Lavender is one of the most easily recognizable floral scents in the world; it has a distinct aroma that is a heady, earthy, and calming scent that has been used throughout history. There is no denying that this scent divides perfume lovers, with some putting it as a firm favorite, whereas others would turn their nose up at it.
But if you are a lavender fan, there is no doubt that you will love a lavender scented perfume like some of the ones we are going to look at in this review.
Introduction to Lavender Perfume
One of the first and most notable lavender fragrances was launched way back in the 1800s, ‘Fougere Royale’, and this was aimed at men. In fact, for many years, this floral scent was thought to be more masculine, and as such, very few feminine perfumes with lavender were released.
However, over time, the scent lost this association with male scents, and while it is still very commonly used in them, there are many lavender perfumes for women on the market today.
Unlike other floral scents, which can be light, musky, and fresh, lavender has an aroma quite unlike anything else. It is this uniqueness that makes it one of the most popular and luxurious floral scents in perfumery.
The scent pairs well with other distinct aromas such as petitgrain, orange blossom, rose, and clary sage. However, it will also work well with fresh scents like lemon, lime, and even mint, proving that, despite popular belief, this is one of the more diverse floral accords.
Lavender is a scent that is often associated with warm, hazy summer days and, as such, works brilliantly as a go-to daytime fragrance. That being said, when mixed with woody notes, it can make an excellent, intoxicating evening scent.
20 Best Lavender Scented Perfumes
1. Jo Malone Amber And Lavender
Jo Malone brought us this incredible and fresh lavender cologne for men in 1995. If you like a more classic lavender scent, then this would work well for you. It is unapologetically lavender exactly where it needs to be without being garish.
It is an Oriental Fougere fragrance that would make an ideal signature scent for a gentleman who is confident in himself and comfortable in his skin. It is as diverse as it is bold and sits beautifully on the skin for a formal evening event. In contrast, it is a delight to wear on a hot day, and it dries down immaculately for a delicate yet noticeable accord.
At the head, lavender is blended with mint and bergamot; it is fresh and clean. The middle notes of cinnamon, lily of the valley, and clove offer a warm heart before revealing an amber and patchouli base.
2. Mon Guerlain by Guerlain
One of the first things that you notice about this perfume for women that was brought out in 2018 is the stunning, glamorous bottle. It is elegant yet modern and perfectly conveys what this scent is trying to tell us.
The creators wanted to develop a modern fragrance that could be worn by a vibrant woman following her dreams. This is for the new wave of powerful yet feminine women and is youthful and unique.
It is an ideal summer fragrance thanks to the heady floral accords, but it could do well in the colder months thanks to the warmer notes. At the top, we find lavender and bergamot followed by a heart of iris, jasmine sambac, and rose. However, the base is much richer with sandalwood and patchouli with a hint of licorice; it almost warms the soul with its comforting aroma.
3. Lovely Sarah by Jessica Parker
Where celebrity fragrances are concerned, it can be a little hit and miss. But Lovely has got to have been one of those that really stood out, and it remains as popular today as its launch in 2005. This is a floral woody musk fragrance for women and is soft, delicate, and light.
This perfume would be perfectly suited to the young lady who wants to enter into womanhood with grace and beauty. It embodies everything that a lady should be; sexy, classy, elegant, and stylish.
It begins with notes of lavender, martini, and bergamot and is wildly fresh. It will melt into a heart of patchouli and orchid before drying down to a musky base of amber and cedar—a real gem.
4. Eau Noire by Christian Dior
Eau Noire is one of three unisex perfumes released by Dior in 2004. It comes in a sophisticated and modern flacon that represents the wider range.
One thing is for certain; if you are not willing to be bold, then this is not a fragrance for you. This perfume demands attention, and with just a single squirt, the aroma will fill a room. It is intense and intoxicating. But there is a fresh quality about it that gives it a unique and modern take on lavender.
