More often than not, when discussing some of the best perfumes with friends, I find others listing those iconic, hard-to-miss scents that really pack a punch. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting your scent to linger, even after you’ve left the room, as a beauty editor, I tend to favour those understated, delicate perfumes and lightweight scents that have people second-guessing whether you’re even wearing perfume or you just naturally smell that good.
Whether it’s one of the best fresh perfumes, floral perfumes or even a subtle linen scent, these delicate perfumes are eternally chic. Think of them as a pair of white linen trousers or a crisp white shirt. They might be subtle, but they’re always there to help you look (and feel) elegant and polished.
I’ve tried hundreds of delicate perfumes over the years and have narrowed my collection down to eight different scents that softly linger on the skin for a beautiful finish.
The Best Delicate Perfumes
1. Phlur Missing Person
Phlur
Missing Person Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Musk, bergamot nectar, jasmine, neroli blossom and sandalwood.
First up is a timeless choice from cool-girl fragrance brand, Phlur. This perfume went viral back in 2022 as many people attributed the scent to that of a loved one (hence the name). It’s incredibly delicate on the skin (I usually can’t smell it on myself, but everyone always asks me what scent I am wearing), and when I spritz it, I like to imagine that I am wrapping myself up in a warm, cashmere blanket. It’s comforting thanks to notes of musk and sandalwood, but hints of bergamot and neroli help to bring the fragrance to life.
2. Glossier You Doux
Glossier
You Doux Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Violet, palo santo, frankincense, myrrh and ambrox.
While the original Glossier You fragrance might be most people’s delicate scent of choice, I personally love the soft, woody aroma of Glossier’s You Doux. Perfect for everyday wear (especially in the autumn months), this has a skin-like scent with heart notes of palo santo to give it that signature warming feel. A musky base means that this fragrance lingers on the skin all day long, but certainly not in an overpowering way. Instead, you’ll find yourself catching glimpses of this perfume when you least expect it.
3. Diptyque L’Eau Papier
Diptyque
L’Eau Papier Eau de Toilette
Key notes: White musks, rice, mimosa, and blonde woods accord.
Another woody fragrance that feels so delicate and soft is L’Eau Papier from luxury French fragrance house, Diptyque. This is easily one of my most complimented perfumes, which proves just how powerful these more subtle scents can be. It has an incredibly musky aroma that conjures up images of hours spent wandering Parisian libraries. An accord of rice steam adds a comforting touch, while hints of mimosa create this powdery, almost airy element. This perfume truly is a work of art.
4. Chanel Chance Eau Tendre
CHANEL
Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Toilette
Key notes: Jasmine absolute and rose essence.
If delicate floral scents are your thing, I highly recommend checking out Chanel‘s Chance Eau Tendre. I have worn this perfume for a long time now, and I just know that it’s going to be in my collection for many years to come. It feels so gentle yet so feminine on the skin, with these luminous floral notes that make me want to run barefoot through a field of roses in a big white dress. The perfect option for spring and summer if you ask me.
5. Escentric Molecules Molecule 01
Escentric Molecules
Molecule 01 Eau de Toilette
Key notes: Iso E Super
If you want to smell subtly chic, then you need to know about Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules. This is a unique fragrance that contains one single note, called Iso E Super. While this scent can differ slightly depending on the wearer, overall it has a clean, airy, somewhat woody aroma that feels like sticking your nose into a fresh pile of laundry. Again, this is one of those scents that I can never really smell on myself, but always get compliments on when sitting next to someone on the tube or at work.
6. Celine Zouzou
CELINE
Zouzou Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Benzoin, tonka bean, patchouli, labdanum, vanilline and musk.
Treating yourself to a designer fragrance? I included Zouzou in my roundup of the best Celine perfumes as I can’t get enough of this delicate, clean scent. If you asked me to describe it in just three words, I would say powdery, creamy and intoxicating. Vanilla and musk add this smooth, velvety warmth while hints of benzoin add this woody, comforting, skin-like aroma. It feels soft yet incredibly expensive, and is everything you’d expect from the luxury French fashion house.
7. Byredo Blanche
Byredo
Blanche Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Aldehydes, pink pepper, white rose, neroli, peony, violet, blonde woods, musk and sandalwood.
I couldn’t do this roundup and not include Blanche from Byredo. A clean, delicate scent in all its glory, this perfume feels like fresh sheets on a Sunday morning. Aldehydes add this soapy quality that wearers know and love, while floral notes enhance and brighten the fragrance as a whole. Of course, a base of musk and sandalwood adds that comforting, warming touch that many delicate perfumes possess. A truly great all-rounder if you’re new to this fragrance category.
8. Kilian Paris Princess Eau Fraiche
Kilian Paris
Princess Eau Fraiche
Key notes: Bergamot, green tea and marshmallow.
Kilian fragrances usually pack a punch, but I was pleasantly surprised when I smelt the new Princess Eau Fraiche. This scent still feels zesty and invigorating thanks to notes of bergamot and marshmallow, but hints of green tea add this fresh, outdoorsy element that makes this feel light and delicate to wear. It might not be the most subtle perfume in this roundup, but it’s certainly one of my personal favourites.
