In this “Only Five I Need” episode, I’m talking sandalwood—specifically the five sandalwood fragrances I’d grab if I had to run away from home and could only take a tiny capsule from this category. And yes, I treat sandalwood like its own standalone family because it’s such a distinct smell to me. I also quickly break down why sandalwood can smell so different from bottle to bottle: there are natural sandalwoods (usually pricier) and a whole world of synthetics that *give the impression* of sandalwood, and you can often tell when you’re smelling the really high-quality stuff. I also explain the two “lanes” sandalwood tends to fall into for my nose: dry sandalwoods (often with spice and an airy texture) versus creamy sandalwoods (richer, thicker, almost like there’s a slip to them). From there, I walk you through my personal top five: my forever favorite Christian Provenzano Santal Indien (the “money maker” sandalwood), the wispy and cozy Sandalo Nobile, the wildly sophisticated and unique Murmure d’Ete, the pretty-girl feminine Rosendo Mateu No 6, and the heartbreakingly discontinued Maison Lancôme Santal Kardamon. If you’re building a sandalwood wardrobe, this is a great place to start—just sample first, because taste is taste.