Helenist

Helenist is the embodiment of joy and elegance I’ve been searching for. From the very first breath, you’re captivated by the freshness of fig leaf and jasmine, which blends beautifully with the creamy notes of coconut and the warm sweetness of tonka. Sandalwood grounds this composition, adding depth and a subtle sensuality. What truly sets Helenist apart is its ability to instantly lift your mood and transport you to a world of lightness and joy. It feels like a day spent in a blooming garden on the Tuscan coast—fresh, airy, yet perfectly anchored. The scent lingers on the skin for hours, slowly unfolding and becoming softer yet still present. It's a fragrance that brings a sense of calm while also energizing from within. Helenist is the perfect companion for those days when you want your perfume to not only complement you but also elevate you. If you’re looking for a scent that takes you to a place of carefree bliss, Helenist is exactly what you need. It doesn’t just smell wonderful—it has the power to bring an inner smile, and in today’s world, that’s a rare gift.

Imagine a sweeter, slightly floral Philosykos. There's the green fig and fresh notes at first, but also a hint of coconut, caramel and florals. It dries down to a beautiful creamy, slightly sweet fig scent. Having tested Philosykos multiple times at airports, only to be left disappointed by the time I made it to baggage claim, because it doesn't last more than a few hours. Helenist has more lasting power (pulled out my holiday laundry today and caught a whiff of sweet fig on a top I wore 2 weeks ago, while hiking through Hallstatt), in addition to the sweetness that I feel Philosykos was missing. The only problem is, it is hard to source - it's from a niche Czech perfumer. I bought my bottle from a perfume store in Prague named Fragranza Perfume Gallery that I happened across. The staff were pleasant, helpful and gave me a ton of samples. I always try to find some time to look at niche perfumeries when abroad and this might be a good excuse to visit Prague again, as Helenist is everything I wanted from a creamy fig perfume and I have no clue how I will restock!

Spraying Helenist on makes me feel immediately nostalgic and happy. Like others here, it reminds me of Philosykos for sure, but more than that it reminds me of a far more enchanting, ethereal and charming fig based perfume I discovered years ago: Lilt, from Rouge Bunny Rouge (now sadly discontinued), which was one of the first figgy perfumes I fell in love with. Fig is not a favorite note of mine, but there are occasional perfumes that make me re-think my normally dismissive fig stance, and Helenist is one of these. The fig here is certainly prominent and the addition of coconut (thankfully NOT prominent, just a nice supporting role) gives this such a summer / vacation vibe -- it's an immediate breath of fresh air, and greatly stress relieving. I fell hard for Helenist, and I'm definitely going to pick up a bottle as I'm fortunate enough to live in Czechia where Oraculum can be found!

Even if Helenist itself is amazing scent, the similarity with Philosykos is obvious. What I admire here, is very natural, green fragrance. Jasmine and violets are raw and dewy. It doesn't smell soapy, the association is more about walk, collecting fresh flowers. The base of the scent is lactonic, fluffy, but not really musky: it remains in greenness. I am huge fan of Diptyque, but I always regret, Philosykos doesn't last longer. Helenist definitely takes my heart with its autenticity and trust because of solid quality, which stays luxe for long.

Even though it's not listed in the notes, it reminds me of a fresh, not ripe yet apricot from a small garden. I really like the scent, it feels nostalgic and brings me back to childhood.