The Scent of Sun-dried Grass & Old Paper: Papyrus

Papyrus sounds like paper, doesn’t it? Well, that’s because the first paper material was made from the Cyperus papyrus plant, used in ancient Egypt and the Mediterranean to create durable, lightweight writing scrolls for texts and documents, hence the name paper.

But what does papyrus smell like, and how similar is its smell to the smell of paper? Papyrus smells like a sophisticated blend of woody and earthy notes, often mimicking the aroma of sun-dried grass and old paper. As a perfume ingredient, it offers a smoky and slightly leathery scent that is both clean and deeply aromatic, sometimes with green or dusty, powdery nuances. Let’s take a look at some fragrances that carry this note and see if they fit this description.

1. Billie Eilish Eilish No.2

Elish No.2 has a palo santo note, which means it will smell mostly of it. Palo santo comes of similar to a mixture of frankincense and, for some, a hint of liquorice. The papyrus is still present here, but not as strong. Overall, the perfume is spicy and woody, perfect as a signature winter scent.

2. Juliette Has A Gun In The Mood For Oud EDP

In the Mood for Oud is a softer oud fragrance that you might enjoy if you’re just being introduced to the note. The oud and tonka blend is reminiscent of the scent of roasted chestnuts, adding a nutty layer to this fragrance. In the Mood for Oud is a combination of woody notes with sweeter ones to make a wearable fall/winter scent with a heart of oud.

3. Amouage Purpose 50 Extrait de Parfum

Amouage’s star note is frankincense. It makes sense that it is the dominant note in Purpose 50. Yet, what makes this fragrance unforgettable is the scent it emits once it settles on your skin. The woody harshness of papyrus, sand vetiver, and sandalwood forms a phenomenally solid foundation with the Akigalawood and suede in the base. The 50% perfume concentration makes it a much deeper and longer-lasting fragrance than the original.

4. Amouage Sunshine EDP

I believe this is the first summer fragrance on the list of papyrus perfumes. Amouage’s Sunshine is about to be discontinued; therefore, I advise you try to get your hands on it before that happens. I would best describe this as a cigarette wrapped with flavoured paper, resulting in a delicious, decadent scent. The tobacco is sweet and light, not stuffy and overpowering. Quite a gem that I am sad to see go away.

5. Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Intense EDT

What makes Issey Miyake’s intense version of l’Eau d’Issey is the woody, smoky dry down. This effect is so well done, thanks to the incense and papyrus combination in the base. With the citrus notes in the opening, the fragrance becomes a versatile scent with a balance between fresh and warm. 

Visit V Perfumes, your go-to fragrance shop in the UAE, to get your hands on all your favourite fragrances and many more. Shop online or in-store for the best prices in the UAE and GCC region.

Disclaimer: This article contains external links, including links to Amazon affiliates and V Perfumes’ main site. If you make a purchase through these suggestions, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our disclaimer to learn more here.