There's a witchy woman in all of us who tends to come out this time of year. The witchy woman vibe is moody, mysterious and a little bit sexy. Everything from your gorgeously dark nails to your autumn-coded blush is on point. But when your look is complete and the mood set, it's time to ask: what would an Elvira or a Morticia Addams smell like? When Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock stole hearts and cast spells in Practical Magic, what fragrances were Sally and Gillian Owens wearing? What scents would the Charmedgirlies be obsessed with? We would bet our broomsticks that there's one thing all our favorite witchy women would have in common: a go-to incense fragrance.
What is incense?
Incense has been used globally for religious, spiritual, aromatherapy and aesthetic purposes for thousands of years. The term refers to any plant matter that releases fragrant smoke when burned. Incense comes in an endless variety of scents since it's usually made of a burnable material and essential oils. We tend to have a few common scents in mind when we think of incense, including sage, sandalwood, patchouli and frankincense.
Ultimately, incense is known for rich, woody notes that carry hints of spice and ever-present smoke.
How is it used in fragrance?
Incense in perfume is often used as a rich base note that grounds the fragrance and lingers the longest. This makes sense since it's known for creating a strong and lasting presence in a room. And because we tend to associate it with things like ceremonies and the mysterious, incense fragrances have some of the most compelling scent profiles.
If you've ever seen Reddit searches for 'how to smell like a sexy church' (Reddit is a wild place for trending beauty requests), you know what we mean. In truth, incense fragrances can range from sultry, moody and mysterious to ceremonial. For the autumnal season, these scents tend to lean toward smoky and tobacco-rich.
Our Favorite Incense Fragrances for Witchy Women
Incense Fragrances Are the Perfect Witchy Scents for Fall
2 / 10
The juxtaposition of woodsy and musky scents is key to so many iconic incense fragrances. Mixing the hallmarks of incense, sandalwood and musk, this warm scent is unexpectedly intimate with a touch of fresh citrus for a vibrant finish.
BUY ON AMAZON - $99
BUY ON SEPHORA - $99
3 / 10
Balancing the deep with the delicate, this highly concentrated perfume is a floral smoke. It has a soft spice of key incense notes that mingle with fragile jasmine and effortless rose for a scent that embraces strength and subtlety.
BUY ON NORDSTROM - $520
BUY ON NEIMAN MARCUS - $520
4 / 10
The combination of smoky papyrus, incense and birch accords are wrapped delicately around raw tobacco leaves, while a heart of flourishing violet and sumptuous rhubarb round out the scent.
BUY ON SEPHORA - $98
BUY ON NORDSTROM - $98
5 / 10
Masculine, spicy and smoky, this scent is the perfect moody accompaniment to the autumn season. Scents of cinnamon and pepper mingle with incense smoke and woody accord to create a sexy combination of warm and bold.
BUY ON AMAZON - $260
BUY ON NORDSTROM - $260
6 / 10
Honoring the scent profile of patchouli, a note that embodies freedom and spirituality, Tempo is a nuanced composition of three patchouli extracts from the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. It hovers between elegant and woody, enveloping and earthy.
BUY ON NEIMAN MARCUS - $230
BUY ON NORDSTROM - $230
7 / 10
Viral brand NOYZ takes on incense fragrance with a vanilla twist. This live-out-loud scent is perfect for any witchy woman looking to make a statement. Black plum, pistachio and cashmere woods blend together for a deliciously dangerous sweet scent.
BUY NOW - $85
8 / 10
The splendor of amber and incense is grounded by iris root and mirabelle. Earthen notes of cistus flourish in dry heat, creating an ode to All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos, where the living honor and pay respects to passed loved ones.
BUY ON NORDSTROM - $225
BUY ON SAKS FIFTH AVENUE - $225
9 / 10
A tea-centric fragrance steeped in incense and amber, this long-lasting scent mingles the clean and woodsy for a fresh smokey fragrance that incorporates maté, black tea and green tea.
BUY ON AMAZON - $65
BUY ON ULTA - $65
10 / 10
Incense made delicate and feminine, this heady bouquet of florals with warm, spicy edges lingers everywhere. Jasmine meets amber and sandalwood while lemon and juniper berries introduce soft violet for the perfect, well-rounded witchy scent.
BUY ON AMAZON - $76
BUY ON REVOLVE - $86
