Here at Who What Wear, we’re firm believers in the power of fragrance. That effortlessly cool factor we’re always after takes into account one’s sartorial sensibilities and beauty expression via haircuts and color, but a person’s scent is like the fancy red ribbon tying the whole vibe together. And while there are endless scents that smack you in the face with bold notes in a good way (there’s a time and place for this, too), there’s one type that delivers big “I woke up like this” energy: perfume oil.
Now, we love a good eau de parfum as much as you do (our lives changed the day the OG Queer Eye guys taught us the “spray and walk away”), but there’s just something so chic and intimate about the type of scent payoff that comes from applying perfume oil to your pulse points. Don’t just take our word for it—Marie du Petit Thouars, founder of cult-favorite clean fragrance label Maison Louis Marie, says there are distinct differences that make oil-based scents more intimate. “We include more fragrance within the perfume oils, so technically, they are actually stronger. Although, the scent tends to be a bit more personal, staying closer to your own body, whereas an EDP tends to leave more of a tail.”
If there’s one thing that screams cool without trying, it’s the scent mystique perfume oils offer. Here, find the 10 best fragrance oils out there along with coordinating body products so you can layer to your heart’s content.
Key notes: sandalwood, vetiver, amber wood. Arguably the most popular scent of all the Maison Louis Marie offerings, Thouars says she currently finds herself reaching for this sandalwood scent.
Your pits have never smelled so good.
Key notes: bergamot, lemon, pepper, juniper berries, orris, amber, vanilla, sandalwood. This iconic Byredo scent is even better in oil form.
Start setting your scent foundation in the shower.
Key notes: amber. I once had a co-worker who credited amber oil for her consistently sweet smell. Seriously, she smelled so good all the time. This under-the-radar amber-scented perfume oil has tons of excellent reviews calling it natural, sexy, and versatile. The manufacturer notes that this oil evolves with your body chemistry, so it will manifest in different scent intensities on different people.
Here’s a rollerball version you can throw in your purse for on-the-go touch-ups.
Key notes: a secret mix of notes that offer a unique scent experience to every wearer. If you’ve always yearned for a signature scent, this unique oil is one to check out. It serves as both a primer to boost other oils (seriously, it goes with everything) and a stand-alone fragrance that takes on a unique personality depending on the person who applies it.
Up the ante on your signature scent with this topper.
Key notes: oriental rose, patchouli, sandalwood, frankincense, black currant. This iconic fragrance is just exquisite. It’s pricey, and it shows. While this isn’t exactly a concentrated perfume oil like the others on this list, it still cloaks you in the same kind of subtle, head-turning aroma.
Keep the floral party going with the classic EDP.
Key notes: Turkish rose, sandalwood. This calming perfume oil blend combines floral and woody scent profiles for a perfectly balanced essence. Get the best of both worlds in one bottle and peace of mind to boot.
A few drops of this in your bath and you’ll be transported to a spa-like zen.
Key notes: rose absolute, gardenia, exotic white flowers. The original Kai fragrance is long rumored to be Oprah’s go-to scent, and this updated version brings in all the gorgeous gardenia goodness along with a fresh, sweet rose tinge.
The only thing better than a whipped body butter is a whipped body butter that cocoons your senses in a scent as heavenly as this one.
Key notes: bergamot, plum, rum, leather, amber, patchouli, milk. This scent is all about balance. It’s warm, calling in the familiar aromas of tropical cocktails and spicy aftershave lotion.
Now, your personal fragrance can extend to your home, too.
Key notes: fig tree leaf, fig tree wood, fig sap, white cedar. This fig-forward scent is fresh and fruity but is still complex enough that it could never be categorized as juvenile or basic. The solid wax warms up to an oil balm that can be spread over the skin or scrunched into the hair with ease.
A fine mist of eau de toilette never hurt anyone.
Key notes: Ambroxan, jasmine petals, musk, moss, woody amber. This romantic fragrance is robust and musky but also sweet and delicate. It’s a dirtied-up take on a floral aroma.
Girl, you smell good. Up next, October Flew By, But We Still Managed to Freak Out Over These 25 Beauty Finds
