Although these fragrance families often go hand in hand in niche perfumery, they have clear differences: Woody fragrances are based on dry, structured notes such as cedar or sandalwood. Smoky fragrances capture the raw aesthetic of fire, tobacco, and birch tar. Resinous fragrances, on the other hand, use the viscous secretions of trees (such as benzoin or myrrh) – they bring a characteristic, balsamic warmth, a syrupy density, and often a subtle, honey-like sweetness to the composition.

In modern perfumery, "amber" (or "amber accord") usually refers to a purely botanical, resinous fragrance accord creation. Since genuine amber has no inherent scent, perfumers compose this warm, golden fragrance classic from a combination of labdanum (the resin of the cistus rose), vanilla, and often benzoin. The result is a profound, sweet-balsamic note that is considered the epitome of luxury and sensuality.

Tree resins consist of heavy, complex molecules that evaporate very slowly. In perfumery, they have been valued for millennia as natural "fixatives". This means that they not only adhere to the skin for an extremely long time themselves, but also bind lighter top and heart notes to themselves, slowing down their evaporation. A resinous niche fragrance is therefore often a loyal companion that you can still subtly perceive even on the next day.

Resinous fragrances unfold their full opulence through body heat. For those who prefer a more subtle aura, the fragrance can be sprayed onto the wrists or the hollows of the knees instead of the neck – this way, the balsamic warmth rises more discreetly. While they are the absolute stars for the colder season and the evening, resinous fragrances with fresh contrasts (like citrus fruits or ginger) are also excellent as expressive signature scents for the whole year.