Best Unisex Scents: Fragrances For Everyone

what is the best unisex perfume

Unisex perfumes are fragrances that are not marketed specifically towards either male or female consumers. They are designed to be worn by anyone, regardless of gender identity. While all scents can technically be considered unisex, brands often market fruit or floral-heavy fragrances as feminine, while scents featuring woody, leathery, or spicy notes are typically labelled as masculine. However, modern unisex perfumes are bold and experimental, moving away from the clean, citrusy, or aquatic notes that characterised unisex fragrances in the '90s. With so many options available, choosing the best unisex perfume ultimately comes down to personal preference.

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Woody vanilla perfumes

Vanilla is a classic fragrance note, and when combined with woody notes, it creates a warm, sweet, and intoxicating scent. Here are some of the best woody vanilla perfumes that are perfect for those seeking a unique and captivating unisex fragrance:

Victoria Beckham Beauty 21:50 Rêverie Eau de Parfum

This perfume by Victoria Beckham is an excellent choice for those seeking a woody vanilla fragrance. While it is a warm and floral perfume, it is not overwhelming. It combines sandalwood and cedarwood with rose petals and papyrus, creating a unique and complex scent.

The 7 Virtues Vanilla Woods by Jo Malone

Vanilla Woods is a complex fragrance that stands out among others. It has a strong initial sweetness from its base notes of Madagascar vanilla, gourmand caramel, and woody amber. However, within minutes, the pear and rose notes rise to the surface, resulting in an intoxicating and comforting fragrance. This perfume is perfect for winter, as it exudes warmth and a sense of calmness.

Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford

Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille is a unique and luxurious fragrance. It combines tobacco leaf, ginger, tonka bean, vanilla, cocoa, and dry fruit accords to create a warm, woody, spicy, slightly sweet, and strong scent. This perfume is perfect for fall and winter, evoking a cosy atmosphere by the fireplace.

Vanilla Skin by Phlur

Vanilla Skin by Phlur strikes a perfect balance between vanilla and sugar crystals, complemented by the woodiness of sandalwood and the subtle spiciness of pink peppercorn. It is a comforting, playful, and nostalgic fragrance, reminiscent of grown-up vanilla body sprays. This perfume is versatile and can be worn in any season.

Lost Cherry by Tom Ford

Lost Cherry by Tom Ford is an original and luxurious fragrance that combines cherry, almond, and vanilla notes with woods, spices, and rich liquor. The addition of liquor, plum, tonka bean, cinnamon, sandalwood, cloves, and vetiver gives this perfume depth and an expensive-smelling quality. It is a confident and distinctive choice.

Vanilla Embers by Eauso Vert

Vanilla Embers is a low-key and chill perfume that combines sweet vanilla bean with woodsy and spicy notes. The addition of cardamom, jasmine, sandalwood, and turmeric root creates a smooth and simple fragrance perfect for everyday wear. However, it can also be layered with deeper woodsy perfumes for a more intense scent.

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Citrus scents

Citrus perfumes are known for their bright and zesty notes, often reminiscent of orange groves or gardens filled with lemon trees. While they are particularly popular during the spring and summer months, some citrus perfumes can be worn all year round. Citrus scents are also often combined with other notes like vanilla, florals, or woods to create unique fragrances.

One highly recommended citrus perfume is Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum. With top notes of bergamot, mandarin orange, lemon, bitter orange, lavender, rosemary, and myrtle, this fragrance is a perfect blend of beachy and sunny. It's a favourite among those seeking a unisex scent and has been described as reminiscent of a sunny Italian holiday.

Another popular option is Phlur's Tangerine Boy Eau de Parfum, which has been described as "tangerine juice and zest in a bottle." It features base notes of amber and moss, giving it a musky, adult feel while remaining fresh and inoffensive for everyday wear.

For those who enjoy the scent of grapefruit, NAVA's Pink Grapefruit Frankincense Crystalline is a great choice. This perfume combines pink grapefruit essential oil with Egyptian frankincense resin, ruby red essential oil, caramelized grapefruit skin, and a hint of amber musk. It's a strong, unique fragrance that stands out from typical floral or fruity scents.

If you're looking for a citrus perfume with a twist, try Diptyque's Oyédo. Inspired by Japan’s ancient imperial city, Edo, this perfume features notes of yuzu, raspberry, and thyme for a slightly creamy, candy-like scent. For something more traditional, Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle combines citrus and floral notes for a fresh yet powdery fragrance that's perfect for special occasions.

Citrus perfumes are a versatile and invigorating choice, offering a range of options to suit different tastes and occasions. Whether you prefer the freshness of bergamot, the sweetness of orange, or the zest of lemon, there's a citrus perfume out there for you.

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Almond-based fragrances

One popular almond-based fragrance is Pegasus, which combines bitter almond and vanilla with woody notes to create a distinctive, cult-classic scent. The unique blend results in a clean yet not overly fresh fragrance that is sweet without being overly saccharine. According to reviews, Pegasus is a soft, pleasant scent that lasts for 8-12 hours, making it an excellent choice for daily wear.

