My Friends Know I’m a Perfume Addict.
Friends often ask me, ‘What scent of perfume is addictive?’ This question sends shivers down my spine. If there’s a bottle that induces a physiological reaction, something that makes you instantly addicted, I would certainly be inhaling it daily. Not only for personal use but also to invite friends over for a scent-filled party.
What does it mean to be addicted? It means smelling so good that it feels like the sun is shining brightly, and life is incredibly beautiful. When faced with this question, relying on overall ratings should be foolproof. Let’s see what the popular vote says on the Branddecant ranking.
Perfumes that score above 9 on the Branddecant list must represent the pinnacle of ‘addictiveness,’ right? Yet, after purchasing and trying a bunch of sample fragrances, you may find that high-scoring works can sometimes be disappointing.
‘What?! Guerlain Mitsouko with a stellar 9.3 rating smells like plain flower water? Are you sure you didn’t make a mistake?’ ‘Chanel No. 5, the renowned classic, smells like soap? Are you selling counterfeit goods?’
These are the doubts expressed by newcomers after Branddecant started its sample perfume business, leaving us amused and perplexed every day.
In reality, such results are a consequence of different experiences with perfumes. Beginners, due to limited exposure to fragrances, may not appreciate many high-end perfumes.
It’s akin to a child having McDonald’s for the first time. Fried chicken becomes addictive, and hamburgers are deemed the ultimate delicacy. However, if you offer them caviar, they might find the fishy taste repulsive. Truffles? They may describe it as having a ‘gasoline flavor.’ The world’s top-notch ingredients are just adult eccentricities in their eyes.
What’s your smell degree?
A person’s fragrance journey determines the height of their olfactory perspective. Initially, when smelling an entry-level perfume, it may seem pleasant. However, as one experiences fragrances that are even more delightful, previous encounters are surpassed, and olfactory awareness is elevated. Appreciation for perfumes that were once unacceptable begins to develop. Through these incremental enhancements, one’s taste becomes increasingly discerning, and the ability to appreciate scents continuously improves, making it harder to get ‘addicted.’
In other words, the longer someone has been immersed in the world of fragrance, the higher their olfactory excitement threshold becomes. Entry-level varieties no longer suffice, and more intense, potent options are needed to achieve the desired sensory high. This is why individuals deeply involved in the world of fragrance often explore niche scents, developing a taste for heavier fragrances and experimenting with various styles.
How can a perfume easily captivate the majority of people? Firstly, the threshold for appreciation must not be too high. It should strike a balance between substance and presentation—neither overly sweet nor intimidating. Ideally, it should cater to both novices and connoisseurs.
What’s your poison?
Everyone’s olfactory preferences are unique. Perhaps we can easily agree on the ‘beauty’ of appearances, but when it comes to ‘pleasant scents,’ opinions vary widely! Ultimately, it’s due to differing tastes. Just as someone who dislikes sweets will never get addicted to them, discussing ‘addiction’ without considering individual preferences is futile. Each person has unique olfactory preferences, and certain perfumes are particularly effective for specific individuals. Therefore, only through categorization and targeted approaches can we create a scientific guide to ‘addiction.’
Perfume Era has compiled past features, high-scoring fragrances from websites, and perfumes with the highest fan acclaim into this ‘Scientific Addiction: Perfume Classification Handbook.’ If you’re looking for something that aligns with your taste, consider using the Perfume Era app to purchase samples and explore – you’re sure to find your own potion!
User’s Guide to Addictive Scents
Newbie Killers / Irresistible Scents for Beginners
Major luxury brands have put a lot of effort into this direction, considering that most visitors to fragrance counters are ordinary people. For newcomers, the following perfumes are a surefire hit, and they are unisex. For those who have never encountered perfumes before, smelling these scents is like opening a door to a new world.
- Chanel Bleu de Chanel This perfume is enchanting; for those just starting with fragrances, smelling it feels as if they’ve lost their souls but find the scent irresistibly charming.
- Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio A fresh blend of citrus and sea breeze, extremely refreshing and pleasant. It’s a unisex scent that provides a comfortable and enjoyable experience, perfect for beginners.
- Hermes Terre d’Hermes With a gentle and rich woody profile, it holds the top spot on the commercial fragrance charts, showcasing outstanding quality and reputation. Even as a mainstream fragrance, it continues to captivate the masses.
