THE MATCHA | Le Labo THE MATCHA 26 Impression | Woody Green Perfume

Core Fragrance Details

• purelyBlack Name: THE MATCHA
• Inspired By: THE MATCHA 26 by Le Labo
• Olfactory Family: Woody Green
• Format Available: Roll-On 10ml, Spray 2ml, Spray 10ml

What is the scent profile of THE MATCHA?

The initial spray delivers a bright, slightly creamy green burst, with the fig note providing subtle sweetness and juicy texture, while hints of green notes hint at the matcha to come—a soft, inviting introduction that avoids harshness. As the fragrance develops, the heart of matcha tea emerges, presenting a sophisticated, slightly earthy, and subtly bitter aroma, beautifully complemented by the dry, woody character of cedarwood and the grounding earthiness of vetiver. Introduced in 2021 by the minimalist New York apothecary brand Le Labo, this fragrance was masterfully designed as an olfactory moment of deep introspection, drawing profound inspiration from the quiet grace of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Le Labo debuted in 2006 and gained immediate renown for its subtle, striking scents, apothecary packaging, and distinctive naming convention—each name consists of a word and a number representing the most prominent note and the quantity of notes in the composition.

Longevity & Projection

• Longevity: Longevity on skin is around 6–8 hours; the roll-on format extends wear time by anchoring the fragrance to skin oils.
• Projection: Inoffensive sillage; you won't fill a room, but people within a metre will definitely catch it.
• Best Season: Spring and autumn; also wearable in summer.
• Best Occasion: Daytime office wear, casual weekend outings, quiet introspective moments, intimate settings.

What Makes Le Labo THE MATCHA 26 a Unique Woody Green Fragrance?

Unlike bitter, transparent green tea profiles, Le Labo THE MATCHA 26 conveys the richness, creaminess, density, and unctuous gastronomic qualities unique to matcha. Introverted and deep by nature, Le Labo THE MATCHA 26 is a skin scent meant for the wearer and those close to them, carrying a noble stillness—a scented reminder of home, welcomed solitude, and all things familiar and treasured. This sets it apart in the woody green category as a contemplative, intimate fragrance rather than a projection-forward scent.

What Are the Scent Notes in Le Labo THE MATCHA 26?

• Top Notes: Fig, Bergamot, Bitter Orange
• Middle Notes: Matcha Tea Accord, Sesame
• Base Notes: Cedarwood, Vetiver

Fragrance Family: Woody Green

What Is the Scent Journey of Le Labo THE MATCHA 26?

The opening is expertly balanced between sour, woody, floral, and warm, with fresh slices of bitter orange, smooth fig purée, and buttery cedarwood peppered with nutmeg. After two hours, the matcha note arrives in full glory, conveying richness, creaminess, density, and unctuous gastronomic qualities unique to matcha. The elusive powdery aspect is portrayed through subtle lactonic and almond flour ideas in the deep base, and this distinctive matcha latte note sticks to the skin for eight-plus hours. Created by perfumer Delphine Jelk at Givaudan, this fragrance is known for her elegant, contemporary style.

For a complete breakdown of every note and its olfactory behaviour, explore our Le Labo THE MATCHA 26 fragrance notes & scent guide.

How Does THE MATCHA Compare to Le Labo THE MATCHA 26?

purelyBlack's THE MATCHA captures the aromatic DNA of Le Labo THE MATCHA 26, replicating the creamy fig and matcha tea accord, textural cedarwood base, and the distinctive bitter orange opening. Our impression delivers the same woody-green character and introspective stillness, though the matcha note may develop slightly faster in the oil-based roll-on format due to direct skin contact. The Fractionated Coconut Oil base extends longevity by anchoring the delicate tea and citrus notes to your skin's warmth.

Who Is Le Labo THE MATCHA 26 For?

