Essence No. 8 Santal
“Essence No”
The Quick Read
Respected, if divisive — a woody, powdery composition with a warm spicy undertone. Voted best for fall and winter wear — and genuinely unisex.
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Launched in 2016 and crafted by Francis Kurkdjian, Essence No. 8 Santal by Elie Saab is a woody fragrance that seamlessly blends powdery notes with warm spices and aromatic undertones. The composition opens with a bright fruity accord that adds an unexpected freshness to the mix before settling into a base of leather and woody accords. This duality creates a rich, complex scent that feels both modern and lasting.
Composition & Character
Notes Pyramid
How It Wears
Application Tips
Given its moderate longevity and sillage, Essence No. 8 Santal works best with two sprays — enough to let the powdery and woody layers unfold gradually throughout the day. It pairs well with a jacket or cardigan, where it can stay close to skin without overpowering.
Francis Kurkdjian
Founding perfumer · 234 fragrances · French
“My creations are an invitation to choose the scent that suits you daily, because I like the idea that each woman and man can express a part of themselves through perfume.”
Maison Francis Kurkdjian was born in 2009 from the encounter between Francis Kurkdjian, a renowned perfumer with scores of successful creations to his name, and Marc Chaya, Co-founder and President of the fragrance house. At only 24, Francis Kurkdjian composed his first perfume, "Le Male" by Jean Paul Gaultier, an international best-seller and game-changer of its time. Instead of relying on a very promising start to his career, he decided, as a precursor, to explore new possibilities and give olfactory creation a new artistic dimension. In keeping with his visionary outlook, in 2001 he set up his tailor-made perfume workshop, against the general tendency of perfume democratization, while constantly putting his know-how and sensibility at the service of the greatest fashion designers (Rick Owens, Hedi Slimane, Riccardo Tisci, Alber Elbaz or John Galliano), as well as the most iconic houses (Dior, Guerlain or Saint-Laurent). From 2003, artists like Sophie Calle, Christian Rizzo or Sarkis called on him to compose his first olfactory compositions - the starting point of his quest to break down the boundaries between different fields and the senses. In 2008, he was named Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres.
Also created
Designer Elie Saab
More from Elie Saab
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
The crisp clarity of a well-polished desk in a warmly lit office, where the blend of powdery notes and warm spices creates an inviting atmosphere.
Fig. 01 — Essence No. 8 Santal, Elie Saab
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