Incense Perfume

What Does an Incense Scent Smell Like?

Incense as a perfume note sits at the intersection of smoky, woody, and resinous. It’s like the dry, aromatic haze left behind by burning frankincense or myrrh, layered over warm woods like sandalwood and cedar. The result is earthy and slightly balsamic, with a quality that clings close to the skin without being heavy.

In fragrance composition, incense notes are typically placed in the base or heart of a perfume, where they provide structure and depth. They pair especially well with other warm elements like amber, oud, vanilla, and patchouli. In cooler weather, an incense fragrance really comes into its own because lower temperatures slow evaporation and let those smoky, resinous layers develop gradually across the day.

The History of Incense in Perfumery

The use of incense in perfumes dates back to ancient times, where it held religious significance and was used as a sacred material in rituals across Egyptian, Indian, and East Asian cultures. The word "perfume" itself comes from the Latin per fumum, meaning "through smoke," a direct reference to the burning of aromatic resins.

Incense has been used in many forms over the centuries: as smouldering resin in temples, as a component of anointing oils, and later as a raw material in European perfumery. Its medicinal uses were well-documented in ancient pharmacopeias, particularly for frankincense and myrrh. Today, incense scents remain a defining note in oriental and woody fragrance families, adding a mysterious, almost sacred depth to modern compositions.

Incense Perfumes in Our Collection

Several of our fragrances feature incense as a defining note, including:

• Midnight Caravan, our impression of Byredo Gypsy Water, that weaves incense through a base of sandalwood and vanilla alongside bergamot and juniper at the top. It's aromatic and slightly bohemian.
• Winter Fireworks, our impression of Tom Ford Black Orchid, is darker and more enveloping due to layers of incense with black truffle, orchid, and dark chocolate for an opulent, smoky profile, and 
• New York Skyline, inspired by Chanel Bleu de Chanel, which uses incense alongside cedarwood, sandalwood, and vetiver for a cleaner, more contemporary take on the note.

All three are formulated at Eau de Parfum concentration and priced from $29, so you're paying for what's in the bottle rather than the branding around it.