Pencil in a bottle... [reviewing Escentric 01 edt, by Escentric Molecoles]

Wrap yourself in the radiant Winsor Violet of Escentric 01, the colour of star-stained dusk, the colour of touch - Geza Schoen [creator & brand founder]

Escentric Molecules owes its existence to an aroma-molecule that does not exist in nature. Iso E Super was created in a laboratory at IFF in 1973. It remained unknown outside the world of perfumery until the launch of Escentric Molecules, though its elusive presence hovers at relatively low concentrations in the background of many fragrances for both men and women. Among perfumers, it is prized for its velvety, cocooning effect.

Escentric 01 focuses on Iso E Super at 65% of the fragrance compound in an abbreviated formula designed to maximise the molecule's efflorescence. 

For most of the year I like to prepare myself for getting into a Christmassy mood by putting aside £5 here and £10 there, to be ready for the launch of the year's beauty advent calendars. Then I watch loads of unboxing videos on YouTube to help me decide which one (or two depending on how well I'd managed to save that year) will be helping me pamper myself ready for the big day.

Last year's winner [Harvey Nichols Beauty Advent Calendar 2023] 

presented me with a 30ml bottle of Escentric 01 on the first day of December and reading up on it I became very curious about the idea behind it and was keen to give it a fair chance to win me over... 

This isn't an easy type of fragrance to review; "the Molecule fragrances are radically minimalist. They contain no odorants except the aroma-molecule, pure and singular."

During part of my primary school years we used those old fashioned individual wooden table/chair combo things with the lift up table tops tostore our books, and we wrote using pencils. Between the wooden desks and the scent of the pencil lead & sharpenings when we'd whisper with each other around the bin [sharpening our pencils was the only thing we were allowed to get up for, so we'd be sharpening them all the time-it didn't matter if they needed it or not], this fragrance captures the essence of those days extremely well [I'm only 40, honestly].

I sadly can't detect the floral & fruit notes, so this is very simple and linear on me. I've asked other people for their opinions of Escentric 01 on me, and everyone said that it's nice & woodsy - no-one mentioned noticing any floral or fruity aspects. 

Key scent notes: Iso E Super, lime peel, green jasmine bud, orris, balsamic notes, and fresh musk.

The 

It's not possible to judge an average weartime for Escentric 01; roughly 20 minutes after application I stop being able to detect it on myself, but other people can pick it up on me for several hours after that. I do like the fragrance itself, but I don't like how I stop being able to properly detect it on myself pretty quickly - I wear perfume because I oenjoy it and not for other people, so I don't really 'get' the appeal of something like this. 

I've been reaching for Jennifer Lopez's Promise (I received another bottle as a gift for Christmas) quite a lot recently, and have found that it layers really well with Escentric 01. Going forward I'll probably only wear Escentric 01 as a layering fragrance. 

You can purchase Escentric Molecules from Escentric Molecules, Harvey Nicholàs (big shock), Harrods, Liberty, Space NK and Cult Beauty. 

30ml refill bottle £50

30ml portable bottle - £55

100ml - £100