As we dive deeper into the colder months, we often gravitate to some of those rich, warm, creamy and cocooning fragrances to feel a sense of comfort (and of course, warmth). Sandalwood is always a favourite and very popular note at Lore. Loved by the team and customers alike, no one loves sandalwood more than our fabulous Clea. Below are just 3 of her all-time favourite sandalwood fragrances, but there are so many to discover if you also love those warm, creamy woody notes.
So why is sandalwood so popular? Well, it’s been popular for hundreds of years and is possibly one of the most revered ingredients in perfumery. Coming from the Santalum Album species, sandalwood has had to become a protected species due to its overwhelming popularity. The name ‘sandalwood’ is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word candráh, which means shining white – referencing the wood of the sandalwood tree.
Just a little snippet out of sandalwood’s incredible history (and you can start to see why Confucius predicted in 500 BC that sandalwood would become endangered due to its elaborate use) –
- In Egyptian times, sandalwood was used for embalming
- Legend says that Buddha’s body was cremated over sandalwood
- Buddha statues were often carved in sandalwood due to the fact that when carved, the wood releases an incredible aroma that can last for decades.
- In the 1800’s the Chinese first began trading sandalwood from India, naming it “Old Mountain”. However, by 1844, sandalwood became recognised as a valuable commodity and thus its name was changed to “New Mountain”
- Sandalwood was used to construct temples throughout Tibet, Nepal and China
- Sandalwood is one of the oldest materials used as incense, often for religious ceremonies
- Women’s Bindi spots are made from the paste of sandalwood
- Sandalwood has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, particularly in Ayurvedic practises
- In the 15th century, sandalwood began being seen in pharmacies throughout Europe due to its medicinal benefits and more widespread knowledge
- When sandalwood made its way into the world of perfumery via the Silk Road, it was often used to store precious garments and fabrics, as the fragrance from sandalwood would linger on the items, scenting them with its opulent fragrance
- The 1800’s was when sandalwood first began being widely used in European perfume blends…and this is where this scent took on yet another life!
A prized ingredient
Sandalwood has been considered as precious as gold for centuries. In India, it has been named the “royal tree”, and Mysore sandalwood is considered sacred. To distill the oil of sandalwood, you must first wait for the sandalwood tree to have matured to at least 30 years (sometimes 50 years). The sandalwood that most people know and associate with sandalwood is Mysore sandalwood which is now endangered and under protection by the government to ensure it is protected, so sandalwood is now often grown in Australia, ensuring it is maintained using ethical and sustainable practices. These days natural sandalwood itself increases in cost by 25% per year.
Clea “The reason I love sandalwood so much (apart from the scent) is that it is a really beautiful blonde wood. It just goes well with everything – it’s not too dark, it’s not too light, it’s just a really perfectly balanced scent. Being the Libran that I am, that’s obviously something that I appreciate. And in no particular order, here are 3 sandalwood fragrances that I love.”
Juliette has a Gun - Ode to Dullness
Paying tribute to the understated beauty of… dullness. Ode to Dullness is calming, centring, soft and intimate. It’s a day spent at home doing absolutely nothing other than a little self-care – a bath, a cup of tea, wrapping yourself in a cashmere blanket while you binge watch some TV. Fragrance doesn’t always have to make a bold statement, and that’s the beauty of Ode to Dullness.
“I love the name of this fragrance and i also love the smell of it – it’s a really different kind of sandalwood in that it’s quite clean and syrupy and I think it’s very elegant as well as being quite sensual.The name is fabulous it reminds me of someone who is quite fabulous but doesn’t need to be in your face about it. The scent won’t enter the room before you do, but it will certainly be the last thing that people notice as you exit. Quite a delightful and delicate sandalwood.”
Stora Skuggan - Moon Milk
Inspired by the light of the moon as you explore caves; “limestone stalactites glitter and gleam, dripping tears of white liquid into puddles on the rock floor that never dries. Moonmilk.” This scent is an ethereal fragrance if ever there was one. This scent feels like a warm, tingly embrace from Mother Nature herself.
“This scent pretty much sells out as soon as we get any restocks from the brand. This gives you a really bright spicy juicy sandalwood because it opens with lime and pepper. Then once it settles on the skin the milky sandalwood element comes into it. This is just amazing, it goes all day and then some. It’s a big fave of mine!”
Matiere Premiere – Santal Austral
The initial premise was to create “A sensual white wood” amplifying the creamy velvety facet of this iconic blonde wood. It’s milky and soft,, with a hint of animalic muskiness on the base. It’s got an almost gourmand nutty quality that after a while becomes one with the skin and projects spectacularly.
“The grand dame of sandalwood. I love this brand and their ethics and aesthetic. This fragrance isn’t over-complicated with any notes. Aerelien doesn’t do that as he likes to highlight the scent for what it is, so just the main ingredient. And because of that, they’re really rich and long lasting. Santal Austral has only 4 ingredients and that’s iris, tonka, Australian sandalwood (hence the name) and this almond milk note which gives this beautiful creaminess – it can be a little drier on people or really sensual and clean. It’s just magnificent.”
