Osmanthus is a species rarely seen domestically. Perfumers’ impressions of osmanthus mostly come from a trip to China, and even the names of the perfumes are often linked to China. This simple little yellow flower may not be as visually striking as roses, but its fragrance can always enchant, making it a representative Chinese scent.
For me, the fragrance of osmanthus has a happy aroma. It smells warm, with mature apricot notes mixed with the sweet scent of red tea and a subtle leather undertone in the aftertaste. Sweet, soft, rich, and delicious, every time I smell osmanthus, it naturally lifts my mood. Simply extracting osmanthus essential oil without blending it with other scents is enough to create a top-quality perfume. The fragrance of osmanthus is pure, not as intoxicating as jasmine or as unpredictable as tuberose.
Osmanthus has a wide range of uses in life. Besides the well-known osmanthus tea, it can also be used in various delicacies, such as osmanthus sugar and osmanthus cakes, making it a favorite among food lovers. Osmanthus is a simple and happy fragrance close to life. Here are ten representative osmanthus perfumes with different styles, each worth trying:
Serge Lutens Nuit de Cellophane
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Keywords: Fresh and Sweet Osmanthus
As a representative brand in niche perfumes, Serge Lutens has few recommendations for beginners, but Nuit de Cellophane is undoubtedly one of them. This perfume is neither excessively strong nor overly sweet. Many Serge Lutens perfumes have a signature sweetness, but in this one, osmanthus is not overwhelmingly sweet.
It is a blend of fresh osmanthus and a large amount of white flowers. Although osmanthus is not the dominant component, it stands out among the white flowers and becomes the star. The top note is a lively fruity scent, reminiscent of crisp green apples. This fruity scent gradually transitions to a charming floral fragrance, leading to the main note of osmanthus, accented with jasmine. The fragrance is fresh, sweet, and delicate, like walking through a serene Chinese garden under the quiet moonlight, true to its French name, “Nuit de Cellophane.”
Memo Inlé
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Keywords: Osmanthus in a Sea of Tea
The name “Inlé” refers to Inle Lake in Myanmar, which inspired the perfumer to create this scent. To describe this perfume poetically, it is the scent of osmanthus drifting over a sea of tea. From start to finish, you can smell the aroma of mate tea, accentuated with mint, bergamot, and fresh herbal notes, exuding a pleasant coolness, like an evening breeze by the lakeside. Suddenly, a whiff of osmanthus drifts in, not strong but immediately captivating, making you imagine a dense osmanthus grove in the distance. The osmanthus scent, supported by mate tea, loses its usual sweetness and gains more imaginative space.
3. Hermessence Osmanthe Yunnan
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Keywords: Yunnan Black Tea and Osmanthus
The essence of this perfume lies in the combination of Yunnan black tea and osmanthus. Although black tea is not as refreshing as green tea, it neutralizes the sweetness of osmanthus, reducing its gourmand quality. The combination is delicate and ethereal, often described as “osmanthus tea.”
Hermès’ signature citrus top note here is more like a piece of orange-flavored rock candy dropped into osmanthus tea. The contrast between sweetness and the tea’s freshness is evident, with a slight astringency unique to tea when sprayed on the skin. As a breeze of osmanthus scent blows in, the sweetness gradually fades. In this warm, slightly bitter tea scent, the original fruity aroma of osmanthus is enhanced by a newly emerged apricot note. However, this fruity scent is not fully ripe but resembles an immature apricot, with a subtle sourness that balances the earlier bitterness. The soft leather note at the end is also very pleasant.
The three-stage evolution of Osmanthe Yunnan is dynamic, with distinct notes worth savoring. Due to its overall mild scent, it is suitable for spring and summer and appropriate for various occasions.
The Different Company Osmanthus
Keywords: Soapy Osmanthus The central component of this perfume is osmanthus with a slightly soapy aroma. Although osmanthus is typically associated with feminine fragrances, here it takes on a dry, unique masculine scent. Once the citrus top notes evaporate, the scent transitions to this white floral note, creating a surprising masculine feel with the osmanthus.
Although this unique soapy osmanthus scent may not become a mainstream favorite, its distinctive beauty is undeniable. As a floral fragrance lacking sweetness and featuring a soft musky base note, it stands out. Created by the same perfumer, Jean-Claude Ellena, who made Hermessence Osmanthe Yunnan, this osmanthus perfume lacks the apricot note characteristic of osmanthus but is overall richer, with a warm musk finish. For men who love osmanthus but struggle to find a wearable version, this perfume is a godsend.
Flora by Gucci Eau de Parfum
Keywords: Rich and Sweet Osmanthus This perfume carries on the rich and sweet essence of osmanthus, with a strong and unreserved fragrance. It starts with a candied citrus scent, reminiscent of sugared petals. As it develops, osmanthus begins to bloom vigorously, accompanied by other florals that are hard to distinguish because the osmanthus dominates. Although the scent of osmanthus is strong, it is not at all seductive; the term “seductive” has never been associated with osmanthus. It is sweet yet straightforward, like a wealthy family’s young lady who is flamboyant yet unpretentious. This charming display is simply its natural character.
Jo Malone Osmanthus Blossom
Keywords: Osmanthus After the Rain
Jo Malone released this limited edition osmanthus perfume in 2013. Due to its positive market response, it was later re-released with the same scent but a less luxurious bottle design. The top notes do not resemble osmanthus but feature a typical aquatic note, combined with Jo Malone’s signature fresh style. Later, the osmanthus gradually appears, with a woody base that is also moist, giving the overall impression of osmanthus after the rain. As a fresh osmanthus perfume, it is very suitable for summer use, and the reissue has compensated for many regrets.
Parfum d`Empire Osmanthus Interdite
Keywords: Majestic Leather Osmanthus This brand has released many perfumes themed around ancient empires, with impressive names and scents that evoke a theatrical experience. It represents the foreign view of the Forbidden City, grand and magnificent, making one wonder about the scenes behind its walls and whether the royal osmanthus has a different appearance.
The top notes are a combination of green tea and leather, with smoky leather exuding an aggressive air, recreating the grandeur of an ancient empire. However, osmanthus quickly takes center stage, blending seamlessly with green tea, creating a sweet yet refreshing scent. At this stage, osmanthus is neither too sweet nor too faint, embodying the Chinese philosophy of moderation with an elegant beauty. The middle notes introduce a different scene, with slightly sour roses and sweet lilies joining the mix, creating a floral symphony within the Forbidden City.
In the end, only the osmanthus, paired with the suede note, remains infinite and eternal. The royal osmanthus of the Forbidden City is distinguished from common osmanthus by this suede note, symbolizing its timeless magnificence.
Conclusion
Osmanthus perfumes offer a diverse array of fragrances, from the fresh and sweet to the rich and complex. Each scent captures different aspects of osmanthus, blending it with various notes to create unique and memorable experiences. Whether it’s the delicate combination of osmanthus with tea or the unexpected masculine twist, these perfumes showcase the versatility and charm of osmanthus, making it a beloved choice for many. Perfect for different occasions and seasons, osmanthus perfumes bring a touch of happiness and elegance to any fragrance collection.