At the head, there are herby notes of sage and thyme, which are followed by a lavender and coffee heart. This is a blend that has been widely experimented with, but none do it in quite this way. The base is warm and rich, leather, licorice, and vanilla, which also gives it a sweet accord.
The striking and bold character of this perfume makes it ideal for evening wear.
5. Jersey Eau de Parfum by Chanel
A challenging part of creating a lavender-scented perfume is getting the lavender to come through and remain realistic. Chanel effortlessly achieves this in Jersey, which is a floral woody musk fragrance for women. It is one of the later Chanel perfumes released in 2016. But it proves how the brand has ongoing popularity with women of all ages.Â
It uniquely blends lavender with vanilla, white musk, rose, jasmine, and Tonka bean. This gives the fragrance a unique character quite unlike anything else. Moving lavender away from the masculine and bringing it to a new floral, feminine space.
This fragrance can be worn for all occasions and would make a lovely signature for anyone with a soft and sophisticated personality.
6. Boy Chanel by Chanel
In 2016, Chanel introduced us to this beautiful Aromatic Fougere fragrance for men and women. It is delivered in a bottle that is synonymous with the sophistication and simple luxury that Chanel is all about.
This is a fragrance ideal for those early days of spring when the flowers are beginning to bloom. Romantic and breezy with a warm accord, this is a perfume suited to those with a care-free character.
It brings lavender together with grapefruit and lemon to begin before revealing a heart of rose, geranium, and orange blossom. The base is rich and enticing; heliotrope, white musk, vanilla, and sandalwood.
One might say that this is something of a timeless fragrance that could become a classic. It has a clean and almost soapy accord that is elegant and inviting.
7. Eau de Lavande by Diptyque
No airs and graces are attempted with the packaging of this fragrance; much like the rest of the Diptyque range, the perfumes speak for themselves. This is an Aromatic Fougere fragrance that was released in 2014 and is aimed at both men and women.
If you are looking for a well-balanced and sophisticated lavender-based perfume for your signature scent, then this is likely to be a contender. It doesn’t mix numerous scents but instead sticks to what works well; lavender, nutmeg, cinnamon, and coriander.
But despite the warm and spicy notes, this is not an over-pronounced fragrance and is much more delicate than it is flashy.
It certainly is a unique take on lavender perfume and one that you will remember. If you thought you knew what a good lavender scent smelt like, you would likely be pleasantly surprised at this.
8. Acqua di Parma Colonia by Acqua di Parma
If a fragrance can stand the test of time for more than 100 years, then it stands to reason that there is something special about it. This citrus scent from 1916 has been adorning the skin of some of the most well-known names throughout history; Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, to name a few.
In 2007, a limited edition version of the fragrance was made, but the original is still hugely popular. It is a unisex fragrance that brings lavender together with citrus fruits, rosemary, rose, white musk, amber, sandalwood, and vetiver for something truly extraordinary.
This fragrance would suit chic, elegant, and charming people who want to demonstrate these traits through a fresh, luxurious perfume.
It is fresh enough to wear during the day and intoxicating enough for an evening scent; diverse and simply incredible.
9. English Lavender by Yardley
English Lavender is a classic fragrance for women that was released in 1913; it has certainly remained popular throughout the years. This is likely because of the natural and elegant character of the fragrance that can be worn every day.
It is easy to wear and inoffensive; it does not overpower as you might imagine from a strong floral scent like lavender. Instead, it leaves a delicate trail behind you wherever you go. If you want to make it a little more intense, you might also pair this with some of the other body products from the range.
There is a modern version of this fragrance for the more youthful woman, but this traditional scent is perfect for anyone who wants a sense of nostalgia and comfort. It combines lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus at the head with cedar and geranium at the heart. The base is much warmer with oakmoss, musk, and Tonka bean.
10. Lavande Eau de Cologne by L’Occitane
One of our favorite things about this delicate and intoxicating lavender perfume for women and men is that it comes as part of a much larger body care range. What’s more, there is also a scented candle to match so you can wrap yourself in the comforting richness of lavender.
