Eidesis

This is one of the silkiest, most serene cedar/sandalwood perfumes I've tried, and it's extremely well balanced towards fresh incense and a piquant spicy-citrus note. It's similar to champagne- effervescent and fuzzy, with notes of sweet bread and subtle florals cast in a light golden hue. The olibanum is perhaps doing the most to render it crystalline, illuminating every note clearly as it refracts back and forth between all these fresh, resinous woods and clean, aromatic corners. Petigrain and pepper lend a sparkling, lemony freshness that transports me to a luxury spa deep in the forest. It's simple, but extremely effective and natural smelling. I also enjoy how transparent it feels- some woods can feel a bit dense and lactonic, but it's clear and airy here, suspended in a fragrant cloud of light spices. This is Aesop's bread and butter sensory headspace, in which I get nods to some of their other soaps and cosmetic products. Light enough to be worn in the summer, and inviting enough for cold weather. Just great. One update: bought a bottle and just wanted to speak about performance since it was my biggest worry. I think it's decent. I can still smell it on myself over 6 hours later without needing to put my nose into to my shirt, but it doesn't project super far except for the first hour or two. Currently turning into one of my favorites. I think it's probably easy to go noseblind to, as my girlfriend can still smell it a while after applying while I notice it randomly. Honestly I just spray a whole lot and find it works out. That puts the value a little lower but the scent makes up for it.

Eidesis is a surprisingly addictive smelling perfume. I have never tried anything from Aesop before Eidesis but I really like it. Simply by looking at the notes listed I expected something more heavy, dark, masculine leaning but what I am experiencing is a very balanced, unisex, fairly light scent with a focus on woods, incense, soft spices and some green, fresh herbs. The opening is a beautiful blend of petit grain and pepper smoothed by a suave frankincense. As the fragrance warms up on the skin, it slowly changes into a cedar/sandalwood forward with subtle earthy facets from vetiver and cumin. If cumin is not your preferred notes, don’t worry. Eidesis has just a pinch of cumin which gets lost between the black pepper, petit grain, frankincense and cedar, sandalwood blend. If you’re looking for a sandalwood scent, give Eidesis a sniff. It’s beautifully done here. The only negative thing I can mention about it is the very modest performance. It’s a fragrance that is very soft and light, not what I would expect from the notes listed with a intimate projection. Basically on my skin is a skin scent from the first hour. But smells very natural, realistic, expensive and dare I say, Amouage like. But without Amouage strength. Price wise, and simply because it performs so poorly, I would say it is overpriced for what you get. You need frequent spraying with Eidesis in order to notice it on you.

This MAJESTIC concoction is the best blend of spicy-woody perfume out there, in my opinion. The amount of compliments I get from ladies when I have Eidesis on my skin and outfit is WILD. But holy smokes, the price costs an arm and a leg. SGD 255 for 50ml is insane. BUT IT'S SO GOOD. I tried finding another scent that can be an affordable alternative to Eidesis, and there is none. It smells amazing regardless of the weather. I don't know much about scent composition, but this was the gateway perfume to spicy-woody scents for me. Again, expensive as heck, but definitely worth it if you're into woody-spicy. It's not overly cardamom/peppery. Just a perfect blend of spice and woody scent. Just divine. One con is that it doesn't last as long as I thought it would. Either that or my nose got too used to the scent. My second bottle; probably need to sell my kidney for a third.(JK, but it's pricey as heck for sure)

Exactly what you would expect from Aesop in the woody - spicy department, but extremely high quality, with excellent longevity. I can smell this on my clothes for 2 or 3 days after using it. On skin not as strong but certainly a solid 8-10 hour performance. I personally save this for an evening occasion, or a formal day event, especially in the autumn / winter period, when you want a warming scent, that isn't overpowering in any way. For me this is incredibly balanced and all of the notes hit perfectly, without being too incensy or overbearing in any direction. On my skin I don't get the big cumin hit that others describe, rather the cedarwood / sandalwood balance, but without smelling like an incense stick. Absolutely love this fragrance but I would be tempted to try another Aesop offering above this next time.

