Philosykos Diptyque

Casual Friday at work and Philosykos is very much unisex and casual. My first true "figgy" perfume and while over the years I've met and appreciated other figs such as Profumum Roma's Dambrosia, I've not felt the need for another fig...yet. Although I've got my eye on a discounted full bottle of Dambrosia. 

While Dambrosia takes you on a journey from a ripe fig to a glazed fig tart in its drydown, Philosykos smells like I'm standing under a fig tree, or many fig trees. Or even wearing a fig tree, leaves and all. It's a linear amalgamation of sweet juicy figs, green trees and fresh coconut water drunk straight from the shell. Crisp, woody, light...absolutely delicious and natural smelling.    

The only downside to the EDT is that it fades really fast and stays close to the skin. I've heard that the EDP smells remarkably similar to the EDT but with much improved staying power. 

L'Ombre Dans L'Eau Diptyque

I said, meet me in the garden.
You know the one--
it is called Smiling Spring.
There are nightingales chirping away,
wine and candle lights,
and companions as soft as
pomegranate blossoms.
You think this all would sound so perfect!
But without you by my side,
what use is the Smiling Spring?
And when you are with me,
what use are pomegranate blossoms?
Meet Me in the Garden, Rumi.(taken from Shahram Shiva's Hush Don't Say Anything To God)

L'Ombre Dans L'Eau, translated "The Shadow in the Water" , the EDT version which I am wearing today, is described as following on the Diptyque website:

Poetically named L’Ombre dans l’Eau, “The Shadow in the Water,” it is a fragrance that recalls a lush garden at water’s edge and a brief glimpse of life, captured in the memory of a friend of the three founders. One day, this dear one was gathering roses and blackcurrant; stretching her hand out to Desmond Knox-Leet, she suggested that he work on this accord, one of potent originality.

Desmond Knox-Leet being one of the three friends who created Diptyque, the other two being Christiane Gautrot and Yves Coueslant.

The Rose Path Giverny, Claude Monet 1922.

L'Ombre Dans L'Eau is a deliciously crisp and sparkling Kir Royale on my skin with the freshest roses possible. The roses here I imagine to be pink petaled and lush, the leaves still green and robust. I imagine a good quality Creme de Cassis, darkly coloured and intensely flavoured black currants, tangy and sweet, a cross between blackberries and pomegranates. 

I am not a fan of alcohol or rather it's wasted on me, I am a cheap drunk with a regretful headache and rhinitis in the morning and unless someone is opening another bottle of Gaja, certain Rosés or a Syrah from the Rhone , I can pass on it without regret. From what I understand, it is practically criminal to waste a good champagne for a Kir Royale and likewise if the champagne is crap, the cassis will not help much. However a Kir Royale with it's lusty red colour has always been a celebratory drink in my mind and I will continue to ignore the daggers from the wine snobs. 

Water Lily Pond and Weeping Willow, Claude Monet, 1919

L'Ombre Dans L'Eau channels positive energy, a dappled shade under a brilliant blue sky, lounging on a picnic blanket, watching even lazier ducks and swans paddle in the lake just out of your reach. The smell of earth, grass and flowers instilling peace and serenity into your frazzled mind, an escape after a demanding work week. Santé!

Recette du Kir Royal