What does frankincense smell like? Oh, what a great question you ask!
Frankincense smells like tradition. It smells like sacred smoke and woodsy richness.
Anytime our ancestors smelled frankincense, they were witnessing something important.
There is a sense of tranquility that emanates from this scent. Frankincense is more than just a smell; this aromatic resin tells the story of humanity.
Let’s get our noses ready and learn more about this beautiful tree resin.
Stay with me, and I’ll tell you what the best frankincense perfumes are.
Contents
What Is Frankincense?
Frankincense is an aromatic spice. It was once more valuable than gold. Yemen became wealthy as a result of its woody scent.
Incense has always been part of our social life. Since Moses, Frankincense has been part of the burning rituals.
On special occasions, smoke, and its smell, signify something big is going on. When frankincense oil makes its appearance, time stops. It’s time to listen and revere.
Boswellia sacra comprise the main tree in the genus Boswellia where frankincense is extracted. The tree is native to Oman and Somalia.
Boswellia is a big family. Boswellia carterii, Boswellia papyrifera, and Boswellia serrata are other Boswellia species that are used to harvest frankincense.
Oman’s frankincense has been the best for 2300 years. Boswellia sacra. Sacred.
It’s a stretch to say so, but it’s true. Yemen is prosperous because of one smell. The woodsy scent of frankincense.
What are the benefits of frankincense?
Our sense of smell affects our mood. This was always known to our ancestors. Science didn’t have to tell them that the Boswellia tree smells like peace.
Modern aromatherapy uses frankincense essential oil to reduce anxiety. [1]
Perfumery has always tapped into its earthy scent for its beauty. What a treasure the Boswellia sacra tree is.
What is the difference between frankincense and myrrh?
Myrrh is a close relative of the frankincense tree. They both belong to the same tree family. Myrrh is obtained from the Commiphora Myrrha tree. It is a resin similar to frankincense.
Commiphora trees are among the trees that are burned for their sweet scent. Myrrh smell compliments perfectly with frankincense. They’ve always been burned together.
Their destinies were permanently sealed by their inclusion, along with gold, in the gifts to Baby Jesus.
So, What Does Frankincense Smell Like?
Frankincense smells like people. Smells like us. The burning of incense resin is a global phenomenon. It is a part of every culture.
Our religious ceremonies burn frankincense resin to show their respect.
In “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” Wilde wondered what there was in frankincense that made one mystical.
Since perfume means “through smoke,” burning frankincense was likely the origin of perfumery.
Nowadays, we can find many fragrances that contain this heavenly aroma. Let’s take full advantage of this pleasure.
Best Frankincense Perfumes
Tuscan Leather By Tom Ford Review
Not a typical frankincense scent. As the name suggests, leather is the protagonist.
Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Description
PERFECT FOR
CEOs & Sales Persons
Chic People’s Signature Scent
Classy Young Humans
SMELLS LIKE
Leather, Woody Notes, New Cars
Night Blooming Jasmine, Frankincense
Thyme, Ultra Sexy, Warm Woods
Don’t get confused, though. In the middle, when the citrus has gone to sleep, the smoke appears. A cloud of gum resin smell mingles with the scent of a new leather wallet.
Probably the ideal fragrance for a manager in a corporation with no soul. Beautiful.
Encens Flamboyant By Annick Goutal
I remember making bonfires as a child when I smell this fragrance. The smell of burnt wood lends itself to the telling of scary stories.
Annick Goutal Encens Flamboyant Description
PERFECT FOR
Fall
Going To The Woods
A Dinner Date in Paris
SMELLS LIKE
Myrrhe Ardente, Incense, Balsam Fir
Frankincense, Red Berries, Iris
Balmy Night Air, Precious Spices
Woody Balsam Fir
However, this scent does not inspire fear. This is a frankincense perfume for everyone.
Not much sweetness, not much smokiness. Perfect for any weather or mood.
Fille en Aiguilles By Serge Lutens
Pine, earthy vetiver, and tons of sacred smoke. When I smell it, I picture myself performing steam distillation to an enchanted forest.
