By Hannah Powling
It was the groovy scent of the 60’s, but even now the grounded essence of Patchouli is still a popular ingredient even outside the hippie campfire. Patchouli is a rich, earthy and grounding fragrance.
If you’re like me and have a bit of a hippie mum, Patchouli will absolutely remind you of her. Smelling it evokes such clear memories of both present and past, growing up with her scent – her cuddles, feeling safe, her creativity; even the feeling of knowing she was there waiting outside the school gates for me as I could smell her Patchouli from afar.
So it’s safe to say my love for this fragrance is not just because it is such a captivating, alluring scent – but a sentimental one too. I think that’s why it remains popular, Patchouli has a meaning and era attached to it which brings fondness and memories from generation to generation.
I have been on a hunt for the best Patchouli fragrances around, and those that have dedicated an integral part of their formulations to this irresistible and fascinating herb:
DIPTYQUE
This fragrance takes wining place for those old-school Patchouli fans and the true hippies out there (I’m looking at you mum) as Diptyque Oud Palao combines Patchouli with the perfectly complementing and incensey Oud, making it a truly unforgettable and captivating scent.
Oud Palao combines the signature scents of East and West with a hint of rose, vanilla, incense and cypriol. It is sexy and exotic, spicy and woody, and a truly bohemian perfume.
ETRO
A slightly fresher take on Patchouli; Etro Patchouly is elegant yet still quite musky, with top notes of juicy orange and warm amber base notes. This fragrance evokes and awakens the senses, and takes influences from China and the island of Java.
This fragrance stays true to patchouli, without the other scents taking over, which gives it a refreshing feel whilst keeping a rebellious vibe.
DOLCE & GABBANA
If you’re a new Patchouli lover – this perfume is like dipping your toes into a softer, smooth-like-chocolate version of the much-loved fragrance. Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Patchouli is exactly what it sounds like, velvety and more rounded, to give the essence of incense diffused in the streets, rich and musky in presence and luxurious.
Velvet Patchouli was created to evoke memories to Stefano Gabbana; “Patchouli: the first fragrance I felt really belonged to me. It became my statement scent.”
TOM FORD
This can only be described as seriously sophisticated, warm and classy. Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu takes the iconic Eastern oil and transforms it into an after-dark, sensual experience. It is the after-party version of Patchouli, it is sharper and more cologne-like with a provocative manner.
If you want to be remembered – this will do the trick.
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