Les Mystères
Alkemia Apothecary and Perfumery

Despite the mention of resins and black figs, a description that, I think you will agree, promises smoke and fig flesh, this is a clean fig leaf scent that doesn’t even have the decency to smell like Philosykos. The drydown reminds me of the hard little lily of the valley soaps in guest bathroom that never foam up. No tea, no ‘aged’ frankincense (whatever the hell that is), no smoke, and definitely no black fig pulp. Les Mystères is a case of all fur coat and no knickers.

The gorgeous Salma Hayek is reputed to wear this one, which given her immense wealth and good taste almost makes me second guess myself. But no. Sorry Salma. You can do better than this.

Alkemia Perfumery's ethos reminds me a little of Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab with their myriad of fun fragrances. As long as you know that with fragrance oil blends you aren't getting a lot of longevity or sillage, you'll enjoy them.

Les Mystères has deep notes, but it's enjoyable and varied. It has several levels of enjoyment.The tea and fig combination is fresh and light but still has an earthy, fruity edge. It's surprisingly a scent for a hot summer day: clean, refreshing, and outdoorsy!

But it has a note of mystery, which wraps a little sensually around the fig. All those resins, incense and black musks surrounding a lightly sweetened dark fruity fig, is described on the website with this:
"Fig, fruit of the female mystery, covert and inward,
Mediterranean fruit, with your covert nakedness,
Where everything happens invisible." -D.H. Lawrence

Longevity is around two or so hours, longer as a skin scent. It doesn't project like fragrances made with aldehydes/alcohols of course - Les Mystères exudes in your aura, and wafts in the air as you walk. That's the way I prefer my fragrances, so I like the way it acts. One of my favorites of this house.