I'd been anticipating trying a Huitieme Art and having it blow me away, Monsieur was the one to do it...Bravo! I don't think there's anything 'plain' about this scent at all it's a great mixture of notes. A distinctive, fresh, incense fragrance with a delicious backbone of woods, it's warm but without any of the heaviness of amber you tend to find coupled with incense. This contains unmistakable top notes of papyrus and that classic combo with sandalwood which I'll be honest I don't always think the balance is right (Le Labo Santal 33) but here it's superb. I get olibanum in the opening too then a hint of earthy patchouli and vetiver as it dries down. You could be mistaken for thinking that it doesn't contain enough light and shade, what with all these woody notes. However, spice comes from the sandalwood, fresh, clean natural notes from papyrus, vetiver and incense, heavier base tones of oak and oakmoss...this makes for anything but a dull affair. Stunning, Masculine and great quality, lasting power but subtle and well priced Huitieme art Monsieur is a wonderful perfume. I might just get myself a bottle.