DIRTY PATCHOULI

Patchouli can go so wrong in the wrong hands, but this one is beautifully rounded by the vanilla and benzoin—the dry-down is warm, almost caramel-like. The mandarin in the top notes gives it a bright hit that keeps the earthiness from feeling heavy.

I was nervous about the "dirty" label, but the vanilla absolute and caramelized benzoin smooth it out into something warm and almost cozy. The patchouli CO2 adds that deep, earthy complexity without being overwhelming. It lasts for hours on my skin and I keep catching whiffs of it throughout the day

The patchouli here isn't sharp or dirty the way I expected—the caramelized benzoin and vanilla absolute round it out into something almost cozy. I've been wearing it on a scarf for two days and the labdanum keeps it warm and complex without going flat. Definitely grabbing a sample of this one again.