We’re a quarter into the new year, and we all know the routine: eat healthier, hit the gym, and give our wardrobe a makeover. But here’s a daring suggestion — why not add “smell amazing” to that checklist?
Whether you’re on the hunt for a signature scent or simply want to avoid smelling like last year’s news, fragrance should definitely be on your 2024 glow-up agenda.
Fragrance is like an invisible accessory, a scent that announces your presence even before you say a word. It’s not just about smelling nice; it’s about expressing yourself, boosting your confidence, and staying on top of the latest trends.
So, even if 2024 turns out to be… well, let’s just say “interesting,” at least you can face any challenge smelling like a million bucks.
Keep reading to explore the fragrance landscape of 2024, discover the notes to look out for in your perfume purchases, and stay ahead of the game with the latest fragrance trends!
Juicy Fruits Galore
Indeed, fruity fragrances are set to soar in popularity this year, and we’re not limiting ourselves to the usual suspects.
We’re exploring a wide range of fruits, including some that you may never have considered could be transformed into a delectable perfume.
“Fruity fragrances are such a thing right now, and I love all the novel formulas. I personally love fruity scents that touch on nostalgia, but also feel very modern and now,” said Bee Shapiro, founder of luxury naturals fragrance and bodycare line Ellis Brooklyn on Beauty Independent.
According to Refinery29, the creative director of modern fine fragrance brand Phlur, Chriselle Lim, calls this new trend a “cool older sister” of last year’s fragrance trends.
Additionally, during the summer season and hot weather, fresh and citrus fragrances are always a popular choice. This makes it an essential item on our vanity tables in Malaysia.
@makeupsessions Someone asked for fruity floral scent options for spring so here are some of my faves. #springperfume #fruityfloralfragrances #perfumetiktok
Try:
- Bon Parfumeur 202 Eau de Parfum (30ml) retails for RM293 at OZ Cosmetics. This refreshing fruit cocktail comprises citruses, watermelon, cassis, jasmine, caramel, and more.
- Burberry Her Elixir de Parfum (100ml) retails for about RM578.16 at Selfridges. Bold and sensual, this intense fragrance offers fruity gourmand notes alongside strawberry, blackberry, jasmine, vanilla, and amber.
- Loewe Solo Ella Eau De Toilette Spray (50ml) retails for RM404.50 instead of RM506 at Strawberrynet. This joyful and tropical fragrance combines juicy passionfruit and pitahaya with peonies, cotton candy, praline, and sandalwood.
Vibrant Greens From the Kitchen
In 2023, there was a significant rise in the demand for fragrances with vegetal notes such as carrots and beetroot. As we step into 2024, this trend continues to gain momentum without any indication of slowing down.
Nick Gilbert, creative director of Eau de Boujee and Boujee Bougies, denotes that fragrances with fresh, vibrant, and bright herbal and green notes will continue to be a key trend.
The latest launches in this category take iconic notes such as eucalyptus, vetiver, wood, and rosemary and enhance them with incredible complexity.
For instance, Eau de Boujee’s Verdant Eau de Parfum combines tomato leaves with cactus, sandalwood, and musk, creating a fragrance that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savoury.
@wishbonekitchen #stitch with @cheeto_ego i hate how much i love this 😀
Try:
- La Montaña First Light Eau de Parfum retails for about RM393.30 (£65) at La Montaña. This beautiful fragrance starts with a burst of fennel and pine needles, leading to a floral centre, and ending with a velvety, aromatic conclusion. It evokes feelings of tranquillity, stability, and elegance.
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Media Cologne Forte Eau de Parfum (70ml) retails for about RM1,017.20 at Selfridges. This vibrant fragrance features Calabrian bergamot, verbena, sweet fennel, hedione, and a woody musk accord.
- Aesop Ouranon Eau de Parfum (50ml) retails for about RM820.90 at Selfridges. This fragrance begins with a burst of refreshing citrus and a captivating herbal core, balanced by cosy, resinous undertones and a touch of earthiness.
Related read: Tomato Fragrances Are Gaining Popularity – Here Are 15 of Them to Enjoy
Gourmand (Edible) Ingredients
Mouth-watering scents that make your tummy growl and smell edible? We’re so in! Think cherry, honey, vanilla, milk, rice, cupcakes, marshmallows, whipped meringue, bourbon, and more.
Gourmand fragrances are making a comeback, reclaiming their place in the spotlight after taking a backseat to citruses and florals in recent years.
