Quest
Quest by Symétrie is a distinctive Aromatic Fougere that balances bright Mediterranean citruses with a deep, resinous heart. Launched in 2017, it features a prominent blend of Clove and Myrrh that creates a warm, spicy aura. The dry down is anchored by Tonka Bean and Patchouli, making it a sophisticated choice for men who prefer scents with an earthy, classic character.
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Performance Metrics
243 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Expect 5 to 7 hours of longevity with moderate projection that stays within arm's reach. It is most effective in cool weather, specifically during the fall and winter months, as the heat can make the resinous base feel overly dense. The sillage is polite but noticeable, making it suitable for casual or professional settings if applied moderately.
Notes Pyramid
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Quest is a warm, resinous aromatic fougere that opens with a fleeting citrus spark of Lemon and Mandarin. The fragrance quickly deepens into a spicy heart of heavy Cloves, before settling into a thick, balsamic base of Myrrh, Tonka Bean, and White Amber. The texture is dry and smoky at first, eventually becoming creamy and sweet as the vanilla takes hold in the dry down.
Main Accords
11 MAPPEDThe warm spicy accord is the dominant force here, driven by a punchy clove note that lasts through most of the wear. The amber and balsamic accords provide a resinous backbone that gives the scent a 'new age' or incense-like quality on the skin. In the final hours, the vanilla and sweet accords emerge to soften the earlier spice, creating a cozy and inviting finish.
Community Data
319 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
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GENDER APPEAL
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When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in fall and winter. The vote picture leans most toward daytime.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Excellent value for the price point
Unique myrrh and clove combination
Cozy and resinous dry down
Strong appeal for fans of vintage fragrances
Performs exceptionally well in cold weather
Unisex leaning despite the male branding
Not a generic or boring scent profile
Good longevity on cotton and wool fabrics
Great for casual evening wear
Distinguishable from common designer releases
Warm and inviting vanilla finish
Provides a sophisticated incense-like aura
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Clove note can be very polarizing
Opening citrus feels slightly synthetic
Not suitable for high heat or humidity
Bottle design is very basic and plain
Can smell like a dental office to some
Availability is mostly limited to online discounters
Herbaceous green notes are very faint
May feel too old-fashioned for younger audiences
The atomizer can be somewhat inconsistent
Citrus top notes disappear almost instantly
Can become cloying if over-applied
Lacks the 'beast mode' projection some desire
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Symétrie Quest: The Spiced Myrrh Hidden Gem for Fall”
Quest by Symétrie is a fragrance that catches you off guard. It arrives in a simple, unassuming bottle, but the juice inside tells a much more complex story than its marketing suggests. Upon the first spray, you are hit with a bright, almost fizzy citrus blast. The Mandarin and Sicilian Lemon are sharp and energetic, creating a lemonade-like accord that feels very much like a standard designer opening. However, this freshness is a brief mask for what lies beneath. Within minutes, the citrus retreats, and the real character of Quest emerges in a wave of dry, pungent cloves.
This heart stage is the make-or-break moment for most wearers. The clove note is intense and uncompromising, supported by a subtle green herbaceousness that keeps it from becoming a kitchen spice cabinet. As the heart settles, the orange blossom adds a tiny touch of floral sweetness, but the fragrance quickly moves into its resinous dry down. This is where Quest truly shines. The transition into Myrrh and White Amber is smooth and surprisingly sophisticated for a fragrance in this price tier. The resins provide a smoky, balsamic texture that feels thick and comforting.
The base is anchored by a moderate dose of Vanilla Absolute and Tonka Bean. These notes do not turn Quest into a gourmand, but they do round out the sharp edges of the cloves and myrrh. There is a touch of earthy Patchouli that adds weight and a classic masculine feel, though the overall impression remains fairly gender-neutral. On the skin, the fragrance feels warm and slightly powdery, like the air in a shop that specializes in imported incense and handmade candles.
In terms of performance, Quest is a reliable companion for a standard workday or an evening out. It doesn't scream for attention, but it maintains a steady arm's-length projection for the first few hours. The longevity is respectable, typically giving you about six hours of detectable scent before it becomes a skin fragrance. It is a scent that thrives in the cold, where the warm spices can truly bloom without feeling suffocating.