Le Labo THE MATCHA 26 evokes the vibe of a sexy librarian or classy bookworm—quiet, preferring their own space, and just slightly quirky. It's elegant, not loud—office-safe, school-safe, park-walk-safe, date-safe, and effortless. This fragrance appeals to those who appreciate understated sophistication, meditative calm, and a scent that feels like a personal sanctuary rather than a statement.

What Fragrances Is Le Labo THE MATCHA 26 Frequently Compared To?

Le Labo THE MATCHA 26 is frequently compared to Diptyque Philosykos, with THE MATCHA 26 offering a slightly toned-down fig note while maintaining fig as a dominant character throughout. It also shares similarities with Diptyque Tam Dao for its creamy, meditative woody quality. For purelyBlack alternatives, explore our Diptyque Tam Dao impression (TRINITY GROVE) for a comparable sandalwood-cedarwood experience.

How to Wear THE MATCHA

• Pulse Points: Apply the roll-on to inner wrists, behind the ears, the base of the throat, and the inside of elbows. These warm spots activate and project the fragrance throughout the day.
• Layering Tip: Layer THE MATCHA under COASTAL WHISPER or ZEST DE SENS to amplify the green, herbal notes and create a multi-dimensional aromatic profile. The woody-tea base of THE MATCHA acts as a perfect anchor for brighter citrus accords.
• Seasonal Wear: This fragrance can be worn anytime, even in summer, but is best suited for spring and autumn wear. Its calming, woody-green character adapts beautifully to daytime office settings, casual weekend outings, and quiet evening occasions.
• Longevity Tip: Apply to moisturised skin for maximum longevity. The Fractionated Coconut Oil base adheres to hydrated skin significantly better than dry skin.
• Customise Your Scent: Add 1–2 drops of purelyBlack cedarwood essential oil to deepen the woody base, or add bergamot essential oil to brighten the citrus opening. The green tea accord pairs beautifully with both, allowing you to tailor THE MATCHA to your mood.

Curious how it compares to the original? Read our Le Labo THE MATCHA 26 dupe review Australia.

You May Also Love

• Diptyque Tam Dao impression – TRINITY GROVE shares the same creamy cedarwood heart and meditative, woody warmth as THE MATCHA.
• Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt dupe – COASTAL WHISPER offers a complementary aromatic freshness with earthy sage and subtle minerality.
• Diptyque Eau des Sens alternative – ZEST DE SENS delivers a vibrant citrus-aromatic lift that layers beautifully with THE MATCHA's green tea base.

Our Perfumery Philosophy

purelyBlack creates high-quality impressions of designer and niche fragrances, offering the same sophisticated scent profiles at accessible prices. Our fragrances are formulated at an EDP concentration of 20–30% perfume oil ratio, ensuring longevity and projection that rivals the originals. Proudly Australian-owned, 100% vegan, and cruelty-free.

Choose Your Format

• Roll-On (Long-Lasting Anchor): Suspended in 100% alcohol-free Fractionated Coconut Oil. Apply 2–3 swipes directly to pulse points — behind the ears, temples, or wrists — to anchor the fragrance to your body heat. Shake well before use.
• Spray (High Projection): Formulated with a natural alcohol base (produced via sugar fermentation). Designed for use on both skin and clothing for broader projection.

Quality & Purity

• 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free: No animal-derived ingredients. Never tested on animals.
• Australian Owned: Proudly Australian-owned and operated perfumery.
• EDP Concentration: Formulated at 20–30% perfume oil ratio for Eau de Parfum longevity.
• Alcohol-Free Roll-On Base: Fractionated Coconut Oil ensures long-lasting skin adhesion.

Brand Disclaimer

• purelyBlack creates high-quality impressions and alternatives to designer and niche fragrances. purelyBlack is an independent Australian entity with no affiliation, association, or connection to the original brand, its manufacturers, or its products. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. We operate in strict compliance with comparative advertising policies.

Free Shipping & Returns

• Free shipping Australia wide. Return within 30 days for a full refund or replacement — no questions asked.