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Sandalwood is a type of wood that comes from trees in the genus Santalum. The wood is heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and it has a distinctive fragrance that has been used for centuries in perfumes, incense, and aromatherapy. This guide will explain what sandalwood smells like and how it’s used in fragrances.
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What Does Sandalwood Smell Like?
Sandalwood has a warm, woody scent that is both sweet and spicy. It is often used as a base note in perfumery, which helps anchor the other scents in the blend. When used alone, Sandalwood can smell intense but mellows out when combined with additional notes.
Sandalwood is thought to have calming and relaxant properties, so it’s often used in aromatherapy. The scent is said to be grounding and can help to center the mind. In perfume, Sandalwood is commonly used as a base note in Oriental-style fragrances.
Uses In Fragrances
Sandalwood oil is extracted from the wood of the tree through a process of steam distillation. The oil is then used in perfumes, skincare, and candles. Synthetic versions of sandalwood oil are also available and are often used in cheaper fragrance products.
Sandalwood oil has excellent fixative properties, meaning it helps other notes to linger on the skin for longer. It’s often used as a base note in Oriental-style fragrances alongside other fixatives like Amber and Musk. Sandalwood can also act as a top note when used in small amounts.
The Making Process Of Sandalwood
Sandalwood is an evergreen tree that is native to India. The wood from the tree is used to make various products, including furniture, carvings, and incense. In addition, the oil from the tree’s bark is used to produce perfumes and cosmetics. The process of extracting sandalwood oil is called steam distillation. First, the bark is cut into small pieces and placed in a still. Then, boiling water is added to the still and allowed to evaporate. As the water evaporates, it carries the oil from the bark. The oil and water are then condensed and separated, and the resulting oil is collected and used in fragrances. Sandalwood oil has a sweet, woody scent that is highly prized in the world of perfumery. It is used in both men’s and women’s fragrances and is often combined with other scents, such as citrus or floral oils.
Top Fragrance With Sandalwood Note
1) Tam Dao by Diptyque:
When choosing a fragrance, Sandalwood can be a safe bet. The woody, sweet scent is versatile and suitable for both men and women. Tam Dao Eau de Parfum by Diptyque is a sandalwood-based fragrance perfect for those looking for a sophisticated and timeless scent. The fragrance features cedarwood, violet, and iris notes, which help to round out the scent and give it a touch of elegance. Tam Dao is perfect for special occasions or everyday wear and will indeed please even the most discerning perfume lover.
2) Santal Majuscule by Serge Lutens:
Let’s start with a fragrance that the perfumer himself describes as “a capital letter of Sandalwood”. With a profile and a name like this, it’s a must if you’re looking for a Sandalwood scent. Introduced with warm woody opening notes, softened by light floral notes, and a final touch of cocoa, ensures clarity and leaves a lasting impression.
3) Santal Noire by DIOR:
Santal Noir is a perfume whose name expresses the desire for an authentic olfactory composition, like raw wood. Sandalwood blends with the black color of the musk mallow seed, giving rise to the name Santal Noir. A fragrance of contrasting aromas. Santal Noir is the olfactory interpretation of effusion. An ambivalent perfume, both sweet and vigorous, subtle and expressive.
The milky softness of sandalwood interspersed with the fruity and musky notes of mallow.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sandalwood is wood from trees in the genus Santalum. The wood has a distinctive fragrance used for centuries in perfumes, incense, and aromatherapy. Sandalwood has a warm, woody scent that is both sweet and spicy. It is often used as a base note in perfume because it helps to anchor the other scents in the blend.
Why Sandalwood Is So Expensive |
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Dalia is an experienced makeup artist and a skincare expert that owned different high-end beauty centres in some of Europe's sought-after countries, such as Switzerland, Spain, and France. One of Dalia's goals is to share her knowledge with her audience to help them get all the information they need while getting inspired.