Scent guide

Perfumes that smell like incense and candles in an old church

Church incense is mostly frankincense and myrrh, softened by beeswax candles and cooled by stone. Niche perfumery has a whole school of these, and they are among the most calming things you can wear. These go from the full ceremony to a single lit candle.

1. Comme des GarçonsNicheUnisex€€€
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   Avignon

   Frankincense, myrrh and elemi with a touch of chamomile. The classic: you can almost hear the choir.

   Notes: incense, elemi, myrrh, chamomile, vanilla
2. Profumum RomaUltra-nicheUnisex€€€€
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   Olibanum

   Pure frankincense and amber, dense and resinous. The censer swinging right past you.

   Notes: frankincense, myrrh, amber, incense, elemi
3. HeeleyNicheUnisex€€€
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   Cardinal

   Incense with cedar and labdanum, clean and bright. Morning service, sunlight through high windows.

   Notes: incense, cedar, labdanum, clean linen, vetiver
4. L'Artisan ParfumeurNicheUnisex€€€
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   Passage d'Enfer

   Incense with lily and cedar. Paler and gentler, like the church after everyone has gone home.

   Notes: incense, lily, aloe, cedar, benzoin, musk
5. TrudonNicheUnisex€€€
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   Mortel

   Myrrh, incense and pepper. Darker and more dramatic, a candle burning in a side chapel.

   Notes: myrrh, incense, cedar, pepper, labdanum, cistus

Start with Avignon; if it feels too solemn, Passage d'Enfer is the softer door in.