- Hermes Un Jardin Sur Le Nil Featuring a lovable giant grapefruit, it is fresh, sweet, and delightful with depth. Striking a perfect balance, it represents versatility and sophistication.
Path to Niche Fragrances / Must-Haves on the Salon Scent Journey
Niche fragrances from salons aren’t exclusively high-threshold and hard-to-understand creations; among them, there are many approachable masterpieces. When a profoundly meaningful perfume can easily strike a chord with our inner selves, they are destined to become the new generation’s favorites.
- L`Artisan Parfumeur Passage d’Enfer With its gentle blend of incense and wood, the name alone suggests it’s destined for greatness. A standout in the world of salon fragrances, there’s no reason not to give it a try.
- Diptyque Tam Dao Featuring sandalwood with a hint of milky sweetness, it possesses a magical ability to calm the heart, highlighting the exceptional quality of sandalwood.
- Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin A rose infused with a touch of melancholic gothic charm, captivating countless hearts. A rose creation that takes a unique and unconventional path.
- Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt A sweet, sea breeze aroma that sets itself apart from the typical oceanic fragrances. Its sea salt is warm, reminiscent of sun-soaked beaches.
- Atelier Cologne Oolang Infini A gentle and clean hint of tea fragrance. In comparison to the previous one, it truly is the most understated, yet it still manages to shine brightly.
Creamy Candy/Sweet Tooth Enthusiast
The love for sweets has long been encoded into a woman’s DNA. If we can’t indulge in too many sweet treats, can’t we at least revel in the delightful scent of perfumes? Embracing an addiction to a bottle of gourmand fragrance is an entirely guilt-free affair.
- YSL Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium As the descendant of the classic Opium, Black Opium ventures into new realms in the gourmand direction. Caramel, vanilla, and creamy coffee create a tsunami of sweet and delectable dessert aromas, irresistible for those with a penchant for sweetness.
- Maison Margiela By the Fireplace Van Gogh’s vivid color palette seems to find resonance in this fragrance. Maison Margiela By the Fireplace, as a distinctive gourmand scent, transports you to a cozy moment by the hearth. The blend of orange, vanilla, and cinnamon unfolds like a fireworks display, delicately releasing the sweet aroma of caramel and nuts, creating a comfortably warm atmosphere that is simply irresistible.
Sourness Enthusiast/I Only Love Sourness
I’m all about that tangy flavor! Whether it’s savoring food or choosing a fragrance, sourness is my go-to preference! There are few perfumes that truly capture the essence of extreme sourness, so when I find one, I snatch it up without hesitation.
- Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin
It carries a refreshing sourness, reminiscent of the fragrance released into the air when slicing into a lime. The crisp notes of lime and sweet basil blend with a hint of fresh mandarin, providing you with an ultimate sour and refreshing experience, like a cool breeze on a summer afternoon. - Hermes Eau D’Orange Verte EDC
A pure and clean green orange scent, like the juice that splashes into the air when peeling an orange—refreshingly sour.
Sweet Floral Fruity Delight/Cute Girly Vibes
For those who adore the cute and girly aesthetic, a bottle of sweet, delectable floral-fruity fragrance is sure to make you even more charming. Sprinkle a bit of sweetness from time to time, and you’ll undoubtedly capture the heart of your crush.
- Miu Miu L’Eau Bleue The dominant note is white flowers, but wrapped in a plethora of sweet fruity accords, it exudes an irresistibly soft and adorable aura, reminiscent of the delightful scent of fruity candies
- Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey is a fragrance bursting with sweet floral and fruity notes. The harmonious blend of nectarine blossom and honey feels like a stroll through a summer garden, where the fresh scent of nectarine blossoms intertwines with the delightful aroma of sweet honey, creating a dreamy and gentle allure.
Fresh and Artistic Youth
With your clear, large eyes and my clean white shirt, only the refreshing scent of fresh and youthful can complement the artistic vibe of a literary youth. The light, rain-fresh fragrance, like a stroll in the spring rain, is the natural body scent that exudes from them.
- Jo Malone Wild Bluebell This fragrance exudes an extremely fresh aroma, as if the soul is strolling in the spring rain. It’s a signature scent for the artistic youth and a true “beginner killer.”
