Totem
This aromatic unisex release from Vestov Perfume pairs bright bergamot with dark black currant. Totem settles into a smooth, woody cashmeran base that keeps the fruit notes grounded. It offers a fresh, slightly green option for spring mornings, avoiding the sticky sweetness typical of modern mainstream fruit fragrances.
Similar Suggestions
BETAFragrances with the nearest note and performance profile.
For more in-depth suggestions.
Performance Metrics
10 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
It delivers 4 to 6 hours of longevity on skin with a moderate, arm's length sillage that makes it ideal for close quarters in warm weather.
Notes Pyramid
Search these notesChoose where each note belongs.
Totem is a dry, green, and moderately fruity fragrance. It centers on a tart black currant opening, a green fig heart, and a soft, powdery cashmeran wood base.
Main Accords
10 MAPPEDThe fruity and citrus top notes fizz brightly on application, gradually drying down into a warm, powdery cashmere wood and amber blend that stays close to the skin.
Community Data
35 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in spring and summer. The vote picture leans most toward daytime.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Crisp black currant note that smells realistic and tart
Dry green fig note that avoids synthetic sweetness
Clean cashmeran base that makes it easy to wear to work
Polite moderate sillage that will not offend people nearby
Works well in warm spring and humid summer climates
True unisex appeal that wears comfortably on anyone
Light powdery texture that keeps the fruit smelling fresh
Aromatic freshness that feels uplifting on morning runs
Decent value for a modern indie scent profile
Good layering potential with basic woody fragrances
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Longevity is limited to about five hours on skin
Citrus opening fades quickly within forty minutes
Lacks the heavy projection some buyers prefer
Woody base can feel a bit thin in cold winter weather
Green fig note might smell too grassy for gourmand fans
Fails to stand out if you already own standard fig scents
Fruity notes do not carry over into the final dry-down
Requires reapplication if you want it to last until dinner
Hard to find in physical stores to sample first
Powdery finish might feel dry on cold skin chemistries
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Vestov Perfume Totem: Tart Black Currant Meets Cashmere Wood”
The opening of Totem is a sharp, refreshing splash of bergamot paired with the dark, slightly acidic bite of black currant. It feels cool and wet, like crushing berries in a cold garden. There is no heavy syrup here, just a bright and clean fruitiness that immediately grabs your attention.
After twenty minutes, the initial tartness simmers down as the heart reveals a dusty, green fig note. The transition is smooth, moving the scent away from simple citrus and into something more textured and leaf-like. The cashmeran base begins to warm up underneath, keeping the fig from smelling too damp or cold.
On the skin, the fragrance feels dry and woody. The musky and powdery accords soften the edges of the fruit, creating a clean skin-hugging warmth. It is an interesting texture, combining a juicy berry top with a powdery, almost mineral dry-down that feels modern and restrained.
Performance is moderate, yielding around five hours of wear on a warm spring day. The projection stays within arm's length, making it a polite choice for office wear or casual lunch dates. It does not demand attention, but anyone sitting next to you will catch clean wafts of green fruit and soft wood.
This fits anyone looking for a fruit fragrance that skips the usual sugar rush. It is easy to wear, leaning unisex without pushing too hard in either direction. It is casual enough for t-shirts and jeans, yet clean enough to wear to work in mild weather.
Ultimately, Totem is a solid, pleasant release. If you enjoy green fig and tart berries, it is worth checking out. Those looking for heavy projection or deep amber sweetness should look elsewhere.
FAQs
What does Totem by Vestov Perfume smell like?+
It opens with a tart splash of bergamot and sharp black currant. As it settles on skin, a dry, green fig note comes forward, supported by the soft, woody warmth of cashmeran. It smells clean, green, and moderately fruity rather than sugary.
How long does Totem last on the skin?+
Expect around five hours of visible wear. The initial bergamot brightness fades within forty minutes, leaving a quiet skin scent of woody cashmeran and fig that lingers closely during a typical spring workday.
Is Totem loud or does it project far?+
It projects at about arm's length for the first hour of wear. The sillage is polite, making it suitable for close office environments where strong floral or amber scents might overwhelm colleagues.
Which season is best for wearing Totem?+
Spring and early summer bring out the best in its green fig and bergamot profile. The crisp, fruity freshness cuts through mild humidity, though it can feel a bit thin in cold winter air.
Is Totem unisex or does it lean masculine?+
It is a true unisex fragrance. The opening features bright citrus and black currant, while the base relies on dry cashmeran woodiness rather than sweet floral notes or heavy masculine oakmoss.
Can I wear Totem as a signature daily scent?+
Yes, its moderate sillage and clean, woody-fruity profile make it an easy daily driver. It suits casual weekend wear, gym bags, and relaxed office settings during warm weather.
What are the main accords in Totem?+
The dominant accords are fruity, woody, and musky. A bright citrus top note transitions into a powdery, aromatic middle before settling into a soft, warm amber and cashmere wood base.
How does the opening compare to the dry-down?+
The opening is a juicy, tart blend of black currant and citrus. The dry-down is significantly woodier and drier, losing the initial sweetness as the cashmeran and powdery notes take over.
Can you layer Totem with other perfumes?+
It layers well with simple molecule-based woody scents. Adding a clean cedar or Iso E Super base helps ground the black currant top note and extends the wear time in dry climates.
Are there any good dupes or alternatives for Totem?+
It shares similarities with Diptyque Philosykos due to the green fig note, though Totem is much fruitier. It also recalls Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay in its tart black currant opening.
Rankings
Full rankingsWear Diary
0 COMMUNITY WEAR LOGSKeep sprays, longevity, weather, and compliments in one practical log.
Sign in to keep private wear notes.
Compliment Signal
FROM WEAR LOGSReviews
No owner review yet. You can be the first.
Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCOREConsider Diptyque Philosykos for a greener, milkier fig, or Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay for a similar tart berry opening with shorter wear.
No User submitted dupes yet. The first useful DupeScore can come from your community.
Live questions about Totem
Ask one quick question and let the community weigh in while it is live.
No live pulse yet.
Trusted Sellers
Community-submitted stores that regular buyers trust, by country.
No trusted sellers added for this fragrance yet.
Where to Sample
Discovery sets, official samples, and trusted decants.
No sample or decant options shared for this fragrance yet.