SANDALWOOD PERFUME - THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Sandalwood perfumes and colognes are among our bestsellers. The ingredient provides depth and punch to virtually any fragrance, not to mention some serious exoticism. Many of ALT.'s Fragrances’ scents feature sandalwood as a base note – but what exactly is this ingredient and why is it so desirable?

THE SANDALWOOD FRAGRANCE – A BRIEF HISTORY OF SANDALWOOD

Sandalwood is a type of aromatic wood that, unlike many other similar plants, retains its scents for decades. As you can imagine, that’s highly sought-after by perfume-makers, as it means a lot of longevity in any fragrance oil created with it as an ingredient. 

For centuries, it’s been prized by numerous cultures, and used in ritual and religious ceremony. For example, Hindus use it to worship Shiva, and in the Sufi faith, sandalwood paste is marked on a Sufi’s grave as a mark of devotion.

It’s also been an important aspect of perfume-crafting throughout history. Sandalwood fragrance is part of the floral and oriental 'floriental' family, along with ylang ylang, jasmine, orange blossom, tuberose, plumeria and others who also encompass this family of aromas. 

Part of its charm is its versatility. It lends itself well to delicate, invigorating fragrances, but also too rich, deep ones as well. 

How is Sandalwood Fragrance Created?

Firstly, chips and billets are harvested from the sandalwood tree. Then, these tiny pieces are steamed, which causes them to release a sticky liquid. This is then gathered as pure, essential sandalwood oil.

Sandalwood trees are very rare, which means that only a  limited amount of oil are extracted each year. This pushes prices up, making it not only a desirable ingredient, but an expensive one too! That’s why sandalwood fragrances are usually regarded as exclusive.

Sandalwood Fragrances – The Best Options

Many of our men’s fragrances have sandalwood as a base note. Here are just a few of the best:

• Corsair. Our version of Viking features sandalwood as a base note, alongside crisp vetiver. This creates a complex, deep aroma, which is lifted by citrus, rose and a spicy tang of peppercorn. If you’re looking for sandalwood in its most masculine element, this is definitely the fragrance for you!
• Sovereign. Inspired by Millesime Imperial is a perfect example of how sandalwood can be used in ‘daytime’ fragrances too. Our version of this timeless classic (which was originally designed to be worn by the French monarchy) features fresh iris and marine accord, which completely transforms the effect of the woody base notes. If you’re seeking something with a bit of gravitas, this is perfect.

• Señorita. Our version of Aventus for Her is the perfect example of how a feminine sandalwood perfume should be. It’s powerful, punchy, but also alluring. The wood notes are complemented by bergamot, amber and other fruits, and is ideal as a perfume you can apply in the morning, and have it slowly turn into an evening perfume as the day progresses.

• Truffle. Our Inspired by Black Orchid fragrance is another example of a great sandalwood-based scent. It’s rich and exotic, with notes of jasmine, spice, ylang ylang and chocolate – talk about decadent! As such, it’s the perfect choice for an evening out.

To explore our range of perfumes and colognes featuring sandalwood, just visit the ALT. Fragrances website today. If you’re not sure which scent to select, remember that we also do sample sizes, which provide the perfect way to test out the fragrance without committing to buy a full-sized bottle. Our sample packs offer an even more reasonably priced way to try before you decide to purchase a larger sized bottle! 

Disclaimer: all products mentioned above, along with their labelling, are a guide and should not be confused with the actual fragrance brand. Any name trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective designers or makers. Please note, these perfumes and candles are not to be confused with the originals, and we have no affiliation with any companies mentioned. Our interpretations of the fragrances and candles were created through chemical analysis and personal development, and their description is solely to give the customer an idea of the nature of the scent. It is not designed to mislead or confuse the customer in any way, and does not infringe on the manufacturer's or designer's name or trademark.