Another almond-based fragrance is Fucking Fabulous Eau de Parfum, which features a gourmand almond and iris heart intensified by a floral orris accord. The result is a spicy, warm, and decadent perfume with a luscious, texturally rich scent. The iconic bottle design adds to its appeal, with its matte-black colour and sleek, architectural look reminiscent of a chess piece.

For those who enjoy floral fragrances, the Good Girl Blush Body Spray by Sephora offers a fresh and floral explosion with a powdery finish. While the top notes include Italian bergamot and mandarin, the heart notes feature ylang absolute, peony, and upcycled rose oil. The base notes reveal a double dose of vanilla and tonka bean, with hints of roasted almonds, hazelnut, and cherry black infused with amaretto, creating a perfect balance between bitter and sweet.

If you're seeking a warm and spicy fragrance, Fall Cashmere by SKYLAR is an elegant and sophisticated option. This unisex fragrance combines notes of lavender, almond, and leather with cinnamon bark and spiced ginger, creating a warm chai-latte-like indulgence. The bottle design is equally captivating, mimicking the organic shape of a cloud in the sky and celebrating the beauty of imperfection.

Lastly, for those who prefer woody spices, the Expressive Collection offers a mysterious and elegant fragrance. This scent combines roasted almonds with rose and black amber, resulting in a woody and ambery blend that evokes the pure indulgence of soft textures meeting bare skin.

These almond-based fragrances showcase the versatility and popularity of almond as a key note in perfumery, offering a range of unique and captivating scents that are suitable for any occasion.

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Floral perfumes

When it comes to choosing a perfume, gender-neutral fragrances are becoming increasingly popular, as they transcend traditional feminine and masculine tropes. Floral notes are often a key component of these unisex perfumes, adding a touch of sweetness and freshness to the scent.

One such example is the Byredo Desert Dawn Eau de Parfum, which combines warm and floral notes to create a light yet complex fragrance. Sandalwood and cedarwood form the heart of this perfume, complemented by rose petals and papyrus, resulting in a bold yet balanced aroma. Dior's Eden Roc Eau de Parfum is another refreshing unisex option, featuring a unique blend of warm and floral notes. The woody and spicy character of this perfume is softened by the inclusion of rose petals, creating a sophisticated and versatile fragrance suitable for various occasions.

For those who appreciate a hint of citrus with their florals, CK One is a classic choice. This aromatic fragrance harmonizes feminine floral notes with masculine musk, resulting in a modern and timeless scent. Australian-based perfume house Lumira also offers a unique floral option with their Desert Nights perfume. Starting with soft floral notes of fresh rose, sandalwood, and patchouli, the fragrance then takes on a darker spice edge, adding intrigue and depth.

When it comes to floral perfumes, orris is another option worth considering. Its sweet flower-like aroma can be beautifully balanced with darker, heavier notes, creating a contemporary fragrance that appeals to a wide range of wearers. Additionally, the combination of bitter almond and vanilla, as found in the perfume Pegasus, offers a unique and mysterious olfactive profile that has gained a cult following.

Ultimately, the best floral perfume for you is the one that resonates with your personal taste and becomes an extension of your identity. Exploring and experimenting with different fragrances is an enjoyable journey of discovery, where you'll find a scent that truly speaks to you and becomes your signature.

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Spicy fragrances

For those who enjoy the depth and sophistication of body sprays, M&S Warm Neroli and The Body Shop's Smoky Poppy are excellent options. These sprays offer an affordable way to explore spicy fragrances, although their longevity may not be as impressive as that of perfumes.

If you're seeking a spicy fragrance with a unique twist, almond-based perfumes are an underutilized option. Pegasus, with its combination of bitter almond and vanilla, has a woody and distinguished signature. It strikes a perfect balance between clean and sweet, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

For a vibrant, spicy, and woody fragrance, Plein Sud is an excellent choice. It opens with a strong initial spray but settles into a slightly sweet perfume, capturing the essence of the orange tree. Néroli Plein Sud blends the freshness of Moroccan orange blossom with the sensuality of spices like turmeric and cinnamon, making it a perfect choice for those who want a spicy fragrance with a fresh twist.

Lastly, Frédéric Malle's Musc Ravageur is a spicy amber fragrance that evolves on the skin. Starting with fresh notes of bergamot and mandarin, it transforms into a heady scent that is beloved by both men and women.

These spicy fragrances offer a range of options, from sweet and warm to vibrant and fresh, ensuring that you can find the perfect scent to match your preferences and the occasion.

Frequently asked questions

Hearst senior commerce editor Sam Peters recommends the scent 'Where My Heart Beats' by Australian label Who is Elijah. The fragrance is described as "spicy and bright with notes of saffron, jasmine, and almond" and has a "soft woody, musky, and ambery finish".

Cactus Garden by Louis Vuitton is a unisex scent inspired by the West Coast. It combines maté, bergamot, and lemongrass to create a summery fragrance. Another option is Stussy's Laguna, which is described as "beachy" and "smells like the ocean".

An ELLE editor recommends Lost in Paradise by Chris Collins for a tropical scent. It combines "coconut water, juicy fruits, and florals" with a "salty-sweet" edge. Another option is Byredo's Desert Dawn, which combines sandalwood and cedarwood with rose petals and papyrus for a warm, yet light fragrance.

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