The Iconic Ingredients of Luxury Perfumery

Oud and precious woods

Oud (agarwood) is among the most precious and instantly recognisable materials in perfumery: warm, resinous and intense, it sits at the heart of many contemporary oriental fragrances. Alongside it, the great woods — sandalwood, creamy and milky, and cedar, dry and pencil-like — lend structure and elegance.

Iris, the noblest note

Iris (or orris) is considered one of the most expensive ingredients in all of perfumery: from its roots comes an essence that is powdery, refined and faintly earthy. It brings sophistication and an unmistakable 'cosmetic' powdery quality, the signature of discreet luxury.

Ambergris and amber notes

Ambergris is a marine note, warm and luminous, and historically one of the rarest of all. Today many fragrances achieve those amber, radiant effects through molecules such as ambroxan, capable of an enveloping, modern trail that seems to wrap itself around the skin.

Rose, jasmine and the florals

Rose is the queen of flowers in perfumery: it can be fresh and dewy or dense and honeyed. Jasmine is opulent and sensual, while tuberose is almost creamy and intoxicating. Florals form the beating heart of countless masterpieces, for him and for her alike.

Vanilla, musks and enveloping bases

Vanilla and tonka bean bring gourmand sweetness and warmth. Modern musks add cleanness and softness, binding the other ingredients together. Working with balsams and resins, they build the bases that make a fragrance long-lasting and comforting.

In the Time Gallery catalogue you will find maisons that work these raw materials at the very highest level, from niche perfumery to the great names of luxury.