I Exclusively Wear Woody Scents—These Are My Cult Picks

Has anyone else found it difficult to figure out their signature fragrance family? I spent a long time faffing about with punchy floral scents and sweeter notes until I finally realised the common thread that tied all my fragrance preferences together: wood. 

No matter the season, lean in for a hug with me, and you'll be met with a woody fragrance. I love how a woody aroma is both light and lingering. I love that it meshes with different body creams and pheromones to elicit a unique scent. And if you think that all woody fragrances are oud-y and rich, think again. Some of my favourites mix floral and fresh, earthy notes with woody base notes to create fragrances that have more layers than a millefeuille.

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(Image credit: @_jeanettemadsen_)

Three years ago, I started wearing my first woody scent: La Labo Thé Noir 29. Santal 33 was everywhere, but after taking a whiff of Thé Noir, I immediately bought the EDP and the body lotion. (I wanted to layer my scent for longevity and richness). It was love at first whiff, and after sussing out the notes (first came black tea and fig, then a delicious blend of woody vetiver and cedar), I noticed that a lot of the scents I liked had a recurring theme. Nowadays, I look for anything with creamy sandalwood, rich vetiver or dry, intriguing cedar. Occasionally, I'll opt for an oud, but most of the time I won't pick anything that heavy.

When I tell you I'm now exclusively surrounded by woody scents, I'm not exaggerating. My initial love for woody perfume has since stretched to candles and home fragrances, where my chosen picks are Boy Smells Ash for a smoky yet dry aroma and Kalmar's Peace candle for warm, wind-down woodiness. Take a look at my top picks, and get ready to revamp your fragrance collection.

Diptyque Philosykos Eau de Parfum

Byredo Bal D'afrique Eau de Parfum

Le Labo Thé Noir 29 Eau de Parfum

Commodity Paper Expressive

Diptyque Tam Dao Eau de Parfum

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne

Penhaligon's Halfeti Eau de Parfum

Maison Margiela Replica Coffee Break Eau de Toilette

Kayali Invite Only Amber 23 Eau de Parfum Intense

Maya Njie Nordic Cedar Eau de Parfum

Gucci Mémoire D'Une Odeur Eau de Parfum

Zara Vibrant Leather

Aesop Miraceti Eau de Parfum

Armani Aqua di Gio

Dior Fahrenheit Eau de Toilette

Crabtree Evelyn Raw Instinct Scent

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