Natural musk smells sensual, rich, and earthy. This scent is used as a base note in perfume and is often described as one of the more animalistic and enticing base notes. What is Musk? It’s one of those scents which is hard to pin down—or describe! It’s used by the vast majority of perfumers because…
Describing ‘what does cardamom smell like’ can be difficult. At first, the aromatic spice smells earthy-sweet and nutty but becomes smoky and a bit spicy when you inhale deeply. The spice dates back to the Vedic times (3,000 BC) and has since been spicing up the fragrance industry—it was one of the key fragrance ingredients…
Ylang ylang is a tropical flower prized for its sweet, fruity, and aromatic scent. It’s used in some of the world’s best perfumes as a top note due to its floral, yet spicy aroma. When people ask what does ylang ylang smell like, the answer depends on the distillation grading system. It can emit scents…
Bergamot has a fresh, zesty, citrus scent most similar to orange or lemon. In fact, bergamot is deemed a member of the citrus family. It has the Latin name Citrus bergamia which translates to “bergamot orange.” What is Bergamot? Unlike other citrus fruits, you won’t have come across bergamot in your local supermarket as it’s…
Opoponax is a gum resin from the Commiphora tree family which features woody, oriental smells, with hints of honey and incense. This perfume ingredient has a smoky profile, lending a bold, exotic touch to an array of unisex perfumes. Its distilled oils have been prized for centuries for their medicinal properties, as well as the…
Labdanum mimics the scent of amber, though it can also be described as having a smoky, strange smell. It smells slightly leathery yet sweet, with a tiny hint of amber. The warm vanilla notes in this dry musk, combined with its leathery scent, create a rich profile, making it a great choice as a base…
Aldehydes are known for their sweet smells and, at times, pungent tones. Aldehydes are present in almost all scents. Many are found in natural materials including citrus rind, rose, citronella oil, and cinnamon bark. However, they can also be produced synthetically in a lab. The production of these synthetic materials means that almost any aroma…
Iso E Super is a synthetic chemical used in perfumery for its warm, woody perfume that’s uniquely soft and warm. Almost undetectable on its own, it emits mesmerizing notes of sandalwood or patchouli for a sensation as smooth as velvet when used in perfumes. Today, this rich substance is a key component in the high-end…
Oud has a rich, leathery, scent profile. Commonly thought to be reminiscent of leather and spices, oud is a scent that is both seductive and intoxicating. The depth of scent within the fragrance allows it to linger on your skin. Imagine a campfire that has burnt down to its embers mingled with a sweeter, almost…
Incense is a biotic material that emits an earthy, woody, and spicy oriental fragrance. Depending on the aromatic plants used, it can smell like resin with exotic, yet warm hints of smoke. Incense has been used in spiritual rites and folk medicine for centuries. Today, it’s prized for the oriental scent it evokes in many…