Stylist Loves
The best green, woody and herby perfumes for women who hate floral fragrances
By Naomi Joseph
5 years ago
From grass to moss, non-floral plants have inspired some of this season’s best perfumes. Here are the green, woody and herby fragrances we can’t stop spritzing.
Women’s fragrances are often dominated by floral scents, from the ubiquitous rose, jasmine and gardenia to the slightly less common – but still hugely popular – tuberose, iris and peony.
These perfumes can be dewy and romantic (see Fresh’s Rose Morning Eau De Parfum) or pack a powerful punch (like Frédéric Malle’s Carnal Flower EDP). Whatever end of the spectrum they fall, floral fragrances are decidedly feminine – but they’re not for everyone.
You may also like
These are the best amber perfumes that’ll last all day long
Because some of us would rather smell like a dark wood than a glade of bluebells; are more intrigued by the scent of nettles and moss than sweet blossoms. Freshly-cut grass, just-turned earth and the woody richness of bark are all wonderfully soul-enriching scents that are just as robust and evocative as flowers. And thankfully, a host of perfumers are waking up to the idea that there’s more to nature than petals.
From unexpected woody notes like birch, eucalyptus and cypress to herby wonders like mint and coriander, here’s our pick of the best green fragrances to buy now.
Moss: Haeckels Blean Woods
Picture this: the sun strobing between the trees of a mossy ancient wood where crab apple trees thrive, a stream trickles away in the distance and small creatures scuttle underfoot. This is the image that the team at Haeckles want to conjure up with every spritz of their Blean Woods perfume. With citrusy top notes leading to a smokey moss middle that crescendos into woody birch tones, it’s enough to spirit anyone away to a forest realm.
Haeckels Blean Woods, £160
Stems and stalks: Malin+Goetz’s Stem Eau de Parfum
You know that sweet, earthy and largely overlooked aroma of cut stems that comes with a bouquet of flowers? In Malin+Goetz’s Stem Eau de Parfum, that scent is taking centre stage with the bright stalks of green hyacinth, rose and muguet, mandarin leaves and greens from wild freesia. It’s a radiant, lovely perfume that you’ll want in your collection all year round.
Herby hot rocks: Bon Parfumeur 701 Eucalyptus, Coriander, Cypress Perfume
Prefer your perfumes more warm and sensual? 701, a unisex fragrance from French brand Bon Parfumeur, has been created to conjure up an evening spent paddling in a creek, the rocks hot on the skin and the water refreshing. The carefully crafted mix of eucalyptus, coriander and cypress is perfect for transporting you to somewhere a hell of a lot more relaxing than the office.
Bon Parfumeur 701 Eucalyptus, Coriander, Cypress Perfume, £40
Mint: Diptyque Eau de Minthé Eau de Parfum
Inspired by a Greek myth in which the nymph Minthé is expelled from the underworld and transformed into the fragrant plant we all know, this Diptyque perfume is a fresh affair – and we’re not talking about the one with Hades that got her tossed out in the first place. Here lively geranium holds the crisp green herb aloft while patchouli centres it with warmth.
Product imagery: courtesy of individual brands
If you’re an avid Stylist fan, you’ll know it’s not always possible to find an issue of our magazine. Often they’re gone before you head into work (they disappear fast!), or you live in a part of the UK where you can’t get your hands on a copy. Add to this the fact that millions of us are not commuting right now, and we wanted to ensure you don’t miss out on the magazine any longer.
Which is why we’re delighted to let you know that Stylist magazine is now available in a digital format, both for Apple and Android users, allowing you to download the full magazine directly to your smartphone or tablet, wherever you may be.
Pricing for our digital magazine starts at just 99p for a single issue, or £21.99 for a full year’s subscription –that’s less than 50p a week! Simply click on the link to activate your Stylist app download from either the Apple store or Google Play and enjoy!
Sign up for our edit of what to buy, see, read and do, and receive a free mini-mag of the top 5 fashion trends you’re sure to see in 2024.
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.