Philosykos Eau de Toilette

Philosykos Eau de Toilette by the French house Diptyque, released in 1996 and composed by Olivia Giacobetti, is a pared-back green fig. Everyone who describes it calls it green, and about half also find it gourmand.

The structure follows the tree from fruit to trunk. Fig opens it, soft, milky and gently sweet rather than jammy. Fig leaf fills the heart with a green, sappy, slightly bitter freshness that smells of crushed leaves on a warm day. Fig tree forms the base, dry, woody and faintly rough, so the scent closes on bark and wood rather than on sugar. The effect is transparent and natural rather than perfumed.

Philosykos is worn by anyone. Most wearers find its longevity weak to moderate and its projection intimate to moderate, so it sits close to the skin and may need reapplying. It is voted overwhelmingly for daytime and equally for spring and summer, which makes it a light, easy warm-weather scent for someone who prefers understatement.

Philosykos Eau de Toilette — unisex fragrance by Diptyque (released 1996). Top notes: Fig. Heart notes: Fig Leaf. Base notes: Fig Tree. — Parfica open fragrance database