- Bvlgari Pour Homme Carrying the title of “heartthrob scent,” this fragrance features a light tea aroma that, within its freshness, embodies a gentle and warm masculine essence.
Citrus Enthusiast/Sour and Sweet is My Style
Citrus notes are the origin of perfumery, and the sour and sweet aroma is not only adored by the artistic souls but has also been popular for centuries!
- Penhaligon’s Luna is a fresh citrus fragrance that radiates a cool and refreshing aura, akin to a bright moon hanging in the night sky. The crispness of citrus blends with subtle floral notes, creating a sense of tranquility reminiscent of a calm night breeze. This fragrance not only embodies the classic citrus notes but also carries a touch of serene mystery.
- Diptyque Oyedo is a vibrant citrus fragrance that exudes an invigorating citrus scent. The citrus notes in Oyedo are both sour and sweet, reminiscent of an orange-themed night party. Fresh and cheerful, like an evening filled with laughter in an orange orchard.
Bitterness Enthusiast
Who says perfume must be sweet? Bitter fragrances are true love. Under the influence of waves of bitter aromas, my spiritual world undergoes another elevation.
- L’Artisan Parfumeur Fou d’Absinthe is a unique and captivating absinthe fragrance. The bitterness of absinthe blends with fresh pine notes, creating a deep and enchanting atmosphere. This fragrance feels like a journey into the bitter secrets of the deep forest, evoking a sense of mystery.
- Lalique Encre Noire is a deeply mysterious absinthe fragrance. The intense bitterness of absinthe blends with the profound notes of dark vetiver, emitting a rich and captivating aroma. This fragrance, like a bottle of black ink, is imbued with a strong artistic flair.
- L’Artisan Parfumeur Dzongkha is a unique bitter fragrance that carries the mysterious essence of the Bhutanese plateau. The bitterness of galbanum resin blends with subtle frankincense, creating a fresh and complex scent. This fragrance feels like awakening an ancient and mysterious aroma on the high mountains.
Destination for the Bold/Agarwood and Ebony Enthusiast
Agarwood and ebony boast rich and diverse essences, resembling a meticulously crafted perfume even in their purest forms, akin to savoring a sip of aged wine. However, due to their bitter notes, it’s only in the final stages that one begins to appreciate the allure of ebony.
- Tom Ford Oud Wood
The initial notes may seem a bit too intense for beginners, but as it evolves, the fragrance releases the rich aroma of ebony, becoming utterly captivating. - Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud is a distinctive and attention-grabbing oud fragrance. The top notes exude a velvety rose scent, while the base notes reveal the depth and richness of oud. This fragrance, like a piece of art, seamlessly blends the intense floral aroma with the mysterious essence of oud.
- Tom Ford Tobacco Oud is a deep and captivating oud fragrance. The richness of tobacco intertwines with the velvety oud, creating an intoxicating composition. This fragrance, like a luxurious feast, perfectly balances the warmth of tobacco with the grounding essence of oud.
Fresh Floral Elegance
Floral fragrances stand as the most extensive category in perfumery, and the fresh and delicate floral notes give off a fairy-like ambiance, serving as the enchanting talisman for every whimsical spirit.
- Jo Malone Orange Blossom is exceptionally fresh and tender, akin to delicate flower petals gracefully drifting through the air, accompanied by a subtle hint of citrus fragrance.
- L’Artisan Parfumeur Mure et Musc is a classic in the realm of fresh floral fragrances. The unique blend of blackberry and musk creates a refreshing and delightful ambiance, reminiscent of being surrounded by a garden of flowers.
- Miss Dior is an elegant fresh floral fragrance. The intertwining of citrus and rose in the top notes creates a fresh and sweet atmosphere, while the musk in the base notes adds an elegant touch to the overall composition.
Charming Connoisseur of Spirits/Enthusiast of Intoxicating Fragrances
He is a charming connoisseur of spirits, indulging in the world of nectars. For him, the taste extends beyond the palate to the realm of olfaction. He seeks the rich fragrance of liquor in perfumes, as if each bottle is a delightful wine party. In his world, fragrances are akin to fine wines, exuding intoxicating notes that captivate the senses.