Oh the creamy realistic Sandalwood 😍 It's a rather linear perfume, whose dry down on my skin is barely sweet if you are attentive, which suits me personally. Black Pepper and smoky Cedar are the secondary notes. But I must admit it lacks roundness (Vanilla for example) or a flower (Heliotrope for example). Even a little saffron would have been wonderful. Long lasting (8 hours + still here after shower) but mediocre projection (30cm). Aside from that... it's one of the most beautiful Sandalwood I've ever smelled. Mon TOP 5 Aesop: 1: Marrakech Intense 2: Eidesis 3: Above Us, Steorra 4: Ouranon 5: Eremia

This is as beautiful as it gets. A sandalwood-centric fragrance in the perfect middle between the peppery/ambery creamyness of YSL 24 Rue and the spicy dryness of Profumum Santalum. Also close to M&B Indian Study. Not really close to Tam Dao EDP, and really not close at all to Tam Dao EDT or Wonderwood. That said, a 50ml bottle of this one one costs nearly as much as a 100ml of Profumum and performance is not glorious....when the intro-to-market premium price will go down, I'll rethink it, but for now, it's a no-go.

The perfect woody fragrance I was looking for. It smells woody yet powdery. I like the complexity and depth of this one. It's sophisticated, yet not too complex - the perfect fit. It's a good scent for both man and women and it gives off a really relaxing scent that I fell in love with. Not a usual fan of spicy scents, but this one is just nice and has a warm fuzzy feeling instead of the usually repulsive spice scent. This was a good blend. The sandalwood was also v apparent on my skin.

Been my favourite Aesop fragrance since I discovered that they carried fragrances. It lasts long on clothing, but doesn't last long on skin in my opinion. The first time I smelled it, my close friend was wearing it and we happened to be in a very intimate setting. I don't think I would've noticed it otherwise. It's light and creamy, but also spicy as well. Works well as a male fragrance, but my female friend was wearing it so it could definitely work as a female fragrance as well.

Wonderful woody fragrance. I’ve been looking for something woody with a touch of wearable church incense note: Avignon is lovely but too harsh, I don’t like the sweet undertones in L’Orpheline and La Liturgie des Heures they make me nauseous. Eidesis is just perfection, perfect woody scent, clean, dry, uncomplicate and non sweet with a hint of dry churchy incense. Projects very pleasantly, people comment that I smell really nice. Effortlessly sophisticated.

When Eidesis was released I had a short spiky haircut, bad acne on my cheeks, and exclusively donned a fitted leather jacket, black midi skirt, and knee high boots with a square toe. I bought it because it smelled like someone had condensed my essence into a tiny bottle. Gorgeously spicy with a slight creaminess. Just wish it was louder since it's ten trillion racks for 50ml. Give me my money's worth... Pairs well with: Illest Alive - Clams Casino

The first time I tried it, I thought the top note had too strong of a spice scent—felt like it needed to sit in the cabinet overnight. But after that, the dry-down was so enchanting. And as it turns out, your nose really can change after smelling something repeatedly. Now I think, how could those strong spices blend so well with the sandalwood? Such a sophisticated sandalwood scent—it's made it into my top ten.

Deep + dark, yet soothing. It's a scent that can haunt your thoughts....(in a good way). Because of the weighty black pepper + cumin notes it really evokes for me early memories of walking into the local wholefood health store, as a 11 year old, and hungrily breathing in the delicious spicy air around me... Adore it - very special conjouring up of being in the heart of dark enchanted woods 🖤

an easy reach, this is what i wear when i don’t know what to wear. I could smell like this every day and be perfectly content. heavy on the pepper in the opening and settles into a creamier, woodier, slightly resinous scent, i love layering it with paradisi from jorum studios in the spring and summer and have gotten a ton of compliments on this combo

Last week I bought a 10ml of Charlotte Tilbury - More Sex (2024) ...and today I went into an Aesop store and sprayed Eidesis (2022) on my arm. Woah! Nearly identical, with the Aesop 'version' having a more natural vibe. Only a $20 difference too (here in Australia). Horses for courses I guess, you pick which one is your jam. Delicious, either way!

I randomly stumbled upon this while I was at Aesop repurchasing a hand cream ,I fell inlove as soon as I walked out the store after spraying this ,the first few minutes it may smell a bit spicy but it fires down so beautifully ,it’s sophisticated without being too complicated or overbearing very intimate on the skin def worth the money !

