Paraphrase is the new renamed Libertine Fragrances. They are an independent North American perfume house, blending, bottling and labeling perfumes by hand in Canada. Inspired by storytelling and of the contradictions of being human. Soft Woods smells like the hazy, midday sun warming roses and cedar, the warm smoke of incense curls around fir. In other words, bright morning light raked by tender green needles. A gradual warmth, an awakening. The speckled light of summer warms the forest anew. Soft Woods features top notes of juniper and black pepper; middle notes of cedar, balsam fir and delicate green undergrowth; and base notes of frankincense and vanilla. It is an eau de parfum, edp.
Paraphrase is an independent North American perfume house, blending, bottling and labeling perfumes by hand in Canada. All Paraphrase fragrances are vegan and cruelty free and are unisex.
Paraphrase: "If you've ever wanted to smell like a woodland nymph in an enchanted forest, this one's for you. I generally like quite "masculine" musk/oud scents, so when I got the sample pack, I was surprised that this stood out to me. It starts quite powdery and floral, so I wasn't sure at first! But as it dries down, the complexity comes through, and those forest scents start to mix with a spiciness from the frankincense at the bottom. I find that it remains quite sweet, but otherwise, it's one of those that seems to smell different every time I wear it, which makes it feel even more whimsical. I've since purchased the full-size bottle. I haven't smelled anything quite like this before. It might not be for everyone, and if it's for you, it might not be your daily driver, but it absolutely hits its concept! I love it."
Paraphrase: "This is the scent I was most excited for when I selected my samples...and it surpassed all expectations. I won't bury the lede: I have never been so moved by a fragrance. It's the first and only to ever make me cry (I'm being very serious) - tears of sadness, joy, despair, peace - a concoction of emotions as complex as the perfume itself. Soft Woods evoked memories of my late grandparents' funerals, of family trips to the New Hampshire mountains and Saco River in the summer, and of long walks alone in the woods behind my childhood home. If I were to describe this scent in one word, it would be "ancestry:" connection to and communion with the planet, something at once mystical and familiar; a part of myself and yet beyond anything I've ever experienced before. It's as though you've distilled and decanted the very spirit of the Earth, or swiped Gaia's most cherished vintage atomizer off a mossy oak dresser deep within her forest chambers under the dappled sunlight of a lazy afternoon, the air filled with heady cicada song covering the sounds of your retreat. I'm typically not a huge fan of rose, often finding it overpowering and at times harshly synthetic, especially when among the top notes. However, I was so impressed and caught off guard with how heavily I melted into the rose. Paired on the base with vanilla and frankincense, it develops into a slightly decayed and smoky transcendence that conjured up images of offerings at an altar. The juniper, cedarwood, and balsam fir set the scene for the black pepper to ignite this heavenly tribute ablaze. Soft Woods was an instantaneous purchase (you're darn right I got the 100 mL!) and has unequivocally earned a spot in my Top 3 all-time favorites. I would even go as far to say my current No. #1. Hats off to you, Josh! Truly a masterpiece!"
