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It’s official: We have sprung forward. The sun will begin to set after 5 p.m., and the weather is getting warmer, thus inaugurating spring. After a brutal winter, the idea of warmer weather, longer days, and the scent of fresh open-air mountains or the seaside breeze is enough to make our mouths water. While perfume is known to help some engulf themselves in the scents of their favorite fruit, flower, or celebrity (ahem, KKW Fragrance, I’m speaking to you), the latest beauty trend of nature-inspired fragrances has a few more secrets bottled up.
Well + Good were the first predictors of nature-inspired perfumes as a self-care trend as part of their Wellness Trends 2022 report. They highlighted the “naturally soothing experience of spending time in nature” as a key element of the hype around earthy and natural fragrances. But what’s all the hype about? If you’re wondering what’s so special about these scents and where you can buy one for yourself to ring in spring the right way, here’s everything you need to know.
So, what’s with all the perfumania?
It’s no secret that after a long 2.5 years of a pandemic, we would want something to help us feel good. In 2021, perfume saw a 45% increase in sales, according to Business Insider, making it one of the affordable luxuries amid the pandemic. This information, however, is not all that surprising. The origin of perfume is attributed to ancient Egyptians, who used scents and essential oils to celebrate prayers and religious ceremonies. For many, perfume has not only become a luxury, but a necessity in self-care.
“Perfume has been a lifesaver for me during the pandemic,” makeup artist and perfume lover Michanna Murphy tells Her Campus. “‘Blind buying’ scents through fragrance websites has given me something to look forward to, and most of the fragrances I’ve purchased blindly I have loved. Perfume has allowed me to find a community of people both where I live and all over the world that shares my same love for fragrance.”
What’s so inspirational about nature?
The spike in eco-conscious and eco-friendly beauty has continuously risen during the year, with companies and consumers recognizing the positive impacts of nature-inspired fragrances and aromatherapy.
“Companies are switching to nature-inspired scents because they are easily recognizable by novices and long-time fragrance collectors alike,” Murphy says. “I also think scents inspired by nature can invoke great memories and create a sense of nostalgia.”
So why nature, you may ask? While the imagery of fluffy green moss, dew-stained grass, and oak trees may not be calming to all, science says differently. The trend of forest-bathing became a popular method during COVID to help cope with stress. Aromatherapy has been practiced since 3500 BC, with plants such as lavender and eucalyptus working to help release endorphins (the happy chemical). According to research conducted at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, nature-related smells can help reduce stress. Japanese scientists have also found that the scents of pine and other green plants alone can help lower blood pressure. So while you may not be able to safely remove your masks and fully engage in nature, it’s nice to quite literally bottle it up and have your own little taste of nature.
“Fragrances have allowed me to go on trips mentally to faraway lands while being physically in quarantine,” says Murphy. So not only are these scents timeless, but they’re also timely for our current era.
brands are adapting with new scents.
Brands have noticed the feel-good effect plants are having on consumers and are adopting nature-inspired scents. Popular fragrance brand Nue Co., for example, recently released their Forest Lungs fragrance, designed to help combat stress with scents of cedarwood, vetiver, pine, and patchouli. Heretic Parfum also jumped on the trend with their Dirty Hinoki fragrance that transports you to Japanese forests. When you’re shopping in-store, you might notice some cult favorites have more woody, earthy, or even fruit-based notes. With so many scents to choose from, we know it can be difficult to pick, which is why we did the sniffing for you.
“My favorite fragrance house is Le Labo, because their fragrances all smell like something that can be found in nature,” Murphy explains, “but they are also complex in the best way.”
Don’t know where to start? Shop our recommended list of nature-inspired perfumes below for your own personal bottle of sunshine.
- Le Labo Patchouli 24
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Le Labo As Murphy mentioned, Le Labo is a great fragrance house for nature-inspired perfume. Scents of birch and patchouli transport you to serenity with this fragrance. The leathery smell is captivating at first, and the dry down leads to a sensual scent that will remind you of the fresh scent of a healthy, green forest.
Le Labo, $88
As Murphy mentioned, Le Labo is a great fragrance house for nature-inspired perfume. Scents of birch and patchouli transport you to serenity with this fragrance. The leathery smell is captivating at first, and the dry down leads to a sensual scent that will remind you of the fresh scent of a healthy, green forest.
Le Labo, $88
- Jo Malone English Oak & Hazelnut
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Sephora These classic notes make this perfect for someone who wants a gentle yet calming fragrance. The scents transport you to warm woods: Think a warm, burning fireplace, with smells of hazelnut for a majestical and enchanted feeling.
Sephora, $75
These classic notes make this perfect for someone who wants a gentle yet calming fragrance. The scents transport you to warm woods: Think a warm, burning fireplace, with smells of hazelnut for a majestical and enchanted feeling.
Sephora, $75
- Chanel Paris-Biarritz
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Chanel This classic fragrance is for the flower lovers. A couple of spritz of this will engulf you in the refreshing scents of mandarin and lily, easily evoking thoughts of fresh spring gardens.
Chanel, $90
- Louis Vuitton California Dream
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Louis Vuitton While on the pricey side (don’t worry, I gawked at the price too for a moment), it’s totally worth it. Take a trip to a sunny beach and gorgeous orange sunsets with notes of mandarin, ambrette, and benzoin for a perfect summer’s eve.
Louis Vuitton, $280
- Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche Skinscent
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Ulta Notes of vanilla amber, coconut milk, lemon, and bergamot make for the perfect scent of sexy and fresh. Think beautiful tropic islands and freshly made margaritas for some spring break inspiration.
Ulta, $68
Notes of vanilla amber, coconut milk, lemon, and bergamot make for the perfect scent of sexy and fresh. Think beautiful tropic islands and freshly made margaritas for some spring break inspiration.
Ulta, $68
- Juicy Couture Oui Glow
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Macy’s I grabbed this fragrance during a flash sale and it has been one of my favorite purchases. I love sweet and fruity scents; I’m not a fan of floral, but this fragrance is a perfect blend. Notes of jasmine, pink pepper, raspberry and cassis buds mixed with Brazilian orange, vanilla and white moss are perfect for transporting you to a Hawaiian island with fresh fruit and good vibes.
Macy’s, $85
I grabbed this fragrance during a flash sale and it has been one of my favorite purchases. I love sweet and fruity scents; I’m not a fan of floral, but this fragrance is a perfect blend. Notes of jasmine, pink pepper, raspberry and cassis buds mixed with Brazilian orange, vanilla and white moss are perfect for transporting you to a Hawaiian island with fresh fruit and good vibes.
Macy’s, $85