Peppery and woody is perfect for me! Cumin also is definitely there and make this scent so warm and comforting. A summer/spring night kind of scent for me, find myself smelling it all night long as its such a grounding scent. Kind of smoky in a greener way too I guess. Favourite scent for sure.

Superb perfume that smells as expensive as it is. I disagree with some others, and say that it lasts for a very long time (8 hrs +, and even longer on clothes) and with great sillage. Works well as a male scent and an edgy women's scent. Recommended indeed.

Love this scent! Very peppery in the opening and dries down into very classy cedar. It leans a little bit more warm on my skin, with kind of a gingerbready sweetness and spice from the olibanum and cumin. Very delicious, with impressive performance.

Lovely smell, very clean, spicy, and lean towards masculine. My issue is the performance. I barely smell it on my skin, but when I ask people if they can smell it, they say they can, and it smells good. Maybe I just get nose-blind, but I doubt it.

One of my favorite perfumes of all time. Creamy, unisex, all season, signature scent worthy. It’s absolutely intoxicating. No particular note stands out to me, but the whole scent just pulls you in. Gets compliments if that matters to you.

J'adore. Probably my favorite fragrance o.a.t. just because its so evocative of my own memories. To me this smells like: a meadow, spicy fresh grass, tree sap, damp bark, hay, the peppery smell that lingers in a spice cabinet.

a lovely dry wood composition that can read as church incense (in my book a very good thing) thanks to the olibanum and pepper. it's very well balanced, more so than other aesop fragrances to my nose.

It's a true black pepper scent. I love the scent but it does not last long on my skin at all. It's a nice one to combine with other scents though.

Creamy sandalwood with cumin, done just right, lingering in the air. It feels like a sweaty snd sexy man relaxing in dry cedar sauna.

Has a very calming, non offensive and refined scent that is great for cooler weather! Great for office wear too

My favourite scent - I have been looking for something that tops this but to this day there is nothing. Love

Wonderful, but so so expensive, even if it does smell expensive.

Used up a bottle just now. Perfect black pepper smell!

smells like palo santo on me. very cozy scent

soooo beautiful i love the story behind it

It looks like the Aesop product team is finally getting back on the right track after the Othertopias mess they launched last year. The opening is so intoxicating with lots of spices and warmth, blended really well by Barnabe Fillion in that signature Aesop aura. I really enjoy how the aromachemicals and EOs work together here in the first few hours to maintain a very natural botanical finishing to the experience while being able to project and last for a decent amount of time. This is imo the best part of Eidesis. As the fragrance progresses, the sandalwood note becomes more prominent which I don’t enjoy as much. It just seems a little too sweet and synthetic to my nose, which reminds me of the similar sandalwood note in Byredo’s Gypsy Water. The vetiver is what stays the longest in the dry down, though it’s not the warm type of vetiver as I anticipated - it’s rather cold and damp which isn’t a bad thing. Overall it’s quite an enjoyable experience that feels like walking through a warm and cosy garden to enter a cold dark house. However, I don’t think Eidesis has the same soulful touch that instantly excites me like the way how Marrakech or Rozu does. It feels like a rush work still with very premature development. With a noticeable amount of aromachemical, the longevity is pretty decent for Eidesis, last a good 8-10 hours on me! I just hate the marketing campaign so much, the storytelling and word choices are utterly pretentious while the visual doesn’t seem to communicate the essence of the scent, unlike their older launches (such as Hwyl or Rozu). They price this the same as those Othertopias bottles which is completely absurd. I love Aesop but I don’t think they are ready to be on the same level as other niche perfume houses to charge this price tag? The perfume quality is below average and the creative behind their current collection is still too juvenile. The old Hwyl or Marrakech price range is a decent price tag for this. Nonetheless, I think the scent itself deserves a chance to shine on its own!

