Violets are trending in scent, but forget about the vintage variety. Think lightweight and layerable, delicate, and powdery. Meet my new obsession when it comes to wearing winter fragrance, says editor Trudi Brewer.
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Fragrance is a crucial step to building your outfit every day. It’s the finishing touch to elevate your look, not to mention your mood, and a scent layered with violet adds a whimsical, compliment-worthy touch. Violet has proven how special and multifaceted it is when layered into a floral perfume. This underrated fragrance note might just be more romantic than rose thanks to its delicate, candy-like essence that can lean toward powdery, dewy, or sweet. Here are our favourite violet-based fragrances you need to try now.
Glossier You Doux, from $63
From the moment you spritz on this scent, you're embraced by the aroma of wild sweet violet. But it's after a few minutes that the juxtaposition of woody Palo Santo, frankincense and smoky myrrh—with the warmth of Ambrox—makes this freshly-showered-skin-like fragrance so alluring and so different on everyone who wears it.
BYREDO Bal D'Afrique EDP, from $143
Bal D’Afrique was a first-of-its-kind violet perfume when it launched in 2009. It’s gained a cult following (and it’s one of the brand’s top sellers), which proves violet fragrance doesn’t have to feel powdery or stuffy, but rather soft, sensual, and dreamy. It’s also bright, juicy, and slightly musky, thanks to the blend of bergamot, blackcurrant, and marigold. Violet is the middle note, and melts into the warmth of cyclamen, vetiver, tonka bean, jasmine and cedarwood.
Le Labo Violette 30 Eau de Parfum, From 15ml $175
The rare white violet in this scent reflects its price tag. The brand calls this a fragrance that whispers rather than shouts, making it quietly nostalgic. Wild white violets with green flora aromas, white tea and what makes it linger is the blend of woods, including guaiac and cedar.
Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Violet EDT 75ml, $189
This joyful scent starts with its ultraviolet colour, which reflects the cheerful, tiny flower at its heart. Add the fruity punch of blackcurrant, pear, mandarin, and cassis, and Madagascar vanilla and sandalwood, and it becomes an airy, fresh, optimistic scent to wear every day.
TOCCA Maya EDP 50mL, $180.
This is for warm floral scent lovers who like a touch of powdery musk. Wild iris, blackcurrant and patchouli make it warm and sunny, and then woody violet leaf and blackcurrant, with a hint of rose, sandalwood and oakmoss, give it a mysterious edge.
The latest addition to the Chance collection not only reflects the colour of violet, but it’s also the first impression of this fruity floral scent. Blended with raspberry and peach, the violet adds instant softness. Its musky edge is thanks to iris, and its crisp green, herbaceous aroma comes from rose geranium.
Just Cavalli Womens Wild Heart, 90ml $65
For those who want to find a new signature scent that offers a touch of spice and a woody-amber floral heart, then this could be your new winter favourite. A fresh burst of Italian bergamot, apricot, and red currant effortlessly blends with honey-like mimosa, violet leaves, white peony, cedarwood, coconut water, and musk. The brand says this scent will help you to - unleash your inner wild side - we agree.
Modern, musky but fresh.