Woody

Elemi resin smells like a luminous, slightly citrusy woodiness with an almost lemony-piney freshness. Imagine standing in a sun-dappled forest where someone's just peeled a lemon, then inhale warm, slightly resinous wood smoke. There's a gentle spiciness underneath—not sharp, but rounded—with an almost incense-like quality. It's crisp yet creamy, never harsh, with an airy, almost ethereal quality that floats rather than settles.

Oriental

Frankincense absolute smells like sacred incense smoke given flesh—warm, slightly sweet, and deeply woody with whispered spice underneath. Imagine walking into an ancient temple where resin has been smouldering for centuries; there's honeyed amber, dry papery warmth, and a subtle peppery bite. It's not harsh like fresh incense smoke, but rather soft and creamy, like amber-tinged smoke that's settled into fabric. There's an almost medicinal cleanliness beneath the sweetness, reminiscent of aged leather, myrrh's cousin, with hints of citrus peel and warm honey.