Philosykos Clones

"### Olfactory Experience Lisbon opens with an intense, almost candied fig leaf. The fig itself leans toward a syrupy sweetness, akin to a concentrated fig jam, lacking the green bitterness that defines the more authentic Philosykos opening. The heart introduces a pronounced coconut note, which unfortunately veers into sun-tan lotion territory, masking some of the green nuances that should be present. The claimed "green notes" are rather indistinct, a generic vegetal accord rather than a specific identifiable green. The drydown presents a fig tree accord, though it has a synthetic woody aroma, almost like manufactured wood paneling. The cedar is perceptible but muddled, lacking the crisp clarity of high-quality cedarwood. Overall, it diverges from its inspiration by emphasizing sweetness over verdant realism. ### Wear time & Sillage Longevity is moderate, at approximately 5 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong, extending about an arm's length, but quickly settles into a skin scent after the first hour. I tested this during a moderately humid day outdoors; it performed adequately, without being overwhelming, but faded noticeably by late afternoon. ### The Verdict Wearing Lisbon offers a gourmand fig experience, prioritizing sweetness and coconut above the green aromatic qualities found in Diptyque's original. While it captures a semblance of the fig concept, it loses the naturalistic feel, opting for a sweeter, more synthetic presentation. The key difference lies in the nuanced balancing act present in the original, whereas this is a somewhat simplified and intensified, less refined experience."

"### First Impressions & Dry Down Philo opens with an assertive fig leaf, initially quite green but quickly underscored by a milky fig accord. The fig isn't jammy or ripe; instead, it evokes unripe, almost astringent fig fruit. The heart introduces a prominent coconut note, but it veers toward creamy rather than lactonic. This deviates from the original's greener, less gourmand interpretation. I detect something vaguely akin to sandalwood in the base, a slightly rough texture that cuts against the initial smoothness. The cedar presents as a dry, pencil shaving note, distinct from the creamy woods typically associated with fig fragrances. The drydown loses some of the initial vibrant green and lands on a woody, slightly powdery base, a stark contrast to the green fig prominent at the start. ### Final Thoughts This fragrance suits casual daytime wear, particularly in spring and early summer. While not a precise match to the original, it offers a similar fig-centric experience. It would work nicely for outdoor activities but avoid enclosed spaces. ### Performance Reality Check Longevity is moderate, clocking in at around 5 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong, extending about an arm's length for the first hour, then quickly settles closer to the skin. It performed decently in a humid, summer day test but became somewhat cloying after prolonged exposure."