Comme d’Habitude.

Comme d’Habitude was born in 2012 from the mind of perfumer Philippe Bousseton, who was asked to translate a fleeting French phrase, “as usual”, into scent. Histoires d’Eaux, a house that treats perfume as a paragraph, wanted a fragrance that felt like a familiar memory resurfacing. Bousseton turned to bright citrus to signal the everyday, then layered spice and leather to hint at a hidden story beneath the routine.

The juxtaposition of lemon‑bergamot brightness with cardamom‑cinnamon heat creates a paradox that mirrors daily life’s sudden twists. Leather adds an unexpected, almost narrative‑like depth, while the resinous base of frankincense and patchouli anchors the piece, giving it a lingering finish that feels like the last line of a well‑written chapter. This blend of familiar and daring makes the scent stand out in a crowded niche market.

The opening bursts with lemon, bergamot and mandarin orange, a crisp citrus splash that feels like sunrise on a Parisian balcony. Within minutes the spice takes over; cardamom and cinnamon mingle with coriander’s green bite, while chamomile and thyme soften the edge, and a whisper of leather adds a quiet animalic note. As the heart settles, the composition deepens into a smoky, resinous drydown of frankincense, resins, vetiver and patchouli. The base lingers for 6‑8 hours, leaving an earthy, warm trail that fades only after a full workday, making the fragrance feel like a story that resolves gently.

Since its 2012 debut, Comme d’Habitude has been noted for reviving the classic spicy‑leather niche, drawing comparisons to Bel Ami’s refined leather while keeping a fresh citrus edge. Wearers often cite its narrative quality, saying the scent feels like a short story that unfolds on the skin. Its moderate sillage makes it a favorite for intimate gatherings, and its unisex appeal has earned it a modest cult following among collectors who appreciate literary‑inspired compositions.