Labdanum (pron. Lab-DuH-numb) is a sticky, brown resin distilled from the rockrose plant found in the Mediterranean. It’s sweet, thick, smokiness lends a spicy backbone to Oriental style perfumes, and combines well with leather and other heavy spices. Labdanum is also one of the best “fixatives” in perfume, making other notes last longer and smell stronger in a composition. If your favorite scents are smoke, vanilla, caramel, black rubber, or peppery spice - labdanum’s unique scent will appeal to you. Labdanum scents are best for colder weather, and reveal their smoky-sweet mystery the most in evening fragrances.

Vanilla Absolute

Warm, soft and sweet, the note of incense is used as a fixative in perfumery to add a spicy, balsamic and even lemon-scented facet to amber and vanilla accords. It can evoke notes that recall myrrh or elemi, and is generally thought to evoke a deep, rich and woody aroma. Incense used as perfume is as old as time itself. Incense notes in a fragrance instantly catapult you into a realm of ancient mystery and devotion. It’s woody, spicy aridity captivates the senses while its variety of aromas could take a lifetime to smell. From High Mass blends of frankincense and myrrh, to lilting soft florals and serenely dry Asian woods, incense accords create an spiritual altar for your senses.

This spicy top note adds a layered vibrancy to complex accords. As a first impression, cardamom feels fresh and airy, but soon shifts to reveal a warmth that is both sweet and woody. Often likened to the aromatic effects of citrus notes, cardamom can be revitalizing with its zestful kick. Cardamom is particularly well suited to woody, chypre and ambery fragrance families.