2016
Cuir Absolu
Francis KurkdjianThe nose · 234 fragrances · also made Rouge Trafalgar Esprit De Parfum (2024)Portrait →

Will you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.

Elie Saab  ·  Sold as unisex

Cuir Absolu

A leather-bound book pulled from a well-curated library, its pages whispering tales of bygone eras.

3.8364 ratingsRespected, if divisive
Scent fingerprint
leatheranimalicsmoky
Cuir AbsoluPremium · $100–250
54%Similar accords, often for lessBoss Bottled Beyond Eau de Toilette Intense · Hugo BossMid-range tier, $40–100 · shares leather8 matches →

How it wears

From community votes · bars are each option's share
LongevityLong lasting74% say long lasting or eternal
Very weak11%
Weak4%
Moderate11%
Long lasting53%
Eternal21%
SillageStrong67% say strong or enormous
Intimate11%
Moderate22%
Strong35%
Enormous32%
Scent Profile

Composition & Character

Notes Pyramid

NotesAs listed

Main Accords

When to Wear

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

Who Wears It

♂
Masculine38%
⚥
Unisex48%
♀
Feminine14%
04 · DossierEdited by Scentsation Editorial

The story behind the bottle.

Scentsation editorial

Launched in 2016, Cuir Absolu by Elie Saab is a unisex leather fragrance that captures the essence of sophistication and elegance. Created by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, this composition begins with an animalic depth, leading into smoky undertones that give it a mysterious charm. The leather accord at its core provides a rich, warm foundation, making it a lasting choice for those who appreciate the finer details in fragrance.

How to wear it

Apply this fragrance in small amounts; the smoky and animalic notes develop slowly over time. It pairs best with cooler evenings when you want a scent that speaks quietly but confidently. Avoid heavy spritzes to prevent overpowering its nuanced layers.

Fig. 01 — Cuir Absolu, Elie Saab

05 · Acquire

Where to buy.

Try before you commit

Wear it for a week first

A decant costs a fraction of a bottle and tells you how it lasts on your skin.

Ready for a full bottle

Live prices aren't shown yet. Each link opens that seller's own search; we may earn a commission.

Scent Finder

Not sure it's you?

Five questions, about a minute, no account. You get a shortlist that fits how you actually wear fragrance.

Find your scent
Francis Kurkdjian portrait
03 · The nose

Francis Kurkdjian

The composer of light

Francis Kurkdjian is among the most celebrated perfumers alive — a creative polymath whose work spans haute couture fragrance, contemporary art installations, and the founding of his own maison.

“It’s impossible to predict. Success doesn’t depend on you. It depends on the audience.”

Francis Kurkdjian · SLEEK, June 2026
234fragrances
1969born
Frenchnationality

Designer Elie Saab

More from the house · Lebanon

Similar accords, often for less

Love it, not the $100–250 price?

Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.

See all 8 matches
Cuir Absolu#Hashtag
Try it layered

With 27 87 #Hashtag

Adds aldehydic, woody and amber.

Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers

06 · The Room

What people
are saying.

3.83/ 5 · 64 ratings

Respected, if divisive: loved by 39%, disliked or hated by 19%.

Love39%
Like31%
OK11%
Dislike11%
Hate8%
Loading reviews...