Floral

Osmanthus absolute is like walking through a Chinese garden at dusk—honeyed and delicate, yet with an almost fruity brightness. Imagine the sweetness of ripe apricots crossed with fresh honey, tinged with a subtle almond-like creaminess. It's floral without being heady or perfume-counter obvious; rather, it smells like actual flowers you'd want to bury your face in. There's a gentle, slightly powdery warmth underneath, reminiscent of dried fruit or warm amber, making it feel simultaneously sophisticated and comforting.

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.