Green

Geranium absolute smells like crushed green leaves after rain, with a whisper of rose and a sharp, almost peppery bite. Imagine rubbing fresh geranium foliage between your fingers—there's an herbaceous greenness, slightly dusty and slightly sweet, reminiscent of wet garden soil and dried hay. It's fresher than rose but greener, with an almost minty sharpness that makes your nose tingle slightly. Not the ornamental flower itself, but the vital, slightly astringent plant material beneath.

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.