If you find yourself pining for the outdoors—be it the aroma of flowering herbs or the earthy essence of mossy woods—while at work or while doing your daily household chores, there’s a way to capture that natural freshness and keep it with you.
Yes, we’re talking about herbaceous perfumes. These botanical-inspired scents, with their green, earthy accords, have the power to transport you to a verdant place, even amid the bustle of the city. Embrace the relaxed, effortless vibes of the season by spritzing on a herbaceous fragrance—it’s the next best thing to being immersed in nature itself.
Read more: Discover old-world charm amidst the urban pulse of Osaka, Japan
Jo Malone Hinoki & Cedarwood Cologne Intense
Jo Malone Hinoki & Cedarwood Cologne Intense
This fragrance captures the essence of the hinoki tree, celebrated in Japan for its calming properties and rich cultural heritage. With its refreshing hinoki heart and base notes of cedarwood, it invites you to experience the serene beauty of a sacred forest.
Price: HK$1,750 (100ml)
Available at: Jo Malone Fashion Walk pop-up, Jo Malone boutiques across Hong Kong and Jo Malone website
Aesop Virēre Eau de Parfum
Aesop Virēre Eau de Parfum
Aesop’s Virēre evokes memories of sunlit days spent among lush greenery, blending fresh citrus and woody notes for a vibrant scent. Inspired by Mediterranean moments, this fragrance defies traditional classifications of what a French aroma can be, instead offering a fragrance that is complex and also as simple as taking a walk along a garden path.
Price: HK$1,650 (100 ml)
Available at: Aesop stores in Harbour City, Causeway Bay and online
Le Labo Coriandre 39
Featuring coriander as its top note, this fragrance strikes a balance with woody and citrusy undertones to appeal to a wider audience. A part of Le Labo’s Exclusive City collection, the 17th addition to the much-loved series is influenced by the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of Mexico City.
Price: on request
Available at: Hong Kong boutiques only (samples available online from August)
Pañpuri Heaven Moon Osmanthus Hong Kong edition
Pañpuri Heaven Moon Osmanthus Hong Kong edition
Thai wellness brand Pañpuri which has just debuted in Hong Kong with a boutique at K11 Musea has also introduced a unique perfume oil for our city—the Heaven Moon Osmanthus edition, blending moringa with citrus and Asian spices. This scent reflects the brand’s commitment to natural ingredients and local inspiration.
Price: HK$980 (50 ml)
Available at: K11 Musea and online
Jo Malone Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense
One whiff of this new woody fragrance from Jo Malone can transport you to a European garden in summer. Think cypress trees, grapevines and freshly trimmed grass.
Price: HK$1,750 (100ml)
Available at: Jo Malone Fashion Walk pop-up, Jo Malone boutiques across Hong Kong and Jo Malone website
Aesop Tacit
Trust Aesop’s Tacit to make you nostalgic for your last summer vacation—or anticipate the next one. There’s something about its mix of crisp basil notes with vetiver that evokes a sense of carefree days spent in the sun.
Price: HK$1,650 (100 ml)
Available at: Aesop stores in Harbour City, Causeway Bay and online
Le Labo Bigarade 18
Le Labo’s Bigarade 18 is simple at its core: bergamot and neroli petals, with a hint of musk. But together, these ingredients create a complex aroma profile which feels contemporary yet classic. The brand has dedicated this fragrance to Hong Kong, as the city also embodies the balance of old and new.
Price: on request
Available at: Hong Kong boutiques only
Serge Lutens Point du Jour
A heady blend of thyme, lavender and sage come together in Serge Lutens’ Point du Jour. The result? A refreshing aroma that leaves you feeling rejuvenated with every whiff.
Price: HK$1,300
Available at: Serge Lutens perfume shop at IFC mall, online and more
Chanel No. 5 L’Eau
Chanel No. 5 L’Eau (Photo: courtesy of Chanel)
This limited-edition perfume by Chanel strikes just the right balance between citrusy and woody aromas. Top notes of mandarin and orange blend with a bouquet of jasmine, giving way to a soft musky undertone. Perfect for beating the heat.
Price: HK$1,275 (50ml)
Available at: Chanel boutiques and online
Narciso Rodriguez Musc Collection
Narciso Rodriguez Musc Collection
Narciso Rodriguez has just unveiled two new editions—Les Luminances and Les Transparences—in its Musc Collection collection of fragrances inspired by the perfumes of the Middle East, which are made from the most luxurious ingredients. Think amber, rose, sandalwood, oud and patchouli—all of them are perfume lovers’ dream choices.
Price: HK$2,070 (100ml)
Available at: Selected Narciso Rodriguez counters and K11 Musea pop-up store
The Scentist Olympic 2024 Special Edition
We also wanted to put one Hong Kong brand on your radar: The Scentist, a local perfume brand that pays an ode to not just its native city through fragrances such as Kowloon and New Territories, but also to other destinations popular among Hongkongers, such as Okinawa, Seoul, Kyoto and London. This season, it has launched a special edition, Olympic 2024 perfume that evokes the best of summer through its tangerine, cucumber, basil and sage notes.
Price: HK$680
Available at: online only
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