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.

Woody

Sandalwood smells like warm, creamy silk wrapped around your skin on a cool evening. Imagine the subtle sweetness of vanilla mixed with a gentle spice—almost peppery—alongside a soft, almost powdery dryness. There's a faint milky quality, like almond paste or coconut cream, but not fruity. It's deeply comforting, never sharp or aggressive; rather, it unfolds slowly, like the smell of an old wooden jewellery box lined with fabric, releasing its aroma only when you lean in close. Grounding and intimate.