We usually think of amber as jewelry or a color, but it’s also a scent — one that’s increasingly popular in fragrances.

Amber resins have been used for centuries in India, whether burned in temples as incense or applied to the temples as stress-relief aromatherapy. When mixed with oil (and usually blended with other essential oils) the result is almost always described as "sensuous," which is no doubt why it’s becoming a scent staple, especially for women’s fragrances.

"It is not a surprise that women rediscover amber," says Benedicte Bron, director of fragrance innovation for Bath & Body Works, which just released a Signature Collection Sensual Amber line ranging from perfume to body lotion. "It is a warm, sensual note that is rich, smooth, elegant and beautiful. It is exotic, mysterious and sensual in a stylish way."

But amber’s not relegated only to the distaff: It also pokes its way out of men’s scents sold everywhere from department stores to druggists.

Some of the best fragrances that incorporate a strong amber accord:Stella McCartney’s new fragrance line indulges anyone who ever wanted to play perfumer: The all-organic, animal-testing-free active components of the Stella in Two can be purchased together or separately. The eau de toilette spray ($38-$69) combines peony and pepper with patchouli and amber to make a scent all its own, but those who’d like to ramp up the sexy factor can add the Amber Perfume Solid ($42), a balm that plays heavily on the warm side with extra amber, patchouli and cedar. All the products are sold at Sephora (which now includes free gift packaging).

The amber/peony interplay also shows up in Bond No. 9’s newest fragrance, West Side (inspired by the musical half of Manhattan, which has been home to everything from Carnegie Hall to Tin Pan Alley and Studio 54). The sweet/sharp paradigm is definitely present, but thanks to the amber and musk in its middle and end notes, the scent stays away from anything too overtly floral. The "superstar" 3.4-ounce eau de parfum bottle pictured is $185, but a 2-ounce spray in basic flacon is $115 at Saks Fifth Avenue, the line’s exclusive retailer in the Valley.

Amber is one of designer Miuccia Prada’s favorite scents; the variety included in the new Prada fragrance for men blends vanilla and tonka beans, labdanum oil and patchouli leaves. But although it’s definitely an amber fragrance, amber’s not the only component

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