There’s arguably no other olfactory family that makes you take a deep breath and go “ahhh!” quite like aromatic fragrances.
Known and loved for their ability to sharpen your senses, relax your body, and transport you into an invigorating, uplifting environment in a matter of seconds, aromatic perfumes are some of our favorites on a year-round basis.
Most aromatic scents feature fresh and herbaceous notes like lavender, mint, sage, and rosemary. While these tend to be best during the spring and summer months, you’ll also find aromatic perfumes blended with other olfactory families like citrus, woody, oriental, or floral. In short, you’ll almost definitely find an aromatic fragrance that suits your mood and personality.
Not sure where to start with aromatic perfumes? Read on for some of our favorites!
1. Aromatics Elixir by Clinique
Arguably the most famous aromatic fragrance around, Aromatics Elixir by Clinique is a perfume that tells a story as time passes. Opening initially as a fruity, herbal scent, it develops into something far more rich, deep, and mysterious. Expect an opening of verbena, sage, and chamomile followed by an intense base of oakmoss and patchouli.
Recommended related fragrances: Paloma Picasso by Paloma Picasso, Lolita Lempicka by Lolita Lempicka, Angel by Thierry Mugler
2. Y Le Parfum by Yves Saint Laurent
While Y Le Parfum by Yves Saint Laurent is officially a cologne, we’d consider this gorgeous scent a genderless one for sure. Blending the traditional fougere notes with a dash of amber, this aromatic scent is a powerful one with an impressive longevity to match.
Recommended related fragrances: Sauvage by Christian Dior, Versace Eros by Versace, Versace Pour Homme Dylan Blue by Versace
3. Green Tea by Elizabeth Arden
Green Tea by Elizabeth Arden is a classic choice if you’re searching for a new aromatic perfume to add to your fragrance wardrobe. Light and refreshing, this is a scent that’ll have you daydreaming about spring mornings and trips to the spa. Like its name suggests, it’s a fusion of citrus and aromatic notes with a refreshing blend of mint and lemon.
Recommended related fragrances: 5th Avenue by Elizabeth Arden, Sunflowers by Elizabeth Arden, Cool Water by Davidoff
4. Acqua Di Parma Colonia Essenza by Acqua Di Parma
Spritz Acqua Di Parma Colonia Essenza by Acqua Di Parma in the morning and you’ll feel sharp, awakened, and ready to face the day. This cleansing aromatic scent is best applied when you’re fresh out the shower thanks to its revitalizing notes of bergamot, lemon, mandarin, orange, and grapefruit. While its opening might lean heavily towards a citrus scent, its heart of petitgrain, neroli, sage, and rosemary keeps it firmly in the aromatics category.
Recommended related fragrances: Terre D’hermes by Hermes, Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani, Club De Nuit Intense by Armaf
5. Tom Ford Costa Azzurra by Tom Ford
It’s virtually impossible to spritz Tom Ford Costa Azzurra by Tom Ford and not immediately fall in love with it. Often hailed as one of the most impressive perfumes of the decade, this potent fragrance blends driftwood, seaweed, agarwood, and cardamon with a refreshing heart of cypress, yellow mandarin, lavender, myrtle, and artemisia.
Recommended related fragrances: Tom Ford Ombre Leather by Tom Ford, Red Door by Elizabeth Arden, Black Orchid by Tom Ford
6. 4711 Acqua Colonia White Peach & Coriander by 4711
4711 will forever be one of our favorite brands when it comes to aromatic scents and 4711 Acqua Colonia White Peach & Coriander might just be our favorite of all time. Subtly sweet and beautifully blended, this springtime scent is a genderless one that adds just the right amount of power to a day-to-day outfit.
Recommended related fragrances: 4711 Acqua Colonia Pink Pepper & Grapefruit by 4711, 4711 Acqua Colonia Lime & Nutmeg by 4711, 4711 Acqua Colonia Blood Orange & Basil by 4711
7. Scilly Neroli by Atkinsons
Scilly Neroli by Atkinsons is simplistic yet endlessly captivating: a perfume that wows with a single spitz and elevates all kinds of outfits. A top contender for a summer-friendly aromatic perfume, Scilly Neroli blends sea notes, lemon, and petitgrain with neroli essence and orange blossom for a scent that’s wholly irresistible.
Recommended related fragrances: Light Blue Eau Intense by Dolce & Gabbana, Pirates’ Grand Reserve by Atkinsons, L’air Du Temps by Nina Ricci
Here at perfume.com you’ll find a huge range of incredible scents to keep you smelling delicious on all occasions. Shop our best sellers here.
For more guides to the best perfumes from renowned brands, read on:
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- Best Modern Floral Fragrances
- Best Barbie-inspired perfumes
- Best Savory Perfumes to Mix Up Your Fragrance Wardrobe
- Best Witchy Perfumes To Put an Enchanting Spell on Your Day
- Best Confidence-Boosting Fragrances for Men and Women
- Best Sheer Fragrances of 2023
- Best Warm Weather Scents for Men To Keep You Smelling Great in the Heat
- The Best Jasmine Perfumes to Wear Right Now
- 10 Best Rose Perfumes
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- 12 Best Citrus Perfumes
- 10 Best Vanilla Perfumes
- 10 Best Grapefruit Perfumes
Georgie Darling is a freelance lifestyle and travel writer from London, England. Her work has been published in ELLE, Yahoo, Red, Grazia, and Tripadvisor, amongst others. When she’s not writing, Georgie spends most of her time travelling to new countries and scuba diving. She’s been an avid fragrance lover since a young age and considers Alaïa by Alaïa Paris to be her signature scent.
