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

Vetiver smells like freshly turned earth after rainfall, mixed with dry hay and a whisper of smoke. Imagine walking through a sun-baked field where roots and soil still hold morning dew—that's the grounding, slightly dusty quality you'll encounter. There's an almost savoury, mineral-like character, with hints of cedarwood and green tea. It's simultaneously earthy and arid, never sweet, with a faint green-wood quality that feels both calming and deeply natural. Think of it as the scent of resilience and stability in olfactory form.