Karine Laudort There is an undeniable trend in perfumes this year: gourmand fragrances; and their popularity is predicted to super-surge as we move into the Autumn months due to their cosy and rich profiles.
Gourmand fragrances are a category of perfumes characterised by their sweet, edible and often dessert-like qualities, popular for their comforting effects and as consumers seek out more indulgent and luxurious experiences.
“The most popular gourmand fragrances often evoke the scent of foods that are seen as ‘treats’, making them smell almost good enough to eat”, says Jonny Webber, Fragrance Expert at PerfumeDirect.com
“And since the launch of Angel by Thierry Mugler, the brand’s first fragrance, which was considered the world’s first gourmand fragrance, we’ve seen searches and sales of foodie over floral fragrances rise. Angel was created using honey, caramel and chocolate, mixed with bergamot, red berries and helional, resulting in a floral, oriental scent. Many of these notes remain the most sought-after scent notes still.”
Whilst there is an array of fragrance notes that fall under the gourmand category, according to PerfumeDirect.com there are five fragrance types that are leading the popularity rankings.
The trending notes include:
Vanilla: Often used as a base note, adding warmth and sweetness.
Chocolate: Contributes to a rich, creamy, and decadent aroma.
Caramel: Provides a sugary, buttery scent.
Almond: Gives a nutty, marzipan-like scent.
Cherry: Adds a juicy, sweet dimension.
# 1 Vanilla
According to fragrance expert Jonny Webber from Perfume Direct, Vanilla stands out as the quintessential gourmand note and officially the number one trending gourmand note.
“Vanilla, often associated with home baking and childhood memories, provides a sense of security and warmth; and in uncertain times, people gravitate towards scents that evoke feelings of comfort and familiarity”.
“Vanilla’s versatility allows it to blend seamlessly with a wide range of other notes, from florals to spices to woods. This adaptability makes it a favourite among perfumers looking to create unique and complex fragrances. Unlike overly saccharine scents, Vanilla offers a sophisticated sweetness that appeals to a mature palate. Its nuanced profile can be both simple and complex, catering to a wide audience. Vanilla’s universally loved aroma transcends gender and age; it’s a crowd-pleaser that works for all types of scents – whether it’s unisex, women’s or men’s.”
FRAGRANCES TO TRY: Mancera’s Royal Vanilla, £83.99; Juliette Has A Gun’s Vanilla Vibes, £89.99; Montale’s Dark Vanilla Unisex EDP, £99.99; and Guerlain Bosca Vanilla EDP, £113.99
# 2 Chocolate
“For chocolate lovers, these fragrances are much kinder to your waistline than the real thing! Chocolate fragrance notes provide a rich, smooth, and indulgent scent, reminiscent of cocoa and dark chocolate. Its deep, comforting aroma is often associated with luxury and pleasure, making it a sought-after note in perfumery.”
FRAGRANCES TO TRY: Montale’s Chocolate Greedy, £85.99; Valentino Uomo , £53.99; and Vera Wang Princess, £26.99
#3 Caramel
“Caramel has a naturally sweet, buttery, and slightly burnt sugar scent that is both rich and inviting. Its aroma can evoke the sensation of indulgence and comfort, making it appealing to many people. Caramel blends exceptionally well with a variety of other fragrance notes, such as vanilla, chocolate, fruits, spices and florals. This versatility allows perfumers to create complex, multi-layered scents that are both intriguing and satisfying.”
FRAGRANCES TO TRY: Viktor Rolf BonBon, £54.99; Prada Candy, £40.99; JPG Scandal, £69.99
#4 Almond
The distinct aroma of almond sets it apart from other fragrance notes. Its unique combination of sweetness, nuttiness, and creaminess adds a special touch to any perfume, making it stand out. Almond adds richness and depth to a fragrance composition. It can serve as a middle or base note, grounding the fragrance and adding complexity to the scent profile.
FRAGRANCES TO TRY: Elie Saab Girl of Now, £33.99; Juliette Has A Gun Miss Charming, £86.99; Marc Jacob Perfect Intense, £55.99
#5 Peach
And for fruit lovers … Tom Ford’s Bitter Peach, £147.99 and Lost Cherry, £239.99. Cherry is a fantastic choice for perfume as it’s not too sugary sweet but has a luscious appeal – so if you want your gourmand fragrance to get lots of complimentary comments then this is the one.
Also try Kilian’s Discovery Set, £164.99 that’s a Gourmand perfume lover’s dream – packed with an abundance of fragrances that will set your sense alive. It includes Kilian’s Angels Share, Roses on Ice, L’Heure Verte, Apple Brandy on the Rock and Vodka on the Rocks.
I you want to explore more gourmand fragrances from top-name brands at discounted prices, check www.perfumedirect.com/
