Love ’em or hate ’em, floral perfumes are arguably the most popular fragrance category—and one of the most diverse, according to certified fragrance specialist Eudora Nwasike. That’s right, you don’t have to opt for something super-sweet or hyper-femme when choosing a floral scent. Blossoming flowers in all variations serve as a versatile base, contrasting and blending numerous notes—from fresh citrus to woody spice—for a scent profile that’s far more unique.
“Floral scents just aren’t for me,” I’ve proclaimed countless times, with a raging individualist complex that led me to dislike anything other than hyper-moody, and spice-forward fragrances. Little did I know, florals could be sensual and mysterious, too. It was Merit’s Retrospect that turned me into a believer, thanks to senior beauty writer Kiana Murden who encouraged me to try a spritz from the sculptural bottle displayed with reverence on her desk. Senior fashion writer Cortne Bonilla shared in my same scent trepidations, telling me amidst one of our many office yapping sessions, “I’m not a sweet, floral type of gal—this coordinates with my wardrobe, as well. I prefer a little spice, a little steam.” Color us shocked when we learned that her signature scent, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge 540, is, in fact, a floral variation.
Below, discover Vogue’s 11 favorite unique floral perfumes to sport this spring and summer, with options for every mood, personality, and carefully curated aesthetic.
Best Newcomer: Chanel Chance Eau Splendide
- Why We Love It: Nordstrom’s beauty director Autumne West predicts Chanel’s latest fragrance launch as one of the most popular scents of this summer. Crafted by perfumer Olivier Polge, Chance Eau Splendide offers crisp fruity notes thanks to raspberry accord. As the scent dries down, blossoming roses and violets are revealed, contrasted by a woody musk. The result? Playful, fresh, but by no means adolescent.
- Key Notes: Raspberry…
