Gourmand perfumes may be my ride-or-die, but as I learn more about different kinds of scents in the fragrance world, I’ve found myself wanting to experiment more, especially when the seasons change. A warm and spicy gourmand fragrance feels better suited for cooler weather, and with spring finally on the horizon, I’m craving something new. Springtime is a time for renewal after all, and I’m more than ready for a fragrance makeover.
I know I’m not the only one ready to switch things up in the perfume department. But because there are so many different kinds of perfumes, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. Ahead, four of our favorite fragrance experts share their thoughts on what makes the ideal spring fragrance, plus recommendations on which ones to spray this season. Keep scrolling!
“I’m a big fan of wearing whatever you want, especially during New York City springs, which are often bizarrely colder than our real winters; a winter perfume would work best anyway. For me, a spring perfume should be floral. Any type of floral. I love a good old-fashioned muguet scent [lily of the valley], like nostalgic bottles of Diorissimo or Guerlain Muguet. Muguet is the iconic spring floral that in recent years fell out of fashion, but should definitely make a comeback! For spring, I like my Honey Rose scent—a clean musk that’s sensual, yet still rosy and perfect for springtime.”
“The fragrance industry has seriously stepped up their game, and so has the fragrance consumer. Thanks to Perfume TikTok, we’re all experts and expect the best. When selecting your spring scent, consider a citrus or floral that has a personality. Something with a backbone. Gone are the days of fleeting top notes, we want perfumes that last. You can achieve this by looking for base notes of woods, musk, amber or tonka bean. Great examples of perfumes that have managed to capture the spirit of spring with the performance of a perfume are Green Pearl by Thameen London, Instant Crush by Mancera Paris, and Moss+ Bold by Commodity.”
“I am more of a gourmand person and love sweet fragrances. The vanilla note, specifically, is a non-negotiable when it comes to creating Kayali fragrances, so I’ve always got an element of sweetness, usually in the dry down of every one. But I do love florals, and I think they’re beautiful for spring. I feel like our Yum Pistachio Gelato perfume is actually a beautiful fragrance for spring, and even summer. It’s a different type of gourmand; people are calling it a fresh gourmand. It’s almost like a flourmand—the heart has a lot of beautiful floral notes.”
“I’m a big believer in switching up your fragrance depending on your mood, and my mood is almost always weather dependent. So, if weather changes herald a new season then yes, it’s the time to perhaps try something new. Aside from it being fun, a new scent can give you that little extra spring in your step. I love a bright floral like our new Florist perfume for spring. It literally feels like a reawakening post winter. I also love citrus notes. Bergamot is fabulous, gorgeous and sprightly. You’ll notice that many Ellis Brooklyn fragrances like Florist and Myth have a touch of bergamot in the top notes. It’s my favorite note.”
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