Green

Lemongrass smells like someone's just crushed a handful of fresh lemon zest between their fingers, but with an herbaceous twist—there's a grassy, almost hay-like undertone that keeps it from being purely citrus. It's brighter and sharper than a lemon itself, with a slightly peppery, almost minty freshness that makes your nose tingle pleasantly. Imagine walking through a tropical garden after rain, where citrus trees meet dried herbs. There's a clean, almost soapy quality that feels simultaneously tart and green.

Spicy

Star anise smells like liquorice meets warm spice—imagine biting into a fennel seed but sweeter, with peppery heat underneath. There's an almost medicinal clarity to it, reminiscent of pastis or ouzo, that sharp anise character paired with subtle warmth. It's simultaneously cooling and warming: fresh like a winter morning, yet with creeping heat that builds gently on your skin. Not cloying or artificial, but deeply aromatic and slightly narcotic—the sort of scent that makes you want to breathe deeper.