Une Histoire d’Homme Irresistible by Mauboussin is a woody aromatic fragrance for men created by Karine Dubreuil-Sereni and was launched in 2017.
Today is a great day when you discover one of the best fragrances of all time at an unbelievable price.
These types of perfumes only come around once or twice a decade, and I’m excited to share with you the first written review on the web about this absolute masterpiece you can’t afford to miss.
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Ignore the house’s name, which is usually associated with affordable scents, and ignore that most of us are probably burned out on everything released today, which smells like a copy of a copy.
Our favourite fragrances have nothing to do with the brand name or how much they cost. The best ones have the power to create lasting memories, and this one is just one of those kinds.
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PERFUME ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
A NOTE FROM THE BRAND: “Une Histoire d’Homme Irresistible is a fresh and woody Eau de Parfum that opens with an olfactory duo of bergamot and fig leaf to give way to the warm and sensual notes of sandalwood . Cedarwood perfectly completes this fragrance that highlights the masculinity and charisma of men. Une Histoire d’Homme Irresistible is intended for modern men who are looking for a different, unique and elegant fragrance.”
PERFUME INFO
- PERFUMER: Karine Dubreuil-Sereni
- OIL CONCENTRATION: Eau de Parfum
- FRAGRANCE TYPE: Woody Aromatic
- RELEASE DATE: 2017
- TARGET AUDIENCE: Men
- MASCULINE/FEMININE: 80% – 20%
- DOMINANT NOTES: Fig Leaf, Sandalwood, and Bergamot
- AGE GROUP: 25+
- SEASONS: Spring and Summer
- OCCASIONS: Any Occasion
- PERFORMANCE: 5 – 7 hours with moderate projection
- COMPLIMENTS: Moderate
- LIKEABILITY: High
- UNIQUENESS: 5/5
- PRESENTATION: 4/5
- VALUE FOR MONEY: 10/10
- PRICE: $ ($74.00)
- ACCORDS: Woody, Aromatic, Citrus
- REVIEWED BATCH CODE: 426001
- REFORMULATED: No
- HOLY GRAIL RATING: A
- SAMPLE/BUY/PASS: Buy
- TESTING PERIOD: 3 weeks
- PRODUCTION: Yes
- POSSIBILITY OF DISCONTINUATION: Moderate
PERFUME PRESENTATION
The presentation of this fragrance was one of the first things that struck me by the bottle’s elegant, almost sculptural quality.
Its deep, intense black design is modern and high-end, reflecting the mystery and sophistication of the scent within.
The minimalist design, with subtle accents of white and silver, speaks to the refined aesthetic of Mauboussin.
The box is a standard cardboard box, but it doesn’t feel cheap, regardless of its price. You have embossed letters and all the essential information. It’s nothing special, but it goes nicely with the bottle.
NOTE BREAKDOWN
In this section of my Scent Grail review, I’ll dive into the note breakdown that plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of a fragrance.
Understanding how the top, heart, and base notes interact can provide valuable insight into the overall character of the scent.
Whether you’re considering adding a fragrance to your collection or are simply curious about how the notes unfold, this breakdown will help you appreciate the craftsmanship and positive and negative sides of a particular fragrance.
PERFUME NOTES
- TOP NOTES: Italian Bergamot, Fig Leaves
- HEART NOTES: Sandalwood
- BASE NOTES: Cedarwood
TOP NOTES
The opening is just brilliant, and the type of fragrance I enjoy the most is a versatile quality composition.
The bright and semi-sweet bergamot and a touch of zesty lemons add a citrusy sharpness that is both invigorating and slightly dark, sometimes even hinting at a jammy quality.
It is a brilliant and dynamic start to the fragrance, capturing both the lush, natural quality of Mediterranean citruses and the touch of fig leaf that seems to make a presence early on.
HEART NOTES
When the initial burst of fresh citruses begins to fade, the heart of Une Histoire d’Homme Irrésistible gently takes centre stage.
Imagine the crisp, green scent of fig leaves mingling with the subtle sweetness of the fig fruit with a couple of grains of black pepper atop it. Just beautiful.
This fresh, almost unadulterated green note is going to remind everyone of their cherished summer vacations in Southern Europe, and this is why I think this Mauboussin has that magical power of painting memories for us in such a way that we will remember them even 30 years from now.
BASE NOTES
When the fragrance settles, the base notes reveal a grounding, enduring character that defines its masculine depth.
Citrusy, spicy and green aspects never genuinely fade away even when it is completely dry down, but they are anchored by a subtle yet persistent cedarwood and a touch of vetiver that lends a refined, earthy quality to the overall composition.
Along with the cedar and vetiver, the base is also dominated by a warm, creamy sandalwood note that acts like a soft, velvety bridge between the zesty opening and the green, peppery and more robust heart notes.
PERFORMANCE & APPEAL
It often lasts around 5 to 7 hours on the skin, but occasionally, I have seen this extended up to 10 hours with excellent projection for the first 2 to 4 hours.
Its sillage is also on the firmer side, and I cannot see how it performs poorly, which I have seen reported on some of the fragrance database websites around the web.
