Beauty
How do you take your morning cup?
No matter the season (or weather), coffee lovers would no doubt agree that there is nothing quite as lovely and comforting as waking up to a freshly-brewed cup of coffee — hot, iced, black, sugary sweet, or otherwise. What’s more, true coffee aficionados are likely privy to the notion that not all cups of joe are created equal, some more bitter and spiced, or more creamy and frothy than others.
In the world of fragrance, too, coffee-laden perfumes (and candles) are never one and the same, and can have beautifully unique expressions once spritzed onto skin (depending on the formulation and raw ingredients present, of course). In other words? A classically delicate rose note can take on a newfound earthiness and grit with a coffee accord present — like in Tom Ford’s latest drop, Café Rose, which is officially available to shop on August 7. On the other hand, when paired with more yummy gourmand aromas, like vanilla or caramel, the perfume can translate to a dark and delectable place when spiked with coffee’s roasted essence.
Mark Crames, Demeter Fragrance Library’s CEO, similarly tells Bustle that “beyond being rich and bold, I find coffee energizing and full of possibilities, like the dawn of a new day.”
Whether or not you are a coffee drinker, its warm, toasted quality can add depth and long-lastingness to any fragrance it’s in. If you’re in need of a new signature scent, here are 17 coffee perfumes to try for fall 2023, from flirty and feminine to complex and unisex by nature.
1
A luxuriously feminine, classically floral expression of the nostalgic coffee bean note, Café Rose prominently places a full-bodied rose accord at its heart. Making that rose aroma all the more earthy and spiced, a mix of saffron, black pepper, dark roast coffee, and resinous woods create seductive depth.
2
Inspired by the tropical destination’s coffee plantations, Costa Rica is brimming with sun-drenched, heated coffee beans, smooth woods, and a hint of yummy vanilla.
3
A reenergized edition of the cult-loved classic Black Opium before it, Black Opium Illicit Green takes a warm coffee note, making it all the more zesty and lively with bright green mandarin and honeyed fig.
4
A light-as-air mist that is all things sweet, Good Chemistry’s Coffee Cloud features citrusy bergamot, frothy espresso, and smooth cedarwood.
5
Coffee Break has the essence of freshly brewed coffee at its heart, while bold tonka bean, awakening orange flower, and creamy cedarwood bring depth and sophistication. What’s more? Hints of lavender create whispers of cloud-like dreaminess.
6
Inspired by the iconic era of Harlem’s Renaissance, New Haarlem allows invigorating bergamot, herbaceous green leaves, and earthy patchouli to dance with the smooth aromas of lively coffee, creamy vanilla, and sun-kissed amber.
7
If you’re on the market for a coffee-inspired perfume, Espresso will add a certain richness to your perfumed wardrobe. “A good dark roast, like Espresso, adds an acceptable bit of decadence to any blend,” Crames notes, and therein encourages playful fragrance layering.
8
Like a hot cup of mocha, Intoxicated is enriched with spiced cardamom, heated cinnamon, nostalgic vanilla, and caramelized sugar.
9
Embracing the awakening essence of caffeine, Ylang Ylang Espresso is made vibrant with notes of spicy Sichuan pepper, dreamy rose, delectable tiramisu, and sunny ylang ylang.
10
Like a comforting cup of cappuccino to start the day, Vanilla Sky brings all of that cozy warmth by way of pure vanilla, caramelized cedar, and hints of brewed coffee.
11
Intoxicating and mysterious, Midnight Café is defined by creamy coffee, luxurious jasmine, and sensuous patchouli.
12
Smoky and unisex, Byredo’s Mumbai Noise is an olfactive dance of resinous Tonka, dark coffee, smooth sandalwood, and incense-like agarwood.
13
Filled with sophisticated florals and seductive woods, The Only One features notes of iris, violet, coffee, vanilla, and patchouli.
14
Seductively sweet, Good Girl is defined by elegant jasmine, creamy almond, warm tonka bean, and dark coffee.
15
A cult-fave OG that any fragrance (or coffee) lover should surely get their hands on, Black Opium is brimming with notes of coffee, vanilla, and white flower petals.
16
Dossier is a brand that creates thoughtful dupes of some of the most beloved fragrances on the market (along with a few original creations, too). As for their Ambery Vanilla scent? It’s extremely similar to Black Opium, but at a lower price point.
17
A fragrance that’s meant to be entirely gender-fluid, Prerogative is where adrenaline-filled coffee meets the vibrancy of apricot nectar and red calla lily flowers.
