Citrus

Mandarin orange smells like biting into a sun-warmed orange on a summer afternoon—bright, juicy, and intensely sweet, but with a slightly floral, almost creamy undertone that distinguishes it from sharper citrus fruits like lemon. It's warmer and softer than bergamot, less bitter than grapefruit, with a whisper of honeyed smoothness. Imagine the concentrated essence of that sticky-fingered moment when you peel the fruit and release its aromatic oils—that's mandarin's character: immediately uplifting, naturally sweet, and wrapped in an almost candied warmth.

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.