WHAT IS VETIVER SCENT IN FRAGRANCES?

What is a vetiver perfume? While there are many scents that require little explanation, vetiver is one that leaves some people puzzled. It’s easy to imagine what a rose perfume smells like, for example, but what about vetiver? Like most scents, vetiver comes from a plant. Vetiveria zizanioides, andropgon muricatus or khus is a tall, perennial grass native to India and related to lemongrass, citronella and palmarosa. The grass has practical uses, with its dense lacework of deep roots helping to prevent soil erosion on steep slopes during tropical downpours. The roots are also woven into aromatic matting and screens, and it is the amber-brown liquid, the essence of the roots, that is used for vetiver perfume.

WHAT IS VETIVER?

Vetiver has been used for fragrance in Asia for centuries, as well as in medicines, for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. But as a therapeutic essential oil, what is vetiver used for? In aromatherapy, the main action of vetiver is on the nervous system. It is both calming and strengthening and can help relieve stress and anxiety. Vetiver is added to massage blends for relieving muscle pains and sprains and is also considered an aphrodisiac. 

WHAT DOES VETIVER SMELL LIKE? 

In great demand by perfumers as a base note in many fragrances, vetiver scent has a distinctive, complex aroma – sweet and deep, with a leathery, earthy, smoky undertone and a lemony, green top note. This complexity makes it a highly versatile scent, which is ideal for fragrances that work as well for the daytime as they do for the evening. It also has great staying power, thanks to its fixative properties.

WHAT BLENDS WELL WITH VETIVER? 

The best vetiver-based scents balance its freshness with its deeper aromas. It’s most often used as a base note, for its warming, grounding and sensuous nature, and its versatility means it blends well with all kinds of other scents, whether floral, citrus, woody or spicy. These include bergamot, lemon, neroli, lavender, jasmine, cedarwood, cardamom and patchouli.

FRAGRANCE DU BOIS: BEST VETIVER FRAGRANCES 

Two captivating vetiver perfumes are among several new fragrance releases from Fragrance Du Bois. The latest addition to the For Lovers collection is Secret Tryst, which uses vetiver as a sensual middle note, along with rose, jasmine and cedarwood. These complement top notes of bergamot, saffron and Indian cardamom and are underpinned by a rich base of patchouli, frankincense, cistus and vanilla. The result is an intoxicating and invigorating fragrance for passion and adventure-seekers.

In Solstis, which joins the Nature’s Treasures collection, vetiver is a base note, blended with sandalwood and vanilla. This perfectly rounds off the warming heart of nutmeg, neroli, pepper and cardamom, while a sprinkling of apple, mandarin, bergamot and pink pepper form the fresh opening scent. A powerful, aromatic fragrance for all seasons and occasions.