Find Your Scent: What Does Heliotrope Smell Like?

Sometimes referred to as the chameleon of the perfumery world, heliotrope is the kind of fragrance whose smell can be hard to nail down. 

That’s why we’re going to take a deep dive into the specific smell of heliotrope, the scents it pairs well with, and our favorite Snif fragrance that features this irresistible smell. 

What Is Heliotrope?

Before we talk about its smell, let’s take a look at where heliotrope essential oils come from. Heliotrope is a beautiful purple plant that is harvested either through maceration or solvent extraction. That said, these days, it’s more common to see synthetic heliotropin in fragrances. 

You can find heliotrope in South America (where they’re indigenous to) and in the Mediterranean. There’s some debate as to whether or not the Europeans were the first to use this scent in fragrances or if it was beloved all the way back by the ancient Egyptians.

What Does Heliotrope Smell Like?

Now that you know more about what heliotrope is and where it comes from, let’s get to the smell. 

Sweet

Heliotrope has a sweet scent that is known for its slightly almond, balsamic twist. This sweetness is what gives heliotrope its iconic creamy vanilla smell. 

Floral

Given that heliotrope is a beautiful flowering plant, it should be no surprise that its oil has a strong floral smell as well. Light and powdery, the floral element of heliotrope’s fragrance gives it an undeniable freshness. 

Warm

What sets heliotrope apart from other floral fragrances is its cozy warmth. Thanks to its woody undertones, heliotrope makes a fragrance rich and deep. 

What Scents Pair Well With Heliotrope?

When it comes to blending different scents, heliotrope is one you want in the mix. This section will take a look at two scents that pair exceptionally well with heliotrope. 

Vanilla

Like all the best duos, vanilla and heliotrope bring out the best in one another. Thankfully, these two sweet fragrances just get sweeter when blended. 

Sandalwood

To make the most of heliotrope’s warm, woody undertones, it’s often combined with sandalwood. With a deep, leathery smell, sandalwood and heliotrope provide coziness and comfort in a bottle.

What Is a Heliotrope Scent To Try?

If all this talk about heliotrope has you craving a whiff, then you have to check out House of 8. This luxurious chocolate scent brings together chocolate, sage, heliotrope, vanilla, iris, lavender flower, and sandalwood. 

Sweet, sexy, and perfectly balanced, House of 8 is the kind of fragrance that will make you feel date night-ready in an instant. Although chocolate fragrances can sometimes get a little too sweet, the sage and iris give House of 8 a richness and depth that are the ideal complement to the chocolate, vanilla, and sandalwood. 

Add Heliotrope to Your Lineup

If you’re looking for a new signature scent to fall in love with, go for a fragrance that contains heliotrope. This dynamic smell is the kind of sweet floral that will somehow manage to make you feel fresh and warm at the same time. 

Sources:

Heliotropium indicum L.: From Farm to a Source of Bioactive Compounds with Therapeutic Activity | NIH

Heat-Loving Heliotrope Flourishes in Hot Summers | UT Institute News

Lavender and the Nervous System | NIH

East Indian Sandalwood and alpha-santalol odor increase physiological and self-rated arousal in humans | NIH