Picture yourself walking through a lush, damp forest after a rainstorm. Crush a geranium leaf between your fingers and inhale deeply. The fresh, earthy aroma that fills your senses? That's the smell of green. The best green perfumes evoke the scent of green leaves, wet grass, and plants, of Mother Nature herself.

Green fragrances connect us to the natural world in a primal way. They conjure up images of vitality, freshness, and calm. There's a therapeutic element, too. Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing in Japan uses the phytoncides released by trees to reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Green scents do good things for us!

Perfumers use all sorts of natural and synthetic notes to create the symphony of green — galbanum, violet leaf, oakmoss, and pine. The green renaissance is not new, but the green perfume trend seems to be back and here to stay for good, especially with so many adopting greener, cleaner living. 

Floral perfumes and woody fragrances particularly do well when layered with green notes. So would you wear the scents of nature on your wrists? We would say yes to a whiff to instantly take us on a peaceful stroll among the trees and plants.

We have handpicked the top green perfumes that open a portal to nature no matter where you are.

• 1
  Best Daily Wear for Men

  Colour Me Green by Milton-Lloyd

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Colour Me Green is an invigorating fragrance that will make you feel lively and awake. The vibrant citrus notes give a burst of freshness to start the day. As the scent evolves, aromatic woods and floral accords keep you feeling energized.

This fragrance opens with bright citrus top notes of bergamot and lemon. Then it transitions to a heart of woody patchouli blended with floral jasmine, lily, and rose. The base notes create a sophisticated and sensual dry down with warm vanilla and amber accords. We found that this refreshing scent lasts all day. The stylish green bottle perfectly coordinates with the fragrance. Bottom line: It’s a luxury perfume without an outrageous price tag.

2

Best Unisex Green Perfume

Skylar Willow Woods

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With notes of willow, pine, and incense, Skylar Willow Woods is a fragrance that captures the essence of a serene hike in the woods on a cool, shady day. It whispers like the rustling leaves, rather than shouting loudly. It’s fresh, cool, rich, sweet, and earthy, all at the same time. Subtle yet atmospheric, this perfume is an intimate experience, meant just for you. Wear it when you need to unplug from the chaos of life. It's a chance to connect with nature and feed your soul.

Key Notes

Top: Heliotrope, Willow

Middle: Pine, Fir Balsam

Base: Incense, Wood

3

Editor’s Pick for Him

Bvlgari Man Wood Essence

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An invigorating woody fragrance that channels the vibrant energy of nature, the Bvlgari Man Wood Essence is crafted to ensure that every time you spray it on, you can practically feel the life force of the forest. The bright citrus opening pops, and then settles into a warm, woodsy base. We found the fragrance to be super masculine yet approachable. We also loved its dry-down — smooth and well-balanced. Overall, if you're looking for an invigorating, woody cologne that smells rich and luxurious and feels deeply connected to nature, we recommend this wholly. 

Key Notes

Top: Essence of Coriander, Italian Citrus Zests

Middle: Cypress Wood, Haitian Vetiver Essence, Cedar Wood

Base: Ambergris Accord

Quick Tip:

Spray 2-3 times right after shower. Apply on pulse points, including over the heart on the chest for maximum stay.

4

Most Refreshing Green Perfume

Le Monde Gourmand Thé Matcha

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Let’s get it out of the way — Thé Matcha does not really smell like a cup of matcha. Rather, it is a unique and refreshing fragrance that captures the essence of earthy green tea leaves with subtle hints of sweetness. Contrary to what we assumed before trying the product, the fragrance is not overpowering, which makes it suitable for daily wear. 

We were also impressed with the longevity of the scent and found that it lasts throughout the day without reapplication. The bottle design is sleek and minimalist, adding a touch of elegance to any fragrance collection. Overall, the matcha perfume offers a delightful olfactory experience that is perfect for those who appreciate the soothing aroma of sweet green tea. 

Key Notes

Top: Green Tea

Middle: Freesia

Base: Amber

Quick Tip:

Layer with fruity perfumes to create a unique perfume.

5

Best for Summer

Dunhill Icon Racing Eau de Parfum

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Well-rounded and captivating, Dunhill's Icon Racing Green combines the invigorating scents of grapefruit, cardamom, and bergamot in its top notes for a burst of energy. The heart notes of florals and spice add a layer of depth and complexity, while the finish is warm and sensual. We found this to be an ideal choice for summer, especially on hot and humid days. 

