Autumn and winter are the perfect seasons to wear woody perfumes. Characterized by intense, spicy and deep fragrances, but also very complex and versatile, woody aromas are appreciated for their ability to warmly embrace the wearer.

Their most intense notes are the base notes, but also the top and heart notes give intensity and depth to the fragrance and contribute to defining a distinctive and sophisticated presence to the perfumes of the woody fragrance.

Woody fragrances, also called boisé, are associated with warm, rich and earthy sensations. Their olfactory characteristics, in fact, recall the scent of the precious trees that grow on the coasts of Lebanon and the Middle East.

For a long time the qualities of woody aromas have typically been associated with men's fragrances, but today they are also chosen by women who love perfumes that express charm and determination. Their ability to create a strong connection with natural elements, in fact, is appreciated by anyone who loves to wear that typical feeling of warmth that autumn can give.

Woody perfumes: the charm of natural woods

Woody perfumes evoke images, colors, smells that only a relaxing walk in the woods can communicate. The base notes that make up this olfactory family, in fact, are created with fragrances inspired by the woods, and therefore by trees, woods, roots and resins.

But among the most well-known and used woody notes in olfactory compositions, we must distinguish those of warm woods, with a more comfortable scent such as that associated with sandalwood and patchouli, and the woody notes of dry woods, with a more decisive character, such as that given by cedar and vetiver.

Due to their ability to fix essences both among themselves and on the skin and to define the persistence of the perfume, woods are also present in other fragrances belonging to other olfactory families, even if they do not constitute their heart.

And now many women's perfumes include woody notes in the base of their composition, combined with floral or musky notes from which more sophisticated fragrances are born.

Usually, in fact, woody fragrances are combined with other citrus, spicy, floral and musky olfactory notes, to create new fragrances rich in odorous nuances. If citrus or aromatic notes are added, for example, the woody scent typical of woody scents gives a touch of freshness, while with oriental notes it is enveloped in a sweetness typical of spicy and leather scents, to make it more sparkling with marine or aquatic notes.

In addition to pure woody aromas, therefore, there are citrus woody ones, much fresher thanks to the association of citrus fruits, aromatic woody ones, also fresh due to the green note released by aromatic herbs, spicy woody ones, a mix of vivacity and contrasts, oriental woody ones, enveloping and sensual with amber notes, and marine woody ones, with saline and aquatic notes.

What are woody perfumes?

If woody notes are able to create an emotional connection with the natural environment and are perceived as authentic and organic, it is because of their ability to be earthy and robust, to give a warm and dry sensation.

From woody perfumes mature, elegant and refined fragrances are born, with a good persistence on the skin, ideal for those who want to express a strong and confident personality and leave a trail with their perfume that distinguishes them.

But what are the natural ingredients from which the most loved woody perfumes derive?

Cedar

The cedar tree is native to the Middle East and its best-known species are the Cyprus cedar, the Himalayan cedar, the Lebanese cedar, the Atlas cedar, the Virginia cedar and the white cedar. Its aroma is very clean, dry and fresh and it is often used in woody fragrances because it gives a very persistent earthy base note.

Vetiver

Vetiver is a root of a grass plant from Java or Haiti, a type of bushy grass with a light smoky aroma. It is usually used after drying it and then distilling it with water vapor. In fact, its characteristic smell is reminiscent of wet wood. It is one of the most common base notes, precisely because it is highly appreciated and particularly long-lasting on the skin.

Patchouli

Patchouli is a tropical herbaceous plant native to India and Malaysia. After being dried and distilled, the scent it gives off is reminiscent of humid, musky and earthy notes, with a warm and slightly sweet scent. In woody fragrances it gives depth and complexity.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood, of Indian origin, also grows in Australia and the most prized is that of Mysore. Its sweet, warm, almost balsamic and now typically oriental scent, with hints of milk, makes it very versatile in association with floral notes, from which a soft and enveloping accord is born.

Pine

The fresh and resinous aroma of pine has made this tree one of the most popular fragrances in men's perfumes. With its hint of conifers and mountain forests, the woody aroma of pine gives vivacity and vigor to fragrances.