The demand for comforting, edible scents that evoke a sense of nostalgia is stronger than ever. Not only do gourmands provide solace, but they also exude the Y2K vibes that are dominating the worlds of fashion and beauty.
Andrea Lisbona, founder and CEO of award-winning lifestyle brand Touchland, affirmed her anticipation for the surge in popularity of gourmand fragrances, as the trend “aligns with evolving consumer preferences for experiential and comforting scents”.
@andreaferma Replying to @riii Gourmand scents for every budget – colognes, fragrance mists and perfumes that smell yummy and good enough to eat! #fragrancetiktok #perfumetiktok #perfumetok #fypシ #longervideos
♬ Bright, gentle, spring jazz piano for a long time(978527) – Single Origin Music
Indulgent scents, evoking delicious flavours, resonate with the emotional bond consumers crave in their scent adventures.
Ranging from vanilla and caramel to chocolate and fruity blends, these fragrances create a sensory expedition, delivering a distinctive and lasting olfactory experience.
Try:
- KAYALI Yum Pistachio Gelato | 33 Eau de Parfum Intense (100ml) retails for about RM646.62 (£106.90) at Feelunique. This viral gourmand perfume features pistachio gelato, hazelnut, sweet rum, cotton candy, whipped cream, and marshmallow.
- Parfums de Marly Oriana Eau de Parfum (75ml) retails for RM990 instead of RM1,200 at Luxury Perfume. This dessert-like fragrance opens with a burst of fruity notes like mandarin, grapefruit, and orange blossom before meeting the creamy undertones of marshmallow and chantilly cream.
Related read: 19 Best Vanilla Fragrances to Try, Including Those That Your Favourite Celebrities Are Using
New and Improved Iris
Also referred to as “orris”, the iris is a purple flower with a powdery scent.
Perfumologist Anastasia Gostieva, aka Scent Guide on Instagram, said that “iris still carries an antiquated essence, reminiscent of grandma’s old powder puff”, a sort of irreplaceable vintage charm.
However, don’t be put off by this. Many brands have introduced fresh and modern interpretations of this note, giving it a spicy and soft allure.
Try:
- Penhaligon’s The Omniscient Mister Thompson Eau de Parfum (75ml) retails for RM1,320 at escentials. This fragrance’s essence exudes smoky, rum-like undertones, complemented by hints of leather, all subdued by the calming presence of vanilla and sesame milk.
- Guerlain Shalimar Millésime Iris Eau de Parfum (50ml) retails for about RM581.66 at Selfridges. Inspired by the legendary romance between Emperor Shah Jahan and Princess Mumtaz Mahal, this perfume features a captivating blend of iris and jasmine at its core, supported by leather, sandalwood, and vanilla undertones.
Smoky Tobacco
Most of us wouldn’t dream of inhaling smoke from tobacco but many perfumers have found inspiration in the ingredient and smoking bars.
Yes, tobacco kills, but it also revives when its smoky, hazy essence is juxtaposed with creamy, sugary gourmands — no coughing necessary.
Try:
- Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Eau de Toilette (100ml) retails for RM630 at Sephora. This fragrance evokes the exhilarating and intimate atmosphere of a private jazz club with neroli, pink pepper, rum, clary sage, tobacco leaf, vanilla bean, and more.
- TOM FORD BEAUTY Tobacco Vanille Eau De Parfum (50ml) retails for about RM1,266.80 at Selfridges. Possibly the best tobacco fragrance there is, this earthy and woody scent is inspired by smoky, incense-filled temples.
- Mancera Red Tobacco Eau de Parfum (120ml) retails for RM470 at Perfume Malaysia. Bold and captivating, this tobacco fragrance exudes seductive allure with smoky and spicy notes before ending with delectable notes of white pear, green apple, jasmine, vetiver, and Madagascan vanilla.
Rich, Sensual, and Animalic Oud
Oud awakening, anyone? For the uninitiated, oud is also known as agarwood, ranks highly as one of the world’s most expensive raw materials, and takes hundreds of years to produce the resin.
Oud has always been highly esteemed in Middle Eastern societies, yet its appeal in the Western world has experienced a recent boom. This fragrance exudes self-assurance through its luxurious, earthy, smoky, seductive, and animalic characteristics.
In a Glamour UK article, Natalia Ortiz, chief commercial officer at The Fragrance Shop, confirms the rise of oud notes. Despite its bold nature, the variety of renditions and pairings make it a versatile choice for those seeking a sexy and strong scent or something a bit lighter!
Oud’s really popping up everywhere. We’ve seen Guerlain introduce the Shades of Oud collection, showcasing fragrances like Oud Nude, Cherry Oud, and Oud Khôl.
