There is a never-ending stream of newness when it comes to perfume; what better time to discover a fresh scent than a change of season? Here are 8 recent launches that are worth checking out.
ROAN (Roots of A Nomad) is a brand that creates modern-day tea scents. Their newest, Sahara Song, is a gorgeous, refreshing mint fragrance that settles into a creamy cup of coffee on skin. This is not your average gourmand coffee scent, though – think more along the lines of the coffee bean itself, smelled alongside other notes of coconut milk, vanilla orchid, and musk. It’s a cashmere sweater in a bottle, enjoyed on a chilly day in early September. Perfect for the transition from summer to fall, it’s stunningly unique – I can’t name a single perfume that even smells vaguely like it. This was an instant love for me.
Prada launched a new flanker of their iconic Paradoxe fragrance, this time with the addition of salted pistachio: Radical Essence. While the three other versions of the scent, though varying in scent profile, each had a streak of freshness, this one is undeniably the sweetest. Creamy vanilla enhances the nuttiness, and pairs well with the familiar neroli DNA. It’s gourmand without being too “foody,” sweet without becoming sickly, and perhaps the most unique of the Paradoxe collection. I can see this becoming a fast fall favorite.
The iconic La Vie Est Belle has a new sister, Vanille Nude, a muskier, creamier version of the original. To cut straight to the point – I am obsessed. This is by far my favorite version of LVEB, its soft vanilla notes melting into skin to provide an aura that is both delicious and elegant. The DNA of the original is certainly present, but I find this to be more wearable for everyday, a bit more subtle. Notes include solar jasmine, white musk, and glazed bourbon vanilla, creating a symphony of scent that will garner you countless compliments.
Lake & Skye have come out with a new spin on their classic 11 11 fragrance, this time turning to the juicy tartness of lychee in 11 11 Lychee. The purple color of the bottle is so fitting for this one; it smells like a cloud of berries and sugared musk. If you’re still searching for the perfect skin scent but are not a fan of the woody notes often associated with this profile, you must give this one a try. It has that same effortless quality while maintaining a sweet and fruity femininity with notes of raspberry, peony, ambroxan, and, of course, lychee.
This summer, Henry Rose launched a limited-edition sequel to their bestselling Windows Down, Windows Down PCH. Inspired by the winding roads and wild beauty of Northern California, it smells like the freedom of a wide open sky and endless open space filled with oceans and forests. Bright citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit intertwine with the softness of earl grey tea, orange flower, and musk for a perfume that is both calming and empowering. Says founder Michelle Pfeiffer of her creation, “It’s intense, grounding, yet completely untamed.”
One of the most popular niche fragrances of all time has a new flanker; meet Byredo’s Bal D’Afrique Absolu. If you love the original, you will probably love this even more. Rather than a spin-off, this is simply a more intense, stronger, richer version, and it’s divine. The opening drips with the juice of blackcurrant, lemon and bergamot, which gives way to smooth woody notes of cedarwood and vetiver. It’s a complex scent of musks, praline, and violet, too, and it’s one of perfumery’s modern masterpieces. At once elegant and rugged, it’s a completely unisex profile that exudes refinement.
Aerin is launching a new collection, Les Jardins Botaniques, which includes the delightful Wisteria. I knew Aerin did florals well, but the hyperrealistic quality of this scent blew me away. This smells exactly like purple petals flowing over a little overhang in a Japanese garden, greenery and all. Honeysuckle adds sweetness, while musk adds a subtle creaminess and woods ground the scent. It’s simple, it’s beautiful, it’s true-to-life. Floral lovers absolutely need to try this ethereal fragrance (and have you seen the bottle!?).
One of my personal favorite new releases is Ledda’s 16 Scenic Rose. This is a surprisingly bright, mouthwatering take on a traditional floral note, crafted to perfection with accompanying accords of matcha green tea latte, strawberry, and pear blossom. I love that rose is still a prominent note here (have you ever tried a “rose” scent that actually doesn’t smell like rose at all?), but done so in a joyful, easy way. If you typically struggle with this note, you might love this one. It’s light, a little playful, certainly feminine – but never juvenile.
