For me, the past 365 days were filled with fragrant discovery. I did my best to broaden my olfactive palate, sniffing a range of notes in a never-ending quest for the new, the unique, the surprising. The following 10 fragrances were my favorite finds, and while they weren’t all released in 2025, this was the year I smelled each one for the first time.
D.S. & Durga’s Steamed Rainbow is an emblem of what I love most about fragrance. It nails a specific memory, a piece of nostalgia that many of us carry with us into adulthood: the outdoor hose on a summer day, made scalding by the sun. At least, that is the imagery that washes over me at first spray. There is a note of steam in here – hence the name – that is almost shocking in its hyperrealism. This perfume is a piece of modern art, and all fragrance lovers should get their nose on it at least once.
Cedar Chic by Carolina Herrera was inspired by the brand’s iconic crisp white shirt. Airy and musky, it’s an elevated clean girl fragrance that smells like luxury. If you’re on the hunt for the minimalist aesthetic in a bottle, look no further. Be warned, though, that this is not a sweet or typically feminine scent; it’s understated and woody, and the real magic happens on skin.
403 Myrrh Shadow by Bon Parfumeur was one of the most surprising scents of the year for me, personally. It’s a dark, resinous, embery hit of myrrh and spices, reeled in by bright citrus and the subtle sweetness of cinnamon. Wearing this feels like being draped in brown velvet, and I can’t help but feel like it screams autumn.
Kajal’s Topaz emits a glow like its namesake; it’s a syrupy, complex orange blossom that smells like it’s dripping honey. This scent profile transcends the seasons – it’s neither too overpowering for the summertime, nor too citric for the winter. I think I’ve finally found my favorite orange blossom fragrance.
Parisian Musc by Matiere Premiere is the ultimate cool-girl fragrance (though to be fair, it’s completely unisex). To my nose, this opens with a burst of verdant ambrette, then dries down to a musky coconut – fresh coconut flakes, not tropical or sweet. It’s a standout scent that will have people around you leaning in close to get another whiff.
Villa Erbatium’s Allegria smells like fairy dusting powder. It’s floral, it’s fresh, it’s ethereal. If you like Parfums de Marly’s Valaya, you’ll like this. There’s a realistic honey note that makes this scent feel so feminine and delicate. I actually discovered the brand itself this past year; I have now added to my bucket list to visit their store in Seoul, which is designed to look like an alchemist’s laboratory.
Every once in a while, I come across a scent that is truly special. Butterfly by Hanae Mori exudes an otherworldly charm that made me think, “Where have you been?” when I smelled it for the first time. Launched in 1996 by the Japanese fashion designer, Butterfly is no new launch. It’s a scent profile, though, that is timeless in its beauty; it’s a slightly powdery, lightly sweet strawberry/rose/peony fragrance that is oh-so-easy to love. The brand celebrates the fragrance’s 30th anniversary in 2026 – as well as the 100th anniversary of the birth of the icon Hanae Mori herself.
Jousset’s Le Gourmand is for the chocolate lovers. This is the single most indulgent fragrance I have ever smelled – it’s like sniffing a fresh jar of Nutella. Salted butter, toast, and cookie dough add interest, but the notes of chopped hazelnuts and chocolate spread are what really shine. Wearing this feels like escaping to a storybook bakery in Paris.
Sol Salgado by Thomas de Monaco smells like the simplest form of joy – think sunshine on your face after seemingly endless cloudy days. Meaning salty sun, it’s a harmonious blend of linden blossom, cotton flower, salt, and musk. It’s comforting and yellow with a hint of smoked vanilla, and smells just like the skin of someone you love.
Midnight Musk & Amber by Jo Malone smells like a soft blanket on a frigid winter evening. Its ambery warmth juxtaposes with snappy juniper, creating a profile that feels both fresh and golden. This launch feels unlike previous Jo Malone fragrances in the best way possible – it has great longevity, too. If you’re looking for a signature scent that’s neither clean nor floral, this is a stunning option.
