People Think This Perfume Note Is "Dated", But These Fragrances Prove Just How Chic It Can Be
They're punchy, sophisticated and eternally elegant. Trust me: these patchouli perfumes are seriously special.
When you think of the best perfumes, you're probably thinking about a few specific notes. Perhaps you consider vanilla fragrances to be the very best, or you lean more towards floral scents that linger on the skin. One note that I can't get enough of is patchouli. This plant has been used in perfumery for years and years, and while some people consider it "dated", I happen to think it's incredibly chic. In my opinion, the earthy, woody aroma adds a level of sophistication that can be hard to come by, which is why I have lots of patchouli perfumes in my collection. Below, I've shared my top picks with you, and I even reached out to Emma South, fragrance and lifestyle expert at Jo Malone London, to find out more about this scent.
What Does Patchouli Smell Like?
While patchouli can smell different depending on the perfume, South describes it as slightly sweet and profoundly earthy. "It creates an instant impression of the forest floor, where roots and leaves ferment into something dark, rich and enduring," she tells me.
In terms of what notes it pairs well with, South says to look for succulent fruits and sugary gourmands. "It also layers effortlessly with verdant foliage and sparkling citrus, amplifying the great-outdoors character of patchouli and creating a sunlit canopy stretched over the forest."
I have lots of patchouli perfumes in my collection.
The Best Patchouli Perfumes, Tried & Tested
- Best Fresh Patchouli Perfume: Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia, £122
- Best Floral Patchouli Perfume: Tom Ford Café Rose, £108
- Best Timeless Patchouli Perfume: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, £109
- Best Statement Patchouli Perfume: Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady, £200
- Best Affordable Patchouli Perfume: Zara Fleur de Patchouli, £36
1. Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia
Key notes: King William pear, freesia, patchouli
First up, my favourite patchouli perfume of all time, and probably the cleanest, sweetest option of the lot. A delicious blend of juicy pear and fresh freesia, this is like spring in a bottle. However, as it settles on the skin, a woody base of patchouli unfurls, making it a whole lot more sophisticated than you first think. If you're new to patchouli perfumes, I can almost guarantee this will make you fall in love with the scent.
2. Tom Ford Café Rose
Key notes: Turkish rose, Bulgarian rose, ylang ylang, patchouli, coffee, cardamon, coriander, sandalwood
Moving on to what I would describe as an evening scent, let me introduce you to Café Rose by Tom Ford. A super sexy, floral perfume with notes of rose and dark coffee, this scent is heady and intoxicating in all the right ways. Patchouli adds a spicy, earthy element that makes the fragrance smell even more expensive, and I always get compliments when I wear it.
3. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle
Key notes: Orange, jasmine, rose, patchouli, vetiver
When it comes to patchouli perfumes, there's nothing more classic than this. Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle is one of my favourite fragrances, full stop. I've had it in my collection for years, as it's a fun and youthful (yet ultra chic) take on a classic floral scent. It's strong yet fresh, with notes of orange adding vibrancy to a heart of jasmine and rose. The base features patchouli and vetiver, which settle on the skin for surprising depth.
4. Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady
Key notes: Turkish rose, patchouli, sandalwood, frankincense, clove, blackcurrant, raspberry
I mean, this scent needs no introduction, does it? An iconic French fragrance, Portrait of a Lady is a punchy perfume that never fails to make a statement. Opening with notes of Turkish rose, it's a modern, energetic interpretation of a floral scent, with hints of blackcurrant, raspberry and clove. The minute I spritz this, I am met with a vibrant concoction of sophisticated notes, and in true patchouli style, it adds even more intensity to the head-turning fragrance.
5. Zara Fleur de Patchouli
Key notes: Patchouli, bergamot, peony, clary sage, musk, guaiac wood
This Zara perfume smells so expensive that you'd never guess its £36 price tag. Created by Jo Malone CBE (founder of Jo Loves), it's a sophisticated blend of patchouli, zesty bergamot and warm musk. It's earthy, woody, fresh and floral all at once, so be prepared to be taken on an olfactory journey whenever you spritz this.
6. Balmain Beauty Destin de Balmain
Key notes: Strawberry, peony, sandalwood, lychee, lily accord, patchouli, musk
A brand new creation from Balmain Beauty, this fragrance has captured my senses this spring. Floral and fruity in all the right ways, it's not your typical patchouli scent, but I think that's why I love it. The opening of strawberry creates a sophisticated sweetness when balanced with sandalwood, patchouli and musk. It's quickly becoming my go-to perfume this season.
7. Diptyque Eau Capitale
Key notes: Bergamot, pink berries, rose, patchouli
I was in the office the other day, and mentioned that I was writing a feature on the best patchouli perfumes. As soon as I said this, the entire beauty team asked, "Are you including Diptyque's Eau Capitale?" Of course, there's no way I was doing this roundup without including this French favourite. It's just as punchy as you'd expect, with this dark floral bouquet and a smoky undertone that makes it feel so Parisian. Beauty editor Eleanor Vousden wore this out to dinner the other night, and someone at the table across from her even came over to ask her what she was wearing. It's that good.
8. Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 + Patchouli
Key notes: Iso E Super, patchouli
You all know how much team Who What Wear UK loves Escentric Molecules Molecule 01, but did you know the brand also has a version containing notes of patchouli? An even warmer, muskier take on the original bestseller, it cocoons the senses like a cashmere blanket.
9. Lancôme La Vie Est Belle
Key notes: Pear, blackberry, pallida iris concrete, orange blossom, jasmine sambac absolute, patchouli essence
Another absolute classic is Lancôme La Vie Est Belle. I don't think I've met anyone who doesn't like this fragrance. Whilst patchouli isn't the strongest note in the scent, it does create a sophisticated base when set against juicy notes of pear and blackberry. This is one of those perfumes that practically sparkles on the skin, yet manages to last incredibly well for a fruity, floral aroma.
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