Kilian revamped its beloved Love Don’t Be Shy scent with Amber & Oud, while Tom Ford’s Oud Wood became a bestseller at LOOKFANTASTIC.
Maison Francis Kurkdijan, known for Baccarat Rouge, has also embraced oud with Oud Satin Mood, gaining its own loyal following.
Try:
- Granado Oud Eau de Cologne (300ml) retails for RM590 at Liberty London. This eau de cologne is a captivating tribute to the luxurious oud, blending woody notes with oriental, resinous, and spicy elements for a truly enchanting fragrance.
- BDK Oud Abramad (100ml) retails for RM994 at Amaris Beauty. This oud fragrance, inspired by Prince Abramad from the Orient, is a rich blend of spicy and woody notes such as ginger, saffron, oud, and patchouli.
Related read: 15 Best Fragrances to Try in 2023, According to TikTok
Your Skin but Better
Now, who would have thought that a thriving trend for makeup could apply to fragrances as well?
Rather than blending in with generic mass-produced fragrances, people are layering scents to craft personalised blends or choosing unique fragrances that can help create unique and breathtaking perfumes.
These “second-skin” scents or the “your-skin-but-better” fragrances linger close to the skin almost like a delicate veil, offering a more intimate and delicate scent encounter.
Unlike the bold, attention-grabbing fragrances that are becoming popular, there is a growing demand for subtle, personal scents that enhance the natural scent of the skin.
Based on The Perfume Shop’s observations in Glamour UK, skin-like fragrances were driven by TikTok and the #pheromoneperfume hashtag that went incredibly viral.
@eaudesarah ANOTHER BATTLE FOR YOU. This time its the feminine skin scent / you but better scent. The nominees are: glossier you vs diptyque fleur de peau. which one is your favorite? Mine is fleur de peau 👸 #perfumetok #perfumetiktok
They believe that “un-scents” will continue to offer fragrance fans comfort, familiarity, and intimacy — all thanks to notes of sensual musk, powdery cashmeran, and warm amber accords. The best part? These unique fragrances smell differently on everyone!
Escentric Molecule was one of the first to introduce this trend a couple of years ago, but brands like Glossier, Fenty, Replica, and Phlur have further piqued our fascination with gentle, comforting, and intimate fragrances.
Try:
- Frédéric Malle Carnal Flower Eau De Parfum Spray (50ml) retails for RM1,450 at Perfume Malaysia. A must-try when you’re in a magnetic mood, this perfume gives an initial impression of flower-shop freshness before dispersing into lustful tuberose and white musk.
- Juliette Has A Gun Not A Perfume (50ml) retails for RM628 at Amaris Beauty. A scent crafted from the sole ingredient known as cetalox. The outcome is simplistic, sophisticated, and unadulterated.
Modern Amber
Amber is a timeless fragrance note that combines labdanum (a sticky, woody resin), benzoin (another resin from tree trunks), warm vanilla, and patchouli.
Meanwhile, modern amber perfumes incorporate newer aroma materials, giving them a hint of salty skin. This combination of warm and salty notes enhances the concept of “your skin but better” and creates a captivating fragrance
Try:
- D.S. & Durga Deep Dark Vanilla Eau de Parfum (50ml) retails for about RM1,007.47 (USD 210) at D.S. & Durga. Recalling jungle vines and joyful memories with real green vanilla leaves, vanilla absolute, and pink pepper.
- Prada Paradoxe Eau de Parfum (90ml) retails for RM790 at Sephora. A captivating floral amber scent that explores the contradictions of classic elements to unveil a lively warmth and unique aromatic experiences.
Related read: 15 Top “Gen Z Fragrances” and What the Wild, Boundary-Breaking Bunch Look for in Perfumes
Beyond the Notes: Other Blooming Fragrance Trends in 2024
The Death of Dupes
@fioleuk Every fragrance / perfume dupe ever. #fiole #fragrance #perfume #fragrances #perfumes #dupe #fragrancedupe #fragrancedupes #fragrancetiktok #fragrancetok #perfumetiktok #perfumetok
Just like how individuals aren’t compromising on searching for the right, distinctive fragrance to stand out from the crowd, they’re also not compromising on “dupes” and perfumes that “smell similar to the real thing”.
We don’t want it to smell like the real thing — we need it to be exactly the real thing.
