2016
Cuir Obscur
Jérôme EpinetteThe nose · 236 fragrances · also made Bal d'Afrique Absolu (2025)Portrait →

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Byredo  ·  Sold as unisex

Cuir Obscur

The quiet intensity of an old library, where leather-bound books mingle with the soft scent of roses and almonds, creating a cocoon of sensory richness.

4.16104 ratingsWell loved by wearers
Scent fingerprintAll 10 accords ↓
leatherrosealmondanimalicfruitypatchouli
Cuir ObscurLuxury · $250+
61%Similar accords, often for lessL'Homme Idéal Parfum · GuerlainPremium tier, $100–250 · all 4 of its listed notes are in this one8 matches →

How it wears

From community votes · bars are each option's share
LongevityLong lasting63% say long lasting or eternal
Very weak9%
Weak7%
Moderate22%
Long lasting36%
Eternal27%
SillageEnormous61% say strong or enormous
Intimate13%
Moderate26%
Strong28%
Enormous33%
Scent Profile

Composition & Character

Notes Pyramid

TopOpening

HeartThe Soul

BaseFoundation

When to Wear

🌸
Spring
☀️
Summer
🍂
Fall
❄️
Winter
🌤️
Day
🌙
Night

Who Wears It

♂
Masculine31%
⚥
Unisex58%
♀
Feminine11%
04 · DossierEdited by Scentsation Editorial

The story behind the bottle.

Scentsation editorial

Cuir Obscur by Byredo was launched in 2016 and presents a distinctive blend of leather and floral notes that evoke both warmth and mystery. The fragrance opens with the sweet nuttiness of amaretto and the spicy warmth of nutmeg, leading to a heart of rose and ylang-ylang that is both delicate and intense. This composition then settles into an animalic base of patchouli and musk, creating a scent that feels both grounded and enigmatic.

Byredo, founded in Stockholm by Ben Gorham in 2006, has always aimed to capture memories and emotions through its fragrances. Cuir Obscur is no exception, offering a complex interplay between the earthy, leathery base and the floral top notes that make it a compelling choice for those who appreciate layers.

How to wear it

Apply this fragrance in a light layer initially — the amaretto and nutmeg top notes are fleeting but impactful. The patchouli and musk base will gradually emerge, so it’s best to let it settle on your skin for at least an hour before reapplying if needed.

Fig. 01 — Cuir Obscur, Byredo

05 · Acquire

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Jérôme Epinette portrait
03 · The nose

Jérôme Epinette

The hand behind Byredo

Jérôme Epinette is a French perfumer born and raised in Burgundy who earned a Master's degree in Biochemistry before training at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery.

236fragrances
Frenchnationality

Designer Byredo

More from the house · founded 2006 · Sweden

Cuir ObscurFemme L Eau Fraiche
Try it layered

With Hugo Boss Femme L Eau Fraiche

Adds white floral, citrus and amber; shares two accords.

Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers

06 · The Room

What people
are saying.

4.16/ 5 · 104 ratings

Well loved by wearers: loved by 51%, disliked or hated by 13%.

Love51%
Like27%
OK10%
Dislike13%
Hate0%
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