Inspired by the stunning, tiger-like dappling of shade and light on the fur of her Bengal cat Mimi, Liz Moore’s latest creation is a soft, cozily-spiced amber that’s as sensuous as a cat in full stretch. Miles away from the overt sexuality of Salome, Bengale Rouge’s only hint of the animalic is the honeyed, fuzzy glow of the resins, which give the perfume a sensual warmth that’s more kitten than tiger.

Bengale Rouge dips a soft, attar-like rose and sandalwood into a doughy, rooty iris and wraps it all up in a halo of headily-spiced resins. It’s simply gorgeous. With its benzoin-rich vanilla swirled with caramelized labdanum, clove-scented opoponax, and the citrusy brightness of a Turkish rose, Bengale Rouge at first appears to take up the glittering mantle of the great perfumes of the past, such as Shalimar and Opium. However, we are steered away from the powdered classicism of these perfumes by the clever addition by the perfumer of a dollop of edible vanilla that lends the scent a modern gourmand vibe that will have you wanting to lick your own skin. The vanilla gourmand aspect doesn’t dominate; but neither does the dry and spicy resin facet – they dance and intertwine like perfect halves of one whole for a golden, opulent effect that perfectly mimics the interplay of light and dark on Mimi’s fur coat. It’s a total love from us.

What We Think

A ravishing blend of warm, powdery gourmand and gently animalic notes to delight and seduce in equal measure.

Bengale Rouge Fragrance Notes

Turkish rose, orris, sandalwood, sweet myrrh (opoponax), oakmoss, honey, vanilla, tonka bean, benzoin, labdanum

Bengale Rouge Sizes Available:

50ml

$210

0.7ml sample

If you like Bengale Rouge Eau de Parfum, we recommend you try:

Incense Rose by Tauer Perfumes

Ambre Russe by Parfum d'Empire

Anubis by Papillon Artisan Perfumes

Salome by Papillon Artisan Perfumes

Dryad by Papillon Artisan Perfumes

Ambre Loup by Rania J.

Here's what other people are saying about Bengale Rouge...

Initially, I thought this smelled quite nice. It’s very similar to plain aged benzoin resin, like a cup of flat cola, and it doesn’t change much from that. I made the mistake of applying a sample swipe to more than one point and the smell was so syrupy and overwhelming that I had to wipe it off with a wet wipe. When applied sparingly it’s ok, but not something I think about or reach for.

By M - Student from Edmonton on 11/3/2024

I am writing in response to the last review where the person said this was nothing special, and I am quite stunned, because to me this is extreme gorgeousness. It purrs like a kitty and it’s warm and spicy. And I also wanted to throw some shade onto Rouge Smoking.- I did only sample it with a 1 ml Lucky sample but I did not understand the hype. I much prefer this warm spicy, animalic blend. This reminds me a bit of Coco Chanel which I also adore- it’s a bit less animalic and more spicy imo. Is there cinnamon here? Love it, need it.

By Sibyl Haynes - Artist, conspiracy researcher from Seattle on 6/30/2022

This is one of the most beautiful perfumes I have ever worn. Very long lasting. All of the stars.

By Kyrie - Acupuncturist from Sheboygan on 4/17/2022

I’m sorry to say this doesn’t have much personality on me. Nothing wrong with it but it has no special spark that makes me get eager to wear it for myself or others. To be fair I tested it against one of my drop dead fall favorites, Rouge Smoking. It couldn’t hold a candle, so I knew the sample was enough.

By Lisa - writer from Chicago on 3/18/2022

It's a win for me. Reminds me of something Bortnikoff would release. Stupid high quality! Banger

By Ryan Epps - Remodeling from Indianola, IA on 9/20/2021

The description of this from Papillion is spot on. Spicy, resinous, vanilla scent with musks. I don't leave reviews often, however I felt the need due to negative reviews. This is a top notch fragrance by a fantastic company. Worth at least sampling. Full bottle worthy to me. Check it out

By Ryan Epps - Remodeling from Indianola on 8/18/2021

Baby ointment, baby oil, baby creme. There is something in this that reminds me of an ointment you might apply to a baby. It has a touch of opoponax which gives it a Shalimar like aroma. The labdanum must be what comes across baby like to me. Warm, comforting, intimate..it has a femininity to it but not extreme.

By Andrew - Writer from Los Angeles, CA on 2/7/2021

I bought a sample after seeing a lot of press and interest about it being influenced by the perfumer’s Bengale cat and many great reviews and wanted to try. After multiple wearings was unmoved personally by an aggressive top note of cassia/ cinnamon like note more like red hot candies that overwhelmed the fragrance or perhaps kept presenting too loud on my skin. There was not a lot of Bengale impression or artistry perhaps a common labdanum amber accord found in beginning natural perfume. The blend was uneven. I did not understand the hype maybe it was marketing? Just not that interesting to my nose perhaps to super cinnamon fans.

By KC - Musician from Portland on 11/6/2020

Horrible.. Very VERY strong.. peppery.. I just put on a little bit and it blew up and stayed with me the entire day.. It has a light powdery sillage that is sort of nice but the peppery part stayed under my nose. It also smells very vintage and although I am middle aged, I felt like an old woman all day. This is a hate it or love it scent. It did not sit well on me.

By Amoranda - Law Office from Atlanta on 10/9/2019

Rrrrrrrrrrr..... this is BEAST MODE....spray carefully at first. A potent elixir like all of Papillon fragrances. Very hard to describe. Sandalwood, spices, sweet, golden dark.... addictive. Try a sample..... this is not subtle. I love that house of perfume. True craftsmanship of fragrances. Along with Ani of Nishane, this will be on the list of favourites of many perfume critics soon. LOVE IT!

By JG - Artist from Vancouver. on 9/21/2019

I love this. It's spicy, cozy, and the tiny sample amount I put on at about 10:30 this morning has lasted all dang day. It's nearly 8pm and I'm still sniffing my wrists. But I have to say...it reminds me a lot of a more refined Obsession. Calvin Klein Obsession was my first Perfume in high school. I wore it to death, likely to the irritation of everyone around me. I still have a little bottle because putting it on is like wearing an enormous comfortable sweater that is worn-in at the elbows. Bengale Rouge, to me, smooths the rough cinnamon and vanilla of Obsession, turns it to cashmere. I hope it isn't heresy to make this comparison; I really love Bengale Rouge.

By Ashley - Librarian from Memphis on 9/16/2019

i used to wear Anna Pliska for years and this reminded me of it .. a tiny bit richer.. it is warm and comforting which is what i look for these days. NOT overpowering .. i get a powdery amber ... a tiny bit of vanila and honey.. I have to be careful living in the heat to not let a perfume during summer knock me down.. i like this one... it's soft on me and gentle..

By louise - talent agent from st pete on 8/4/2019

Received my sample and am thoroughly smitten with this deep, warm, cuddle-inducing rose perfume. Between the pure classic beauty of the rose and the warm sweetness of honey, vanilla and tonka, there’s also the powdery softness of orris and labdanum...and last but not least, an irresistible sassy sweetness, with just a hint of spice from the myrrh. Beguiling and enchanting, this is a scented masterpiece. I’m so glad I preordered my bottle!

By Melissa - Aftercare Director from Indianapolis on 7/24/2019

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Papillon Artisan Perfumes

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Bengale Rouge

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