Fragrance Is My Specialist Subject—These New Perfumes Will Be Future Icons
Shopping for a new fragrance? Explore our round-up of the best new perfumes to spritz into spring.
As a beauty editor, I often get asked what my favourite part of my job is. Although there are so many things I could say, one thing I love more than anything else is getting to write about fragrances daily. I've been obsessed with trying the best perfumes for as long as I can remember, as there's something so transformative about wearing a new scent. Even if I've had a bad day, one spritz of my most-complimented fragrance has the power to make me feel a little bit better.
With spring almost here, lots of brands are launching perfumes that are perfect for March and beyond. I don't know about you, but I love switching out my heady winter scents for fresh, floral, clean-smelling fragrances at this time of year. My inbox is nearly full of press releases, and my desk is overflowing with samples, so I've been spending the last week sorting through everything and selecting the standout fragrance launches from the past few weeks.
I've included my top picks below, and trust me when I say that these scents are not to be missed. From classic scents reimagined to brand new luxury perfumes, keep on scrolling for the best new perfume launches, and get ready to take your fragrance collection to the next level this season.
11 of the Best New Perfume Launches for Spring
- Best New Perfume Overall: Diptyque Orphéon Eau de Toilette, £145
- Best Luxury Perfume: Balmain Destin de Balmain, £130
- Best Floral Perfume: Maison Margiela Replica Up at Dawn, £125
- Best Warm Perfume: Dior J'adore Intense, £150
- Best Earthy Perfume: Creed Wild Vetiver, £220
1. Diptyque Orphéon Eau de Toilette
Key notes: Green mandarin, yuzu, juniper berries, pink peppercorn, ginger, rose, magnolia, cedar, musk
First up, a new iteration of Diptyque's iconic scent, Orphéon. The bold, Parisian fragrance has been reimagined, and the brand has created a bright, sparkling eau de toilette with a citrusy appeal that feels fitting for this time of year. No wonder our beauty director, Shannon Lawlor, said that it's about to become every it-girl's signature scent.
2. Balmain Destin de Balmain
Key notes: Strawberry, peony, sandalwood, lychee, lily accord, patchouli, musk
Probably my favourite perfume launch of the past few weeks, this creation from Balmain Beauty is a spring and summer delight. It opens with notes of sweet, juicy strawberry, before a creamy base of sandalwood and musk settles on the skin. It's fresh, sweet, floral yet incredibly sophisticated, and I've had so many compliments since wearing it.
3. Maison Margiela Replica Up at Dawn
Key notes: Pink pepper, rose, ambrette, orris, patchouli, musk, moss, casherman
I'll be honest, I'm not a big fan of rose perfumes, but I'll make an exception for this launch from Maison Margiela. Like walking into a bright rose garden on a fresh spring morning, notes of pink pepper make this floral scent feel so vibrant and fun. An undertone of musk, casherman and moss adds enticing warmth, meaning I'm gravitating towards this way more than I ever thought I would.
4. Dior J'adore Intense
Key notes: Jasmine, rose, ylang ylang, sandalwood, vanilla
Both my mum and I constantly wear Dior's J'adore perfume, and I know this intense iteration will become our new go-to for spring. Created by Francis Kurkdjian, the warming aroma cocoons the senses with a comforting base of sandalwood and musk. To me, wearing this feels like bathing in that first bit of sunlight, and spritzing it is like enveloping my skin in all that golden goodness.
5. Creed Wild Vetiver
Key notes: Timur berry, bergamot, pink pepper, rose centifolia, geranium, blackcurrant bud, vetiver, cedarwood, amberwood
Awaken the senses after a long winter with Creed's Wild Vetiver. Bergamot and pink pepper sparkle on the skin, before a heart of rose takes over. Soon, an earthy, woody base reveals itself, adding depth to the crisp, lively aroma.
6. Kilian Paris Her Majesty
Key notes: Ambrette seeds, rose, cedarwood, oakmoss, peach
Inspired by Kilian Hennessy's journey to Japan and the beauty of Sakura blossoms, this Kilian perfume is a delicate, uplifting delight. Powdery rose sits at the heart of the scent, whilst woody undertones and a hint of sweet peach add delicious depth that sits closely to the skin throughout the day. It's one of those fragrances that I can't imagine anyone not liking, which is why I'm adding it to my permanent perfume line-up ASAP.
