Incense is one of the oldest materials in perfumery. Long before bottles existed, resin was burned to scent temples and homes, and that is where the word itself comes from: per fumum, “through smoke”. It is still a note you recognise instantly: resinous, slightly smoky, with a citrusy, balsamic edge that adds depth to any fragrance. In this post we share our top 8 incense perfumes for men and women, perfect for the colder months and for those occasions when you want to leave a lasting impression.
If you would rather see every option at a glance, our incense perfumes collection brings together all the divain fragrances featuring this note, from the spiciest oriental scents to florals and fresh blends where incense only shows up in the base.
What is incense in perfumery?
Incense, also called olibanum or frankincense, is a resin taken from trees of the Boswellia genus. When a small cut is made in the bark, the tree releases tears of resin that dry in the air and are later distilled into essential oil. Its scent has a fresh, almost lemony side and a darker, smoky, balsamic one. That is why it suits the oriental and woody families so well, although it also finds its way into florals to give them body and staying power.
How to choose your incense perfume
Not all incense perfumes smell the same. Before you decide, look at the notes it is paired with:
- With oud, myrrh or leather: the result is intense, dark and deeply enveloping. Perfect for evenings.
- With rose, jasmine or vanilla: incense softens and adds a warm, sensual base without feeling heavy.
- With citrus, pepper or fruit: the opening is brighter and the incense emerges gradually. Ideal if it is your first perfume with this note.
The 8 best incense perfumes
1. divain-649 — Turkish rose, oud and incense
A women’s oriental perfume that opens juicy, with lychee, pear and bergamot. Turkish rose appears at the heart alongside oud wood and incense, while a base of vanilla, amber and woods keeps it warm and comfortable on the skin. A great way into incense if you love roses. Discover divain-649
2. divain-314 — Olibanum, myrrh and oud
The most resinous scent on the list. This men’s oriental opens with pink pepper, olibanum, saffron, cardamom and nutmeg, moves on to myrrh and geranium, and settles into a base of oud, incense, leather, patchouli, sandalwood and styrax. Dense, spicy and with a trail that never goes unnoticed. Discover divain-314
3. divain-387 — Raspberry, rose and oud
A unisex oriental fragrance built on contrast: the raspberry opening gives way to a heart of rose, saffron and geranium, all resting on oud, incense, birch, benzoin and amber woods. Fruity at first, smoky at the end. Discover divain-387
4. divain-287 — Incense, vanilla and pepper
Simple and beautifully built. This men’s perfume starts with grapefruit and black pepper and quickly reveals a heart of incense and vanilla over a sandalwood base. If you want an easy-to-wear incense, warm yet clean, this is one of the most versatile. Discover divain-287
5. divain-090 — Rose, violet and incense
Feminine and elegant. It opens with blackcurrant, hawthorn blossom, Bulgarian rose and mandarin; the heart blends opoponax, jasmine, Parma violet and rose, and the base brings together vanilla, white musk and incense. Here incense is almost a whisper that extends the trail of the flowers. Discover divain-090
6. divain-639 — Olibanum, jasmine and leather
A woody unisex fragrance with plenty of personality. An opening of raspberry, saffron and thyme leads to a heart of olibanum and jasmine, while the base of leather, suede, woods and amber gives it a soft, velvety finish. Discover divain-639
7. divain-760 — Mango, jasmine and olibanum
The brightest side of incense. This women’s floral pairs bergamot and mango with jasmine, sandalwood, olibanum and vanilla. The result is sunny and creamy, with incense adding depth without darkening the blend. A great choice for daytime. Discover divain-760
8. divain-899 — Pear, osmanthus and olibanum
A unisex floral with a gourmand touch. Pear and hazelnut mingle with olibanum from the opening; the heart reveals osmanthus, rose, saffron and sambac jasmine, and a base of sandalwood, vanilla, woods, ambergris and labdanum makes it enveloping and sophisticated. Discover divain-899
Frequently asked questions about incense perfumes
Is incense the same as olibanum?
Yes. Olibanum and frankincense are other names for incense, the resin of trees from the Boswellia genus. You may find any of these names in a fragrance pyramid.
Are incense perfumes only for men?
No. Incense is a very versatile note. Alongside rose, jasmine or vanilla it feels feminine and sensual; with leather, oud or spices it feels more masculine. That is why this list includes women’s, men’s and unisex perfumes.
How long does an incense perfume last?
Incense is a resinous base note that clings well to the skin, so these perfumes usually last well. How long it lasts on you will depend on your skin type and where you apply it: on pulse points and moisturised skin it holds for longer.
When is the best time to wear an incense perfume?
They shine above all in autumn and winter and in the evening, as the cold keeps the trail from feeling overpowering. The fresher ones, with citrus or fruit, also work well during the day.
Incense has something few notes manage: it smells of calm and mystery at the same time. Choose yours based on the pairing that appeals to you most and tell us which one has become your favourite.
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