Etat Libre d’Orange has had a perfume out since 2006 called Rien, composed by Antoine Lie. I've always liked Rien for its incense and rose, and the dusty feeling of an old perfume. This year the brand was expanded to include Rien Intense Incense, also composed by Antoine Lie, under the direction of Creative Director Etienne de Swardt, which was released initially for the Middle Eastern market but is being released into the US this month.

Romance by Jaison Cianelli

Some people gripe that perfumes today aren't strong enough. Well, they can relax. The original Rien is already pretty strong, but Rien Intense Incense has an opening that is like melted car tires mixed with lots of incense and some little bit of rose but mostly really heavy aromas. The difference lies in the amount of rose and while the rose in Rien is very distinctive, the rose in Rien Intense Incense is a bit more muffled. I don't mean to make this sound like I don't like this perfume; I do. I love it when incense and wood smells, blended with a little leather and lots of incense combine to make the smell that's like a mechanic shop or tire company; it’s very primal and attractive.

Smoking Incense Burner by Laura George

Ultimately, I really like both Rien and Rien Intense Incense. They are very different perfumes that are born from the really good source of rose and incense but with considerable divergence. Like I say, people who are looking for something strong have it in this perfume but they also have a really fascinating complicated smell to wear on their skin. I also know quite a few people who brag about putting on 20 sprays of the most loud perfume they can find; I don't think this is a good practice; In that kind of over application you lose the idea of the perfume and you're also working against the battle perfumistas are fighting to fit into society, because obviously you will be disturbing people with it. Your choice, of course, but I can't see an application of more than three sprays of this one..

Notes: Incense, rose, leather, cistus, oakmoss, patchouli, amber, cumin, black pepper, aldehyde.

I received my sample from Etat Libre d’Orange. Rien Intense Incense is available at the Etat Libre d’Orange website in 100 ml 150 Euros.

Thanks to Twisted Lily, which is now carrying Rien Intense Incense, we have a sample to give away to three US readers. Please let us know what appeals to you about this perfume, your favorite ELDO perfume, and where you live. Draw ends September 28, 2014.

We announce the winners only on site and our Facebook page, so like CaFleureBon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will just be spilled perfume.