Ground Control

Ground Control is an ode to Earth from AromAtom, the space-themed line of planetary scientist and perfumer Marina Barcenilla. It imagines the return home after a long voyage: the first breath of a conifer canopy, heavy with sap, moss and damp soil freshly bathed by rain. It opens cool and green on fir balsam, hemlock and cedar leaf, with a thread of ozone like the air before a storm. The heart turns woody and resinous, with incense, guaiacwood, sandalwood and cedarwood, smoky rather than sweet. The base is earthy: vetiver and moss, a cool, rocky petrichor that comes forward as it wears, a trace of animalic oud and amber resin to round it off. Votes are positive. Wearers report long-lasting wear and strong sillage, and a guide calls it quite strong yet calm and quiet, like the forest around you. All six voters on time of day picked night, autumn and winter lead the seasons, and spring works in cool weather. One wearer found it too much like a spicy men's shower gel, so sample it first. It is the most approachable scent of the AromAtom range for anyone daunted by the space theme: a forest woody with resin and incense that suits people who like conifer, moss and smoky wood. The eau de parfum is sold in 2 ml and 50 ml, with the 50 ml at 75 pounds.