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.

Leather is one of the all-time sexiest notes in perfume. It’s animal presence imparts a dangerous, unpredictable, and sensual vibe to any fragrance. From hot black biker leather, to aristocratic, soft suede notes - leather’s many personas are ideal for late-night adventures - especially those still going strong the next morning. The best thing about leather scents is their variety - you can find a leather fragrance to suit your every mood, and they blend fantastically with florals, citrus, and aromatic perfumes for either sex. A hint of romantic danger is essential in perfume, and no style creates sensual tension better than leather does.

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.

Papyrus