Woody · Natural material · Top notes, Base notes
Cypress
Cypress is a fragrant oil from the leaves and twigs of Cupressus sempervirens, the Mediterranean cypress. It smells green, dry and slightly resinous, like crushed conifer needles. In perfume, cypress usually appears in the top or heart notes and adds a fresh woody feel before the heavier notes come through.
· Written by the FRAG team
What does cypress smell like?
Cypress smells green and dry, like conifer needles crushed in your hand, with a light resinous and woody side. Right after spraying, cypress feels fresh and slightly sharp. After a while, it settles into a softer green wood scent.
Because it is clean and unsweet, cypress is often used to make a perfume feel neater. People who like outdoor smells, such as a forest or a garden after rain, usually get along well with cypress.
Where does cypress grow?
The Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) comes from the eastern Mediterranean and Iran and is now planted across the Mediterranean. The tree grows tall and narrow like a column. Cypress oil is distilled from the leaves and twigs. The leftover twigs can then be extracted with solvents into a denser cypress absolute.
In Indonesia, the word cemara usually refers to trees of the Casuarina family, such as the cemara udang that grows on beaches, and sometimes to other needle-leaved trees. The cypress used in perfume is a different tree, so its scent is not the same as a beach cemara.
Cypress in the opening of a perfume
Cypress is usually placed in the top or heart notes. It bridges a citrus opening and the woods below, so the transition feels smooth. Cypress is common in fougère and aromatic perfumes, clean blends that often use lavender and herbs. Because it evaporates faster than heavy woods, cypress is clearest at the start.
Juniper, bergamot and lavender often join cypress at the top, while cedar, vetiver and incense fill in below. With juniper and citrus, cypress feels as fresh as mountain air. With incense and vetiver, it turns darker and smokier.
Cypress in hot weather
Cypress suits hot, humid weather because it is dry and unsweet. A perfume with cypress in the opening works well for the office, campus or daytime plans. For the evening, choose a blend that pairs cypress with incense or warmer woods.