- Frederic Malle Rose Tonnerre (Une Rose)
The opening notes of Rose Tonnerre are explosively delightful, reminiscent of freshly uncorked premium red wine. The wine aroma blends seamlessly with oxygen, creating a perfect harmony. The full-bodied scent of grapes imparts a subtle acidity to the wine fragrance. As a meticulously de-sweetened red wine, it carries almost no sweetness. The fragrance swiftly transitions to the protagonist, the rose. It emanates the authentic scent of roses, bearing the distinctive freshness and sharpness, much like the thorns on a stem. Red wine and roses, both epitomes of beauty and delicacy, intertwine to create this masterpiece of a salon fragrance. - Juniper Sling is an intoxicating fragrance with an opening that delights the senses with the richness of red wine, as if immersed in a bottle of freshly uncorked fine red wine. The blend of wine aroma and oxygen is perfect, and the full-bodied grape scent imparts a subtle acidity, akin to a carefully de-sweetened red wine with almost no sweetness. The fragrance swiftly transitions to the protagonist, juniper berry, revealing an authentic and distinctive juniper scent. It exudes a green and sharp character, much like thorns on a stem. Juniper Sling artfully blends red wine and juniper, creating a salon fragrance that immerses you in a delightful and rich olfactory experience.
Romantic Souls/Rose Enthusiasts
For those enamored by romance and devoted to the allure of roses, extracting the essence of this captivating flower from the broader spectrum of floral fragrances is a tribute to its immense popularity. Roses, easily encountered in our daily lives, leave an indelible and enchanting impression.
- Serge Lutens Sa Majeste la Rose is an intense and opulent rose fragrance. This perfume showcases the regal dominance of the rose, emanating the profound scent of flower petals, as if capturing the majesty of the rose queen. The floral and warm woody notes intertwine to create a luxurious olfactory experience reminiscent of a blooming garden.
- Tom Ford Rose Prick is a vibrant rose fragrance. This perfume exudes a fresh and crisp rose scent, with subtle spicy and woody undertones. The fragrance maintains the consistent presence of rose throughout the olfactory journey, embodying a unique and irresistible modern sensibility.
Enthusiast of Woods/Back-to-Nature Naturalist
I am captivated by the scent of the forest, and the simple aroma of wood makes me feel like I am embracing nature in its purest form.
- Lalique Encre Noire, translating to “Black Ink,” is a deep and mysterious woody fragrance. The opening notes of pine set the stage for an intense forest experience, as if wandering through a dark woodland. The warm essence of black ebony wood permeates the entire composition, adding a unique woody dimension to the fragrance. Encre Noire exudes confidence and depth, immersing the wearer in a poetic dance of woody notes.
- Le Labo Santal 33 is a distinctive and captivating woody fragrance. The richness of sandalwood intertwines with subtle leather notes, creating a highly layered olfactory profile. The gentle blend of sandalwood and spices evokes a warm and mature sensation, reminiscent of stepping into an ancient library or workshop. Santal 33 stands as a classic choice in the world of woody fragrances, leaving a profound and unforgettable impression.
Cool and Aloof Gentleman/I Just Love the Refreshing Chill
The crisp fragrance is like a piercing ice rain, clear and cool, perfectly matching the unique temperament of the cool and aloof gentleman. This fragrance is transparent and resolute, as if it can instantly cool down the warmth within. The icy sensation is akin to a chilly northern wind, creating an atmosphere of nobility and depth. It embodies a unique, fresh, and cool sense of sophistication.
- Tom Ford Grey Vetiver is a crisp and elegant fragrance. The opening notes release a fresh blend of citrus and mint, gradually transitioning to the delicate scents of sage and orris root. Finally, grey amber and sandalwood contribute to the overall fragrance, creating a deep and cool ambiance. This perfume combines freshness with a unique mature charm, suitable for those seeking a cool and noble atmosphere.
- Creed Silver Mountain Water is a refreshing and invigorating fragrance. The opening notes feature cool lemon and jasmine, reminiscent of the fresh air in the mountains at dawn. The heart notes release the richness of blackcurrant and green tea, ultimately settling into a base of sandalwood and amber, adding the finishing touch to the entire fragrance. This perfume is like a stroll in the silver-white mountains, bringing a sense of fresh exhilaration.
Have you found your poison? Words alone can’t capture these delightful sensations. All the mentioned fragrances are available for sampling on Branddecant. Simply search for the perfume names, and you can collect the scents you desire! With over a hundred fragrance categories, you can gather all the aromas you crave in one go.