Aquatic

Aquatic notes don't smell like water itself—they smell like the *feeling* of water. Imagine standing by the sea on a breezy morning: that crisp, ozonic freshness mixed with mineral saltiness and a hint of seaweed. Or picture a cool shower mist on your face—clean, slightly metallic, with a whisper of ozone (that electric tang you smell before rain). They're ethereal and weightless, never heavy or sweet, evoking cleanliness without the sharpness of citrus. Modern aquatic fragrances smell like your skin after swimming, mixed with salty air and driftwood.

Woody

Imagine walking through damp earth after rain, then crushing dried autumn leaves in your hands. That's patchouli's essence: earthy, almost animalic, with a subtle sweetness lurking underneath. It smells vaguely like rich soil mixed with dried tobacco and a whisper of chocolate. There's a dark, slightly musty quality—think opening an antique wooden chest. It's grounding and intensely aromatic, never delicate. Fresh patchouli has peppery brightness; aged patchouli becomes deeper, warmer, almost leather-like.