Smelling Elusive and Expensive Is My MO—These 9 Perfumes Never Miss

Key notes: Orchid, rum, clove, benzoin, styrax, jasmine, vanilla, musk, patchouli

One of the most expensive-smelling perfumes I’ve ever owned, Chloé’s Orchidée de Minuit blends sweet powdery orchids with boozy rum and earthy patchouli. Created to capture the blooming of a white orchid at midnight, this scent is sensual and rich with just the right amount of sweetness without it feeling too gourmand. I initially planned on saving this for nights out, but I’ve also found myself spritzing this on mornings before I go into the office, as well. It’s quite literally become my newest fragrance addiction.

Key notes: Rose centifolia absolute, immortelle absolute, saffron, Jamaican pepper, Indonesian patchouli, labdanum, vanilla, maltol

If you think rose fragrances are boring and uninspiring, think again, because Matiere Premiere’s Radical Rose Extrait provides a fresh take on this classic note. The addition of immortelle absolute brings a deep honey-tabacco note that smells more like smoky incense as opposed to the cigarette smoke I was initially expecting. I’m always sceptical of fragrances at this price point, for no other reason than the fact that there are plenty of opulent-smelling perfumes that sit well under the £200 mark. However, this is one of those investment scents that I can fully get behind. It’s elevated, long-lasting, and unlike anything I’ve personally experienced before.

Key notes: Lavender, osmanthus, cypress, tea, vetiver, grapefruit, suede, vanilla, cedar atlas, tobacco

I’m a firm believer that high-street perfumes are seriously underrated, and Other Stories has some of the best out there. However, even I wasn’t prepared for how much I would love Nocturnal Tales when I tried it in store last week. It’s a cosy yet sophisticated profile that blends lighter lavender and osmanthus with a velvety, sexy base to create a scent that’s perfect for nights out. I regret not picking it up immediately after I tested it, but it’s currently sitting in my basket right now, waiting for payday.

Key notes: Rose, blackcurrant, pink pepper, nutmeg, osmanthus, cashmere wood, amber, musk

Dark floral perfumes can sometimes feel too heavy for daytime, but Phlur’s Rose Whip perfectly balances the depth of a moody floral scent with enough freshness for everyday use. The blackcurrant brings a juiciness to the profile stops it from feeling too overpowering. But the fragrance maintains its velvet rose notes and leathery base. I also love that the bottle is so compact, meaning I can take it with me for top-ups throughout the day.

Key notes: Gardenia, orange blossom, peony, pepper, ginger, cardamom, coconut, sandalwood, musk, amber

Anytime I see orange blossom listed as a fragrance note, I’m on board. And Versace’s Crystal Noir brings the heavier blossom with a lighter peony on a bed of pepper, coconut and sandalwood. To me, it’s the embodiment of the “dark feminine” aesthetic that took over my TikTok FYP last winter. It’s dark and mysterious, and I’ve received nothing but compliments whenever I wear it.

Key notes: Poppy, tuberose, orange blossom, bergamot, mandarin musk, vetiver, patchouli.

If you want a dark floral perfume that won’t become too cloying in the warmer weather, an eau de toilette is your best bet. Givenchy’s L’Interdit incorporates a blend of poppy, tuberose, vetiver and patchouli—all typically heavy notes—in a much lighter EDT concentration. It somehow manages to maintain its richer nature, whilst also feeling fresh and lightweight for summer.

Key notes: Black cherry, red peppercorn, saffron, centifolia rose, black violet accord, narcotic musk flower, patchouli, labdanum, black leather

When my sister first recommended Floral Street's Black Lotus to me, she described it as the classic rose dressed in a leather bomber jacket, and I don’t think I could have expressed it any better. Not only does it feature black cherry (another fragrance note that I’m a big fan of), but this deep, spicy perfume has earned me so many compliments—even from strangers on the train! It definitely lends itself to the colder months, so if you’re looking for a heavier scent that evokes a sense of mystery, this is the one for you.

Key notes: Rose, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, frankincense, opoponax, white musk, patchouli, sandalwood, carrot seed, Moroccan orris

Dark floral perfumes already sit within a niche genre of fragrance, but if you're looking for one that really sets you apart from the pack, Vryao Witchy Woo is a mysterious, whimsical scent that is sure to have everyone asking you where it’s from. Frankincense, rose, and opoponax (also known as sweet myrrh) come together to create a captivating scent that smells unlike any other. If you want to lean into the more “gothic” sub-family of dark floral fragrances, this comes strongly recommended.

Key notes: White florals, leather accord, suede, musk, spices, light woods, amberwood

Even dark floral perfumes can lean rather delicate and romantic, so if you prefer a scent that’s deeper, I’d recommend Dior’s Cuir Saddle. Rich, long-lasting and described as a “trompe-l'œil” perfume that feels like a second skin, it provides a modern interpretation of leather that’s slightly softer and subtly rich.