Like sweet fragrances, fruity perfumes sometimes get a bad rap. Fruit notes are commonly found in body mists and sprays, so you might also expect fruity fragrances to lean towards sugary and candy-like. But even if you nostalgically associate fruity notes with the body sprays and cheap perfumes you spritzed as a teenager, rest assured, fruit has grown up. The proof? We're finally seeing fruity notes reinterpreted by leading perfumers and luxury fragrance houses such as Byredo, Penhaligon's and Jo Loves.
Proving that there really is more to fruity perfumes than you might think, many of these fragrances pair classic fruit notes like grapefruit and fig with spicy or floral touches in order to give the finished scent a more sophisticated edge. Some put the spotlight on lesser known fruits like pear or peach, whilst others balance a fragrance's sweet, fruity top notes with an earthy, aromatic base so that it can be interpreted as unisex.
We're in the midst of summer and it's a prime time to switch up your scent to something fruity that will really come into its own in this warm weather. Few smells can make you feel as energised, uplifted and refreshed as fresh fruit, like the scent of crisp pear, sweet berries, zesty lemon and honeyed figs—just a few of my fruity favourites.
Below, you'll find my round-up of grown-up, sophisticated, tried-and-tested fruity perfumes. And I promise that all of the fragrances in this edit are a far cry from the sickly sweet scented mists of your youth.
1. Byredo Mixed Emotions
Byredo fragrances are always totally unique, often pairing unexpected combinations that sound bizarre but make total sense once you've smelled the juice. Mixed Emotions is exactly that—rich, boozy blackcurrant takes centre stage, accompanied by a chorus of tea, violet leaf, birch and papyrus. The result is a scent that is at first overwhelmingly fruity, but, as it settles onto your skin, increasingly powdery and papery. Sounds strange, right? Trust me, just smell it.
2. D.S. & Durga Steamed Rainbow
D.S. & Durga is also known for its less conventional fragrance offerings. Steamed Rainbow will be a favourite for those drawn to clean, fresh scents. It has vibrant blood orange and mandarin balanced with notes of grass, violet, cedar and vetiver. Yes, it's fruity and sweet, but it's also bright, clean and so compelling.
3. Juliette Has A Gun Pear Inc.
If conventional fruity notes of berries and citrus fruits aren't really your thing, consider pear instead. Fresh and crisp but delicate and totally unlike anything I've ever smelled before, this subtle scent is perfect for summer.
4. Maison Crivelli Oud Maracuja
Those who are drawn to rich, deep, woody scents will love this fruity take on a classic oud perfume. Prepare to be surprised by how well the oud balanced out with bright, succulent passionfruit.
5. Ellis Brooklyn Sun Fruit
The hero in this fruity blend is fig—a classic fragrance note often used in modern fruity perfumes because it's not as sweet as other fruits. Instead, it smells creamy, ripe, green and a little bitter.
6. Boy Smells Marble Fruit
The ideal balance of fruity and floral, this elegant scent surrounds pear and nectarine with a bouquet of jasmine, rose, magnolia and freesia.
7. Penhaligon's Solaris
Although it's described as an "amber floral", this warm, sunny scent features top notes of lemon and blackcurrant which give it a zesty brightness. It mellows into a soft, creamy scent—ideal for those looking for a subtle take on fruity perfume.
8. Jo Loves Pomelo
Pomelo is a grapefruit-like citrus fruit which adds vibrancy and sparkle to any perfume. This one sits firmly on the citrusy side of the fruity perfume spectrum, and is one of the most energising and uplifting scents I've ever smelled.
9. L'Artisan A Fleur de Peche
Peach is known for being sickly sweet, but it's totally reinvented in this fragrance blend, where it's combined with jasmine and patchouli for an altogether grown-up take on fruity perfume.
10. Phlur Apricot Privée
With top notes of apricot and plum, this is a truly fresh and juicy fruity fragrance. Cardamom, tonka bean and sandalwood ground the blend with a spicy, woody base.
11. & Other Stories Neon Rush
Clementine and cherry are the hero notes in this & Other Stories best seller. It's sweet and luscious but also warm and musky—and smells far more expensive than its price tag conveys.
12. Ffern Summer 23
Inspired by the final days of summer, this is a veritable cocktail of fruity notes, including lemon, lime, grapefruit, mandarin and bergamot. It's fresh and uplifting, but also sweet and syrupy.
13. Ruth Mastenbroek Amorosa
This is the kind of fragrance that transports you to sunnier climes in one sniff—fresh watermelon is paired with vetiver and a boozy amber base.
Next Up: I Change Perfumes With the Seasons, and I'm Relying On These 14 for Summer
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