Floral

Bourbon geranium smells like a spiced rose garden after summer rain. It's floral and green, but with a peppery warmth underneath—imagine crushed geranium leaves releasing their slightly minty, slightly herbaceous oils, then layered with soft, powdery rose tones and a whisper of black pepper. There's an almost creamy, slightly fruity sweetness, like rose petals dried with a hint of apple skin. It's botanical without being medicinal; elegant rather than perfume-counter obvious.

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.