It can be interpreted differently (like how rose can smell powdery, or candied, dry or dewy, or red roses vs pink roses). So sometimes patch in perfumes smells like that very distinct hippy incense and that type tends to amp a lot on me to the point of giving me a headache or even making me feel nauseous. But sometimes patchouli does smell more like earth/woods and that is when I love it, when I can't really even tell it is there.

The first brand I thought to recommend was Sixteen92's for safe patch, too. Although Wicked didn't work for me due to the very strong almond note, their patch is almost always a safe bet for me and leans more towards the foresty-smelling type. I love Arcana but I've learned their patchouli is often on the other end of the spectrum, even when her notes say there is only a "hint of patchouli" in a gourmand fragrance.