The birth of the first fragrances is hidden in the mists of time. Some say that they appeared in ancient Mesopatamia, because according to legend, it was there that the earthly paradise was located, while others claim that the birthplace of perfumery art is Arabia, which to this day is called "the land of incense".

Both statements are true, now it is difficult to prove how it was in reality. But the fact that myrrh and incense were among the first fragrant incense can be proven, because in those distant times people brought the most precious things to the gods. The word "perfumery" means - per - through, by, fumum - smoke, which indicates that the first incense was brought as a gift by means of burning and transformation into smoke.

The history and properties of incense

When heated, incense emits a strong and balsamic aroma, and this was noticed in antiquity. The well-known Egyptian mummies, preserved in excellent condition thanks to incense, including myrrh and incense, can tell us about the value of incense in the most ancient times. Their scent was clearly felt in the opened tomb of Tutankhamun.

Frankincense has long been used for aromatization and fumigation of houses, as well as for the treatment of many diseases, for example, rheumatism, digestive disorders, nervous disorders and others. More than 2000 years later, the perfume from the Egyptian pyramid, which contained incense, emanates a divine scent.

Egyptian pharaohs sent expeditions to eastern Africa for incense for their temple incense burners and burial. Frankincense is compared to worship in the church, which means it is a celebration. Already in ancient times it was noticed that the aroma of incense smoke creates a special atmosphere of peace, eliminates negative emotions, and therefore expels evil from the human soul.



Inhaling the aroma of incense, many notice a special mood for thinking about life in a spiritual sense, therefore, incense is used in all world religions. Church and incense for any of us are inseparable concepts, and it is difficult to imagine incense in a different sense.

However, perfumers have been able to prove that frankincense in combination with other ingredients can create perfume masterpieces. It goes well with other woody and floral notes. Frankincense itself has a fresh, balsamic, slightly sweet-spicy resinous aroma. Compositions with notes of incense are deep, rich and, as it were, enveloping in their haze, in which you can feel the precious incense of the East.

Frankincense - what is it?

Frankincense is an aromatic resin of some plants from the genus Boswellia, for example, Boswellia carterii, Boswellia sacra, etc. These plants can be found in India, on the Arabian Peninsula, in the northeastern part of Africa.

The collection and preparation of incense takes place in early spring. An incision is made on the trunk of the tree, from where the resin flows. After some time, it begins to harden and turns into translucent drops of a brownish or light yellow hue. The wound is covered with drying resin, which is then collected.



Aromatic oil obtained from resin by steam distillation. Frankincense tastes bitter, with a characteristic odor that opens up perfectly when heated.

Frankincense differs in quality. There are selected and ordinary incense. The clearer the incense, the better it is considered to be. Selected incense is usually pinkish or light yellow in color, with a slightly dull, powdery surface. Ordinary incense is usually large, less transparent and darker pieces of resin.

Frankincense in perfumery

Frankincense plays an important role in modern perfumery. Thanks to its original resinous scent, incense is successfully used in compositions of modern fragrances. It dissolves well in alcohol, and also perfectly fixes the aroma, that is, it fixes the entire composition.

In contact with the skin, incense creates an even evaporation of all the fragrant components in this composition. Frankincense can be found in the heart of a fragrance or in the trail, but still more often in the trail.

As an example, let us name those fragrances in which notes of incense are clearly felt: Encens Flamboyant Annick Goutal, Messe de Minuit Etro.

Those who often visit Orthodox churches know this pure, mysterious aroma. But in perfumery, incense smells completely different, because it does not heat up, as in censers, and besides, it is in combination with other components. Perfume incense is ground into powder, then dissolved in alcohol, and the resulting liquid is filtered (incense does not dissolve completely).



In perfumes, incense creates a special aroma - balsamic, rich in woody shades, with hints of spices. Omani or silver incense is especially appreciated - it is the lightest, almost white, with a pure aroma.

There are a lot of aromas with notes of incense, and not only those that contain it in the trail. There are perfumes where incense is in the forefront. These fragrances are not for everyone, they are suitable for those who perceive a mystical aroma with a special philosophical attitude towards life. It is as if the secret of eternity lies in these fragrances. A magical scent that lifts your spirits, gives a feeling of solemnity and splendor.

Frankincense is especially popular in Amouage and Comme des Garcons perfumes.

Examples of compositions with a pronounced incense aroma:

Jubilation XXV for Women Amouage - a fragrance for women, belongs to the group of oriental floral fragrances, released in 2008. The composition of the fragrance: top notes - ylang-ylang, tarragon, rose and lemon; heart notes - labdanum, incense, artemisia, rose; base notes - amber, patchouli, vetiver, myrrh, musk. The fragrance is sensual, intriguing, fabulous.



Chergui serge lutens - a fragrance for men and women, belongs to the group of oriental spicy fragrances. The fragrance was released in 2005. A magical, chic and expressive fragrance that includes notes of tobacco, honey, iris, sandalwood, incense, rose, hay, amber and musk. The scent sounds differently on women and men. It is one of the best winter perfumes, but it can also be used in the summer evenings.

Comme des Garcons Series 3 Incense: Kyoto Comme des Garcons - unisex fragrance, belongs to the group of oriental woody fragrances, launched in 2002. Perfume: Bertrand Duchaufour. The composition contains notes of amber, patchouli, cypress, coffee, white cedar, vetiver, incense, teak and immortelle.

Louban montale - unisex fragrance, belongs to the oriental woody group. The composition of the fragrance contains notes of olibanum, oud, incense, violet, rose, patchouli, musk, sandalwood. Louban Montale is a luxurious fragrance, in which you can hear the melody of celebration and at the same time feel a mystical mystery, a mystery. The perfume was released in 2009.



Etro Messe de Minuit... Messe de Minuit is a scent of incense, magical, mystical and solemn. Midnight Mass opens with aromatic notes of bergamot and mandarin, as well as woody accords and galbanum. At the heart of the scent is myrrh and warm cinnamon, in the trail - patchouli, vanilla, honey, amber and musk. The fragrance was launched in 1994.

Ensens flamboyant annick goutal... The name Burning Incense fits perfectly with this fragrance. Resinous, spicy-woody, chic aroma, very long-lasting. Frankincense is here in all its glory. The aroma opens with accords of incense, which after some time merge with notes of pink and white pepper, cardamom and nutmeg. In the trail of Nulu, balm and incense again. A fragrance for men and women, belongs to oriental flavors... Encens Flamboyant was launched in 2007.

If these scents seem too unusual and perhaps alarmingly mystical to you, then try on scents with incense, in which it sounds behind a veil of flowers and other woody shades, but some of them are preferable for confident and courageous women. In any case, aromas with the presence of incense tints are chic, mystical, alluring, with some peppercorn.



2002 Dia pour Femme for women by Amouage.
2013 Fate for Women by Amouage.
1985 Obsession for women by Calvin Klein.
Women's fragrance 2012 Coco Noir by Chanel.
2006 Black Orchid feminine fragrance by Tom Ford.
Women's fragrance 2006 Kenzo Amour by Kenzo.
Women's fragrance 2012 Fame Black Fluid by Lady Gaga.

In these perfumes, incense is present in the trail, creating complex, rich, mysterious compositions, similar to fairy tales, unpredictable, mysterious, sensual, fatal.