Zeno

Is it Worth It?

Wearing Zeno is like listening to a cover band play your favorite song. You recognize the tune, but the energy and nuance are simply not there. The bright, effervescent character of the original Zen is lost in translation. Instead, you get a simpler, sweeter, and ultimately less refined experience. It works as a casual, everyday scent for someone who enjoys fruity-musky fragrances, but it does not capture the true spirit of its inspiration.

The Scent Profile

Zeno opens with a blast of grapefruit that leans almost medicinal, think grapefruit cough drops instead of fresh citrus. The pineapple is there but muted, more of a canned pineapple syrup than a juicy, ripe fruit. The heart is where it deviates significantly. The lotus tries to cut through, but the red apple asserts itself with a cloying sweetness, somewhat plastic. The drydown is a soft musk grounded by a cedar note that smells slightly pencil shavings-esque. There's a vague patchouli presence, but it's more soapy than earthy. The original Zen has a sharper, brighter quality that's noticeably missing here.

Performance Reality Check

Zeno lasts a solid 5-6 hours on my skin with moderate projection for the first two, reaching about an arm's length. After that, it becomes a skin scent. I wore it on a moderately warm day at the office and found it pleasant enough, although the opening cloying. I also tested it at the gym; its initial burst was overwhelming and not exactly ideal for a workout.