Paragon

Initio Parfums Privés – a Paris-based niche house that pairs perfumery with neuroscience: so-called "neuroscents," concentrated compositions designed to work on mood and wellbeing.

Paragon is smoky, fruity-spicy and creamy-woody – bergamot, white sage and lavender open herbal and fresh, plum, palo santo and black pepper meet at the heart, before sandalwood and agarwood settle into a warm, resinous, creamy base.

Paragon works all year and comes into its own in the colder months – a gender-neutral fragrance for quiet, almost ritual moments, a signature scent for anyone after real depth rather than plain freshness.

What makes Paragon special to us is the unlikely pairing of palo santo and white sage – two woods you'd expect from a ritual rather than a perfume counter – with a juicy plum at the heart. That contrast between sacred, smoky wood and fruity sweetness is what convinced us Paragon does more than just another oud variation.

THE SNUD SCENT GUIDE

Everything you want to know about this fragrance.

How does Paragon smell?

Smoky-resinous and fruity-spicy at once: bergamot, white sage and lavender up top, plum, palo santo and black pepper at the heart, sandalwood and agarwood in the base.

How does Paragon feel?

Paragon wears heavy and creamy, with noticeable but not overwhelming projection – not a scent for a quick spritz on the way out, but one that deserves a moment of quiet, almost like a small ritual.

When do you wear Paragon?

All year, best in autumn and winter, for quieter occasions and evenings – a gender-neutral signature scent for anyone after depth over visibility.

What else might I like if I love Paragon?

If you love Paragon's warm sandalwood base, try Uden by Xerjoff – a different brand in our lineup with a similarly dense, ambery wood warmth.

Still unsure? Discover Paragon as a sample first – the sample price is credited toward the full-size purchase.