Incense in perfumery

Incense in perfumery

In This Article


Frankincense: The Enchanting Aroma of Oriental Perfumes

Frankincense possesses a captivating scent that is camphoric, waxy, spicy, and slightly peppery. Its aroma can evoke images of polished, dusty wood or the atmosphere within a church. With its spiritual and mystical appeal, frankincense has become an integral component of many iconic perfumes, particularly in oriental fragrances. Notable examples include Guerlain's Shalimar, Yves Saint-Laurent's Opium, and Lancôme's Nuit Trésor. In oriental or gourmand perfumes, frankincense is often paired with vanilla or cinnamon, adding a sweet and feminine touch. This enigmatic and spicy scent lends these perfumes a strong character and powerful allure.

Fun Fact: Frankincense is an aromatic resin obtained from the Boswellia tree, native to the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa. It has been used for thousands of years for various purposes, including religious rituals, traditional medicine, and perfumery.

Some remarkable perfumes featuring frankincense include:

  • Tom Ford Sahara Noir: A luxurious fragrance with a rich and spicy frankincense note, harmoniously blended with warm and exotic notes of cinnamon, coriander, and amber. Perfect for special occasions.
  • Byredo Encens Chembur: A complex and intriguing perfume with a smoky, resinous frankincense note, complemented by bergamot, sandalwood, and elemi. Ideal for those who wish to stand out.
  • Diptyque L'Eau Trois: A refreshing and invigorating scent featuring a fresh, herbaceous frankincense note, blended with green and earthy notes of cypress, thyme, and juniper. A superb choice for summer.
  • Serge Lutens La Myrrhe: A decadent and indulgent perfume with a rich, resinous frankincense note, combined with other precious resins like myrrh and labdanum. Perfect for those with a taste for the finer things in life.
  • Amouage Jubilation XXV: A regal and majestic fragrance featuring a complex, multi-layered frankincense note, blended with rich and exotic notes of myrrh, oud, and amber. Ideal for formal occasions.

Frankincense: A Challenging Ingredient to Master

Despite its popularity and allure, few perfumers have dared to incorporate frankincense as a heart note. Fashion trends may change, but creating a composition with frankincense at its core remains a challenge. A notable exception is La Religieuse by Serge Lutens, who boldly placed frankincense as a heart note. This perfume contrasts the purity of jasmine flowers with the darkness of frankincense, evoking a clash between the sacred and the profane, good and evil. In base notes, frankincense is often paired with a floral heart note, as in Acqua di Gio for men by Giorgio Armani. Here, the geranium-frankincense combination creates a scent of character, blending freshness and virility into an incredibly invigorating fragrance.

Rich in symbolism and steeped in history, frankincense is a fragrance ingredient with profound cultural and religious significance. Its powerful, camphoric scent is reminiscent of sacred spaces, and its distinctive character has inspired many great designers. While it is predominantly featured in oriental feminine perfumes, the combination of frankincense with cinnamon or vanilla can create a sweet and feminine aura. However, the use of frankincense as a heart note remains rare, as its potency and symbolism can be overwhelming. Despite this, frankincense's uniqueness and unwavering presence continue to make it a treasured ingredient in the world of perfumery.

Fun Fact: Did you know that frankincense was one of the gifts brought by the Magi to the baby Jesus, according to the biblical story? This highlights the historical importance and value of this aromatic resin.

Back to blog
  • What Fragrance Has an Orange Blossom Scent?
    What Fragrance Has an Orange Blossom Scent?

    The bitter orange tree's exquisite white blossoms, which have a beautiful orange fragrance, are used in the production of perfume ingredients such as neroli and orange blossom. Orange blossom, with...

    What Fragrance Has an Orange Blossom Scent?

    The bitter orange tree's exquisite white blossoms, which have a beautiful orange fragrance, are used in the production of perfume ingredients such as neroli and orange blossom. Orange blossom, with...

  • Musk smell
    What Does Musk Smell Like?

    The original musk comes from a particular deer species, the Tibetan musk deer, whose sex gland secretion has become endangered. However, since 1979, this creature has been thankfully protected by CITES...

    What Does Musk Smell Like?

    The original musk comes from a particular deer species, the Tibetan musk deer, whose sex gland secretion has become endangered. However, since 1979, this creature has been thankfully protected by CITES...

  • What does patchouli smell like
    What Does Patchouli Smell Like?

    Curious about patchouli's captivating scent? Dive into a world of enchanting aromas with our guide. Explore the earthy, musky, and herbal notes that make patchouli truly unique. Embrace the allure...

    What Does Patchouli Smell Like?

    Curious about patchouli's captivating scent? Dive into a world of enchanting aromas with our guide. Explore the earthy, musky, and herbal notes that make patchouli truly unique. Embrace the allure...

  • Labdanum in perfumery
    Labdanum in perfumery

    Labdanum: Medicinal Properties and Alluring Scents Labdanum, a resin derived from the cistus plant, possesses numerous medicinal properties. It has astringent and antiseptic qualities, making it beneficial for relieving respiratory...

    Labdanum in perfumery

    Labdanum: Medicinal Properties and Alluring Scents Labdanum, a resin derived from the cistus plant, possesses numerous medicinal properties. It has astringent and antiseptic qualities, making it beneficial for relieving respiratory...

1 of 4
Chocolat Orchid
Chocolat Orchid

Are you a fan of jasmine? Our Tom Ford's Black Orchid dupe, an affordable luxury perfume, is perfect for you. This cost-effective fragrance, rivalling the high-end Black Orchid, showcases a blend ofJasmine, Gardenia, Black Currant, Lemon, Bergamot, Mandarin, unfolding into a heart ofOrchid, Spicy Notes, Fruity Notes, Lotus. The scent journey culminates in a base ofVetiver, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Incense, Amber, Chocolate, Vanilla. Experience the luxurious aroma without breaking the bank with our affordable luxury perfume alternatives.

mfk-baccarat-rouge-540-dupe

Caramelle Rosse

On the hunt for a perfect Baccarat Rouge 540 dupe? The popular alternative, Caramelle Rosse, is a name you'd often come across. Despite a stark contrast in bottle design and aesthetic, it's the remarkable similarity in their floral and woodsy scent profiles that stands out. As a more budget-friendly alternative to the acclaimed Baccarat Rouge 540, Caramelle Rosse has carved a niche for itself in the fragrance community, offering an unparalleled scent experience without compromising on the distinctive aroma.

Pepperia Woman

Embark on a transformative journey with our dupe for Amouage's Journey Woman. Pepperia Woman is a fragrance that captures the spirit of exploration and discovery. With its blend of exotic spices, florals, and woods, it takes you on a captivating olfactory adventure.

1 of 4