In perfumery, the term “aromatic” has multiple meanings. It can refer to anything fragrant, but in a more specific context, it denotes the scent of aromatic herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme, and mint, often found in fougère and cologne fragrances.
From a chemistry perspective, “aromatic” refers to compounds with a benzene ring structure, like benzaldehyde or vanillin, which contribute to the odour of some flowers and fruits; however, the presence of aromatic compounds doesn’t define the specific scent profile. For more information, read this article.
Back to perfumes, like all fragrances, aromatic scents aren’t created equally. Some are simply better than others. We’re here to tell you all about our favorites and maybe you can give this peculiar fragrance family a try.
For Her
1. Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Scent EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Elizabeth Arden |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Citrus Aromatic |
| Notes | Top: Lemon, Bergamot, Mint, Orange Peel, and Rhubarb Middle: Jasmine, Musk, Oakmoss, Fennel, Carnation, and White Amber Base: Green Tea, Jasmine, Musk, Oakmoss, Celery Seeds, Caraway, Cloves, and Amber |
| Release year | 1999 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Francis Kurkdjian |
Elizabeth Arden’s Green Tea Scent is a citrus aromatic women’s fragrance that is a fantastic choice for everyday/office wear. This fragrance blends bright citrus notes with herbaceous and green notes, creating a refreshing and uplifting fragrance. It’s like a breath of fresh air, light and much needed.
The aromatic scent of Green Tea stems from how the key ingredients are combined. Notice the prominent inclusion of mint, fennel, celery seeds, and caraway amongst the citrus and floral notes? These elements contribute a distinct herbal and slightly spicy edge, characteristic of the aromatic fragrance family.
2. Calvin Klein Obsessed EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Calvin Klein |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Aromatic |
| Notes | Top: Citruses, elemi, Neroli, and Bergamot Middle: Lavender, Sage, Violet Leaf, Orange Blossom, Lily-of-the-Valley, and Rose Base: Musk, Ambrette (Musk Mallow), and Iso E Super |
| Release year | 2017 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Honorine Blanc and Annick Menardo |
Calvin Klein Obsessed is a different version of the classic aromatic fragrance. While firmly rooted in the aromatic family, this perfume offers a blend that’s sensual and warm.
What makes Obsessed a standout aromatic is the inclusion of lavender as a central middle note, which is key to adding that signature herbal and slightly sweet scent. Other notes, like sage and violet leaf, contribute to the herbaceous and green facets as well.
For Him:
1. D&G Light Blue EDT
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Dolce & Gabbana |
| Best for | Men |
| Fragrance Family | Citrus Aromatic |
| Notes | Top: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Sicilian Mandarin, and Juniper Middle: Pepper, Rosemary, and Brazilian Rosewood Base: Musk, Incense, and Oakmoss |
| Release year | 2007 |
| Longevity | Over 6 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Dolce & Gabbana |
Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue is a modern classic men’s fragrance. Inspired by the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, this scent is refreshing and clean. It’s an ideal choice for beachwear.
A masterful balance of citrus, herbs, and woody notes is highlighted here. They give herbaceous and spicy elements to the perfume, making it a true aromatic.
2. YSL Y Le Parfum
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Yves Saint Laurent |
| Best for | Men |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Fougere |
| Notes | Top: Apple, Aldehydes, Grapefruit, and Ginger Middle: Lavender, Sage, and Geranium Base: Tonka Bean, Cedar, Olibanum, and Patchouli |
| Release year | 2021 |
| Longevity | Over 10 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Yves Saint Laurent |
Y Le Parfum by Yves Saint Laurent is an intense take on the aromatic fragrance family, leaning into the fougère with a slight bend into the ambery fragrance family. While classified as an amber fougère, it’s aromatic at its heart.
The aromatic character of Y Le Parfum is most prominent in the middle notes, where lavender and sage create a distinctive herbal and slightly floral blend. This combination gives Y that classic aromatic backbone.
Unisex:
1. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Jo Malone |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Aromatic |
| Notes | Top notes: Ambrette Seeds Middle notes: Sea Salt Base notes: Sage |
| Release year | 2014 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Christine Nagel |
A favourite of mine, which I will bring up whenever I get the chance to, is Woody Sage & Sea Salt by Jo Malone. Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne is a unique aromatic fragrance, reflecting the windswept coastline.
This unisex scent is minimalist yet complex. The aromatic character of this cologne is beautifully conveyed through the sage at the heart, which defines the herbaceous and slightly woody characteristics.
2. Mark Des Vince Aromatic 101 Concentrated Perfume
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Mark Des Vince |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Woody Aromatic |
| Notes | Top notes: Bitter Orange and Petitgrain Middle notes: Jasmine Sambac, Ylang-Ylang, and Pink Pepper Base notes: Lily, Vanilla, and Benzoin |
| Release year | 2021 |
| Longevity | Over 10 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Mark Des Vince |
I would describe Mark Des Vince Aromatic 101 Concentrated Perfume as a soft yet highly intense fragrance. The floral notes at the heart and the vanilla note at the base add this addictive, smooth aroma.
Aromatic 101 offers a long-lasting scent experience. The notes blended together create a woody aromatic profile that wouldn’t have been there with even one of these notes missing.
From the refreshing simplicity of Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt to the bold YSL Y Le Parfum, aromatic fragrances offer vibrant, unique, and unforgettable fragrances. Shop these scents and more at V Perfumes, where you can find the best prices on your favourite perfumes in the UAE.
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