by Jean Paul Gaultier
Le Male is a classic, bold fragrance known for its complex blend of vanilla, lavender, mint, and spicy elements. It opens with a bright, fresh burst of mint and lavender, followed by warm cinnamon and sweet vanilla. This chemical-sweet profile gives it an inescapable barbershop feel—clean, powdery, slightly medicinal—though many describe it as deeply pleasant and addictive. The fragrance is both unexpectedly masculine and unisex, with some comparing it to a vanilla-lavender handshake of sweet and clean. Projections are moderate to strong, with lasting longevity through 12 hours for most. The scent is at its best in colder seasons and intimate settings. It remains iconic, especially for those nostalgic for the 90s, but reformulations have made it feel lighter and less intense than in its prime.