The bottle could fool you into thinking that this is a shampoo, but once you get inside, you are treated to a fresh, clean lavender scent that is deeply relaxing. This is an aromatic fragrance that does not overpower but gives a soothing scent experience.Â
It blends citrus top notes with a heart of lavender before drying down to a base of woody notes and musk.
This is the perfect fragrance for intimate evenings with a significant other and would work perfectly as a summertime perfume.
11. Pure Lavender by Ferrari
Ferrari brought us this unisex fragrance in 2015 and is an Aromatic Fougere perfume from the essence collection. If you are looking for a lavender perfume that isn’t over the top and instead uses the flowers’ more delicate side, then this could be the ideal signature scent.
It is presented in a simple bottle that gives off the pure vibes of this fragrance. The top notes are cardamom, bergamot, and lemon for a fresh, clean start. The heart of lavender and sage is earthy and rich before the base of cashmere wood, vanilla and patchouli emerges.
This is a modern take on the lavender perfume and would suit a courting couple. Wear this on a first date for a delicate yet lasting impression, or wear it to an anniversary celebration with the love of your life.
It is elegant and calm and requires a personality to match; from a brand that is renowned for fast cars, you may be surprised at the gentle nature of this fragrance.
12. Penhaligon’s Lavandula
For anyone with a unique personality, the usual lavender scent might be too traditional. Break the mold with something individual and daring like this unisex aromatic fragrance.
At the top, we smell basil, pepper, and cinnamon, which instantly draw you in and leave you wanting more. You won’t be disappointed with a heart of lily of the valley, lavender, and clary sage. Once it dries down, you get a beautiful combination of vanilla, amber, and musk for a scent that carries on throughout the day.
But it isn’t overly intense; there’s no doubt that it will captivate those around you, but it certainly won’t be too much. For people who dare to be different but don’t want to be brash, this would make the perfect go-to scent.
Wear this on a warm evening as the sun goes down or for a gathering with friends in the floral garden of a classy wine bar.
13. Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier
This is potentially one of the most iconic lavender perfumes for men of recent times. In a bottle that is recognized across the world, this is instantly recognizable.
But despite having been released more than 25 years ago in 1995, this remains one of the most well-loved lavender scents of all time. This is because of the timeless combination of notes that appeal to young and old alike. It blends lavender with mint, cinnamon, vanilla, and sandalwood for a surprisingly sweet and intoxicating aroma.
It is strong and will certainly turn heads when you enter a room, not only for its distinct smell but because everyone will know what you are wearing. It is masculine yet gentle and suited to a man who has a calm yet bold personality. There are so many paradoxes with the fragrance that it is easily one of the most unique perfumes with lavender on the market.Â
14. Aoud Lavender by Montale
It is impossible not to notice the incredible packaging that this fragrance is presented in. It remains with the Montale theme of a cylindrical, shiny flacon. But this one is a dark purple with rich gold. It feels mysterious and almost exotic. Not quite what you would expect for a lavender fragrance.
Inside, you will find a beautiful Oriental floral fragrance for men and women that blends lavender with lemon and saffron at the head. The middle notes of flowers and patchouli dry down to a base of amber, oud, and white musk. There is nothing quite like this; it is intoxicating and rich.
This is not a perfume for the faint-hearted and demands a bold and outgoing character to wear this throughout the day and long into the warm summer evenings.
15. Bois du Portugal by Creed
In 1987, this Oriental woody fragrance for me was released, and there is something truly special within the classic Creed bottle.
This perfume uses only the finest ingredients, and the millesime mark on the bottle tells you that you can only expect quality, the best crop of the year. The scent is inspired by fragrant trees found in Portugal and is a warm and enchanting scent that is made for the classic gentleman.
It is not flashy and doesn’t blend a considerable number of notes but rather keeps it simple, letting the lavender shine through. At the top, we find bergamot and a heart of lavender. This opens up to a base of sandalwood, ambergris, cedar, and vetiver. It is a scent that will get you noticed, thanks to its incredible longevity and beautiful projection. Wear this when you want to be the center of attention.
