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.

Floral

Turkish rose absolute is pure, concentrated rose at its most voluptuous and intoxicating. Imagine walking into a grand perfumery on a hot day—that honeyed, almost wine-like sweetness that catches in your throat. It's far richer than fresh rose petals; closer to the scent of crushed damask rose leaves left in the sun, with deep fruity undertones (blackcurrant, plum) and a whisper of spice. There's an almost animalic warmth beneath, slightly powdery, utterly sensual.