by Aesop
Eidesis by Aesop is a dry, resinous woody fragrance centered around sandalwood and vetiver, with noticeable notes of black pepper, cumin, and olibanum. The scent unfolds in a linear progression, with the initial spicy-woody top notes fading quickly into a soft, creamy sandalwood base. Despite its complex accords, the fragrance lacks projection and longevity, with most users reporting it lasts only a moderate duration and projects only moderately, often requiring close proximity to detect. The cumin note is a polarizing element—some find it powerful and enhancing, adding depth and warmth, while others feel it overwhelms the rest of the composition. The fragrance has a naturalistic, slightly earthy aroma reminiscent of pencil shavings or a cool forest, giving it a personal, intimate sillage. It suits colder seasons and is worn most frequently in winter and autumn.