16. Embrace French Lavender & Tuberose by Vera Wang
For young ladies who want a fragrance that is light, fresh, and embodies their personality, this should be a go-to scent. It doesn’t overdo things and keeps it simple with a breezy, fresh head of mandarin orange and a heart of tuberose and lavender. At the base, we find vanilla and cacao, which give this a warm and sweet accord.
It is a floral fruity gourmand fragrance made for women and is great for year-round wear. However, owing to the warm vanilla at the base, this works particularly well as a winter perfume.
This perfume would suit a youthful and fun-loving woman that doesn’t want to over-announce her presence but would rather introduce herself gracefully and with an air of fun. It is clean and sweet, but never overpowering. Wear this just as easily through the day as you would for an intimate evening affair.
17. Héritage Eau de Parfum by Guerlain
Lavender has always been a masculine scent, and it is used perfectly in this woody, spicy, lavender cologne for men. It was launched in 1992 and is a timeless fragrance suited to those who want to show off their grand and respected personality. Imagine an elite gentleman at an exclusive event.
But the perfume isn’t showy or obnoxious, quite the opposite. While being incredibly fragrant, the fragrance is also classy. It is strong enough to get noticed, but not so much so that it causes offense; it is what you might call the perfect blend.
The top notes are lavender, clary sage, lemon, and aldehydes. These blend into a floral heart of orris, patchouli, lily of the valley, and cyclamen. The base is woody and aromatic and includes musk and sandalwood for a scent that will delicately trail behind you.
18. Lavender Extreme by Tom Ford
This is a lavender fragrance for men and women that plays on the rich aroma of the plant and takes it to a new level. The idea of this creation was to break the traditional lavender boundaries and come up with something new and exciting. The result is an aromatic Fougere perfume that is stimulating, fresh, and original.
If you thought that lavender was only a scent for older women or something that you associated with Grandma, then you will be very surprised at this modern take on what some would call a traditional scent. If you are outgoing and confident, then this is undoubtedly a fragrance that you will love. Wear it from day to night; just a couple of sprays will linger for many hours, there is no doubt that you won’t be noticed.
It blends lavender at the heart with cinnamon and rose top notes of violet leaf and lemon. The base is sweet and inviting with Tonka bean and coumarin.
19. Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Lavender
The bright, stylish purple flacon that this perfume comes in effortlessly represents everything that you might think of when thinking about lavender. This is an aromatic fragrance for women that was released in 2010 as part of a wider ‘green tea and…’ collection.
The perfume is designed to be for the carefree woman and has a calming and relaxing vibe, which is surprisingly crisp. It would work well as a day-to-day fragrance thanks to its light sillage and gentle aroma. It certainly is not an overbearing fragrance and so may be ideal for wearing to the office.Â
It blends top notes of Amalfi lemon, mint, and chamomile with middle notes of lavender, magnolia, and tea. The base is musky and rich with musk mallow and birch ambrette. While this is a women’s scent, it could just as easily be used for men as there is a subtle masculine quality about it.
20. Bath & Body Works French Lavender & Honey
This is a fruity floral fragrance for women that was launched in 2014. It comes in a gorgeous bottle decorated with a pretty bow and soft colors. It is everything you would associate with a hot day in the middle of summer.
It is perfect as a daytime perfume, a romantic picnic, or a countryside walk in the sun. It is a light and clean fragrance that is not overpowering. If you are looking for something for those intimate moments, then the gentle sillage of this scent will work wonders. This is a fragrance for women who exude innocence and youthfulness.
