Incense fragrances come in many forms, from intense and smoky to delicate and almost ethereal. For those looking to leave an unusual, decidedly intriguing scent trail, few notes offer quite the same allure.
Now that we’ve left the sweltering heat behind, we can reach for the warmest, most enveloping, and spiciest fall fragrances in our beauty arsenal–you know, the scents that feel made for the first chill of autumn. Like a soft cardigan, they wrap around the skin, offering an immediate sense of comfort.
For those in search of a scent trail that strays from the familiar, incense is an intriguing choice. Its use dates back to ancient times, when it played a central role in sacred ceremonies and rituals, but its olfactory character can vary dramatically.
Vogue’s Favorite Incense Perfumes
There is the more pungent variety, reminiscent of church interiors and traditionally associated with olibanum, a fragrant resin obtained from plants of the Boswellia genus. Then there is Indian incense, generally sweeter and more floral, created from a blend of plants, resins, and spices. Japanese incense, meanwhile, is altogether more delicate and refined. Known as Kōdō, the art of appreciating incense is considered one of Japan’s three classical arts, alongside the tea ceremony and ikebana.
Depending on the composition, incense perfumes can be deep and powerful, particularly when combined with resins and woods, or light and almost velvety, like the delicate wisps of smoke rising from the aromatic sticks we burn at home.
Which facet to embrace is ultimately a matter of taste. What remains certain is that incense makes an irresistibly refined–and subtly sensual–note for welcoming the colder season. Below, shop Vogue’s edit of the best incense fragrances for the season ahead.
Best Solar Perfume: Byredo Alto Astral
Byredo
Alto Astral Eau de Parfum
- Why We Love It: It opens with aldehydes and coconut water, which lend a bright, gourmand freshness; at the heart, incense blends with jasmine petals and milky musks, creating a bridge between the initial liveliness and the depth of the base notes—composed of sandalwood and salty amber—which lend a sophisticated and vibrant energy.
- Notes: Coconut water, aldephydes, incense, jasmine petals, milky musk, sandalwood, cashmere wood, salted amber