Credit: @zesipho.m/TikTok
“We think the dupe culture is dying off. Just like you don’t want to be spotted sporting fake designer wear, we think that fragrance dupes are on their way out as people don’t want to smell like a cheaper version of something original,” said Co-founder Anna Weatherlake of Váhy, a 100% natural Australian fine fragrance house, on Beauty Independent.
Masc, Femme, and Gender Fluidity
Credits: @professorperfume/TikTok, @whoiselijahparfum/TikTok
If you haven’t noticed the significant cultural movement towards challenging traditional gender roles and embracing diversity, can you truly call yourself a fragrance enthusiast?
“Unisex fragrances perfectly align with this movement by offering scents that aren’t confined by stereotypical gender associations.
They appeal to individuals seeking scents that resonate with their personal tastes and preferences rather than conforming to societal expectations based on gender.
Fragrance brands are recognising this by increasing the number of scents they’re bringing to market that don’t specify a gender,” says fragrance expert Jonny Webber, from PerfumeDirect on Glamour UK.
Brands are mixing “traditional feminine notes” like florals and fruity accords with “masculine notes” like musk and vetiver to produce a sensual and special scent. Some of the brands or perfume houses with top-selling fragrances include Le Labo (Santal 33) and Maison Margiela.
@perfumejoy Wear whatever makes you happy! #fyp #perfume #fragrance #gender #tedtalk
You can also expect to see a decline in perfumes that are targeted at a specific gender or are labelled as the extreme ends of each spectrum.
Nowadays, individuals no longer perceive fragrances as “masculine” or “feminine”; it’s all about personal preference.
Related read: 19 Top Genderless Fragrances to Invest in so You Can Share Them With Your Partner
Bottled Therapy and Wellness Fragrances
@dilaasaidins This perfume is very helpful when I feel moody and boost my energy. this scent ialso very smells fresh citrus. So in lurve with this perfume🤍 @Fifth Diary Official #fifthdairyperfume #energyperfume #functionalperfume #fragrance #perfumetiktok
Now, this wouldn’t just be a flamboyant claim in the product description. Wellness fragrances are gaining serious popularity and are actually able to lift your spirits!
With an increasing focus on mood and mental health, the fragrance’s functionality will come into play more than ever before — citrus notes to uplift and inspire, sandalwood to release anxiety, and more.
Cristina Bagozzi, founder of independent, woman-owned fine fragrance house Emmotiv, confirmed: “The most impactful trend I continue to see rising is the intersection of fragrance and wellness.
Scent has always had the ability to elevate our mood, but only recently have we seen a broader interest in this space beyond the traditional categories of aromatherapy and home fragrance.”.
Cult Beauty’s content editor, Verity Douglas, shared that brands like Vyrao and The Nue Co. have harnessed scent’s powerful, mood-altering properties to help people feel more focused, centred, and energised. Vyrao even has bottles laced with crystals to influence our energy!
Budget Bougie
Credits: @kate_lee_young/TikTok, @emilylulamay/TikTok, @jacobalcarazzzz/TikTok
The cost of living crisis has compelled us to adopt a more serious and strategic approach towards our spending habits.
As a result, customers are becoming more astute in their shopping decisions, even huge decisions like how they want to smell.
Looking outside of traditional eau de parfums or eau de toilette, this includes lighter and more accessible fragrances that still provide a delightful experience like body mists, hair products, and scented moisturisers.
Case in point? Sol de Janeiro’s widely popular and coveted mists. The brand’s name became the most searched-for beauty term on Google in 2023, generating over 165,000 hits per month!
Plus, according to The Perfume Shop, other than opting for more affordable fragrances, people are also seeking out perfumes made by the same master perfumers responsible for the luxury brand.
Transparency and Sustainability, of Course!
Credit: FotoMediamatic/flickr
Think of every lavish and sometimes irrelevant perfume advertisement you’ve seen. Oftentimes, when it comes to perfume, the marketing is always made to evoke emotions but that may not have that much of an effect on consumers anymore.
Some people don’t care about how great the perfume makes them feel or how beautiful the packaging is because it’s all about what happens behind the scenes. Brands that smell good and do good are winning!
Apart from that, buyers are pressuring brands and demanding to know exactly what ingredients are included, whether it’s hidden or harmful, and whether the ingredients are sustainably sourced from certified and traceable sources.
Lastly, retailers are also doubly aware of “clean” claims due to all the big class actions against greenwashing in the past year.
How serious are consumers? Well, there are even mobile apps that can help scan products and advise if they are clean.
Featured image credit: @eaudesarah/TikTok, @infinityfragrances/TikTok, @elixirfragrances_/TikTok
