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Skin scents are the perfume trend we’re cosigning. It’s the type of scent you have to try for yourself to truly understand, but we’ll give it our best shot at explaining: Skin scents are supposed to smell like your skin, rather than a perfume sitting on top of your skin. They are often mixed with other notes to spice things up, but they all have the same natural, almost pheromone vibe at their base.
Let’s put it this way: A skin scent won’t enter the room before you do. Notes like iso E super, ambroxan, and cetalox can make a perfume a skin scent.
Brands like Phlur and Glossier have brought the skin scent trend mainstream. We have some favorite skin scents to get you started on your collection ahead. You may just find your new signature scent ahead. If you’re a fan of layering scents, there are some great skin scents for you as well here.
Glossier You Eau de Parfum
Possibly the most popular skin scent, Glossier You lives up to the hype. I find myself reaching for this pink pepper fragrance daily out of the 30+ perfumes I own. (You could say I’m a collector.)
Notes: Pink Pepper, iris and ambrox.
Shoppers Say: “I get so many compliments. It’s subtle and warm — reminds me of a soft sunny day or the beginning of spring when flowers bloom.”
Phlur Soft Spot
Soft Spot is my go-to warm and cozy fragrance. Plus, Phlur’s magnetic perfume bottle caps are super satisfying.
Notes: Bergamot peel, mandarin and freesia.
Shoppers Say: “It’s soft and elegant and lasts all day.”
Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning Eau de Toilette
I love this clean, fresh linen fragrance for casual days. The name is very fitting.
Notes: Lily of the valley, iris and white musk.
Shoppers Say: “It smells like fresh laundry and is a perfect scent for running errands in a sweatsuit.”
Glossier You Fleur Eau de Parfum
There’s a new Glossier You on the block. This is a fresh floral take on the much-loved fragrance.
Notes: Ylang-ylang, apricot skin and ambrox.
Shoppers Say: “It’s not overpowering, but it still leaves a lasting impression — I’ve received plenty of compliments while wearing it. The minimalist bottle is also a plus.”
DedCool Xtra Milk Fragrance
I’ve never come across anything else quite like this special amber and white musk fragrance, which I can only describe as smelling clean and like… milk… in the best way. This perfume is described as genderless.
Notes: Bergamot, white musk and amber.
Shoppers Say: “I find myself spraying it a lot because I can’t get enough. It’s so unique yet recognizable. It’s a scent that is so beautiful and for anyone!”
Clean Reserve Skin Eau de Parfum
This natural fragrance can add warmth and sweetness when layered with other perfumes, or be worn on its own.
Notes: Fresh musk, copaiba oil and salted praline.
Shoppers Say: “I love this scent. I get compliments all the time and have literally converted my entire family and friend group to getting the same one.”
Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum
This viral fragrance is simply meant to smell like skin, with a note of “skin musk.” It’s a super natural scent with jasmine.
Notes: Skin musk, bergamot nectar, sheer jasmine.
Shoppers Say: “This unisex scent is clean and slightly musky, which is exactly what I love. It’s a hard scent to describe, but it is light and perfect.”
Juliette Has A Gun Not A Perfume Eau De Parfum
If the name couldn’t be any clearer, this is not a perfume. It simply contains the musky scent cetalox, which is a common perfume base note. You can wear it on its own as a hypoallergenic scent, or layer it with your favorite perfumes.
Note: Cetalox.
Shoppers Say: “No rubbing alcohol smell, no overpowering scent, and you don’t have to spray a lot on you to smell it. Lasts a long time and I get lots of compliments.”
Merit Beauty Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum
Beauty brand Merit’s warm and musky fragrance is supposed to smell like a second skin. Plus, look at that stunning bottle!
Notes: Bergamot, jasmine and musk.
Shoppers Say: “So many perfumes smell too sweet or are made for a younger audience, but this feels mature without smelling like it was made for an older person.”
Narciso Rodriguez All of Me Eau de Parfum
This floral fragrance blends musk notes for a naked skin quality.
Notes: Magnolia, rose centifolia and geranium bourbon.
Prada Infusion d’Iris Eau de Parfum
Check out this perfume with woody floral notes like neroli.
Notes: Iris, neroli and mandarin.
Shoppers Say: “This is my favorite scent in the world. It’s light, fresh and never too much. A breath of fresh air compared to the sickly sweet perfumes du jour.”
Phlur Vanilla Skin Eau de Parfum
Lovers of vanilla won’t want to miss this warm and spicy fragrance.
Notes: Sugar crystals, cashmere wood and vanilla.
Shoppers Say: “So subtle but noticeable. It is sweet and soft without having that cheap sweet smell.”
If you’d prefer a bargain, check out these best perfumes under $100.
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