffei and the legendary perfume house guarantee best quality. Magical smoky vibe, buttery resinous warm blanket and spices turning up the heat make it one of those cozy, energizing scents, that will surely help to survive coming autumn and frosty winter. Thanks for the draw. I live in the EU.

  • I like and respect old perfumes houses, such a Houbigant. I like Quelques Fleures Royale and Fougere Royale.
    I like Luca Maffei’s created perfumes and I find this perfume very nice.
    This part of review I liked and it is enough for like this perfume:-“It’s so light that you may not even notice it, which is what makes it so magical”
    USA

  • What beautiful imagery. Love the photo/artwork with Adam Driver. This fragrance sounds so sexy and mysterious. My only experience with Houbigant is the fragrance Chantilly. Quite a departure from Bois Mystique!
    I live in the USA.

  • Hey, thank you everyone for the great comments! This one caught me totally by surprise! It’s a real treasure.

  • Houbigant has a wonderful reputation and this sounds like another winner. I love the woodsy and spicy scents for the fall and winter. Actually I like them all the time. Thanks for a wonderful review. I do so want to try this. I’m in the US

  • Timing really IS everything..I thought fall had arrived but here in New York City the weather changed again and it is humid and warm. YUCK! I really like the sound of this one..”Buttery,” “Smoky,” “Magical!” Images of sweaters and wood and campfires…SIGHHHHH. I have never put my nose to anything from this house; this sounds like a dynamite introduction. Lovely bottle too! Thanks for the chance!

  • What appeals to me from the review is the woodiness of the drydown, especially the cedar, and citrusy top, are basically Ellena’s calling cards. He does them so well.
    Of the house, I had a small sample of Fougere Royal, which I liked. havent tried anything else.
    Im in the US. Thanks for the draw

  • Houbigant has been creating wonderful perfumes for a very long time and I’m glad they have a new one. The bottle is lovely
    Lucca Maffei and Houbigant sounds like the perfect team and now that the colder weather is slowly aproaching, Bois Mystique would be perfect.
    My favorite creation from Houbigant is Orangers en Fleures.
    Thank you for the chance.
    I’m in the EU.

  • Southernboy says:

    In this article what appeals to me, is the way Robert Herrmann describes Houbigant Bois Mystique with all of the different notes. If this fragrance sounds it will be hit for the fall. is Fougere Royale is a wonderful fragrance cannot wait to smell this one. Thank you, Live in the US

  • Great review by Robert! I am so impressed that this fragrance falls into so many categories and can be worn by both sexes. My favorite Houbigant fragrances are Apercu and Quelques Fleurs Royale. Thanks for the draw and I am in the US!

  • Álvaro García says:

    I find this review somewhat poetic, including the pictures, and makes me think of blind buying this fragrance straight. In fact I love Fougère Royale and already have 3 bottles of this gorgeous scent. I live in EU (Spain).