Philo

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.