Incense has been around for centuries. Its name comes from Latin, meaning “to burn”.
It has been used in religious and spiritual practices and ceremonies, to repel demons and evil spirits and to counteract odors, as well as for what is more common today, aromatherapy.
It can purify your space, scent it beautifully, calm the mind and body, and create a meditative essence.
Incense is created using different types of fragrance materials, such as resins, herbs, spices, and flowers, and is mixed with a combustible binding material, like charcoal or wood powder.
The combustible material is mild enough that it burns slowly, releasing the aroma of the plant and flower essences over time.
In fragrances, an Incense aroma can be achieved with different accords, and/or using the varying ingredients that are used to create Incense.
Incense fragrances can be smoky, sharp, earthy, warm, and sometimes sweet.
Incense adds depth, richness, and a sort of mystical feeling, in the same way it creates a relaxing vibe to the mind and body.
Quite a few Amouage fragrances contain Incense, using both Frankincense, Myrrh, Oud, Opoponax, Agarwood Smoke, Olibanum, Tobacco and more!
Opus XII Rose Incense from Amouage is a perfect blend of Rose and Incense. A large dose of Damascena Rose Water Essential shines bright against a blend of Elemi, Olibanum Hyper Absolute, a Black Ink Accord, Frankincense Absolute and Myrrh. Vanilla makes things feel ever-so-slightly jammy in some instances, but it is all Rosy and Smoky!
Existence from Amouage, one of their newest creations, is a smoky floral scent. Lily of the Valley and Rose somehow shine incredibly bright against Frankincense, Labdanum, resinous Mystikal and Ambergris, creating a scent with a soapy floral essence AND a resinous and smoky essence. In my mind, it feels like you’re at a swanky party with flowers everywhere, and bubbles that release incense smoke when they pop!
West Broadway from Bond No.9 is fresh and smoky, blending Lime, Lily of the Valley and Sheer Musk. It creates an essence like drinking a Vodka Soda with Lime while surrounded by burning Incense.
Vespers Attar from Parfumerie Nasreen takes inspiration from evening prayers and the infusion of Incense in churches. It combines spices, Vetiver Bourbon and Patchouli with the woody depth of Sandalwood and Agarwood, and hints of flowers. It creates a calming and peaceful essence within its smoky elements.
As-Suli’s Diamond from Mind Games is smoky and carnal with some refreshing aspects to it. It blend the depth of an Incense Accord, Myrrh, Opoponax, Amberwood and Cypress with the bright essences of Fig Leaf, Bergamot, Mandarin and Ylang Ylang. It is rich and smoky and sensual.
LP04 Golden Gem from Le Persona is smoky and woody with a Rose infusion. It blends Cardamom Oil, Cedarwood, a Fire Accord, Guaiac Wood, Vetiver and Patchouli with Rose and Bergamot. It creates an aroma as if you were at a bonfire made with fragrant woods, and then someone threw a bunch of Rose Petals into the fire. It’s unique and intoxicating.
Depending on the blend, Incense fragrances can be intense or they can be smoky in a mellow way. Whatever your taste, there is an Incense scent for you!