Bottom line: The Icon Racing exudes elegance and sophistication, and is well-suited for a man who likes to be in charge. It also suits casual outings and outdoor events. We were also quite impressed with the bottle, which seems to be straight out of WWII, conjuring an image of power and solidity.  

Key Notes

Top: Grapefruit, Cardamom, Bergamot

Middle: Orange Blossom, Lavender, Pepper

Base: Musk, Guaiac Wood, Vetiver

6

Editor’s Pick for Her

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Illicit Green

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A modern and sophisticated fragrance, Black Opium Illicit Green is perfect for those who want to make a statement. The scent opens with a burst of green notes, giving it a vibrant and invigorating quality. This is followed by a floral heart, where delicate jasmine and orange blossom add a feminine touch. The base notes of coffee and vanilla create a warm and alluring aroma that lingers on the skin. We recommend this for its unique and impeccable blend of freshness and sensuality in a sturdy, charismatic bottle. 

Key Notes

Top: Pear, Green Mandarin, Fig Leaf 

Middle: Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Fig

Base: Coffee, Vanilla Bourbon, Patchouli, Cedar

7

Best Daily Wear for Women

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Scent Spray

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Elizabeth Arden’s Green Tea Scent Spray is light and clean, with notes of citrus, green tea, and musk. It has a subtle and natural aroma that is not overpowering, making it suitable for any occasion, especially daily wear or office wear. We liked how it doesn't hit the nose with its strength and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fresh, uplighting, mellow fragrance. The packaging is also sleek and elegant, adding to the overall appeal of the product. 

Key Notes

Top: Orange Zest, Bergamot

Middle: Peppermint, Green Tea, Sweet Jasmine, Carnation, Fresh Fennel, Crisp Celery Spice

Base: Oakmoss, Musk, Amber

8

Most Vegetal Green Scent

Diptyque Philosykos Eau de Parfum

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Of all the green scents on this list, Philosykos is perhaps the “greenest”! The freshness of fig leaf and the dry smokiness of cedar is balanced with the creaminess of the coconut without overpowering either. The blend creates a unique fragrance that is green, woody, sweet, and fresh, all at the same time. 

The complexity and warmth the fragrance brings can be ideal for summer months, or on a tropical holiday. An impressed user says, “I am not typically a perfume person, but once I smelled the fragrance from a sample, I had to have it. I love the fragrance, the bottle, and the whole essence of this perfume. I truly feel clean and alert, feminine but not “girly”.”

Key Notes

Top: Fig Leaf

Middle: Coconut

Base: Cedar

- Scent

The best green perfumes come in a variety of scent profiles — citrusy, floral, woody, smokey, etc. The kind of green fragrance you pick can affect when and where to wear it, so it is important to keep this factor in consideration. Usually, most citrusy green perfumes are best suited for summer, spring, or daytime wear. We like the Le Monde Gourmand Thé Matcha for its fresh citrusy feel. Contrarily, deeper fragrances with more woody or smokey profiles lend well to winter or nighttime wear, such as Yves Saint Laurent’s Black Opium Illicit Green. 

- Intensity

Eau de perfumes are usually more intense than Eau de toilettes or colognes. However, even amongst perfumes, you can find varying intensities. For a more intimate fragrance, pick mellow perfumes that stay on the skin without projecting too much. To make a statement, go for something with bold notes and good projection. 

- Price Point

Quality perfumes can get expensive, so it’s best to start with a budget in mind. There are many budget-friendly green perfumes, so if you are new to green perfumes and not quite sure whether you would like the scent family, you can choose amongst lower-priced fragrances. Try a number of green scents to develop your understanding of what you like and what you can’t stand, only then opt for a bottle with a luxury price tag. 

- Take a warm bath or shower and thoroughly dry your skin. Warm and open pores are best at absorbing perfume. Pay attention to drying the pulse points. 

- Apply a body moisturizer, scented if you want to layer, and unscented if you want the perfume you have picked to shine. Perfume fades away quickly from dry skin, so ensure your skin is soft and can lock on the fragrance. 

- Apply your perfume before putting on clothes to reach your pulse points (where veins are close to the surface of the skin). For extra sillage, apply to the back of the knees and back of the neck as well. 

- Don’t rub your skin after applying your perfume. Allow it to dry before putting on clothes or touching the area. 

- Avoid over-spraying. Usually, one spritz for each pulse point you want to cover is enough. 

- Spray some perfume on your comb and run it through your hair for better longevity as hair, being more porous than skin, can hold it longer. 

- You may spray some perfume on your clothes but do a patch test first.