Given their woody and earthy notes, it’s unsurprising that amber scents share their name with this semi-precious stone. In fact, many of the ingredients – such as labdanum, benzoin and Tolu balsam – used in amber perfume formulations are also taken from the resin produced by trees and plants. Aftershaves are the holy grail of soothing inflammation, calming razor bumps and nourishing the skin after a shave. But the process of shaving can still pose some side effects if not done meticulously—you are dragging a sharp blade across your skin, after all. Aside from avoiding dry shaving (that is, shaving without the use of water, creams or lotions), the best way to prevent a razor burn is to nail down two things: your pre-shave process and a high-quality razor. Here’s how to prep your skin before a shave to prevent razor burn: When the seeds are grated, they are fragrant – often described as carrying a sweet spice and praline scent. In amber perfumes, tonka bean amplifies vanilla notes, while balancing the heavier character of labdanum. Accordng to a source, " In 1820 two French chemists, Joseph-Bienaimé Carentou and Pierre-Joseph Pelletier first isolated, characterized and named ambrein, the principal active fragrant ingredient of ambergris. Since then a great deal has been published on the chemistry of compounds with an ambergris-like scent, especially the more fragrant oxidative derivatives of ambrein like ambrox. They are all labdanoid terpenes which occur in a remarkable variety of plants, animals and microorganisms. Sources like Monarda didyma L. (bee-balm, a source of labdanum extract) are a natural substitute for ambergris and Cistus ladanifer L. is a classical source of labdanum. These and other botanical extracts are the base for fixatives and woody, sweet fragrances in the modern perfumery industry which, for the most part, uses synthetics in place of natural substances."

In its absolute form, labdanum is a strong, complex scent. It is woody, musky and smoky, with an array of undertones. Many fragrance connoisseurs also identify notes of beeswax in its dry down. When we think of a classic amber smell, it is usually labdanum we are imagining. Benzoin

The note of amber is quite an interesting note to use in fragrances. Amber is best known by people to be the substance in which some fossils are preserved. However, it is also a commonly used note, or ingredient, used in fragrances. The note of amber is mainly used to add a nice and warm feeling to a fragrance. Ambroxan : Naturally occurring ambroxan is found in ambergris, but cosmetic scientists have figured out a way to synthesize it from sclareol, a molecule that naturally occurs in clary sage essence. Ambroxan is a sweet, creamy smell with woody and spicy notes and may contain a hint of leather as well.

Amber is more than just a fragrance note. Strongly associated with religious smells, its aroma moves us. Amber tells a story.

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Sandalwood : Sandalwood is another complex fragrance that is sweet, floral, rich and balsamic all at once. Because of the intricate fragrance profile, it’s a great complement to amber scents and is often used as a base note on its own as well. Sandalwood helps temper the musky aspects of amber and add in those hints of floral and sweetness. Although ambergris is not harvested from whales, many countries ban its trade as part of a more general edict against the hunting and exploitation of whales though, as a waste product, it isn't covered by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites). It is found on beaches around the world but most commercially collected ambergris comes from the Bahamas. Generally the most expensive of the group, eau de parfum can last up to eight hours and contains a concentration of between 15 and 20 per cent perfume oils. It's the most common dilution on the market and is the best option if you're looking for richer, deeper notes. Less is always more. Eau de Toilette The difference between aftershave, eau de parfum, eau de toilette and cologne is often overlooked. While most blokes use the terms interchangeably when talking about scents, they actually refer to different products with distinct potencies and price points. Eau de Parfum Since, ambergris is expensive and rare, what is mostly used in fragrances are the synthetic substitutes. Talking of its chemical constituents, three major components isolated from ambergris are the triterpene alcohol ambrein, epicoprostanol and coprostanone. Ambrein is a principal active ingredient of ambergris and smells sweet with hints of caramel and tobacco. It is used in accords with musks, animalic notes and woods. On the other hand, ambrox or ambroxan is a sweet, woody and musky note. Salt is another aspect in fragrances with respect to ambergris, which captures the bright and fresh feel of the sea in the heart of which ambergris is nurtured.

Perfumer Anya McCoy says: "I have used ambergris in many of my perfumes. I have some tinctures that are eight years old. The scent of ambergris varies according to the type it is, as there are many grades with different scents. Mostly it is described as marine, hay, slightly fecal, warm, creamy. And the scent of it is only part of the equation: more important is the transformative properties it brings to the perfume formula. It 'marries' and exalts the other aromatics in a way no other substance does. The ambergris doesn't even have to be perceptible in the perfume. " Woody notes meet warm floral accents in this opulent amber musk. Royal Princess Oud is home to a lavish bouquet of rose accord, jasmine and sweet violets at its heart, coupled with fresh top notes of grapefruit, pineapple and raspberry – and just a hint of warm vanilla. This dries down to a base of benzoin and oud, offering the classic woody notes we associate with amber musk. Sensual and captivating, Royal Princess Oud is crafted to entice. Royal Oud Musk : Many scents are described as musky, but there’s only one true musk scent. Real musk is a pungent, sensual and strong scent that can’t really be compared to anything else. Because of its deeper, complex scent profile, it pairs really well with amber in particular as well as other scents. The fragrance opens with notes of lemon, lime, and bergamot, surprisingly fresh. This is followed by a heart of fig, ylang-ylang, rose, and jasmine. The base is rich and luxurious with oud, ambergris, saffron, and musk. Once the dry down period is over, you are left with an intoxicating aroma that will last throughout the day.Rinse with warm water: Use warm water (versus cold or scalding hot) to splash your skin, as this will help open up your pores and make for a better shave. Water that’s too cold will close your pores, while water that’s too hot could cause irritation and inflammation.