Do says this jasmine eau de parfum is one of his favorites because “the scent gives jasmine a clean feel and sophisticated softness while balancing the flower’s natural richness.” It features notes of bitter orange, jasmine sambac, neroli, orange blossom, and amber for a really potent fragrance that can take you from daytime into evening cocktails. There’s something nostalgic and addictive about this one; you’ll find yourself reaching for it throughout every season.
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when shopping for a jasmine perfume?
According to the perfumers we spoke with, jasmine can suit a variety of scent preferences, so it’s actually pretty versatile, and there’s no one specific thing to look for. “The scent of jasmine is voluptuous, creamy, and petal-y–depending on how it’s treated in a fragrance, it can impart dense floralcy or effervescent transparency,” says Nick Gilbert, founder of fragrance development lab Olfiction. Linda Levy, president of the Fragrance Foundation shares that jasmine is one of her favorite flower fragrances because it’s a complex note. “Jasmine tends to be a bold aroma that is slightly sweet yet luminous at the same time,” she says.
When shopping, look for jasmine mixed with other scents you know you already like, whether that be gourmands like vanilla, florals you might find in a rose perfume, or woods like sandalwood. Jasmine can meld and flex when combined with these to add a bit more depth and complexity to the scent. “Depending on how it’s blended, jasmine can feel fresh, creamy, airy, sensual or even a little mysterious,” says Do.
What other notes play well with jasmine?
“Jasmine blends nicely with florals like rose, violet, orange blossom and lotus to create a fuller bouquet,” says Do. White florals can give it a soft, delicate finish as well, while ylang ylang (the star-shaped flower) can add a bold richness. Or if you’re a fan of sweeter scents, you can opt for perfumes that feature it with gourmand notes like vanilla or tonka bean, which will bring out its creamy side. “Citrus notes like bergamot can brighten jasmine, while musks help give it a soft, smooth finish,” he adds.
What makes jasmine a unique floral compared to other florals?
Jasmine is unique to other florals because it doesn’t smell as powdery as your typical flower. “Unlike lavender, which leans fresh and aromatic, jasmine has a richer character that adds depth and complexity to a fragrance,” says Do. Levy agrees; “it’s very multifaceted—an edgier floral,” she says.
How we evaluated jasmine perfumes
We looked for jasmine perfumes that had complementary notes as well as longevity (for all-day wear), and that made us smell, well, expensive. First we started by asking perfume experts what their favorite jasmine scents are and why. Then we narrowed it down to the ones that blended jasmine with gourmands like vanilla, fruits like pear and citrus, and woods and musks like amber. We chose our final list based on the fragrances that lasted the longest from day into night. Every jasmine fragrance we loved made us smell luxurious and expensive, as if we just came back from a five-star vacation.
Meet the experts
- Darryl Do, senior perfumer and manufacturer at Delbia Do Fragrances
- Nick Gilbert, founder of fragrance development lab Olfiction
- Linda Levy, president of the Fragrance Foundation