The most notable notes for me are by far vetiver and sandalwood. On my skin, the spices are accents: pepper, like the petitgrain, is there in the opening, but fades quickly, while I never get much cumin. Cedar provides some dryness, but isn't as dominant as the notes above would lead me to believe. I love the olibdanum in Aesop's Hwyl, so I was hoping for some of that magic, but I hardly notice it at all. The effect of this focus on woody notes isn't so much "running through a lush forest" but more "a box with woody extracts and aroma chemicals". That's basically the premise for CdG Wonderwood, so I can see the similarities. The vetiver is especially similar, but the sandalwood in the Aesop is stronger; because there's also no guaiac wood in it, the overall effect is much softer. In fashion terms, Wonderwood is a statement piece from a boutique, Eidesis the off-the-rack version from a fancy department store -- less daring but also more wearable. Overall, I think this is a good but unspectacular release. Aesop have a thing for fragrances that smell natural and walk the line between comforting and unusual. Eidesis is a good example of this: it'd be too simple to call this a safe choice, but it is dependable. Something like Santal 33 made wood-forward fragrances into a unisex staple; this is drier and a bit harsher, so perhaps leaning a bit more masculine if you care about such things. I've only had the chance to wear this in winter, but could see it performing well in spring and autumn. Lasts a while but doesn't project much. It's not cheap, but well made so I'd consider buying it if I didn't already own a few woody perfumes. It's a 7.5/10 for me.

scent: 7/10 longevity: 8/10 sillage: 4/10 value: 3/10 Eidesis has the most transformative scent journey in my collection by far. On sample paper, the creamy sandalwood and cedar were present INSTANTLY which is what piqued my interest, but on my skin...it was like a tabletop black pepper mill being worked onto my nostrils. The black pepper note personally isn't for me, but thankfully this only lasts for up to 10-15 minutes depending on circumstances, and the middle notes of cedar and olibanum come out. Thankfully I don't get much of the cumin note but at times it does make an appearance. The middle notes last about a good 2 hours until the base notes come out and then it presents itself as the fully realized fragrance this was supposed to be. A beautiful combination of sandalwood and cedar with a hint of vetiver at times. It's a beautiful alluring woody scent, but requires patience to get there. On my most recent wear, I only got the vetiver note at the dry down and thought I was wearing Bergamote22 for a second which confused me for a second. Personally, it's a good scent and Aesop's best fragrance out at this moment, but nothing extraordinary.

Wearing this today for the first time in a while and I'm struck by how peppery and spicy this is-- the opening is extremely black pepper forward and, mixed with the cumin note, it almost has a borderline savory gourmand feel on my skin. There's something warm and resinous lurking in the background which I really like and takes this more into the meditative, zen-like direction Aesop likes to brand itself as. As it dries down the sandalwood comes out more and becomes quite creamy. There's a very natural-smelling, almost human quality to Eidesis. I like it a lot, however-- as others have noted, performance is extremely weak. I've absolutely doused myself in this and can barely smell it unless my nose is buried in my skin. Sitting next to my partner I've asked if they can smell me, and they couldn't. For Aesop's price point, the performance issues are untenable IMO.

I saw this being compared to Tam Dao, and I heard it was mildly church-y, so I got this as part of a sampler set from Aesop. The comparisons end at the sandalwood. Tam Dao has a sweeter, more powdery feel to it, and eidesis definitely is sharpened by the incense within. The olibanum flits around the background, and the cumin and black pepper give the fragrance an almost animalic feel, altogether contributing to an almost burning sort of scent. The sandalwood definitely is there, but the creaminess you’re expecting definitely opens in a way that feels a little more wild, a little more rustic. Initially, I even thought I almost smelled something vaguely fecal, which I realize was actually the mild burning... I wouldn’t agree with church-y (the turn of phrase used was that it smelled like a “Gregorian chant”) but it is a nice sulky take on sandalwood.

Eidesis is my favorite fragrance from the Anthology discovery set. I was trying to find a fragrance that matches the Eleos hand balm, and this was the suggestion. Eidesis *complements* it beautifully, but I’d love it to smell even more like Eleos. On me, Aesop fragrance top notes fade in about 20 minutes. My skin just eats up the complexity and leaves nothing but the bones/base notes. Eidesis quickly turns to a single vetiver note on me. I will happily use my small sample vial, but won’t purchase a full bottle unless I become a millionaire. I’ve got a near-dupe in my bottle of Commodity’s ‘Vetiver’. It smells nearly identical on me, and performs like an absolute beast. I can’t justify the purchase when I’ve got a near-dupe that outperforms Eidesis. Aesop makes wonderful fragrances, but the performance for the price is discouraging.

