Cistus smells like a warm, deep, and slightly sweet scent that often has a resinous, woody, or even leathery vibe. It's a complex note that adds a strong, potent base to fragrances. Cistus smells like the incense you might smell in a shop that sells crystals and streetwear, or the deep, amber background note in some expensive scents. It's often used as a base note to make a fragrance last longer and give it that heavy, rich feeling.