Exploring Scents For The Great Outdoors

There are fragrances designed to complement the great outdoors, whether you're hiking through forests, camping under the stars, or exploring city streets. The right scent can elevate your outdoor experience, and there are perfumes to suit all manner of open-air adventures. For instance, if you're heading to the beach, you might opt for a scent that evokes the aroma of the sea, like Jo Malone's Wood Sage & Sea Salt. Alternatively, if you're off on a camping trip, you might choose a woody and fruity fragrance, such as Gypsy Water by Byredo.

Woody fragrances

The woody fragrance family is one of the most popular and dominant fragrance categories, with mass appeal across genders. While woody fragrances were initially considered masculine scents, the launch of the first woody fragrance for women, Femininite du Bois by Serge Lutens in 1952, changed the fragrance landscape forever. Today, woody fragrances are enjoyed by all and are particularly well-suited to the colder months due to their rich, earthy character.

Some popular woody fragrances include:

• Sandalwood: A versatile and addictive scent with a creamy, rich, sensual and exotic aroma.
• Cedarwood: A distinctive, dry and resinous scent with a deep, comforting and warm character.
• Vetiver: An earthy, smoky and unique aroma that is impossible to replicate synthetically.
• Oud: An exotic, oriental and bittersweet scent with hints of leather, musk, incense and spice.
• Patchouli: A deep, woody and musky fragrance with earthy and green qualities.

These woody fragrances can be used in personal care products such as lotions, deodorants, body wash and scented candles, as well as in home cleaning products. They are also perfect for outdoor adventures, evoking a connection to nature and the great outdoors.

Floral scents

Daisy by Marc Jacobs is an excellent example of a floral fragrance. With notes of strawberry, violet leaf, and a hint of spicy pink grapefruit, this iconic scent is perfect for bright, sunny days. Its quintessential flower power fragrance makes it a popular choice for those dreaming of drowning in a sea of flowers.

For a more sophisticated floral option, Un Jardin sur la Lagune by Hermès is an excellent choice. This woody and floral Eau de Toilette blends white musks and woods with floral notes, creating a soothing and vibrant dream garden. The perfumer, Christine Nagel, describes it as "a perfume woven from its memories, the cycle of trees and flowers, nature still enduring within it."

Chloé Nomade Eau de Parfum is another warm and inviting floral fragrance. With notes of mirabelle plum, freesia, and oakmoss, this scent is perfect for those drawn to nature-inspired fragrances. The floral notes bring a delicate femininity, while the oakmoss adds an earthy touch.

J'adore by Christian Dior is a luxurious and floral masterpiece, blending neroli, magnolia, jasmine, and rose to create a peasant and feminine fragrance. The neroli adds a lively citrus touch, making it the ideal choice for a spring or summer day spent outdoors.

For a unique floral scent, In The Spotlight by Nisara Beauty is a white floral blend, combining jasmine, orange blossom, and lavender. This fragrance is perfect for garden parties, outdoor weddings, and brunches, exuding femininity and freshness with a soft, romantic aura.

Citrus-based perfumes

When choosing a citrus perfume, look for fresh and natural notes, a long-lasting formulation, and layering potential. For daytime events, opt for light and refreshing citrusy scents, while for evening gatherings, warmer and spicier notes are more suitable. If you want a citrus perfume that will last all day, consider Ellis Brooklyn West Eau De Parfum, which has a complex scent that evolves throughout the day. Another long-lasting option is Lavanila Vanilla Grapefruit Perfume, which blends sparkling grapefruit with rich vanilla.

Citrus perfumes are versatile and can be layered with other fragrance families, including floral, woody, and fruity notes. For a true citrus explosion, Phlur's Tangerine Boy is an excellent choice, capturing the zest and juice of tangerines. For a more subtle citrus touch, Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle combines citrus with floral notes for a fresh yet powdery scent. If you're looking for a drugstore option, Pacifica's Tuscan Blood Orange adds a twist of strawberry and raspberry to the blood orange scent.

Citrus perfumes are a perfect choice for outdoor events, providing a refreshing and uplifting scent that complements the natural environment. With a range of options available, you can find the perfect citrus perfume to suit your personal style and the type of outdoor event you're attending.

Aquatic fragrances

• Sailing Day by Maison Margiela: This fragrance captures the memory of soft rolling waves and the spirit of the sea with notes of aquatic accord, iris, and red seaweed.
• Salt Air by Skylar: A perfect seascape fragrance with notes of sea salt, driftwood, and green seaweed, mingling with light floral notes of water lily.
• Vanilla Vibes by Juliette Has a Gun: A fusion of warm natural vanilla and fresh sea salt, with base notes of sandalwood.
• Acqua di Gioia by Armani Beauty: Captures the happiness of being off the coast of Italy, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the sun and earth, with top notes of cool mint, warm brown sugar, and Italian lemon, and base notes of cedarwood.
• Aquatic Peony by Dossier: An affordable dupe for Acqua di Gioia, with similar aquatic and floral notes.
• Cool Water by Davidoff: A soft aquatic scent that is often considered the "goat of fresh fragrance".
• Inis: The Energy of the Sea: A unique aquatic fragrance that stands out among other aquatic scents.

These fragrances, and many others, can transport you to the calming and refreshing world of the sea, providing a sense of connection to nature and tranquility.

Green scents

Green perfumes are associated with scents that are fresh, light, cool, or sharp, creating an air of cheerful energy and vibrancy. They often combine bright, citrus top notes with a floral heart, all set against verdant greens. Green notes include violet leaves, blackcurrant, geranium, galbanum, and various aromatic herbs. These notes go well with the natural scents of lily of the valley, absinthe, and citrus fruits such as bergamot and lime.

The addition of citrus oils to green notes makes the fragrance more playful and uplifting, resulting in a heart-warming, authentic scent. Examples of perfumes in this category include Daisy Eau So Fresh Spring by Marc Jacobs, Creed’s Green Irish Tweed, and Creed’s Silver Mountain Water.

For outdoor adventures, green scents can be a perfect fit. If you're looking for a fragrance to wear while hiking, camping, or exploring nature, green perfumes can evoke the smells of forests, fields, and farms, creating a direct association with the outdoors.

Some specific green fragrances that are perfect for outdoor adventures include:

• Wendover by Clandestine Laboratories
• Mare by Slumberhouse
• Fleurs Sauvages by TRNP
• Oud Fougere by Agar Aura
• Bon Monsieur by Rogue Perfumery
• Bowling Green by Geoffrey Beene

Frequently asked questions