What Does Patchouli Smell Like

Patchouli is one of the most common fragrance notes found in perfumes, right next to vanilla. It was very popular in the 60s especially among the hippies. This article is going to break down what patchouli smells like and it's other characteristics. Let's get started!

What Does Patchouli Smell Like?

Patchouli smells earthy, musky and spicy. It is a potent fixative in perfumes and extends the scent of other fragrance notes. It is mostly used as a base note in perfumes.

What is Patchouli?

Patchouli is fragrant plant belonging to the mint family, Pogostemon cablin. It has a spicy and earthy scent with a sweet undertone. It is not as fresh smelling as store bought mint leaves.It is native to the Philippines, China, India and Malaysia. Patchouli flowers are tiny blooms that are light purple or white in color.

What is the History of patchouli?

Patchouli is riddled with many misconceptions as it is often attached to hippies. However it is now on the major components of perfumes to used in creating some of the most long lasting fragrances.

How is oil patchouli extracted?

The dried leaves of the plant are steam distilled to extract the patchouli oil. The oil is used in perfume formulations and in aromatherapy.

Why Do Hippies Smell like Patchouli?

Hippies like the smell of patchouli, because it is naturally available and not synthetic grown. It's characteristic sedative, spicy, earthy and woody smell reminds them of other similar fragrant plants. Patchouli is also strong enough to cover unwanted body odors of booze and the likes.

Does Patchouli Smell Bad?

Patchouli does not smell bad. However it may not be everyone, this is because of it's earthy, woody herbaceous smell.

What Is Patchouli Good For?

Patchouli is a known ingredient used in perfumery. It also has been used to treat several other ailments such as:

• Reducing headaches and body aches
• Treatment of diarrhea
• Reducing depression and anxiety
• Healing of skin ailments and allergies
• To enhance the flavor of food items
• To reduce mouth odor
• As a disinfectant and antibacterial agent

Does Patchouli Smell like Vanilla?

Patchouli does not smell like vanilla. Patchouli has a minty, earthy and woody smell. it is more intense than vanilla. Vanilla is more on the sweet and warm side. Vanilla is also a crowd favorite while patchouli may be an acquired scent. That said they both are very common scents found in candles and other fragrant materials in our homes, shops and surroundings.

Do Guys like the Smell of Patchouli?

Guys like patchouli. Both sexes are drawn to the smell of patchouli. Guys like the smell of patchouli on a woman and vice versa. Ensure you use it in moderation to avoid coming on too strong. Young patchouli is airy and light while mature patchouli is more potent and deep.

What Scents Does Patchouli Pair Well With?

Patchouli can be used to create the manly fragrances reminiscent to a barbershop smell of men giving off their scents and pheromones. It is usually created by combing patchouli with vetiver, cedar, sandalwood, frakincense and bergamot and myrhh for the ultra masculine scent profile. Patchouli can also be combined with more sweeter and floral notes such as rose, vanilla and jasmine to create interesting feminine fragrances.

What Are the Best Patchouli Perfumes?

• Montale Patchouli Leaves

• L’Artisan Patchouli Patch

• Tom Ford White Patchouli

Is Patchouli a Masculine Scent?

Patchouli is considered a masculine  fragrance, because of it is woody and green smell. However with gender fluidity in fragrances, women can wear this scent profiles and pull it off nicely. It is often combined with more feminine notes of vanilla and florals in female perfumes and combined with more woody and musky notes in male perfumes. Patchouli is a unique scent, in that it smells differently on individuals. So try some today!

In Conclusion

Patchouli is a secret weapon in the perfumer's arsenal. It is used in a majority of fragrances to create woody and earthy scents. It is a scent loved by many, both women and men alike. Do you love patchouli, let us know in the comments.