When you think of “grandma” perfumes, what do you think of? Maybe something that’s super floral, maybe a scent that’s super rich and potent, or maybe it includes timeless scents like rose and jasmine. It’s classic, grown-up, and sophisticated—something your beloved grandmother would wear.
Let me be clear here: I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a “grandma” scent, even though it might have a weird connotation with some people. Who doesn’t want to smell timeless and elegant? But I think the thing is, since most people associate certain scents with their grandmothers, maybe they don’t want to smell like their nana, no matter how much they love them? You’d rather be your own person and have your own signature scent that’s probably a little bit trendier and more modern.
Well, I’m here to tell you that maybe you should rethink that notion because there are a lot of so-called “grandma” fragrances out there that are worth spritzing on. And if everyone is gravitating towards the trendy fragrances that are woodsy, fresh florals, or bright citrus, don’t you want to stand out with another type of perfume?
One scent that I don’t think you should write off just yet is a powdery one. I know, the term “powdery” might make you think of something that’s musty or too stale, but trust me. There are a lot of great-smelling options that don’t feel dated and actually feel so modern and of the moment. These are light and delicate. They’re fragrances that people will compliment you on and then beg you, “Tell me what you wearing!” Take a look at some options below.
Some notes that are generally associated with powdery fragrances are rose, lavender, vanilla, and musk. It’s supposed to be a little warm, too. This scent from Yves Saint Laurent has notes of lavender, orange blossom, and vanilla extract, so it’s a sweet floral.
Here’s another option that’s in the warm-florals family. It has notes of orange blossom, vanilla absolute, and marshmallow. It’s definitely a very sweet scent that’s grounded with an amber base.
This one has the traditional “powdery” scents of vanilla and rose. Add some pear and warm amber, and you’ve got an intoxicating and grounded perfume.
Flowerbomb is always a beloved favorite. It’s full of delicious florals: freesia, rose, sambac jasmine, and cattleyas. Plus, patchouli and soft vanilla balance out the flower explosion. The result is something that’s feminine and luxe.
If you want something that’s a bit more grounded than a floral scent but still has those powdery vibes, try Byredo’s Mojave Ghost. In addition to powdery violet, it has notes of sweet Jamaican nessberry, ambrette, sandalwood, magnolia, warm Chantilly musk, amber, and cedarwood.
This perfume has a strong concentration of amber, but it also contains scents of patchouli, tonka bean, and vanilla. It’s a subtle fragrance with a hint of mystery, so wear it if you prefer being an enigma.
Prada’s perfume veers more on the traditional side while also being fresh and light. It has top notes of iris pallida, mandarin, and neroli; middle notes of cedarwood, vetiver, and galbanum; and base notes of incense and benzoin.
This perfume is described as a “colorful bouquet,” which sounds just so lively and fun, right? The scents in the “bouquet” include fresh lily of the valley, spicy peony, and powdery iris.
If one of your favorite activities is taking a bubble bath, might I suggest investing in this fragrance so you feel like you’re in one 24/7? This one has actual notes of soap bubble accord, plus scents of rose, jasmine, lavender, white musk, and coconut milk accord. It’s both fresh and cozy—like a bubble bath!
Chloé’s signature fragrance is so sophisticated and elegant. It’s definitely one of those perfumes that will be your everyday pick. Along with a powdery rose scent, it also has notes of pink peony, freesia, lychee, magnolia flower, lily of the valley, cedarwood, amber, and honey.
The description of this perfume says it’s inspired by “clean sheets and a swath of sun-warmed skin,” and who doesn’t find that appealing? It’s in the warm-florals family with key notes of ambrette seeds, jasmine petals, and musk.
This is a new remix, so to speak, of the original Guilty perfume. You’ll notice a floral blend of lilac, rose, violet, and geranium, plus patchouli, citrus mandora, and pink pepper. Reviewers describe it as a sexy floral.
This is another classic floral option for someone who wants something traditional and timeless. It’s a soft and feminine scent with notes of ylang-ylang, jasmine, rose, iris, and sandalwood.
Warm and sensual, Guerlain’s Shalimar is so luxe you might feel rich and fancy when you wear it. In addition to powder notes, it contains bergamot, iris, amber, and vanilla.
A flirty and soft mix of red apple, peony, and suede, Jo Malone’s scent is sweet, fresh, and gives off signature fragrance vibes. One reviewer raved about the perfume, saying, “It smells like if the color pink had a scent mixed with a grown-up version of baby powder.”
Philosophy’s Amazing Grace is another one of those classic, enduring fragrances that has been popular for years. It features powdery florals, like lily of the valley, plus musk and bergamot.
Chanel No.5 is probably a perfume your grandmother actually wears, but why sleep on a good thing? It’s an iconic fragrance for a reason. The rich floral perfume has notes of May rose, jasmine, citrus, bourbon, and vanilla. Next, I Asked 17 NYC and L.A. Women What Perfume They Wear the Most
