Sandalwood in perfumery
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The Majesty of Sandalwood
Sandalwood exudes a woody, velvety, warm, sensual, and slightly animalistic scent that is simply captivating. Although it possesses a mild olfactory power, it has a remarkably strong hold. Sandalwood enhances a perfume's olfactory potency, making it an endless source of inspiration for perfumers. Initially used predominantly in men's fragrances, sandalwood has recently found its way into women's perfumes. A notable example is Samsara by Jean-Paul Guerlain, a daring creation that incorporates a significant amount of sandalwood. The combination of ylang-ylang, jasmine, and iris imparts an air of distant lands, perhaps symbolizing the intersection between East and West. Samsara remains an epitome of absolute feminine harmony.
Sandalwood in Perfumes: Endless Combinations
With its woody yet exceptionally sweet scent, sandalwood pairs beautifully with numerous fragrances. Its sensual and indulgent character complements rose, ylang-ylang, jasmine, lily of the valley, cinnamon, vanilla, musk, vetiver, tonka bean, and citrus notes. A remarkable example is Paloma Picasso's My Perfume, where sandalwood in the base note expertly blends with ylang-ylang, jasmine, patchouli, and hyacinth in the middle notes. The floral notes are as majestic as sandalwood, resulting in a revolutionary beauty that accentuates one's femininity. Another excellent combination featuring sandalwood as a base note is 1000 by Jean Patou, which includes violet and jasmine heart notes and bergamot, coriander, osmanthus, and eucalyptus base notes. This perfume's intensity is derived from its rich and precious essences.
Regarded as a precious, rich, and beautiful wood, sandalwood is associated with antiquity and life, conveying various symbolic meanings. Initially a masculine fragrance, it has been skillfully incorporated into women's perfumes since the 1990s. Sandalwood harmonizes well with coppery, woody, powdery, or floral top notes, making it an inexhaustible source of inspiration for designers.
Fun Facts About Sandalwood
- Sandalwood has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, incense, and religious ceremonies across various cultures.
- Due to its soothing and calming properties, sandalwood oil is often used in aromatherapy and skincare products.
- High-quality sandalwood is rare and expensive, mainly due to the slow growth of sandalwood trees and the over-harvesting of the resource.
- Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) and Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) are the most commonly used species in the fragrance industry.