The top notes are melon, mandarin orange, and violet leaf, and these move aside for a heart of lavender, jasmine, and nectarine. The base is warm and inviting with honey, musk, and oak and, while not overpowering, will last subtly on the skin throughout the day.Â
How To Choose Your Lavender Perfume
One thing is for sure; if you are looking for a lavender-based perfume, you are a fan of a unique scent and likely want to stand out from the crowd. Lavender is one of the most easily-distinguishable aromas in the world, and just a few dabs of lavender essential oil will leave you smelling incredible as day. So be bold and wear your lavender-scented perfume with pride.
If you want a more rugged, masculine scent, you might choose a fragrance that blends lavender with woody notes. Alternatively, you could go for a fresh citrusy perfume with lavender at the heart.
Since lavender is a beautiful summer plant, pairing it with musky florals like jasmine would create a perfume that is heady and great if you want a fragrance for a vacation in the countryside.
Full Guide On Perfumes With Lavender
While it may be hard to believe, lavender actually comes from the mint family, although its aroma would suggest anything but. Unlike its fresh cousin, lavender is a rich, earthy scent that induces relaxation and wonder.
France is well-known for its rolling lavender fields, and this fragrant plant is a common favorite in gardens around the world. Not only for the incredible scent that it gives off but also because of its unique purple blooms. It is indeed just as aesthetically beautiful as it is on the nose. Lavender is thought to have originally come from India and the warm Mediterranean regions. However, there is evidence to suggest that it has a long and rich history, dating back as far as 2500 years.
The plant comes in three main varieties, including true lavender, aspic lavender, and lavandin. The latter is hybrid species that derives from the other two and is known for its particularly potent aroma.
In ancient times, lavender was prized by the Roman and Greek civilizations, and there are suggestions that it was used as part of a religious ceremony involving various herbs. Romans thought so highly of this beautiful fragrance that they would use it for washing their clothes, bathing, and many other applications. It was so closely related to being clean and fresh that this is where its name derives from; the Latin word ‘Lavere’ meaning ‘to wash.’
Lavender is widely used in fragrance for its strong, long-lasting, and unique scent, and it remains a firm favorite of many. However, it is also used in cooking and alternative medicine for a vast number of purposes.
Lavender is often used to flavor dishes, including soups and salads. It will add a floral, fresh, and sweet taste to a dish and is often used in French cuisine. As a food ingredient, lavender has been used across the centuries.
The aroma of lavender has long been associated with tranquility and, as such, is often used in relaxation products such as bath salts and scented candles. It is one of the most popular aromatherapy oils and is closely associated with healing in a spiritual sense. The oil is frequently used in chakra cleansing rituals and yogic traditions.
The plant is also extremely useful for cleansing the skin and reducing inflammation and is often used in various types of alternative medicine. It also boasts antiseptic properties and is particularly useful for the treatment of bites, stings, and wounds. It may also surprise you to learn that this fragrant plant is excellent at disinfecting. So, next time you buy your favorite lavender detergent, you might think that the scent is not the only reason lavender is used.
Frequently Asked Questions On Lavender Perfumes
What perfumes have lavender in them?
Lavender is used in many perfumes for both men and women. It is a diverse and noticeable floral scent. Tom Ford Costa Azzurra and Libre by YSL are two trendy lavender-scented perfumes.Â
What is lavender perfume made of?
Lavender perfume is made using the lavender essential oil, which is produced through a steam distillation process.Â
Who created lavender perfume?
It is believed that one of the first lavender perfumes was made in 1759 in Provence by Glovers Perfumes. Although, the scent has been used since ancient times for its aroma.Â
Does lavender perfume repel mosquitoes?
Lavender is well known for its ability to repel mosquitoes and other nuisance insects. However, unless your perfume is exclusively lavender, a subtle hint may not be enough to repel them.Â
Final Thoughts On Lavender Perfume
Lavender is certainly a heavy and potent aroma that does not go unnoticed, but this rich, enticing scent makes it so hugely popular in the world of fragrance. Despite starting its journey as a masculine scent, lavender is now widely used in a huge number of women’s and unisex perfumes.
It is calming and comforting and has a large variety of other benefits aside from fragrance, making it potentially one of the most diverse plants in the world.
