What's your favourite floral note in a perfume? If most of us were to answer that question, your mind might immediately go to the classics, like rose, jasmine, or vanilla. There's a perfume note that you might not immediately think of, though, and that's violet. And, trust me, whenever I'm wearing a perfume with it in, I almost always receive a compliment.
Why? Understated yet encapsulating, in perfume, violets lend a soft sweetness to practically any scent. These flowers are delicate, floral, and have a slightly powdery quality. And because it's not entirely overwhelming, it's actually a note that I recommend people seek out in perfumes if they don't traditionally like floral scents. Violet leaf is also often used in fragrance to add a burst of green brightness for more of a fresh, modern way to wear florals. Basically, violet is endlessly versatile, working with just about every scent combination.
Convinced? Keep reading for all the info you need on this head-turning note and some of the best-smelling violet-tinged fragrances on the market...
What Do Violet Perfumes Smell Like?
As mentioned above, violet is a beautifully soft note that is perfect for the spring and summer months. I spoke to Shiseido's national fragrance trainer, Callum Ross, to find out more about floral scent. "The scent of violet is soft, powdery and sweet, with woody undertones," he explained. "The violet note is growing in popularity due to the current trend of taking classic perfume notes and reimagining them for a modern audience."
According to Ross, violet works well with lots of other fragrance notes. "Violet blends well with many notes. It really shines when paired with floral materials, especially the powdery softness of iris, which enhances its delicate charm. Woody notes also have a special connection with violet, as they bring out an earthy quality that's truly captivating. And also musks, which complement violet’s powdery, sensual side."
Shop the Best Violet Perfumes:
1. Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Solar Violet Eau De Toilette
Key Notes: Pear, violet and iris
This is my new favourite spring fragrance. It's fresh, it's warm, it's floral and thanks to sensual, juicy notes, it practically sparkles on the skin. I've had so many compliments since getting my hands on this.
2. Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau De Parfum
Key Notes: Ambrette, Jamaican nesberry, violet, sandalwood, magnolia, chantilly musk, crisp amber, cedar
This woodsy fragrance is a tribute to the elusive Mojave Ghost flower, a rare flower that manages to flourish in the Mojave desert. The resulting fragrance is absolutely magnetic.
3. Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose Perfume
Key Notes: Grapefruit, violet, rose, iris, raspberry, vanilla, white musk
A blend of florals, fruits, vanilla, and musk makes this fragrance incredibly alluring. Created by Ralph Schwieger, this perfume is meant to pay homage to the scent he remembers from the lipstick his mother used to wear. Feminine, glamorous, and reminiscent of Old Hollywood, this scent is incredibly bewitching.
4. Tom Ford Velvet Orchid
Key Notes: Honey, rum, orchid
Consider this a feminine twist on Tom Ford's heady black orchid scent. It has just the right touch of sweetness.
5. Boy Smells Violet Ends Genderful Fine Fragrance
Key Notes: Rhubarb, bergamot, black pepper, violet, black tea, tobacco leaves, incense, orris, white birch, tanned leather, smoked papyrus
This unique scent is the perfect combination of smoke and florals. Romantic notes like violet work in tandem with sharper notes like tobacco and smoked papyrus for an unexpected fragrance.
6. Ralph Lauren Romance Eau De Parfum
Key Notes: Rose damascena, pink pepper, jasmine, mandarin, violet leaves, woody oakmoss, white musk
Come springtime, you can smell this scent in just about every corner of New York City. It's hopeful, romantic, and the perfect scent for new beginnings.
7. Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Flora Salvaggia Eau de Toilette
Key Notes: Jasmine, orange blossom, violet, iris, watermelon, white flowers
Inspired by wildflowers, this summery fragrance contains an unexpected dash of watermelon for a flash of brightness. It's floral, yes, but feels fresh and zesty, with a touch of powdery softness from the violet to round it out.
8. Aerin Beauty Cedar Violet Eau De Parfum
Key Notes: Violet, lily of the valley, cedar, gardenia, amber, sandalwood
Filled with bright floral notes and woodsy undertones, this violet-centric perfume is like breathing in fresh mountain air.
9. Gucci The Alchemist's Garden the Virgin Violet Eau De Parfum
Key Notes: Violet, musks, iris
This is a perfume that's truly made for violet lovers. Designed to encapsulate the flower, it's incredibly romantic and soft.
10. Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne
Key Notes: Lemon, scarlet velvet rose, honeycomb, violet leaves
This perfume is meant to encapsulate modern romance. While roses are the main attraction, violet leaves add a green note that balances out all the floral notes.
11. Burberry Her Eau De Parfum
Key Notes: Red and dark berries, jasmine, violet, amber, musk
Burberry Her has a reputation for being one of the most romantic perfumes out there. With berries, florals, amber, and musk, it hits all the right notes.
12. Bon Parfumeur 003 Yuzu, Violet Leaves & Vetiver Eau De Parfum
Key Notes: Bergamot, yuzu, violet leaves, jasmine, neroli, elemi, vetiver, musk
When it comes to this bright, citrus-centric fragrance, one word comes to mind: effervescent. Consider this the champagne pop of perfumes.
This story originally appeared on Who What Wear US and has since been updated.
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