# CoSTUME NATIONAL — Free d'Homme

> Free d'Homme is a citrus-incense contradiction: Mexican lime and Sicilian lemon against saffron, cypriol, labdanum, frankincense, and cistus. The bright yellow bottle promises sunshine, but the scent 

## Essence
Free d'Homme is a citrus-incense contradiction: Mexican lime and Sicilian lemon against saffron, cypriol, labdanum, frankincense, and cistus. The bright yellow bottle promises sunshine, but the scent quickly turns smoky, balsamic, and dark.
## Scent Profile
The opening is sharp lemon and lime, a little sour and candy-bright. Within half an hour, cypriol and saffron take over, adding earthy smoke, dry leather, and a faint metallic edge. Incense stays quieter than the note list suggests; labdanum and cistus make the drydown resinous, warm, and slightly piney. The signature effect is burnt citrus on a dark resin floor.
## Performance
Performance is strong. The opening projects with force, then settles into a dense personal bubble that can last a long time. It is not a discreet scent, and overapplication can be punishing.
## Wearing Context
This fits autumn, winter, evenings, and cooler nights. It is more Mediterranean resin-smoke than bright office citrus, and it is best for someone comfortable with dark, smoky, polarizing scents.
## Comparisons & DNA
Comparisons range from Etro Messe de Minuit to Nasomatto Black Afgano, though neither is exact. Within Costume National, it feels brighter and more citrus-cut than Homme and Homme Parfum, with less clove and more cypriol-incense darkness.
## Reception
Reception is positive among people who like the profile, but it divides sharply. Praise centers on originality, quality, and value. Criticism focuses on the citrus-incense imbalance, harshness, and headache-prone density.
## Versions & Reformulation
As a 2022 release, it has no documented reformulation history. It is sold as an Eau de Parfum in 50 ml and 100 ml sizes.
## Acquisition Notes
It remains available from the house, often with discovery-kit options. Sampling is the smart route because the bottle color can mislead buyers into expecting a sunny citrus scent.
## Notable Facts & Lore
- The yellow bottle is a deliberate visual counterpoint to the smoke-heavy composition.
- Julien Rasquinet composed it for the post-2021 Costume National Scents relaunch.