Imagine sitting on a velvet cushion, perched at your vanity, dressed in a silken dressing gown. You swipe on a hint of petal-pink lipstick, then apply fragrant powder with a cotton puff. This space is all your own, hidden away from the rigors of everyday life for an 18th century lady. No restrictive corset cuts into your ribs; no petticoat slows your movement. In this place, you can read, dream, or simply prolong the ritual of toilette. You are in the boudoir, and here, you are free.
The 18th century French boudoir was a sanctuary for elite women to rest away from more public and male-dominated areas. Filled with luxurious personal items such as clothing and cosmetics, it has naturally become an emblem of coquette femininity. The following fragrances, to me, embody the boudoir in all its elegant, ladylike glory. Ranging from powdery rose to lipsticky iris, they each evoke soft, unapologetic charm.
This article is a collaboration with Erin Lutz, Youtube and TikTok creator. Check out her video to discover her take on boudoir scents!
Chanel No. 22From the Les Exclusifs collection, No. 22 was born in the same period as the iconic No. 5 – and shares many qualities. This is a lighter, more delicate version of No. 5, drying down to a soapy, fresh elegance rather than a rich opulence. It evokes clean skin, white powder, a hint of white flowers. Aldehydic and delightfully vintage, it’s one of my very favorites.
Bienaimé VermeilOriginally founded in 1935 by Robert Bienaimé, this brand has a rich history. In 2021, long after the first creations hit shelves, the brand was relaunched by a new owner who preserved the gorgeous Art Deco bottles and delightfully old-fashioned scent profiles. Vermeil smells like lipstick – dry, creamy, slightly carroty. Iris, violet, rice powder, and rose intermingle for a fragrance that truly smells like your grandmother’s makeup, in the absolute best way. Try it at Scent Split before committing to a full bottle.
Replica Bubble BathThis is the serenity of a soft, white towel, the suds of a hot bath still clinging to wet skin. Bubble Bath captures that feeling of utter peace only a private, intimate space can provide. Soap bubbles, lavender, and white musk dance for a scent that’s never sweet, but always inviting. I get a hint of cedar, too, rendering this all the more grounding.
Lorenzo Villoresi Teint De Neige
If you want to smell like a powder puff, that comforting, soapy, slightly dry scent that evokes nostalgia, this is your pick. It’s gentle and enveloping, meant to embody the Belle Epoque (a period of French history that overlapped boudoir use). Although this is in the same vein as Chanel No. 5, I find this ever-so-slightly sweeter and perhaps a bit easier for some to wear. Available at FragranceNet.com.
Frederic Malle Lipstick RoseAnother lipstick scent, this one is a bit more glamorous and bold than the Bienaimé, which is softer and sweeter. Sensuality, desire, feminine energy – all come together in this profile of iris, violet, rose, and white musk. Vermeil is a subtle pink, while this is red. In the boudoir, you can wear any shade you like. Try it out via Scent Split.
