Leathery Materials

Our today's topic is bringing us to the glamorous world of Rock'n Roll. Guess what – we are going to speak about Leather.

The White Crow

Compared with classical fragrance families, Leather family is a bit unorthodox.

You would not be surprised to find some orange, rose or lavender in your perfume. These components are rather classical for a fragrance.

Leather family has 'surprise' written all over it. In capitals. Let me show you some leather accords: smell of a worn horse saddle, a new designer bag, sweaty body odour, freshly washed baby skin, etc.

The above accords do exist and are actually used in perfumery. Of course, they are not used in full force – just a subtle hint to make your fragrance more mysterious.

Is It Ethical

It may sound like Leathery materials involve animal harvesting and working with animal derived products. However, it is not the case in modern days.

Substantial efforts have been put to create artificial Leathery materials, and now we can safely enjoy them in perfumery without risk of harming wildlife.

More than that, there are a few natural botanical materials with Leathery properties as well. Birch and Cumin are among them.

Purpose

Leathery materials are really difficult to work with. Sometimes, you feel like it is easier to just completely change the idea of a scent than trying find a perfect blend, but hard work pays off.

Leather-infused fragrances become really sensual and extraordinary rich. It takes time to understand their complexity, how they open and develop throughout the day.

Usage in your own perfume

At the moment, we don't let you choose Leathery materials for your bespoke perfume. It is done on purpose – Leathery materials are complimenting perfumes and should not be used as a main part of the blend.

However, if you want your blend to have Leather properties, feel free to tell us in the comments section of your bespoke perfume.

Strong and sharp materials

If you want to make your perfume stronger and bolder, you can opt for one of the following materials

1. Birch tar

Birch tar has a strong burnt wood odour. It is very aromatic, with a slight hint of spiciness. A blend of Birch tar and IsoButyl Quinoline make a so-called 'Russian Leather' accord.

2. IsoButyl Quinoline

IsoButyl Quinoline has a sharp, intense Leathery odour with a green accent. It is the first Leathery material that was developed, you will definitely recognise it in your old perfumes with a leathery note. Works like magic with patchouli.

3. Cumin

Cumin has a warm and aromatic aroma with a twist that many people describe as sweat or body odour. Used in tiny amounts to make perfumes more mysterious and out of the world.

Soft and delicate leathery materials

Leathery materials don't have to be strong. There is a whole group of Leathery materials to make your perfume graceful and mesmerising.

1. Suederal

Suederal has a very soft and elegant aroma of a new leather item. Paired with floral and balsamic materials, it creates a rich, tenacious accord.

2. Tobacco

Contrary to popular belief, it does not smell like an ashtray – tobacco has a sophisticated sweet, smoky and sexy odour. It blends beautifully with spices, flowers, sweets and woods.

3. Musks

Musks are the softest and lightest materials in perfumery and are used mainly to make other materials feel softer, diffuse better and stay longer. The majority of them does not smell like anything at all, but some have the perception of warm washed skin, clean clothes, hot iron, etc.