I can't confirm it, but I'm almost certain that this smoky scent enhances the appearance of your outfits.

      Frankincense, oud, cypriol, and patchouli share a commonality (aside from being fragrances we can't resist): they are all part of the incense family. Perfumes featuring incense evoke an air of mystery that is often imitated but never replicated, celebrated for their smoky, resinous, and earthy characteristics. Available in various locations like apothecaries, markets, shopping malls, and even small apartments, there is always room for more incense-infused perfumes to reignite interest. These scents are often regarded as highly sensual and can add a romantic element to any outfit. So why limit yourself to just a few? Below, delve into the history of these fragrances, discover which scents classify as incense, and learn how to enhance their notes by layering with your favorite floral and spicy fragrances. Then, find the top 18 incense-based perfumes from both trendy and classic brands like Jo Malone London, Fugazzi, D.S. & Durga, Parfums de Marly, and Santa Maria Novella.

      ### What Are Incense Fragrances?

      You might have an idea of what incense smells like when it’s burned in its pure form (like incense sticks), but identifying it in fragrances can be difficult when the note is overshadowed by bright ambers, gentle florals, and dry woods. Incense has been a staple in fragrance formulations for centuries, with origins that span various cultures, religions, and continents. In the realm of perfumery, it refers to a composition that mimics the smell of burning incense. Typically mixed with spices, herbs, and floral notes to create depth and complexity, incense can be crafted from both natural and synthetic materials. Common components in incense blends include frankincense, oud, myrrh, patchouli, as well as wood-derived oils (like cedar and sandalwood) and synthetic aroma chemicals. When sourced from natural materials, it often comes as oil distilled from resin, woods, and spices. Frequently used as a base note, incense contributes a warm, rich, and enigmatic element to any fragrance blend. The specific scent profile of incense in perfumes will vary according to the type of incense oil used. For example, patchouli delivers a rich, woody scent, while frankincense leans toward sweet and slightly spicy. Oud appears in many of our preferred incense perfumes due to its undeniably luxurious character. Known as "liquid gold," it is a rare and costly ingredient. Perfumers Alexandra Monet and Frank Voelkl from DSM-Firmenich note that oud is sourced from the Aquilaria (agar) tree, mainly found in Southeast Asia, harvested through the stripping and distillation of the tree’s bark. “It’s renowned for its intense, sensual, woody fragrance. Think rich, bold, and unforgettable,” they explain. “If you enjoy perfumes that are distinctive and complex, you may fall for oud.”

      ### Are Incense Fragrances Suitable for Layering?

      Incense scents are not just perfect for layering; they can significantly elevate any perfume you use as a base if you seek to add a resinous, warm, or slightly smoky finish to a fragrance blend. There's no single "correct" approach to layering your chosen scents, but certain combinations will enhance or soften the notes within these unique formulations. When choosing an incense perfume for layering, it's beneficial to consider their longevity and sillage. Typically, the best notes to pair with incense-based fragrances are perennial, spicy, citrus, and woody scents.

      ### The Best Incense Fragrances

      **Best Aromatic Woods:** Arquiste Indigo Smoke Eau de Parfum

      **Best Amber Musk:** Serge Lutens L'Orpheline Eau de Parfum

      **Best Citrus Woods:** Fugazzi Passionfroudh Extrait de Parfum

      **Best Amber Floral:** Jo Malone London Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense

      **Best Warm Spices:** Matiere Premiere Crystal Saffron Eau de Parfum

      #### Arquiste Indigo Smoke Eau de Parfum

      **Scent Type:** Aromatic woods

      **Notes:** Bergamot, bigarade orange oil, lapsang souchong accord, vetiver, apricot accord, cassia oil, carrot seed oil, guaiac wood, vanilla absolute, maté tea absolute, cedar leaf oil, pine tar, incense

      The imagery of smoke wafting from burning wood comes to mind with Arquiste's Indigo Smoke Eau de Parfum, which captures the nostalgic aroma of incense lingering in the air, enriched by captivating bergamot and underscored by lapsang souchong accord, guaiac wood, and maté tea absolute. It presents an earthy, inviting, and grounding experience.

      **Customer Review:** "This has become my go-to scent for colder weather. Full of complexity and depth, the intense lapsang souchong tea and some smoky incense create a fragrance that can feel both heavy and comforting depending on the amount applied."

      #### Serge Lutens L'Or