A Deep, Alluring Dive into Vegetal Scents
Vegetal scents offer us a fresh and invigorating escape into nature. When we think of vegetal scents, we think green, earthy, and herbaceous, to use a few descriptors. Demand for natural perfumes is growing, particularly for organic perfumes, so vegetal scents are on the rise.
Let’s delve into the enchanting world of vegetal scents so you can determine which perfume samples you’d like to try.
Understanding Vegetal Scents
They are sometimes known as botanical fragrances, vegetal scents encompass a wide range of plant notes. These scents tend to evoke a freshness and vitality that’s relective of nature. Vegetal scents are characterized by their crisp, clean, and earthy aromas.
Let’s explore common vegetal fragrance notes:
Green Leaves: Typically fresh, dewy foliage that are crisp and vibrant in their notes.
Herbs: Think of basil, rosemary, thyme and mint. These can bring a little spice to the mix.
Grass: While it doesn’t seem exciting, grass can add the lively touch of a freshly mowed lawn, which can enhance nostalgia.
Moss: An earthy and damp play, moss notes are deep, grounding elements in a fragrance profile.
Cucumber: One of the more popular notes, cucumbers offer fresh and watery qualities.
Tomato Leaf: A lesser popular vegetal note, tomatoes can add a tangy layer.
Vegetal scents tend to go for freshness and naturalness. They suit people looking for a tranquile, serene experience with their fragrances. Vegetal scents bring the essence of nature into the world of perfumery, offering a unique and refreshing alternative to more traditional fragrance notes.
Perfumes Featuring Vegetal Scents
As you’re about to see, vegetal scents tend to be more of the “off the beaten path” fragrances.
Hermès Un Jardin Sur Le Nil
Inspired by a journey along the Nile River, Hermès Un Jardin Sur Le Nil captures the essence of lush, verdant gardens with a hint of exotic fruits. This fragrance is part of the renowned Hermès “Jardin” series, celebrated for its fresh and natural compositions. The scent opens with the crisp and refreshing note of green mango, leading to the delicate floral aroma of lotus. The base notes of sycamore wood and incense provide a grounding, earthy depth, making it a perfect representation of vegetal elegance.
Key Notes: Green mango, lotus, sycamore wood, incense.
Chanel No. 19
Chanel No. 19 is a classic fragrance that combines the elegance of florals with the crispness of green vegetal notes. Launched in 1970, it was created as a tribute to Coco Chanel’s birth date, August 19th. The scent opens with a sharp, fresh burst of green galbanum and hyacinth, leading to a heart of iris and rose, and finishes with a base of vetiver and leather, creating a sophisticated and unique blend that perfectly embodies vegetal sophistication.
Key Notes: Green galbanum, hyacinth, iris, vetiver, leather.
Diptyque Philosykos
Diptyque Philosykos is a tribute to the fig tree, evoking memories of a Greek summer spent in the shade of fig trees. This fragrance captures the entire essence of the fig tree, from its lush leaves to its sweet fruit and woody branches. The scent opens with the green freshness of fig leaf, leading to the creamy, sweet aroma of fig fruit. The composition is rounded out with the warmth of coconut and the earthy undertones of cedarwood, creating a harmonious and rich vegetal fragrance.
Key Notes: Fig leaf, fig, coconut, cedarwood.
Demeter Fragrance Library Grass
Demeter Fragrance Library’s Grass perfectly captures the fresh, clean aroma of freshly cut grass. This simple yet evocative fragrance brings to mind the joy and simplicity of spending time outdoors in nature. The scent is straightforward, focusing solely on the green, lively scent of freshly mowed grass, with a touch of clover to enhance its natural, earthy quality. It’s a perfect choice for those who love the pure, unadulterated scent of the great outdoors.
Key Notes: Freshly cut grass, clover.
Jo Malone Wild Fig & Cassis
Jo Malone Wild Fig & Cassis is a delightful and refreshing fragrance that brings the essence of a Mediterranean garden to life. The scent opens with the lush, green notes of fig leaves and cassis, creating an immediate impression of natural freshness. The heart of the fragrance features fig fruit, while the base includes earthy notes of cedarwood and amber, adding depth and warmth to this vegetal-inspired perfume.
Key Notes: Fig leaves, cassis, fig fruit, cedarwood, amber.
Final Notes
Vegetal fragrances have grown in popularity due to movements for more natural fragrances. It’s important to remember that just because a scent is classified as vegetal, doesn’t mean it’s organic or natural. That said, some are, and people are looking more towards natural scents.