Who is Quest for? It is for the person who is tired of the 'blue' fragrance trend and wants something with more soul and grit. It suits a slightly more mature wearer or anyone who appreciates the resinous, ambery classics of the past. If you can get past the polarizing clove-heavy heart, the dry down offers a level of comfort and mystery that is hard to find elsewhere. It is a solid addition to a fall rotation, especially for those who want to smell like they have a bit of a story to tell.
Ultimately, Quest is a successful exercise in balancing the old with the new. It takes the bones of a traditional aromatic fougere and grafts on a thick, resinous soul. It is not a perfect fragrance, and the synthetic sharpness of the opening can be a bit much if you are used to high-end niche quality, but for the price, it offers a distinct and memorable olfactory experience. If you love myrrh, you should have this in your collection.
FAQs
What is the dominant scent profile of Quest by Symétrie?+
Quest is primarily a warm spicy aromatic fougere. While the opening features a sharp citrus blend of Sicilian Lemon and Mandarin, the heart is dominated by a very prominent Clove note. The dry down transitions into a resinous, balsamic finish where Myrrh and Tonka Bean create a scent reminiscent of a specialty incense or a traditional apothecary shop.
How long does Quest last on the skin?+
You can expect moderate longevity from Quest, typically lasting between 5 and 7 hours. The bright citrus top notes disappear within the first 30 minutes, leaving the heavier spices and resins to do the heavy lifting. On clothing, the balsamic notes of White Amber and Vanilla can linger for a full day, especially in cooler climates.
Is this fragrance suitable for office wear?+
Quest can be a bit polarizing for a professional environment due to the intensity of the Cloves and Myrrh. It projects at a moderate arm's length for the first two hours before settling closer to the skin. If you work in a conservative office, apply it sparingly, as the spicy, resinous profile can feel quite heavy in small spaces.
Which season is best for wearing Symétrie Quest?+
This fragrance performs best during fall and winter. The warmth of the Cloves and the sweetness of the Tonka Bean provide a cozy feeling that cuts through crisp, cold air. In the high heat of summer, the resinous Myrrh and Patchouli base can become cloying and feel overly thick, making it less ideal for July or August.
Does Quest lean more masculine or feminine?+
While marketed for men as an Aromatic Fougere, many users find Quest to be quite unisex. The heavy Myrrh and sweet Vanilla dry down give it a 'new age bookshop' vibe that appeals to anyone who enjoys spicy, resinous scents. The lack of traditional harsh woods or heavy musk allows it to sit comfortably on anyone's skin.
How does the opening differ from the dry down?+
The opening is a deceptive burst of fresh Bergamot and Lemon that feels energetic and light. However, as it settles, the fragrance shifts dramatically toward a dark, spicy core. The dry down is much sweeter and more balsamic than the initial spray, losing the citrus zing in favor of a smooth, warm blend of Myrrh, Amber, and Patchouli.
Is Quest by Symétrie a good value for the price?+
Quest is widely considered a strong value, especially for enthusiasts who enjoy resinous scents. It offers a complexity that rivals more expensive niche fragrances in the spicy-oriental category. While the bottle and atomizer are basic, the quality of the Myrrh and Clove notes provides a sophisticated experience that belies its typically affordable price point at discounters.
Can I use Quest as a signature everyday scent?+
Quest works well as a signature scent for someone who prefers a classic, slightly old-fashioned aromatic profile. It has enough character to be recognizable without being as loud as a clubbing fragrance. If your daily style involves knits, leather, or a more rugged aesthetic, the spicy and earthy Patchouli notes will complement your look perfectly.
What are the most similar fragrances to Quest?+
Many reviewers compare Quest to a modern, ambery take on CK Obsession for Men or a more accessible version of Aramis 900. It shares that same spicy, herbal DNA found in 70s and 80s powerhouses but softens the edges with a contemporary dose of Vanilla and White Amber, making it feel less aggressive than its vintage inspirations.
How should I apply Quest for the best performance?+
For optimal results, apply two sprays to the neck and one to the wrists. Because the Clove note is so dominant, over-applying can lead to a 'harsh' sensation for those around you. Let it sit for 15 minutes before heading out, as the transition from the citrus opening to the spicy heart is where the fragrance really finds its balance.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCORECK Obsession for Men, Aramis 900, or Pasha de Cartier.
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