7. Tom Ford Figue Erotique
Key notes: Kadota fig accord, vert de bergamot, muscovado accord
I'll admit, I have a thing for fig perfumes, but even if you're not a fan, this new fragrance from Tom Ford is bound to win you over. It's so incredibly fresh and green, with notes of juicy fig that are heightened by citrusy bergamot and sweet muscovado accord. I'd say it's the perfect perfume for this time of year, as a spritz feels like inhaling the first breath of spring air.
8. Prada Les Infusions Santal Chai
Key notes: Sandalwood, chai latte accord, citrus, cardamom
If fresh scents aren't your thing, and you prefer your perfume to feel like a long, warm hug, then let me introduce you to Prada Les Infusions Santal Chai. A warm, creamy, milky concoction, this scent combines notes of sandalwood with a chai latte accord for a smooth, comforting finish with a hint of spicy goodness.
9. Armani Power of You
Key notes: Passion fruit accord, frangipani flower accord, vanilla absolute, benzoin resinoid
If you want your perfume to pack a punch, this is my statement scent of choice this season. It's hard to put into words how good this is, but I've honestly recommended it to everyone I know since getting my hands on it. It's a gourmand fragrance bursting with fun, fruity energy, thanks to notes of passion fruit accord. That being said, once it settles on the skin, creamy vanilla envelops the senses, adding a sophisticated touch.
10. Acqua di Parma Colonia Il Profumo Millesimato
Key notes: Italian bergamot, ylang-ylang, grapefruit, blood orange, rosemary, orange leaves absolute, patchouli, vetiver
To mark the brand's 110th anniversary, Acqua di Parma has created an olfactory masterpiece called Colonia Il Profumo Millesimato. Fans of the brand will know that Colonia is Aqua Di Parma's hero fragrance, and this limited-edition iteration features a heart of ylang-ylang, adding a rich floral undertone that makes it smell so luxurious. Of course, it contains all the citrusy goodness we know and love, but this floral addition really takes it to a whole new level.
11. Le Labo Violette 30
Key notes: White violet, green florals, white tea, cedarwood, guaiacwood
This new scent from cool-girl fragrance brand Le Labo is the ultimate contradiction, in the best way possible. It starts as fresh, green and floral, before transforming into a smoky, woody delight. It lures you in before revealing its true depth, which is just as addictive as the opening notes.
Shop the Best Perfume Launches From Earlier in the Year
Key notes: Raspberry accord, tobacco, rose oil, ambergris accord, vanilla
Rich, smoky scents aren't usually my thing, but the minute I smelt this new(ish) Guerlain perfume, I was immediately hooked. Perhaps it's the addition of raspberry, but this tobacco fragrance is unlike anything else I've come across. Yes, it has that dark, smoky undertone, but tobacco is brought to life by vibrant red berries and warm ambergris and vanilla. It's completely captivating and has become my evening scent of choice.
Key notes: Cocoa, tonka bean, vanilla, rum
In need of a little escapism from the grey, non-spring-like weather? Ouai has got you covered with its new body mists. Inspired by the island of Ibiza, this scent combines heady rum with sweet vanilla to create the most intoxicating blend that makes me want to book a flight ASAP. The brand has also launched the Santorini Fragrance Mist (£26), with notes of peach, orange and honeysuckle.
Key notes: Coconut, apricot, citrus, vanilla, lavender, sandalwood
Speaking of escapist scents, this is another fragrance that will have you dreaming of warmer days. The minute I spritzed this, I was immediately transported to sunnier times thanks to notes of creamy coconut and juicy apricot. However, a warm, woody base of lavender and sandalwood makes this perfume work all year round.
Key notes: Cherry, amber, vanilla
I'm a big fan of Burberry's Her perfume, and the newest iteration is utterly divine. Notes of cherry, amber and vanilla unfurl onto the skin to create a sweet, warm, addictive aroma that feels both bold and comforting all at once.
Key notes: Iso E Super, champaca
You probably know by now how much team Who What Wear UK loves the original Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 fragrance; however, if you aren't familiar, the brand also has a collection of M+ perfumes that combine a new note with Iso E Super for a more distinctive finish. Molecule 01 + Champaca features notes of champaca (an absolute extracted from the red champaca flower), adding a bright, floral, woody aroma that is simply stunning.
