Being-Towards-Death

It opens with a sharp, crisp combination of gin and tart rhubarb, softened by cinnamon. As it develops, the scent shifts into a resinous, smoky core dominated by myrrh and incense, eventually settling into a warm, slightly animalic dry-down of castoreum and styrax that feels melancholic and grounded.

Longevity is generally moderate to long-lasting. On most skin types, expect to smell the resinous myrrh and incense for around 6 to 8 hours. It performs best in cooler, crisp weather, where the cooler air helps preserve the sharper opening notes before the balsamic dry-down takes over.

It generally projects at a moderate distance, creating a personal bubble rather than filling a room. It is an ideal choice for office settings or quiet dinners where you want a sophisticated presence without overwhelming those around you. It feels most present within arm's length for the first few hours.

This fragrance shines in the fall and winter. The warm spice of cinnamon combined with deep, balsamic notes like copahu balm and styrax makes it feel cozy and protective against cold temperatures. It can feel a bit heavy in intense summer heat, though it works for cool, damp summer nights.

If you gravitate towards introspective, moody, or artistic compositions, this works well as a signature. It is distinctive enough to set you apart without being unwearable. It is best suited for those who prefer resinous, amber-heavy profiles over sweet or floral-forward fragrances for their daily wear.

It is firmly unisex. While the sharp gin and rhubarb provide a bright, almost masculine edge, the jasmine and balsamic resins offer a warmth that balances the composition completely. It wears differently on everyone based on skin chemistry, making it a truly versatile choice for anyone who enjoys dark, complex scents.

The opening is bright and effervescent due to the gin and rhubarb. This quickly gives way to a heart of incense and tonka bean, which brings a powdery, smoky quality. The dry-down is significantly deeper and more grounded, focusing on the castoreum, myrrh, and styrax, which provide a lingering, warm skin scent.

Yes, provided you apply it with restraint. Because it projects moderately and moves into an intimate skin scent, it is unlikely to disturb colleagues. The resinous myrrh and dry woodiness convey a calm, focused energy that suits professional settings, especially during the fall and winter months.

I recommend sampling first, especially if you are not accustomed to fragrances featuring castoreum or heavy balsamic resins. While it is an artistic success, the animalic and resinous notes can be polarizing. Testing it on your skin for a full day allows you to see how the myrrh develops for you.

If you enjoy the moody, resinous profile of this scent, you might find common ground with fragrances like Serge Lutens Fille en Aiguilles or various incense-forward niche offerings. These scents also lean into deep, woody, and balsamic accords that avoid traditional sweetness, much like the profile of Phronema Perfumes.