Begin with simple contrasts such as dry or sweet, airy or dense, warm or cool. Add detail only when a description genuinely helps you distinguish one scent from another.

Try describing texture and atmosphere as well as familiar smells. Words such as polished, creamy, green or mineral can communicate a feeling without claiming a formula contains particular materials.

Write three words at first application and three after the dry down. Over several samples, repeated descriptors will show which qualities consistently appeal to you.

Treat a fragrance guide as a useful starting point. The experience of a finished product, your own preferences and its label information remain more important than broad descriptions. XASIS currently presents its Signature Five as fragrance design concepts in development; final notes, formula details and availability are confirmed only for finished products.