The scent of eucalyptus is described to be sharp, camphoraceous, slightly medicinal, and reminiscent of rosemary. As it develops within a fragrance, the eucalyptus aroma changes from forest-like to subdued and honey-esque, or even fruity. It adds a lot of freshness and dewiness to the dry woody compositions and plays a massive role in heightening the projection of the fragrance.

Cedar or cedarwood is one of the oldest ingredients used in the perfumery, with its balsamic, woody aroma providing a key facet in many popular scents. Native to the Mediterranean and the Himalayas, cedarwood has been revered for its mystical and magical properties by many cultures throughout history. The Cherokee tribe believed that the human spirit was hidden in the core of cedarwood, while Tibetans used cedarwood oil in their spiritual ceremonies, and ancient Romans used the tree trunks for ship construction. In perfumery, cedarwood is primarily used as a base note, anchoring the top and middle notes of a composition. Cedarwood combines extremely well with floral and citrus notes, lending warmth, while the fragrances in which cedar is blended with musk and amber have a green and clean aroma with a retro/vintage vibe.

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.

Patchouli is a deeply spiced, thickly herbal and immediately recognizable note - it’s “dirty hippie” reputation doesn’t do it justice. Patchouli’s scent lies somewhere between cumin’s sharp and acrid tang and nutmeg’s smooth, sweet warmth, and it can carry a fragrance or blend easily with other, spicier notes. It is ideal in heated, spicy perfumes that feature leather, smoke, resins, and lighter aromatic notes like lavender and geranium. Patchouli’s exotic strength can be an acquired taste in perfume, but it’s many moods and blends make it an endlessly fascinating note to explore in the spicy end of the scent spectrum.