Serge Lutens Fille en Aiguilles Description
PERFECT FOR
Getting Lost in a Pine Forest
Loud Chic People
Collectors
SMELLS LIKE
Pine Needle, Bay Leaf, Dried Fruits
Balsam Fir, Incense, Frankincense
Oriental Spicy Fragrance, Resinous Sap
Not for everyone, but still a woodsy treasure.
Portrait of a Lady By Frederic Malle
An excellent combination of incense and cinnamon.
Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady Description
PERFECT FOR
Women Who Attend Cocktail Parties
Daydrinking With Sex on The City’s Cast
Fall/ Winter
SMELLS LIKE
Black Currant, Rose, Patchouli
Frankincense, Lipstick Rose, Clove
Amber Floral Fragrance, Rose Essence
Frederic Malle never disappoints my nose.
Patchouli and sandalwood go well together and sing on your skin for a beautiful evening when you want to feel classy. Portrait of a Lady on Fire, in my opinion.
Sahara Noir Tom Ford
Its name does it justice. It smells like a desert. It has the scent of Cleopatra and maybe a wise man.
Tom Ford Sahara Noir Description
PERFECT FOR
Upscale Events
Classy Individuals
Fall
SMELLS LIKE
Middle East, Arabian Nights, Incense
Frankincense extract
Oriental Woody Scent
Egyptian Jasmin, Warm Amber Notes
A smell with religious overtones. As holy smoke. I find that mysticism makes it even more delicious.
Loud and proud.
Aqva Amara Bvlgari
A fresh fragrance with an unexpected twist. Beautiful citrus with smoke and darkness.
Juicy, almost edible mandarin with frankincense and patchouli. Genius and challenging.
Bvlgari Aqva Amara Description
PERFECT FOR
Long Summer Nights
The Office
Citrus Lovers
SMELLS LIKE
Sicilian Mandarin, Indonesian Patchouli
White Incense Olibanum, Neroli Flower
Frankincense, Citrus, Watery Notes
More potent than sweeter scents, I believe this to be one of the best colognes today.
I feel taller when I wear it.
Jubilation XXV Amouage Man
It is the fragrance that makes me act like a better person. When I use it, I feel important.
Amouage Jubilation XXV Man Description
PERFECT FOR
Successful Men
Young Chic People
Any Man With Taste
SMELLS LIKE
Incense, Guaiac Wood, Celery Seed
Frankincense, Myrrh, Orchid
Amber Fougere Fragrance, Bay Leaf Blackberry, Fruity Liqueur, Coriander
It reminds me of authentic Middle Eastern fragrance oil. Miraculous and luxurious.
To enjoy the fragrances of Amouage, you must use them sparingly.
Interlude Woman By Amouage: Best Frankincense and Myrrh Perfume
It definitely has a religious vibe to it. It’s the result of myrrh and frankincense.
Don’t worry, though; you don’t have to be a Catholic to enjoy this fragrance.
Amouage Interlude Woman Description
PERFECT FOR
Paris’ Opera During The Fall
Strong Women
Chic Women
SMELLS LIKE
Incense, Myrrh, Frankincense
Orange Blossom, Sumptuous Vanilla
Rose Absolute, Tonka Bean, Benzoin
Sandalwood and citrus oils tame this incense wild beast.
The result? An aroma like no other for powerful women in charge of everything. As usual.
Interlude Man Amouage
Amouage Interlude Man Description
PERFECT FOR
Loud Men
Dudes With Money
Chic Men During The Fall
SMELLS LIKE
Agarwood Smoke, Pimento Berry,
Incense, Frankincense, Bergamot
Spicy Woody Fragrance
Aromatic Notes
This scent has more notes than needed, so I will try to help everyone by simplifying it.
It smells good. Like patchouli jam with smoke. Or patchouli oil with cinnamon.
A perfume that changes with the weather, like most of us.
You could probably hate it and tell me that it smells like jojoba oil.
You would be correct. But it also smells like Yemen and pure incense. Lovely.