Had 2 X 2ml samples... very strong! Covers any trace of other fragrance in you! Olfactory... Frakeniscence and a Cedar like stabilised middle-drydown. Nothing spectacular, interesting yes! Unique? Maybe but not a compliment getter or something that I would wear often. Dirty but clean, heavy and persistent. Nice and creative, a bit overpriced but if you live smokey, Frakeniscence... this might be for you. Creativity wise... 8/10 Longevity 9/10 Versatility 3/10 Compliments meh For Frakeniscence and smokey perfumes fans!

I theorized that spicy notes love my skin, and Eidesis confirmed it for me. On paper it was very gentle and meditative scent, like the perfect intersection of a sauna & cozy blanket. However! On my skin, the cumin shoots right up! So now in that sauna/blanket you have a dude with powerful BO, but it's still calming. Like the layer of cumin rest right on top of all the nice notes whenever I smell it. I loved it but my skin loves the cumin more than everyone else in this perfume.

I’ve tried several sandalwood perfumes, including Tam Dao, Abîme, and Molucule 04, but so far, this Eidesis is my favorite. It opens with a strong spicy and woody impression, and the religious notes—such as olibanum and sandalwood—gradually come to the forefront. I think it’s a great fragrance for those who like to explore the depths of complex scents, but if you’re just catching a fleeting whiff, it might come across as having a pencil-like or B.O. scent.

This reminds me slightly of Santal 33, albeit more soft on the sandalwood, with a strong pepper note on top. With time the pepper note fades and the sandalwood really comes out. Smells spicy and clean, and definitely unisex. What I imagine a wealthy cabin dweller would wear, or an athletic person who spends their days going for runs on backcountry trails. Not sure it is for me but would probably enjoy smelling this on someone else.

i’m surprised by this. i like sandalwood, but none of the other notes here are ones i tend to love, and yet. this is so nice, smooth, woody, comforting. it has just the right amount of sweetness and a subtle spice from the pepper. creamy, musky, natural it's a real shame that aesop doesn't do samples or travel sizes because i'd be a lot more likely to consider buying a bottle if i could wear it a few times first

It's really pleasant, woody, fresh but not soapy or citrus, smells quite natural. The sandalwood and cumin are very apparent as is the olibanum, giving a resinous quality. I got this to have something to wear on really sunny days as it's not overbearing in heat. My major complaint is the performance-- it's basically a skin scent within an hour and for a $200+ bottle, it's way overpriced.

Blossoming spring lilac. I'm getting no woody tones at all, this bursts out in a floral, hint of neutral pepper or some other spice (surprisingly no cumin, which Aesop sadly has seems to be taken a liking to). Too effeminate for my taste, it reminds me of the aura that follows freshly showered art hoes on their way to an exhibition. I love the scent, but too effeminate on a man for me.

Very sexy and woody with a beautiful slightly sweet warmth. The black pepper is strong to my nose. The cumin note immediately makes this hit or miss, for me its a hit. I smelled it on a friend and stopped them to find out what it was. I like most of Aesop's offerings, but this is becoming my favorite.

I want to love this SO BAD.... but it is so weak. doesn't project and doesn't last, not for me. Frankincense, pepper, smokey and woody scents are what I yearn for, and I still haven't found the perfect one. this was closer, we'll see how it goes because I'm going to continue sampling it.

Really lovely and definitely unisex. I get an incensey vibe which isn’t listed in the notes. I wanted this sample but my husband took it and I’m glad, it smells perfect on him. Unfortunately, not for long and for AU$220 for 50ml (!!!) you would want it to last.

extremely aesop. spicy woods. dry yet surprisingly fresh. it's objectively a very nice scent, nothing repels me, but nothing about it draws me in — would love for my home to smell like this/wouldn't necessarily reach for it as a perfume.

An elevated woodsy sandalwood fragrance. It has a slight twist with the cumin / cedar notes that prevent it from being basic. Longevity is not too great and I imagine the warmth of this is more suitable for fall/winter.

very woody and calming, it's like walking into an old japanese spa with a slight bit of incense burning in the distance. very calming.

Not worth the price tag IMO, but it is a very pleasant unisex scent. I would describe it as a smooth and fresh cedar scent.