For Christmas, I was given a Phlur fragrance discovery set – the sort of thoughtful gift that turns into an obsession. Of the trio, Father Figure stood out immediately. Fresh, green, creamy – like sun-warmed fig trees and skin. A few weeks ago, while idly browsing SpaceNK, I spotted the Phlur Father Figure Deodorant and added it to my basket with zero hesitation.
For the unacquainted, Father Figure is a clean, fig scented, unisex fragrance with a garden after rain kind of freshness. It opens with waterlily and cassis, mellows into iris and jasmine, and settles into sandalwood and vanilla. It’s light, with just enough musky warmth to linger.
The deodorant is a near perfect match to the perfume – soft and creamy to apply, but with none of the chalky aftermath. Black clothing can breathe a sigh of relief – it leaves no white marks. It’s formulated without aluminium or baking soda, instead relying on salicylic acid to tackle odour and smooth the skin. Tamanu oil and algae soothe, while arrowroot and zinc absorb moisture without making you feel dusted in flour.
Importantly, it works. I’ve worn it through workouts and stifling office days and it’s held up with no whiff of body odour. It leaves a gentle scent on the skin that doesn’t compete with your fragrance of choice – if anything, it complements it.
At £20, it’s more expensive than your average roll-on, but I’ve found it lasts longer than cheaper formulas, and feels far more considered in both formula and finish. The packaging is sturdy, with a screw-top lid and roll-up base – prime for a refill option, which I really hope is coming.
Scented, skin-loving, and quietly effective it’s bound to be one that a lot of people will enjoy using.
If you’re intrigued by this, Vanilla Skin is also available as a Deodorant if you prefer something more gourmand and sweeter.
