Clean perfumes are expanding beyond essential oils, featuring fragrance formulas that are much more complex and long-lasting, sans the preservatives.
Finding the perfect perfume can feel like a never-ending quest, especially when you’re on the hunt for something that smells amazing and is free of all the not-so-great stuff. Enter clean perfumes—those dreamy scents that skip the synthetic nasties like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, opting instead for ingredients that are better for you and the planet. Whether you’re looking for a signature scent for your wedding day or just want to freshen up your fragrance wardrobe, clean perfumes have officially taken over the beauty game, and we are here for it.
But with so many options out there, it can be tricky to figure out which ones are worth the hype (and your hard-earned cash). So, we've rounded up some of the best clean perfumes that are redefining what it means to smell good. Think fresh, complex, and completely irresistible fragrances that not only elevate your scent game but also come with a clear conscience. From delicate florals and zesty citrus to deep, sultry notes that linger all day, we’ve got something for every nose. Now let's dive in and discover your new wedding day scent — after all, scent is the sense that is most closely tied to memories — plus tips below to ensure your fragrance remains long-lasting.
Child Perfume: A Hollywood favorite, everyone from Kim Kardashian to Nicole Kidman has loved this sexy white-floral blend of jasmine, tuberose, orange blossom, and magnolia that dries down with a lingering, feminine sensuality. childperfume.com, $98
Vow Factor by Snif: A gorgeous, genderless fragrance specifically designed to be a signature wedding scent, it's fig-forward and ripe with neroli, rose and cedarwood. snif.co, $65
Moondust by Ourside: This complex fragrance starts with a bright grapefruit and the floral softness of jasmine, with mid-notes of striking peppermint and anise before grounding you with earthy Haitian vetiver and palo santo. ourside.nyc, $196
Resilient by A Girl's Gotta Spa: A bestseller from indie brand, A Girl's Gotta Spa! which benefits survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking, this scent is a powdery floral with warmth, made up of violet, peach blossom, cashmere woods, sandalwood, French lavender and vanilla. agirlsgottaspa.com, $28.88
Bare by Esas: Inspired by the scent of your loved one's skin after a long day on the beach, this new fragrance by Esas is playful, and flirty notes of succulent gardenia, sparkling citrus, fresh sage and warm tonka bean blend together beautifully. esasnyc.com, $45
Notte di Ischia by Kendi Lux: Exuding luxury, top notes of citrusy lemon and lime evolve to a delicious tropical fruit scent and end with a musky undertone. kendilux.com, $30
Dirty Hinoki by Heretic Parfum: This woodsy green blend features crushed woods and herbs such as cedar, nutmeg, cypress and thyme. The result is an earthy sweet scent with staying power. hereticparfum.com, $165
Figue Narcotique by Petite Histoire: This unisex scent boasts elements of a classic cologne, but with a sensual twist that makes it unique and memorable for special occasions. nyc.ph, $145
PunkStar by Moodeaux: This smoldering scent is tinged with saffron, incense, rose and peppery cedar leaves wrapped in leather for those who want to spice things up. moodeaux.com, $98
Clean perfumes may not have the lasting reputation that non-natural scents have but follow these tips and tricks to keep your aura lingering all night.
1. Proper storage: Store, tightly sealed, in a cool dark place and avoid shaking the bottle.
2. Apply on moisturized skin: Apply fragrance-free moisturizer or unscented body lotion to your skin before applying perfume. The moisturizer creates a barrier that slows down the evaporation of the fragrance.
3. Target pulse points: Apply perfume to pulse points such as the wrists, inner elbows, neck, behind the ears, and the back of the knees. The warmth of these areas helps the fragrance to develop and last longer.
4. Layer your fragrance: To enhance the longevity of your perfume, consider using products such as shower gel and lotion from the same fragrance line. Layering products with the same scent helps build complexity and prolongs the fragrance experience.
5. Seal the deal with a fragrance-free primer: For an added boost in longevity, consider using a fragrance-free primer on your pulse points before applying. Primers create a smooth and slightly tacky surface that helps anchor the fragrance molecules, allowing them to release gradually throughout the day.
6. Don't rub, just dab: When applying perfume, avoid rubbing your wrists together or rubbing the fragrance into your skin. Rubbing can create friction and heat, which can break down the fragrance molecules and alter the scent. Instead, lightly dab or pat the perfume onto your pulse points to preserve the fragrance.
7. Keep a sample: Purchase a sample size (some brands will even give them out for free so customers can test scents) to keep with you in your day-of bag to reapply throughout the day.
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