Product Review: Diptyque Philosykos Eau de Toilette

When it came time to decide which product from my tried and tested collection would earn the distinction of being the December product review as both a great product and a extra special gift idea while also being the last post on La Petite Rose for 2019, I could think of no other product but Diptyque Philosykos. Ironically, much like the very first product I ever reviewed, Indigo, a perfume by NEST, Philosykos is another fig fragrance. Yet, while both are beautiful, Philosykos is truly a unique take on a fig fragrance that is not only a bestseller for the legendary French parfumerie, Diptyque, but is also touted as of the most iconic perfume creations of all time. And it has been my most beloved perfume for two straight years and counting.

Launched in 1996, Philosykos was created by parfumeur Olivia Giacobetti, inspired by her travels along the Mediterranean Sea and the Greek Isles. Since figs is such a staple of Greek food and culture, I can definitely feel that genesis of inspiration within this fragrance. Even the name comes from the Greek for “friend of the fig tree.” And in the translation of this name, you incidentally find what is, for me, the unique difference between Philosykos and virtually any other fig perfume or perfume featuring fig I’ve ever smelled--- the concept of a fig TREE. In other words, Philosykos is MUCH more of a woody fragrance (and also slightly leafy, earthy one) rather than a juicy, fruity one.

On Diptyque’s official site the notes are listed as follows: fig tree leaves, fig tree sap, and fig tree wood. Indeed, there is lots of figgy-ness to appreciate here, but to me, it is the “fig tree wood” that dominates, giving the perfume a spicy, almost subtly cedarwood-esque quality to the scent that is present through all facets of its wear on me, which is highlighted further by what Diptyque calls the fragrance’s “olfactory accident” (a term they use to describe a more unconventional or off –the-wall note when compared to the theme of the rest of the fragrance's compositions). In Philosykos’ case, this note is black pepper, which adds a certain subtle kick and spiciness to the scent and makes the wood even more reminiscent of something slightly similar to sheer and sweetened cedar to me, which must be the smell of fig bark.

I think this woodsiness is what makes Philosykos not only unique among fig fragrances but also in my top five perfumes I’ve ever worn-- and to date one of my top two most repurchased. I love woodsy scents, and Philosykos seems to make you at one with the fig bark, like you are some kind of nymph who might just reside within the branches and use the fig leaves to the roof of your home or something. And for all connotations of summer sunshine and sandy beaches and a gleaming blue sea all the facts of its Greco-inspired origins may conjure, Philosykos does not read to me as a strictly summer or hot climate perfume. Other reviews I’ve read that dub Philosykos things like “Mediterranean getaway in a bottle” or “a great beach fragrance” , but from my perceptions and how Philosykos wears on my particular skin, it is truly seasonless, I maybe actually enjoy it most in the Winter, not to put me in mind of sunnier weather, but because it reminds me of the natural, simplistic beauty of bare trees found during this season.

As far as the longevity of this scent on my skin, it does not last so long, but it isn’t terrible either. I average about 4-6 hours, and usually all I ever get is 8 and at most 10. I’ve heard others complain about poor longevity and its lack of ability to project to be smelled by others. It doesn’t project all that hugely on me either, but this is not a negative to me. I appreciate a scent that isn't loud and is instead is something for me to enjoy. This is really the scent of all scents that I have ever worn or owned to be the best “my skin but better scent.” It just smells like a really good enhancement of my own skin’s smell. That may sound really weird, but I quite like this quality about it.

Now, you would think there would be no drawbacks to this perfume that I have raved so much about, , but there is one that I feel absolutely necessary to mention. For my budget, this is an extremely expensive perfume. Currently, the Eau de Toilette concentration, which is what I have, retails for $98 USD for the 1.7 oz size and for $140 USD for a 3.34 oz bottle. They also have it in an Eau de Parfum concentration (which I have not tried but most things I’ve heard and read say it smells very much the same but perhaps a tad sweeter and fruiter) that is currently sold for $175 USD for a 2.5 oz bottle. These prices, though currently accurate, are higher than the price I paid when I originally bought and fell in love with this fragrance. Free samples of this famous scent, especially from perfume e-retailers like Luckyscent for example, are fairly easy to come by, so trying before you buy is definitely something that you can make happen to make the plunge a little less scary. Even as someone who has tried and loves Philosykos, though, I do use it sparingly, and with the new prices, I may hold off on purchasing it again for awhile when my current bottle runs dry.

If you are looking for something that is a truly special treat for yourself to try or to give as a REALLY special luxury gift, Diptyque Philosykos or any other offering from the house of Diptyque fragrances, would definitely be something that I would consider. Another bottle of Philosykos is high on my Christmas wishlist.