Woody

Woody fragrances build on the smell of cut and worked wood, plus roots and resins that behave the same way. Typical notes are creamy sandalwood, dry cedar, earthy patchouli and resinous oud from infected agarwood trees. Smoky vetiver joins them too, and it is actually a grass root rather than a wood. These materials are large, heavy molecules that evaporate slowly. They sit in the base of a composition and are the last thing left on skin.

Longevity follows directly. A woody eau de toilette often outlasts a citrus eau de parfum, and eight hours or more of wear is ordinary rather than exceptional. Sourcing shapes what you actually smell. Indian Mysore sandalwood is heavily restricted, so most sandalwood today comes from Australian trees or from synthetics built to match. True oud ranks among the most expensive materials in perfumery, and that is why most oud on a shelf is a reconstruction.

Heaviness is what you pay. Warm air amplifies woods and resins, so a bottle that feels composed in October can turn dense on a humid afternoon. Staying power also means mistakes stay. A woody scent applied heavily will not wash off in a single shower. Spray once, wait, and add more later if you want it. Wear a sample for a full day before buying, since these develop over hours and the first ten minutes tell you almost nothing.