Floral

Orris smells like powdered iris root mixed with subtle violet—imagine walking into a high-end cosmetics counter where face powder sits beside fresh violets. It's creamy and slightly woody, with an almost buttery softness that feels both ethereal and grounding. There's a whisper of earthiness (like damp soil after rain) underpinning delicate floral notes. Pure orris root carries a faint aniseed sweetness and a dry, mineral quality reminiscent of old library paper or iris petals pressed between pages. It's sophisticated without being perfumey—genuinely calming.

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.