Citrus

Citrus is the smell of optimism captured in a bottle. Imagine biting into a fresh orange—that initial burst of bright, juicy sweetness mixed with subtle bitterness from the peel. It's sharp and refreshing, almost prickling on your nose, yet simultaneously creamy and warm depending on the specific fruit. Lemon adds zesty tang and clean sharpness; bergamot brings floral honeyed complexity; grapefruit offers tart, slightly bitter sophistication. These notes collectively evoke sunshine, fresh air, and that uplifting moment when you squeeze citrus oil under your fingernail and smell the spray.

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.