Not Cherry, Not Citrus: The Crisp, Juicy Perfume Everyone With A+ Taste Is Wearing This Fall

These addictive fragrances are ripe for the picking.

Best Apple Perfumes
(Image credit: @rayan.xasan; @mobinapeiman)
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Admittedly, I didn't consider myself to be a fruity-fragrance person until I tried one particularly addictive fig fragrance (Diptyque's Phikosykos Eau de Parfum) on a cool September day two years ago. While I still don't naturally gravitate towards those that boast syrup-y, sweet notes, I do appreciate a fruity addition that can take a perfume to the next level by adding a certain freshness to any olfactory blend. Apart from the fig and apricot scents that give me my sweet fix, I make sure I always have apple perfume in my collection. Because, why shouldn't I lean into something bright and crisp sometimes rather than sticking with the sweet, woody notes?

If you're hesitant to try apple fragrances for fear of picking up something that falls under the more saccharine, fruity fragrances category—there are endless apple options currently on the market that are nothing like the synthetic-smelling body sprays of the past. Keep reading to learn more about today's apple perfumes from the perfumers behind viral fragrances, then, take a look at your official edit of the best ones to add to your perfume lineup. Believe me, you'll want to screenshot and snag these before #FragranceTok catches on.

Mary L. Jean poses with a sleek bob

(Image credit: @maryljean)

What Are Apple Perfumes?

Recently, clean and bright fragrances have been making the rounds with fruity scents at their help. While bergamot, pear, and strawberry perfumes have all had ample time in the spot light this year, there's another notable contender vying for the crown: Apple perfumes. With that in mind, I asked two perfume experts to dive into what sets apple perfumes apart from the rest... and they delivered.! "An apple fragrance is bright, crisp, and instantly uplifting—it captures that juicy freshness that feels both comforting and full of energy," explains perfumer Gil Clavien. "The ones that I appreciate most balance the fruit’s natural sweetness with depth and sophistication, so it doesn’t become overly sugary."

She describes this unique relationship as the result of exploring the harmony between the sparkling top and the warm, lasting base notes for a creation that's as memorable as it is addictive. Mona Kattan, founder and CEO of Kayali, echoes this view. "A great apple fragrance is playful, juicy, and just full of life. It’s one of those notes that instantly grabs attention, it’s bright, uplifting, and super addictive—and to make it more complex, it needs layers," she tells us. According to Kattan, it's the balance of the crisp fruit with the dreamy floral and musky layers, that allows an apple perfume to feel elevated.

Why Are Apple Perfumes On The Rise?

If you've been keeping an eye on the social media-dominated fruity scent trends that have defined the year so far, you may have noticed apple fragrances have been experiencing a spike in popularity. Kattan tells us this can all come down to what people are in the mood for. "Honestly, I think people are craving joy and lightness. We’re all going through so much, and fragrance is such a powerful way to shift your mood. Apple, especially, feels youthful, energetic, and a little flirty, but it’s also comforting and familiar," Kattan continues. "Right now, consumers want fragrances that feel indulgent but easy to wear. There’s this shift toward scents that are playful, nostalgic, and uplifting, but still luxurious."

Clavien agrees, citing the influence shared emotions have on the fragrance trends of today and adding that consumers are craving scents that feel optimistic, joyful and fresh. "Apple notes evoke a sense of nostalgia and simplicity, but when treated in a modern way—for example, combined with warm or gourmand elements—they feel a little unexpected and sophisticated," she explains. Additionally, Clavien highlights the contrast of freshness and indulgence as the reason why apple scents can be timeless and appealing right now.

Mobina Peiman picks an apple with pink nails

(Image credit: @mobinapeiman)

What Pairs Well With Apple Fragrances?

As a self-proclaimed fragrance enthusiast, I enjoy playing with layering my scents to create unique blends. Apple perfumes happen to offer the perfect base to build upon for mixing and matching. For anyone unfamiliar with their fragrance profile, knowing which notes can elevate them pose somewhat of a mystery. Luckily, our fragrance experts have you covered. "Apple pairs beautifully with gourmand or warm notes like vanilla, caramel, or dark chocolate, which enhance its juiciness and add comforting depth," says Clavien. "It also blends well with floral notes such as lily of the valley, peony or jasmine to keep the scent luminous."

When layering fragrances, she likes to experiment with combining various facets; focusing on the contrast of, "something fresh and crisp with a warmer base to create a balanced, evolving scent experience." Kattan also enjoys layers apple scents with warm gourmands (like vanilla and caramel) or chocolate for a blend that's cozy and edible. "It's giving apple pie vibes, but in the most luxurious way," she tells us. For example, for fall, she favors layering Kayali's Eden | 01 Eau de Parfum ($100) with their Vanilla | 28 Eau de Parfum ($100) to achieve a rich and sweet combination. Alternately, if she's in the mood for something more sensual, she'll add in a perfume with a musky, woody base like Kayali's new Oudgasm Chocolate Oud | 11 Eau de Parfum ($100).

Now that you know what apple fragrances are and how to get the most out of them with smart pairing and layering advice straight from the experts, keep scrolling to learn which timeless and trendy apple perfumes we'd pick in a heartbeat.

The Best Apple Perfumes, Listed

Rayan Xasan with glowing skin and berry-toned lips

(Image credit: @rayan.xasan)

How We Tested

As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To identify the 14 best apple fragrances on the market, we leaned on perfumer insights and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including silage, versatility, and packaging. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.

Why Trust Who What Wear

At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.

Maya Thomas
Maya Thomas
Associate Beauty Editor

Maya Thomas is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.

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