Bête Humaine

Bête Humaine by Les Liquides Imaginaires is a deeply woody, green, and slightly animalic fragrance with a distinctive chestnut-woody core. It opens with a sharp, spicy burst of cumin, mastic, and violet leaf, evoking a wild, damp forest after rain. Over time, it settles into a smooth, creamy, and mature scent centered around chestnut, cypriol, guaiac wood, and papyrus, with notes of sandalwood and vetiver lending depth and texture. The fragrance balances its greener, sharper facets with a balsamic warmth, creating a mysterious, slightly smoky character that feels both natural and surreal. It carries a surprisingly quiet sillage and a moderate longevity, making it ideal for intimate wear or cooler seasons. Despite some users finding the initial sharpness abrasive, many describe it as calming, balanced, and uniquely evocative—like walking through a lush, ancient forest with a lingering warmth. Its unisex appeal is widespread, with strong popularity in autumn and winter, and a notable shift toward warmer, more personal wear settings. The scent is neither overtly sweet nor purely masculine; it walks a fine line between edginess and comfort, with a palpable depth that makes it stand out among woody fragrances.