Oakmoss

Oakmoss is just that -- a type of lichen that grows on, get this, certain oak trees.  It's used in perfumery and, ohh, does it smell amazing.  Very sweet and fresh and woodsy and lingering.  Smells like the outdoors on a good day -- what could propel you to fish out your hiking boots and hit the trail; remind you what it's like to be surrounded just by trees.  Oakmoss is a "base note" in a lot of  perfumes; used by everyone from the ancient Egyptians to Coty.  There was an uproar over Oakmoss cause it could be sensitizing to some people.  Considering that the concept of essential oils/absolutes is that they're extremely concentrated, it's not much of a surprise that some skin can be sensitive at that level of concentration.  Unfortunate for those sensitized but still a wonderful smell for the rest of us.

Labdanum vs Lab, damn him

Labdanum -- sounds like a derogatory name for a bad Labrador.  And that may well be, but it's also a resin used, among other things, as a base note and fixative in perfumery.  An odd fragrance.  Sort of an earthy, wet licorice that's somewhat reminiscent of patchouli.  The fragrance is often described as "leathery". Like so many base notes, it's not necessarily fabulous by itself but can add a depth and dimension that will make a particular fragrance mix fabulous.  Labdanum:  more than a leathery wet dog.

The Narc Squad and Ylang Ylang

I heard somebody describe the scent of Ylang Ylang as "narcotic" and thought that was an odd scent description.  But I guess I have to agree.  It is so deliriously intoxicating and sensual that "narcotic" does add some dimension to it's description.  Calling it, "a beautiful floral" doesn't do it justice.  It's not a light, girly floral but a really warm, rich, well...narcotic floral.