Byredo De Los Santos Review: The Facts on This Incense-Driven Scent
Byredo De Los Santos arrived in 2022, a notable addition to the brand''s minimalist yet evocative portfolio. Launched as an Eau de Parfum, it immediately distinguished itself by drawing inspiration from traditions of remembrance and celebration, specifically Día de los Muertos and All Saints'' Day. This concept positions De Los Santos not just as a fragrance, but as an olfactive tribute to the ephemeral nature of life and the shared rituals of memory.
In the competitive luxury fragrance market, De Los Santos occupies a unique niche. Unlike some of Byredo''s more mass-appealing floral or woody-fresh offerings, this scent leans into a drier, more spiritual, and intensely aromatic profile. It stands as a testament to Byredo''s commitment to creating fragrances that tell a story and evoke specific emotions, rather than merely following trends. It’s a deliberate choice for those seeking depth and introspection.
The inspiration behind De Los Santos is central to its character. Byredo aimed to capture the scent of remembrance, of shared rituals, and the feeling of being grounded. The name itself, ''Of The Saints,'' suggests a connection to the sacred and the contemplative. This underlying concept translates into a fragrance that feels both ancient and modern, a bridge between tradition and contemporary minimalist aesthetics.
Within the fragrance community, De Los Santos quickly garnered attention for its distinct incense and clary sage profile. It''s often praised for its originality and its calming, almost meditative quality. While not a universal crowd-pleaser, its reputation is built on its ability to offer a unique olfactory experience, appealing to those who appreciate a less conventional, more personal scent journey. It confirms Byredo''s position as a brand capable of delivering both popular hits and more introspective, artistic creations.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Jérôme Epinette, a master perfumer at Robertet. Epinette is a frequent collaborator with Byredo, known for his ability to craft complex yet approachable scents. His notable creations for Byredo include Gypsy Water, Mojave Ghost, and Bal d''Afrique, among many others.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The opening is immediate and distinct. You get a bright, slightly green burst of clary sage, quickly followed by a subtle, almost tart sweetness from mirabelle. This initial phase is fresh and aromatic, setting a contemplative tone within the first 15-30 minutes. The fruit note is fleeting, serving to soften the herbal edge.
As De Los Santos settles, the mirabelle recedes, and the heart notes emerge. Orris lends a refined, powdery earthiness, grounding the scent. The true character of the fragrance comes forward with cistus (labdanum) and olibanum (frankincense). This creates a prominent, dry, resinous incense core. The herbal quality of the sage persists, weaving through the developing warmth.
The drydown is where De Los Santos becomes a soft, skin-like embrace. Warm musks and ambroxan provide a clean, comforting base that extends the life of the fragrance. The incense notes linger, becoming smoother and more integrated with your natural skin scent. It maintains a subtle warmth and a quiet, introspective presence for hours, becoming a personal aromatic aura.
Performance Dashboard
Expect De Los Santos to last a solid 7-8 hours on skin. On clothing, it can cling for even longer. It’s not a fleeting scent, offering reliable wear throughout most of your day.
Projection is moderate. For the first 2-3 hours, it creates a noticeable bubble around you, within arm''s length. It''s present without being overwhelming, suitable for close encounters.
The sillage is subtle. It leaves a delicate, personal scent trail rather than a heavy cloud. People will notice it when they get close, but it won''t announce your arrival from across a room. This makes it ideal for more intimate settings.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
De Los Santos is more of a personal statement than a compliment magnet. Compliments are generally from those who appreciate unique or niche scents and get close enough to notice it. It''s not designed for broad appeal, but rather for individual enjoyment and appreciation.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unique and distinctive incense-aromatic scent profile.
- ✅ Calming, meditative, and grounding aroma.
- ✅ Excellent longevity for an Eau de Parfum.
- ✅ Versatile for various seasons and thoughtful occasions.
- ✅ High-quality ingredients and blend.
- ✅ Suitable for both men and women.
- ❌ Premium price point for moderate projection.
- ❌ Scent profile may be polarizing for some.
- ❌ Not a traditional ''compliment getter'' or mass-appealing fragrance.
- ❌ Limited projection might disappoint those seeking a bolder statement.
Price & Value
“De Los Santos sits firmly in the luxury price bracket. Its value is subjective; for those seeking a unique, high-quality, and introspective fragrance experience with good longevity, it is worth the investment. If projection or mass appeal are your primary concerns, the price might feel steep.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Individuals aged 25-55 who appreciate unique, non-mainstream fragrances.
- Those with a minimalist or artistic personal style.
- People who value introspection and subtle elegance over loud projection.
- Wearers who enjoy dry, aromatic, and incense-based scents.
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Teenagers or young adults seeking overtly sweet, fresh, or mass-appealing fragrances.
- Anyone looking for a ''beast mode'' performer with strong projection.
- Those sensitive to herbal or resinous notes.
- Individuals who prefer highly conventional or traditionally masculine/feminine scents.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a very dry, woody, and smoky incense character with a natural feel.
More overtly ''churchy'' incense, but appeals to a similar audience seeking a spiritual, contemplative aroma.
While heavier and smokier, it shares a resinous, woody, and slightly spiritual depth with an incense backbone.
Another dry, aromatic, and herbal incense fragrance, leaning into ancient Mediterranean influences.
Offers a sophisticated, dry, woody, and spicy profile that appeals to those who appreciate refined, less sweet scents.
💡 Clone Alternatives
While not a direct clone, it offers a budget-friendly dry, woody, and slightly peppery aromatic feel that shares a distant minimalist vibe with De Los Santos'' drydown, though much simpler and without the prominent incense.
For a budget option with a dark, musky, and subtly woody dry feel, Black Musk can offer a similar *mood* of understated depth, though it lacks the specific incense and sage notes of Byredo.
While much more potent and focused on a heavy, smoky incense, some users seeking a strong, dry incense experience at a fraction of the cost might consider this, though it''s not a stylistic match to Byredo''s subtlety.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For those who appreciate dry, woody, and unique profiles with a distinct character.
Appeals to fans of ambroxan-heavy, transparent, yet impactful woody scents.
Another Byredo offering with a unique, slightly smoky, and complex aromatic profile.
For lovers of sophisticated, warm, and slightly spicy woody scents with a modern edge.
If you enjoy dry, meditative woody fragrances, Tam Dao''s sandalwood focus offers a similar contemplative quality.
More from Byredo
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple, clean musk oil to amplify the base and add a layer of softness.
- A light, unsweetened vanilla fragrance to introduce a subtle warmth and creamy nuance.
- A dry cedarwood or vetiver scent to enhance the woody and earthy aspects, adding depth.
🏆 Final Verdict
Byredo De Los Santos is not a fragrance for everyone, and that''s precisely its strength. If you''re tired of mass-appealing scents and seek something truly distinctive, this warrants your attention. It’s an olfactive journey into introspection, remembrance, and quiet strength. The dry, aromatic blend of clary sage, frankincense, and subtle musks creates a scent that feels grounding and sophisticated.
While its projection is moderate, its longevity is solid, ensuring you carry its unique aura for hours. This is a fragrance that speaks to the wearer as much as to those around them. For the discerning individual who values artistic expression, quality ingredients, and a scent that evokes calm and contemplation, De Los Santos is a compelling purchase. It’s an investment in a unique aromatic experience that stands apart from the crowd, offering quiet luxury and a profound sense of presence. It delivers on its promise of a spiritual and elegant aroma, making it a worthy addition to a curated collection.