The target audience is anyone who wants a refined and well-rounded fragrance for the year’s warmer months.
Even though I have been testing this Mauboussin for around three weeks now, I have to say that each time I wear it, it consistently earns compliments for its unique and elegant blend.
OCCASIONS & VALUE
In my experience, Une Histoire d’Homme Irrésistible is a remarkably versatile fragrance that shines in various settings and can be worn almost anywhere, anytime.
I’ve found it ideal for professional environments where a great and transparent scent is appreciated and for more relaxed occasions like casual dinners or date nights.
What truly sets this fragrance apart is its distinctive blend of notes. Citruses mixed with peppery fig leaf and the combination of the best woods found in the perfumery.
It is a true hidden gem masterpiece I would love to see more often in this saturated fragrance market.
Regarding the value for money, even if the fragrance discounters didn’t exist, I would highly recommend paying its full price since, in my opinion, the quality sits somewhere around $150.00 to $200.00.
At the time of writing this article, you can find it for around $20.00, and it is an easy blind buy for all those Acqua di Parma Colonia lovers and all of its flankers.
PROS AND CONS
Each composition brings charm, complexity, and shortcomings to the diverse perfume landscape.
Exploring the pros and cons provides a comprehensive view, aiding fragrance enthusiasts in their quest for the perfect olfactory experience.
Understanding these nuances allows you to make a more well-informed choice, ensuring a tailored match for individual tastes.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Can be worn in almost any situation and season
- One of the best aromatic/woody fragrances of all time – ideal for Acqua di Parma fans
Cons
- It does not have a true multi-dimensional evolution
- There are better fig fragrances on the market
COLLECTION & SIMILAR PERFUMES
As of 2025, Une Histoire d’Homme Irresistible and Une Histoire de Femme Sensuelle are the only fragrances from its line that are, fortunately, still available in their original formulations.
Check out Scent Grail’s Top Picks on Jomashop, and keep smelling great!
COLLECTION
SIMILAR PERFUMES AND ALTERNATIVES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
FINAL WORDS
In the end, this creation leaves you with a comforting sense of refined confidence and understated charm.
With its thoughtful balance and elegant presentation, this fragrance feels like a personal signature that seamlessly fits into busy workdays and intimate evenings out.
I almost skipped this release due to the usually overwhelming greens we find in fig-forward fragrances, but in this case, it is something completely different.
What do you think about this article covering Mauboussin Une Histoire d’Homme Irresistible? Let’s start a conversation, and let me know in the comment section below.
If you are unsure whether to buy a fragrance, looking at Scent Grail’s S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide is always a good decision.
It is easy to use and the most relevant perfume-buying guide on the web. This way, you can determine whether a particular fragrance is worth checking out and potentially find your signature perfume.
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Until next time, stay humble, and keep smelling great!
Best, Marin!
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Hi. Ah, ‘Irresistible’… it evokes such a classic gentleman’s air. I’ve traversed the globe, from the spice markets of Marrakesh to the lavender fields of Provence, and I’ve noticed how certain fragrances resonate with specific cultural nuances. With its blend of citrus and woody notes, this one feels distinctly European yet with a more… intimate touch. I’ve found that a fragrance’s true character sometimes reveals itself in different climates. Considering the citruses’ warm, almost sun-drenched feel, how do you think ‘Irresistible’ would perform in a humid, tropical environment compared to a cooler, temperate one, and have you had the chance to test it in diverse climates? Congrats on being the first to write the review. Finally, somebody found out this little gem. Thanks.
Hi Rehan. Thank you for your thoughtful question! In my experience, the fragrance’s vibrant citrus opening can feel even more radiant in a humid, tropical climate, almost as if the heat amplifies its sun-drenched brightness. However, this same intensity can sometimes lead to faster evolution, with the initial fresh burst giving way to its deeper, woody aspects more quickly. While I haven’t had extensive opportunities to test it across every climate, my trials in mild European and temperate conditions suggest its versatility shines best in slightly warmer environments. With a light layering or an extra spritz, you can still enjoy its charm even in warmer, more humid settings. Thanks again for your insight and for recognizing this little gem! Best, Marin 🙂
Hello Marin. Cheers from Manchester. I love your reviews, which always bring something new to the fragrance community. As an artist, I see fragrance as a form of abstract expression, a way to paint emotions with scent. ‘Irresistible’ strikes me as a well-composed piece, with its layers of notes creating a harmonious yet complex experience. I’ve been experimenting with layering this scent with other single-note fragrances, and I found the vetiver base lends itself to experimentation. If you were to ‘re-imagine’ ‘Irresistible’ as a modern art installation, focusing on the interplay of its notes, what materials or mediums would you use to represent each element, and how would you convey the overall ‘story’ of the fragrance? I’m trying to visualize this scent beyond just smelling it.
Hello! If I re-imagine Une Histoire d’Homme Irrésistible as a modern art installation, I’d create a multisensory journey with a unique material representing each note. Since I’m not an artist, let’s leave this thought at that, since everything else would be just guessing. But it’s a terrific question, and I’m delighted to see that true artists love the same types of scents as I do. Best, Marin 🙂