Why you want vetiver in your fragrances

Why you want vetiver in your fragrances

If you are looking to up your fragrance game this season, look for a scent that contains vetiver. Perfumers are using it in their compositions for both men and women because the ingredient has a depth and complexity that makes any fragrance smell more expensive. It’s a remarkably versatile note that blends well with a wide range of other ingredients.

So what does vetiver smell like? Perfumers describe it as having a classic woody aroma with a rugged and sophisticated character. But the actual smell of vetiver depends on the type of vetiver harvested and the climate where it was grown. Vetiver has a woody, earthy, dry aroma with undertones of citrus, green freshness, balsamic, leather and smoky facets. In women’s fragrances, the ingredient is often paired with rose, citrus or fruity notes for balance. Some olfactory experts also say vetiver has a grounding, root-like quality. It is honestly one of the most-beloved ingredients in modern perfumery.

While the name is known, few understand how vetiver is grown and harvested. The best-quality vetiver is grown in India and Haiti. It’s a genus of tall perennial grasses that is related to lemongrass, citronella and palmarosa which explains the slight citrus facet to the scent. The aroma is extracted from the roots (known as vetiveria zizanioides to produce a fragrant essential oil. Eighteen to 24 months after being cultivated, the roots are harvested when they are washed, cleaned and dried for several more months. Farmers will then process the roots using sing hydro-distillation, steam distillation and solvent extraction to produce a beautifully fragrant oil. This is a very labour-intense process which accounts for the high price of the raw material.

Besides the wonderfully earthy smell, there is another reason you want to have vetiver in your fragrance. It makes an eau de parfum last much longer. It’s classified as a ‘fixative’ which means it adds longevity in the base notes of a fragrance composition. Vetiver can make a spritz of scent last six-to-seven hours.

Here is a handful of our favourite fragrances that feature vetiver essential oil.

Mine Perfume Lab Mr. Vetiver

Fragrance Description: Mine Perfume Lab Mr. Vetiver is a sophisticated citrus-woody scent for him that layers bright and refreshing lemon and Italian bergamot (the cross between a lime and bitter Seville orange) with vetiver and woods.  “Masculine par excellence,” explains brand founder Max. “Our interpretation is a fresh, citrus bouquet that combines with sober, woody notes of vetiver to beautiful effect. A fragrance with authentic elegance.”

Scent Style: a sophisticated citrus-woody fragrance for him

Key ingredients: bergamot, lemon, vetiver, woods

Montblanc Collection Vetiver Glacier

Fragrance Description: Montblanc Collection Vetiver Glacier is a woody-aromatic fragrance for him or her that layers notes of bitter vetiver, spicy ginger, nutmeg with warm cedarwood and sandalwood. A touch of white musk adds a modern touch. Perfumer Nathalie Lorson creates a thrilling ice-cold aromatic sensation reminiscent of the mountain’s glaciers.

Scent Style: a woody-aromatic scent for him or her

Key ingredients: vetiver, ginger, nutmeg, cedarwood, sandalwood, white musk

Scent fact: “I wanted to create an unexpected woody addiction through a raw and smoky texture,” explains perfumer Nathalie Lorson.

Bvlgari Le Gemme Tygar

Fragrance Description: Bvlgari Le Gemme Tygar is a fresh citrus-woody fragrance for him that opens with a burst of refreshing grapefruit. You soon smell the smooth, precious woods and a hint of ginger. Made in Italy.

Scent Style: a fresh citrus-woody scent for him

Key ingredients: grapefruit essence, ginger from India, ambrette seeds, ambrox, precious woods, vetiver, patchouli

Scent fact: This scent was inspired by a journey through Kerala, known as the ‘spice garden of India’ and home of the magnetic Tiger’s Eye. This semi-precious sparkling golden brown gemstone is said to connect man with the vibrations of the earth and sun.

Coach Open Road

Fragrance Description: Coach Open Road is woody-aromatic fragrance for him that captures the freedom of a road trip with friends. It features a trio of contrasting notes: energizing Sichuan Pepper, soothing lavender and masculine vetiver.

Scent Style: a woody-aromatic fragrance for him

Key ingredients: Sichuan pepper, lavender, vetiver

Lacoste L.12.12 Blanc Eau de Toilette

Fragrance Description: Lacoste L.12.12 Blanc Eau de Toilette is a fresh woody-aromatic fragrance for him that blends notes of grapefruit, rosemary, and cardamom with ylang-ylang, tuberose, suede, Virginia Cedar, leather and a hint of vetiver. It’s the rosemary that gives this modern classic an uplifting aromatic facet.

Scent Style: a woody-aromatic fragrance for him

Key ingredients: rosemary, cardamom, grapefruit, ylang-ylang, tuberose, suede, Virginia cedar, leather, vetiver

Bvlgari Le Gemme Tygar is available in Canada at Holt Renfrew

Lacoste L.12.12 Blanc Eau de Toilette & Coach Open Road are available at shoppersdrugmart.ca

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