Frankincense and cistus are resinous materials that rarely anchor a contemporary fragrance; in Paragon, Initio pairs them with bergamot, lavender, and sage before oud and sandalwood close the composition, for anyone.
Paragon from Initio's Absolute collection builds around sacred and ancient resin materials. The bergamot, lavender, and sage opening is aromatic and clean, with sage adding a sharp herbal quality that gives the composition its seriousness from the first spray.
Black pepper and frankincense in the heart shift the register significantly: pepper adds dry sharpness; frankincense contributes a smoky, slightly medicinal quality with resinous depth. Sandalwood and oud in the base provide woody structure; cistus (rockrose) adds a labdanum-like warmth, balsamic and slightly animalic. The combination of frankincense and cistus gives Paragon an austere, almost sacred character. Longevity is eight to ten hours.
Paragon suits autumn and cooler months from afternoon through evening. The frankincense and cistus base performs well in lower temperatures. Suited to formal occasions, evenings out, and settings where a serious, resinous fragrance is appropriate.
