Woody

Cedarwood smells like walking into a freshly constructed wooden cabin on a crisp autumn morning. It's warm, dry, and slightly spicy—reminiscent of pencil shavings, aged timber, and a whisper of incense. There's an almost powdery quality, with subtle earthiness underneath. Unlike the bright cheerfulness of citrus, cedarwood feels contemplative and grounded, like the smell of old furniture polish mixed with the resinous warmth of a cedar chest that's held winter clothes for generations.

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.