Let's talk patchouli today! I have recently found out and could not believe that patchouli is known for being the hippie scent of choice in the 1960s. I thought they were flower-power people and would not have appreciated this dark, intense, smokey, wet-soil-smelling note.
Patchouli is a love or hate note. But it is worth praise. It has been used by Egyptian kings in tombs, Romans used it as an appetite stimulant, and it was also used as a currency (1 pound patchouli = 1 pound gold). Patchouli essential oil has a lot of healing benefits. One of the most exciting ones is that in some countries it is believed to have aphrodisiac properties (now I understand why hippies loved it so much, hahaha).
Today patchouli as a base note is used in many famous fragrances. Think of Thierry Mugler's 'Angel', Chanel 'Coco Mademoiselle', Tom Ford's 'White Patchoulie'. If I smell patchouli essential oil I am not a fan, but I learned to appreciate it in perfumes. One of my favorites is Atelier Cologne's 'Mistral Patchouli'. It was not a love from the first sniff, but it grew on me. When I need that 'I can do it' energy and boost of confidence, this scent generously gives it to me! It has a somewhat sweet licorice opening and slowly transforms into darker and earthier notes. For me, it is a unisex smell with moderate sillate and longevity.
Do you love or hate patchouli notes in fragrances?
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