Key takeaways:
- Orris (from iris root) is soft, powdery, and smooth, often reading as clean skin, makeup/powder, or a subtle buttery, suede-like warmth.
- Orris works well with musk (creamy and cozy) and woods/leather (dry, refined, slightly earthy).
- Snif Me and Dead Dinosaur are two scents to try with orris.
On the hunt for your signature scent, you’re more than likely to come across some niche fragrance ingredients you’ve never heard of. One of these is orris, popular among perfumers and pretty much unknown to everyone else. So, what does orris smell like?
This guide will break down what orris is, what it smells like, the scents it pairs well with, and some Snif fragrances that feature it.
What Is Orris?
Orris is made from the dried and aged underground stems of specific iris plants. Also known as orris root, it comes in the form of powder, essential oil, or butter, and takes years to make. Orris is most commonly used as a base note in fragrances.
What Does Orris Smell Like?
This section will take a close look at the smell of orris, breaking it down into its three main components: soft, powdery, and warm.
Soft
Orris has a soft, creamy smell that is distinguishable without being overpowering.
Powdery
Orris is often compared to vintage makeup or suede because it smells light and powdery.
Warm
The warmth in the orris smell comes from its sweet undertones and subtle earthiness.
What Scents Pair Well With Orris?
Now that you know what orris smells like, it’s time to talk scent pairings.
Musk
Given that orris already has a smooth, powdery scent, orris pairs well with musk, another clean, natural smell.
Woods
The earthiness of orris can be drawn out with other woody scents. When combined, they give fragrances a grounded, serene feel.
What Are Some Orris Scents To Try?
Now that you’re more familiar with all things orris, you might be ready to give this smooth scent a try. If so, check out Me or Dead Dinosaur.
Snif Me
Snif Me is a skin scent that combines orris, plum, peach skin, white moss, musks, and sandalwood. Think of this fragrance as your natural smell, but even better.
Dead Dinosaur
If you’re a lover of everything auto-related, then Dead Dinosaur is the scent for you. This nostalgic gasoline fragrance brings together gasoline accord, pink pepper, ginger, magnolia flower, orris, davana, cedarwood, peru balsam, and amber woods.
Floral Depth
When you see orris in the scent profile of a fragrance, think of creamy softness and earthy warmth. Simply put, it’s the kind of fragrance ingredient that will keep you coming back for spray after spray.
FAQs
What is the scent of orris?
Orris has a decadent scent that is soft, powdery, and warm. It’s often compared to the smell of violets and suede.
Why is orris so expensive?
Orris is so expensive because it takes a long time to make, production requires lots of manual labor, and the yield is very low. Generally, the iris roots need to grow for three years and then be aged for another three to five years before they can be turned into a powder, essential oil, or butter.
Sources:
Orris root | The Perfume Society