As it settles, a rose absolute (likely Taif or Damask) emerges, but it’s a dry, dusty rose—think petals dried in the sun, not fresh from a garden. Paired with labdanum and a hint of cinnamon, the heart evokes both luxury and austerity. There’s a subtle smokiness, like incense drifting through a desert tent at dusk.

Look for scents that are described as:

Perfumers use a range of techniques to craft scents that evoke desire: