The Best Floral Perfumes Are More Unique Than You Think
'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
Photo: Chanel
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.
: 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 accord, rose geranium, violet, white cedar, musk accord
Best Moody Rose: Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady Parfum Spray
Photo: Frédéric Malle
Why We Love It : Frédéric Malle's Portrait of a Lady is a moody interpretation of a rose scent. 'One of my personal favourite floral fragrances, this scent announces my presence the moment I enter a room. It's majestic blend of rose, incense, and patchouli creates an aroma that is charming, bold, and undeniably sexy. It's the perfect floral for those who are fearless and assertive,' Nwasike tells Vogue.
: Frédéric Malle's Portrait of a Lady is a moody interpretation of a rose scent. 'One of my personal favourite floral fragrances, this scent announces my presence the moment I enter a room. It's majestic blend of rose, incense, and patchouli creates an aroma that is charming, bold, and undeniably sexy. It's the perfect floral for those who are fearless and assertive,' Nwasike tells Vogue. Key Notes: Turkish rose, black currant, naseberry, clove, patchouli, sandalwood, frankincense
Best Smokey Jasmine: Diptyque Orphéon Eau de Parfum
Photo: Diptyque
Why We Love It : Diptyque's bestselling fragrance is an ode to Paris in the '60s. Titled after a local jazz bar of the same name, the Orphéon was filled with interesting creatives and this is an olfactory portrait of the legendary location. The woody fragrance evokes feelings of being immersed in a dimly lit bar lined with burnished dark wooden tables and plush velvet seating. Plus, it's an absolute favourite of Fragrance Foundation Linda Levy and her husband—both known to frequently sport this scent on dates.
: Diptyque's bestselling fragrance is an ode to Paris in the '60s. Titled after a local jazz bar of the same name, the Orphéon was filled with interesting creatives and this is an olfactory portrait of the legendary location. The woody fragrance evokes feelings of being immersed in a dimly lit bar lined with burnished dark wooden tables and plush velvet seating. Plus, it's an absolute favourite of Fragrance Foundation Linda Levy and her husband—both known to frequently sport this scent on dates. Key Notes: Juniper berry, cedarwood, tonka bean, jasmine
Best Spicy Rose: Matiere Premiere Radical Rose Eau de Parfum
Photo: Matiere Premiere
Why We Love It : This Matière Premier's perfume is a spice-forward floral scent that's anything but classic and sweet. 'Radical Rose is a dark, sultry rose fragrance featuring rich notes of saffron, patchouli, and pepper. It boasts incredible longevity—lasting up to 12 hours—and leaves behind the most intoxicating scent trail,' says Nwasike.
: This Matière Premier's perfume is a spice-forward floral scent that's anything but classic and sweet. 'Radical Rose is a dark, sultry rose fragrance featuring rich notes of saffron, patchouli, and pepper. It boasts incredible longevity—lasting up to 12 hours—and leaves behind the most intoxicating scent trail,' says Nwasike. Key Notes: Chili pepper berries, saffron, rose centifolia absolute, patchouli
The Editors' Pick: Merit Retrospect L'Extrait de Parfum
Photo: Merit
Why We Love It : Soft, clean, highly concentrated, and oh so chic are the immediate words that come to mind when describing Merit's inaugural fragrance, Retrospect. Upon launching this past October, it became an immediate favourite of many Vogue editors. Walking along the open concept office of Vogue HQ at 1 World Trade Center will reveal several Merit perfume bottles at the ready for spritzing. Subtle white florals are blended here with a nuanced base of musk, vanilla, and moss for a second skin sent that boasts up to 12 hours of wear.
: Soft, clean, highly concentrated, and oh so chic are the immediate words that come to mind when describing Merit's inaugural fragrance, Retrospect. Upon launching this past October, it became an immediate favourite of many Vogue editors. Walking along the open concept office of Vogue HQ at 1 World Trade Center will reveal several Merit perfume bottles at the ready for spritzing. Subtle white florals are blended here with a nuanced base of musk, vanilla, and moss for a second skin sent that boasts up to 12 hours of wear. Key Notes: Bergamot, pear, ambrette, aldehydes, jasmine, rose, rosemary, violet, orris, vanilla, musk, moss
Best Skin Scent Enhancer: Glossier You Fleur
Photo: Glossier
Why We Love It : The fourth instalment of Glossier's You fragrance portfolio, You Fleur, maintains the same skin scent enhancer promise with a warm, musky base—though this one takes on a floral twist. Mineral salt accord balances with a bouquet of osmanthus and ylang ylang. To keep things from getting too sweet, apricot skin and cashmeran level out the scent, which dries down to something more resinous.
: The fourth instalment of Glossier's You fragrance portfolio, You Fleur, maintains the same skin scent enhancer promise with a warm, musky base—though this one takes on a floral twist. Mineral salt accord balances with a bouquet of osmanthus and ylang ylang. To keep things from getting too sweet, apricot skin and cashmeran level out the scent, which dries down to something more resinous. Key Notes: Mineral salt accord, osmanthus, ylang ylang, apricot skin, cashmeran, ambrox
Best Sexy Floral: Narciso Rodriguez Musc Noir Rose For Her Eau de Parfum
Photo: Narciso Rodriguez
Why We Love It : 'Musc Noir by Narciso Rodriguez is a fabulous sexy floral,' Levy previously told Vogue. Think of it as a deeper interpretation of the original For Her fragrance by Rodriguez, with a more sensual edge. The fragrance opens with a burst of rich plum, blending into an array of pink pepper, bergamont, and soft rose. Vogue's senior beauty writer Kiana Murden considers it one of her go-tos.
: 'Musc Noir by Narciso Rodriguez is a fabulous sexy floral,' Levy previously told Vogue. Think of it as a deeper interpretation of the original For Her fragrance by Rodriguez, with a more sensual edge. The fragrance opens with a burst of rich plum, blending into an array of pink pepper, bergamont, and soft rose. Vogue's senior beauty writer Kiana Murden considers it one of her go-tos. Key Notes: Plum, pink pepper, bergamot, musk, rose, tuberose, vanilla
Best Earthy Lavender: Jo Malone London Amber and Lavender Cologne
Photo: Jo Malone London
Why We Love It : What you see is quite literally what you get with Jo Malone London fragrances—simple and to the point. There's no decoding the meaning behind each fragrance's name, let alone second guessing the scent profile. Case in point: This resinous fragrance blends French lavender with the aromatic warmth of earthy myrrh.
: What you see is quite literally what you get with Jo Malone London fragrances—simple and to the point. There's no decoding the meaning behind each fragrance's name, let alone second guessing the scent profile. Case in point: This resinous fragrance blends French lavender with the aromatic warmth of earthy myrrh. Key Notes: French lavender, petitgrain, myrrh
Best Etherial: Parfums de Marly Valaya Eau de Parfum
Photo: Parfums de Marly
Why We Love It : Described as cloud-like and etherial, Nwasike asserts that Valaya smells like heaven on earth. 'This floral-fruity composition opens with a sweet, bright burst of peach, aldehydes, and bergamot. Soon after, soft white florals bloom against a backdrop of musk, creating a clean, satin-like sensation on the skin. It's a versatile fragrance that feels joyful—and signature scent-worthy,' she says.
: Described as cloud-like and etherial, Nwasike asserts that Valaya smells like heaven on earth. 'This floral-fruity composition opens with a sweet, bright burst of peach, aldehydes, and bergamot. Soon after, soft white florals bloom against a backdrop of musk, creating a clean, satin-like sensation on the skin. It's a versatile fragrance that feels joyful—and signature scent-worthy,' she says. Key Notes: Bergamot, mandarin, white peach, orange flower, nymphaea, vetiver, musk
Best Leathery Floral: Phlur Rose Whip
Photo: Phlur
Why We Love It : Opposites attract in Phlur's latest fragrance launch—at the top of the scent profile, a leathery, resinous base contrasts with velvety rose and sweet black currant. While the scent bounds in with an initial boldness, it dries down to something more subtle with gentle musk and osmanthus.
: Opposites attract in Phlur's latest fragrance launch—at the top of the scent profile, a leathery, resinous base contrasts with velvety rose and sweet black currant. While the scent bounds in with an initial boldness, it dries down to something more subtle with gentle musk and osmanthus. Key Notes: Pink pepper, black currant, rose, osmanthus, nutmeg, amber, cashmere wood, musk
Best Oud: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood Extrait de Parfum
Photo: Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Why We Love It : Another Extrait De Parfum—i.e., a super-long-lasting and intense scent—Oud Satin Mood evokes woody, aromatic, and resinous scents. Nwasike describes it as 'an elegant, sweet, jammy rose paired with powdery violet and a soft touch of oud for depth and sensuality. Look no further if you're searching for a floral fragrance with phenomenal staying power.'
: Another Extrait De Parfum—i.e., a super-long-lasting and intense scent—Oud Satin Mood evokes woody, aromatic, and resinous scents. Nwasike describes it as 'an elegant, sweet, jammy rose paired with powdery violet and a soft touch of oud for depth and sensuality. Look no further if you're searching for a floral fragrance with phenomenal staying power.' Key Notes: Violet accord, geranium, rose oil, cinnamon, rose absolute, oud, benzoin, vanilla
Everything You Need to Know
What scents pair well with florals for a more unique twist?
AccordionItemContainerButton
LargeChevron
'If you want to avoid a classic, overly sweet or feminine florals, several note families pair well for depth, edge, and contrast,' says Nwasike. Below, she breaks down common note families, to help decipher the scent profile you're after. Citrus Notes : Lemon, mandarin, bergamot
: Lemon, mandarin, bergamot Woody Notes : Cedarwood, sandalwood, oud, vetiver, guaiac wood
: Cedarwood, sandalwood, oud, vetiver, guaiac wood Green Notes : Maté tea, galbanum, blackcurrant buds, violet leaf
: Maté tea, galbanum, blackcurrant buds, violet leaf Ambrée Notes : Vanilla, tonka bean, myrrh, frankincense, labdanum
: Vanilla, tonka bean, myrrh, frankincense, labdanum Spicy Notes: Cinnamon, saffron, clove, cardamom, pink pepper, ginger
Are spring floral fragrances different from summer floral fragrances?
AccordionItemContainerButton
LargeChevron
Spring and summer florals offer different scent experiences, though they're versatile enough to be worn interchangeably in either season—simply pick your mood.
'Spring florals are delicate, fresh, and airy,' says Nwasike. 'Common flowers include lily of the valley, peony, and iris. These scents evoke a youthful, light-hearted feeling — like a garden just beginning to bloom.' On the hand, Nwasike says summer florals are 'brighter, bolder, and often have a rich, lush quality.' 'They're frequently paired with fruity or tropical notes, creating a sun-drenched, radiant effect on the skin. Key blooms include ylang-ylang, frangipani, and tuberose.'
What are the different types of florals?
AccordionItemContainerButton
LargeChevron
Nwasike reminds us that florals are by no means one size fits all in nature. 'The floral family is the largest and most diverse olfactory group,' she explains. Below, Nwasike breaks down the core floral subcategories: Fresh Florals : Lily of the valley, hyacinth, narcissus, freesia
: Lily of the valley, hyacinth, narcissus, freesia Cool Florals : Rose, geranium
: Rose, geranium Spicy Florals : Carnation, immortelle
: Carnation, immortelle Powdery Florals : Violet, heliotrope, mimosa, iris
: Violet, heliotrope, mimosa, iris White Florals: Jasmine, tuberose, gardenia, magnolia
Meet the Experts
AccordionItemContainerButton
LargeChevron Linda G. Levy is president of The Fragrance Foundation.
Eudora Nwasike is a certified fragrance specialist by The Fragrance Foundation UK and featured in Forbes, The Business of Fashion, Mr. Porter, and more.
Autumne West is the beauty director at Nordstrom.
Article originally published on Vogue US
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
.jpeg&w=3840&q=100)
Vogue Arabia
6 days ago
- Vogue Arabia
11 Foods That Cleanse the Liver for a Healthy Detox
Vital to a well-balanced diet, foods that cleanse your liver are thankfully easy to find. But why should you pay attention to these specific types of foods? The liver is one of the most important organs for our overall health—so taking care of it should be a top priority, according to Leah Kaufman, MS, RD, registered dietitian at NYU Langone Health. 'The liver has many functions, one of which is to eliminate wasteful substances from the body in the form of bile,' Kaufman says. 'Therefore, it is important to keep your liver healthy.' An unhealthy liver can cause more health problems in the long run, so there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind when taking care of it. She recommends avoiding excess alcohol, high-fat foods, and simple sugars as the best way to keep your liver clean and functioning well. You'll also want to exercise regularly and pick healthy foods. Here are Kaufman's picks for the best liver-friendly foods: Blueberries Kaufman recommends including a variety of foods filled with antioxidants into your diet to help cleanse the liver and decrease toxins. Studies show that foods like blueberries are not only rich with antioxidants to protect the liver from free radicals, but they also have anti-inflammatory properties and may inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the liver. Leafy greens and cruciferous veggies Leafy greens are another food that is rich in antioxidant properties, says Kaufman. Foods like kale, cabbage, and arugula are also great sources of chlorophyll, which is a natural compound that is known for its detox properties and ability to enhance liver function. Cruciferous veggies, which include broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts, are also known to boost liver health and protect the liver cells. A study done on mice shows that broccoli played a major role in reducing the risk of fatty liver disease. Tomatoes Tomatoes are another food that Kaufman says is rich in antioxidants to protect the liver from free radicals and help it cleanse out impurities from the body. Studies also show that tomatoes can help reduce the risk of fatty liver disease, which can lead to cirrhosis, scarring of the liver, or even liver cancer. Beets Kaufman also recommends beets as an antioxidant-rich food you can turn to for your liver. Studies show that beet juice can protect the liver from free radical damage and oxidative stress. It can also reduce the fat that might grow around the organ. Flaxseeds From lowering cholesterol to lowering the risk of certain diseases, flaxseeds come with loads of health benefits. Kaufman likes this food for your liver because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which studies show can help reduce fat that may grow around the liver. Salmon and Other Fatty Fish Another food rich in omega-3 fatty acids is fatty fish, which include salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, and tuna. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation. Kaufman agrees and especially recommends salmon for the liver. Known as the ultimate antiaging beauty food (and a favorite amongst many celebs), salmon is known to be good for your brain and gut health while also lowering liver fat. Coffee If you need more reason to justify your daily cup of joe, studies show that drinking coffee can help prevent many different types of liver diseases. One study done in 2016 shows that coffee can lower the risk of fatty liver disease, and another study done in the same year shows that drinking two cups of coffee may help protect from permanent liver damage if you're already dealing with chronic liver disease. Olive Oil It's one of the best cooking oils, and you can even drink it daily. Olive oil is a powerhouse and comes with many health benefits, such as fighting diabetes, boosting heart and gut health, strengthening bones, and reducing high blood pressure. As for the liver, studies show that olive oil can reduce inflammation and fat around the liver, and lower elevated liver enzymes. Garlic On top of adding flavor to any dish, garlic is packed with minerals, sulfur compounds, vitamins A and C, and fiber to promote health and prevent disease. It is known to boost your immunity and protect against inflammation, and it may help protect against certain cancers and lower blood pressure. It also makes for one of the best liver-detox foods out there. Studies show that garlic can help reduce fat around the organs and reduce the risk of liver disease. Citrus Fruits Whether you drink orange juice daily as part of your breakfast meal or drink water with lemon, citrus fruits are great for flushing out toxins in your liver. Studies show that drinking orange juice daily can reduce your risk of fatty liver disease. Nuts Walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds are packed with so much nutritional value (you'll find antioxidants, fibre, vitamin E, and healthy fats to name just a few), and they make for a great snack option or added garnish to a meal. Some health benefits include maintaining or lowering cholesterol levels, reducing inflammation, and helping us maintain a healthy weight. With your liver, preliminary studies show that nuts may have a positive effect on reducing the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. But more studies are needed to prove it.
Vogue Arabia
25-07-2025
- Vogue Arabia
First Came Ozempic Face. Now People Are Dealing With Ozempic Hair and Muscle Loss
Ever since Ozempic flooded the mainstream consciousness, the controversial weight-loss drug of choice has come with some well-documented downsides. Many have experienced the infamous Ozempic face, which experts describe as rapid weight loss in the face and loss of skin elasticity, resulting in a significantly older appearance. 'Ozempic face can look gaunt, deflated, and saggy,' New York facial plastic surgeon Jennifer Levine once told Vogue . 'Think raisin as opposed to grape!' Now people are noticing that Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Zepbound, to name a few) are affecting their hairlines and possibly weakening their muscle strength. So what gives? Why is this happening? Though some studies link these drugs to hair loss, experts still say it is not a direct side effect of GLP-1s like Ozempic or other medications like Mounjaro. Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, explains that it's actually more of an indirect result of rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, or stress on the body. 'Telogen effluvium is a type of hair shedding that may be noticed a few months after the body experiences some type of change or stress,' says Dr. Garshick. (It's akin to the dramatic hair shedding some saw in the months post-COVID-19.) 'People on GLP-1s may not actually notice hair shedding or thinning for several months after they are on it.' As for muscle loss, that's just a general side effect of losing weight, regardless of whether the impetus is diet, exercise, surgery, or a medication like Ozempic. Holly Lofton, MD, director of the medical weight-management program at NYU Langone Health, tells Vogue that experts are seeing medications like Wegovy and Zepbound causing the same amount of muscle loss as one might experience through more traditional weight-loss methods—and sometimes more. Studies show that 25 to 30% of the total weight loss caused by calorie restriction and exercise comes from lean body mass, which includes muscles. So if someone were to lose 20 pounds, she says, around five to six pounds of that might be muscle that is lost. Studies on medications like Wegovy and Zepbound show patients can lose roughly 15 to 22% of their total weight, with about 25% of that weight loss being lean muscle mass. 'These drugs are not necessarily muscle sparing,' she says. 'However, because people tend to lose more total weight on these medications, the absolute amount of muscle loss can be greater, unless we intervene with resistance training and adequate protein intake.' What can you do about it? There are a few things you can do to treat hair and muscle loss that you might experience when on these medications. Dr. Garshick notes that it is normal to shed approximately 50 to 100 hairs per day, so you should only be concerned if you notice significantly more hair falling out or if your hair loss persists for longer than three to six months. If that is the case, she recommends consulting a board-certified dermatologist for a proper evaluation. 'Since telogen effluvium is considered a temporary process, once the weight stabilizes, it is possible the hair loss will slow down and hair regrowth will resume and normalize even without doing any specific intervention,' she says. 'While this process can take 6 to 12 months, providing reassurance that it can get better on its own is often sufficient.' She advises getting blood work done to see if there are hormonal changes or nutritional deficiencies that can be addressed through diet (making sure you are consuming enough protein is key) or the use of oral supplements like Nutrafol or Wellbel. You can also turn to thickening and volumizing shampoos, like the Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Shampoo or the Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Shampoo, and leave-in products like the Virtue Flourish Density Booster to help increase hair density. For more intense treatments, you can inquire about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to stimulate hair growth. For muscle loss, Dr. Lofton says the key to rebuilding is eating enough protein and focusing on muscle-building activities. She recommends a minimum intake of 60 grams of protein per day, which can be obtained from high-quality protein sources such as egg whites, whey, animal meat, or beans. Exercises should total at least 75 minutes weekly, but if you're really looking to maintain or build muscle, she advises increasing the total time to about 240 minutes a week, if possible. It's all about balance. 'These medications are very effective for reducing fat mass, but to preserve muscle mass, we still need to encourage patients to do resistance training and consume enough protein,' she says. 'It's not enough to just lose weight. We want to lose the right kind.'
Vogue Arabia
24-07-2025
- Vogue Arabia
The Rise of the Modern Bride: Unconventional Wedding Dresses That Break All the Rules
As weddings evolve into multi-day affairs, each moment with its own mood, spending thousands on a one-time-only outfit just doesn't cut it. A bride might wear a vintage pantsuit backwards à la French-Algerian influencer Mina Habchi for the civil ceremony, a gold gazar Sandra Mansour dress to walk down the aisle and a tassel-hemmed Nafsika Skourti top over a mini skirt for the after-party. The common thread? The outfits can be restyled and re-worn, unlike a gown destined to spend eternity zipped into a garment bag. In Beirut, Sandra Mansour approaches bridalwear as a form of personal expression, with versatility being key. From bridal shirts that pair effortlessly with everyday looks to dresses that can be worn post nuptials, she designs with longevity in mind. 'The philosophy that bridal pieces should live beyond the wedding day is becoming essential. We're increasingly designing for women who choose tailored suits, sheer embroidered separates or second looks that offer fluidity and comfort without compromising on impact,' adds Mansour. Polka dot dress, to order, Valentino Then there are brides who want garments infused with a story. Cue New York-based designer Shereen Mohammed and her cult three-piece Ishq set in ivory – 'Ishq' meaning love – crafted in homage to 90s Bollywood. 'The silhouette came from a place of storytelling and cultural memory,' she says. While Mohammed never set out to design bridalwear, it started with friends and clients asking her to create something personal for their weddings. Her Aliyna dress, initially made for a friend's backyard ceremony, is another example. Inspired by the sculptural volume of archival Madame Grès ball gowns, Mohammed reinterpreted it as a pared-back silhouette that could be dyed and reworn. 'There's something beautiful about seeing a bride in a sheer gown or a pant-set, just owning their moment. It's less about impression and more about feeling. Brides want to feel fully themselves.' Ultimately, it's no longer about one perfect dress but a series of personal choices that come together to tell a story. In this new era, authenticity is the real statement. Here comes the bride–dressed, unapologetically, as herself. Photography: Ben Tons Styling: Jessica Gerardi Hair: Naoki Komiya Make-up: Bea Sweet Nails: Robbie Tomkins Set design: Harry Stayt Model:Freya Nutter With thanks to McQueens Flowers
