It’s a new year, and we all know the drill: eat healthier, rock that gym membership, revamp your wardrobe. But here’s a bold proposition — how about we add “smell amazing” to that list?
Whether you’re hunting for a signature scent or simply want to avoid smelling last year’s news, fragrance deserves a spot in your 2024 glow-up.
Fragrance is an invisible accessory, an olfactory calling card that announces your presence before you even utter a word. It’s not just about smelling pleasant, it’s about expressing yourself, boosting your confidence, and tapping into the year’s hottest trends.
So, even if 2024 turns out to be…well, let’s just say “interesting,” at least you can walk into every challenge smelling like a million bucks.
Read on to explore the scentscape of 2024, notes you should be looking out for in your perfume purchases, and fragrance trends to watch and discover!
Juicy Fruits Galore
Yes, fruity scents will be gaining popularity this year, but we’re not just sticking to the “basic” fruits. We’re going through the list of fruits and even those that you’ve never imagined would be crafted into a delicious 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.
Plus, fresh and citrus scents are always a go-to in the summers and when temperatures rise, making it one of the must-haves on our vanity tables in Singapore.
@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 S$74 at NICHE-BEAUTY.COM. This refreshing fruit cocktail comprises citruses, watermelon, cassis, jasmine, caramel, and more.
- Burberry Her Elixir de Parfum (100ml) retails for S$280 at Burberry. Bold and sensual, this intense fragrance offers fruity gourmand notes alongside strawberry, blackberry, jasmine, vanilla, and amber.
- Loewe Solo Ella Eau De Toilette Spray retails for S$188 (50ml) and S$267 (100ml) on Sephora. This joyful and tropical fragrance combines juicy passionfruit and pitahaya with peonies, cotton candy, praline, and sandalwood.
Vibrant Greens From the Kitchen
In 2023, the fragrance industry experienced a surge in popularity for vegetal notes like carrots and beetroot. This trend shows no signs of slowing down as we enter 2024.
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 S$110.35 (£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 S$343 at escentials. This vibrant fragrance features Calabrian bergamot, verbena, sweet fennel, hedione, and a woody musk accord.
- Aesop Ouranon Eau de Parfum (50ml) retails for S$255 at Aesop. 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 Is the Latest Scent That’s Taking Over the World of Fragrance – Here’s How You Can Jump on the Bandwagon
Gourmand (Edible) Ingredients
Mouth-watering scents that make you smell edible and your tummy growl? 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 retails for about S$172 (50ml) and S$238 (100ml) on Sephora. 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 S$420 at Amaris Beauty. 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: 20 Best Vanilla Fragrances in 2024 to Smell Like Your Favourite Addictive Desserts
New and Improved Iris
Also referred to as “orris”, the iris is a purple flower with a powdery scent.
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 S$435 at Sephora and 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 S$163 at Selfridges and for S$178.95 at Cosmetics Now. 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 S$210 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 S$392 at iShopChangi. 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 S$147 instead of S$270 at PerfumeStore.sg. 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 been a long-standing favourite in Middle Eastern cultures, but its popularity in the West has surged recently. This note exudes confidence with its rich, earthy, smoky, sensual, and animalic qualities.
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 S$165 at Liberty London. This 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 S$288 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 TikTok-Famous Fragrances That Went Viral for a Good Reason
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 S$427 at Tangs. 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 S$138 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 (100ml) retails for S$435 at escentials. Recalling jungle vines and joyful memories with real green vanilla leaves, vanilla absolute, and pink pepper.
- Prada Paradoxe Eau de Parfum (90ml) retails for S$274 at Tangs. A captivating floral amber scent that explores the contradictions of classic elements to unveil a lively warmth and unique aromatic experiences.
Related read: 15 “Gen Z Fragrances” That Are Ranked Best and Translates to a Chaotic, Nonconformist You
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’re not aware of the huge cultural shift towards breaking traditional gender norms and embracing fluidity, are you even a fragrance fanatic?
“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: Get a Whiff of the 19 Best Genderless Fragrances to Represent Your Individuality This Pride Month!
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!
Related read: Medi-Scents Are the Latest Fragrance Trend That Enhances Your Overall Well-Being – Here’s What You Need to Know
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.
Related read: 12 Fragrance Boutiques in Singapore That Are Worth Visiting, Including One With Barber Services!
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
