The r/fragrance community holds Costume National in high regard as an underrated Italian brand offering distinctive, quality fragrances with excellent unisex options like Scent Intense. While praised for unique creations and beautiful packaging, the brand suffers from poor distribution and limited visibility compared to mainstream designers, though those who discover it tend to become loyal enthusiasts.
Positive
Unique and distinctive fragrances with real personality
Brand is underrated and overlooked in the fragrance community
Poor atomizers and caps despite nice bottles
Community Sentiment Pulse — Chergui
Mixed
58 opinions · Source: r/fragrance community
7.2
/10
Chergui is a well-crafted but divisive fragrance with a distinctive powdery tobacco profile that appeals strongly to its admirers but isn't universally loved. The community consensus leans positive overall, though most agree it's not a safe blind buy given its niche character and high price point, recommending sampling first, especially if coming from different fragrance families like Ambre Sultan.
Positive
Unique powdery tobacco blend with pleasant hay notes
Excellent performance and longevity in cooler weather
Highly regarded by Serge Lutens enthusiasts and loyal fans
Versatile unisex appeal, works well for both men and women
Negative
Noticeably powdery character that some find off-putting or baby powder-like
Not similar to Ambre Sultan despite both being amber fragrances
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Scent and Chergui?+
Scent is a feminine fragrance (marketed to women, though wearable by all) from CoSTUME NATIONAL (2002) dominated by Rose accords. Chergui is a feminine fragrance (marketed to women, though wearable by all) from Serge Lutens (2001) leaning on Amber accords. They share 1 accord: Green.
By community rating, Scent scores 3.92/5 vs Chergui at 4.23/5. On r/fragrance, Scent sits at 7.8/10 (positive) while Chergui is 7.2/10 (mixed). Scent's standout strength: Unique and distinctive fragrances with real personality. Chergui's standout strength: Unique powdery tobacco blend with pleasant hay notes. The "better" choice depends on what you value — longevity, projection, season fit, or signature character.
Do Scent and Chergui smell similar?+
They share a small fraction of their ingredients — expect noticeably different experiences. Scent: The r/fragrance community holds Costume National in high regard as an underrated Italian brand offering distinctive, quality fragrances with excellent unisex options like Scent Intense. Chergui: Chergui is a well-crafted but divisive fragrance with a distinctive powdery tobacco profile that appeals strongly to its admirers but isn't universally loved.
Which lasts longer, Scent or Chergui?+
Chergui: Excellent performance and longevity in cooler weather Longevity varies by skin chemistry, concentration, and application method.
Which season suits Scent vs Chergui?+
Scent scores highest for fall wear; Chergui scores highest for fall wear. Scent leans daytime, Chergui leans evening.
Limited availability and distribution
Some fragrances appear to be discontinued or hard to find
Old-fashioned scent profile that may not appeal to all preferences
Too expensive and niche to recommend as a blind buy without sampling first
