Isn’t it fascinating how a simple whiff of perfume can transport you through time and space? That’s the magic of flowers in perfumery—each of them brings its own story and symbolism to the fragrances we adore. And that’s exactly what I want to explore in today’s article. If you know me, you know I am obsessed with perfume. Particularly floral perfumes. So, I decided to do a deep dive and find out what the most common flowers used in perfume making are. But not only that — I also wanted to find out what they symbolize, and what iconic perfumes contain these notes.
Rose: The Quintessential Symbol of Love
The rose, often referred to as the “Queen of Flowers,” is a staple in perfumery for a good reason. Symbolizing love and passion, its rich and intoxicating aroma makes it a favorite for romantic and deeply personal fragrances. Even though I’m personally not a huge fan of rose notes in my perfumes, I can still appreciate a good blend. Classic perfumes like Chanel No. 5 and Dior’s J’adore are great examples of that! You’ll notice how a of old-school perfumes contain this note, however, that doesn’t mean that it’s outdated! TikTok’s favorite “that girl” scent, Delina by PDM, also is a rose-based fragrance.
Jasmine: The Scent of Seduction
Ah, jasmine – with its intoxicatingly rich, floral, and slightly fruity aroma, it’s one of the most popular fragrance notes ever! However, it’s also one of the most polarizing ones. You either love it, or you hate it. There’s no in-between. Jasmine represents love, beauty, and sensuality, making it perfect for captivating and heady fragrances. The hypnotic Tom Ford Jasmine Rouge or the classic Thierry Mugler Alien both celebrate Jasmine’s full-bodied charm, pulling you into a world of seductive beauty with just one spritz.
Lavender: The Essence of Femininity
Even though lavender is more popular when it comes to male-oriented scents, it’s actually one of my favorite perfume notes! And that comes from someone who loves feminine fragrances. Crisp, calming lavender brings a breath of fresh air to any fragrance. Known for its soothing properties, lavender symbolizes purity, silence, and calmness. To me, lavender smells like home, a mother, or safety. Personally, I describe perfumes with this note as my “comfort scent”. Some of my personal favorites include Libre by YSL, Goddess by Burberry, or Mon Guerlain like Guerlain. All of them smell feminine but in a calm, pleasant, and mature way.
Ylang-Ylang: The Tropical Temptress
Exotic and intoxicating, ylang-ylang is a tropical bloom with a creamy, floral, and slightly fruity fragrance. Just like its vibrant yellow color, it symbolizes freedom and joy. It’s often used to add a rich, deep note to floral and oriental perfumes. Chanel No. 5, once again, uses ylang-ylang’s lush profile, pairing it with other florals. In fact, it seems like Chanel absolutely loves this note! Because it’s also found in some of their other iconic fragrances, such as Chance, Gabrielle, and even Coco Mademoiselle. Guerlain’s Shalimar is another iconic fragrance that uses ylang-ylang, proving that no big perfume house is immune to the smell of this unique flower.
Tuberose: The Dramatic Diva
Last, but not least — we have another one of my personal favorites. Bold and beautiful, tuberose is not for the faint of heart. Representing dangerous pleasure and forbidden fruit, its heady, intoxicating scent can completely dominate a perfume. Robert Piguet’s Fracas, the quintessential tuberose perfume, is one of the most popular examples. Similarly, Diptyque’s Do Son harnesses the power of tuberose, blending it with mild maritime notes to balance its intensity. And finally, one of my signature scents — L’Interdit by Givenchy is a tuberose powerhouse that was inspired by Audrey Hepburn and the OG perfume that was created for her by the luxury brand.