Floral

Iris smells like powdered iris root—dusty, refined, slightly sweet. Imagine the scent of talcum powder mixed with subtle earth, a whisper of violet, and delicate woodiness. It's creamy and soft, reminiscent of expensive face powder from your grandmother's vanity, yet grounded with mineral-like dryness. Not floral in the obvious sense; rather, it's an elegant, almost grey-toned fragrance that feels sophisticated and rather androgynous, with a faint hint of buttered almonds underneath.

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.