Fragrance compliments are my favorite kind of compliments, so you better believe I return the favor as often as I can—and lately, I can't help but swoon over iris-infused blends. Though, to be honest, I didn't immediately clock the underrated note at first; then after praising a fourth stranger on their perfume, I decided to look into each rec for potential similarities (you know, in true beauty journalist fashion).
The verdict, as you can probably guess, was iris. Soft, pretty, expensive-smelling iris. Now? I specifically seek out the note when shopping for perfumes, especially as we gear up for crisp fall weather. You see, I'd describe iris as the cashmere sweater of the fragrance world: classic and eternally chic. And just like the buttery-soft separate, the velvety note goes well with just about everything. Need proof? Take a scroll through my favorite iris perfumes below.
Before diving into the list, I should clarify: The term "iris" actually refers to the odorless plant, while "orris" is the title typically used in fragrance blends. "In perfumery, the rhizome of the flower (roots) is the part that is treated to extract the orris concrete and absolute," Pascal Gaurin, VP senior perfumer at IFF, further explains. That said, you'll see both "iris" and "orris" interchangeably throughout these 10 picks—just know they're referring to the same, powdery note.
The Best Iris Perfumes of 2025
Key notes: Grapefruit, rose, violet, iris, raspberry, vanilla, sandalwood, musk
Olfactory family: Floral
Old Hollywood glamour in a bottle, Lipstick Rose evokes swiping on the perfect shade of crimson in a softly lit powder room. Perfumer Ralf Schwieger created the scent with his mother's lipstick in mind, but don't think that means it smells too stale or waxy. No, violet, iris, and rose mingle for a delicate, beautiful aroma that exudes luxury. Trust, this is a perfume that makes you smell like a million bucks.
Customer review: "This perfume smells very elegant, sweet powdery violet and rose, subtle but strong. I only spray once on my dry skin and it lasts 6++ hours. Love it."
Key notes: Pink pepper, iris, ambrette, ambrox
Olfactory family: Floral woody musk
Did you know that the cult-favorite Glossier blend relies on iris for its soft, familiar embrace? The note has a slightly earthy quality that enhances the sparkling pink pepper and warm, subtly sweet ambrette, and while the blend settles differently on everyone (yes, really), I personally love how those powdery elements shine on my own skin.
Customer review: "This is my 3rd bottle of Glossier You. I just love the freshness of it, and it’s a unique scent. Always get asked what I’m wearing. Even when I can’t smell it, others can."
Key notes: Green galbanum, iris, rose, ylang-ylang, lily of the valley
Olfactory family: Floral green
Here, we have the last fragrance launched and worn by Gabrielle Chanel (its name, N°19 pays homage to her birthday, August 19). Fresh, floral, and slightly woody, this green scent certainly sings in the springtime, though I'd argue it's lightweight and sophisticated enough for year-round wear. In fact, I recommend spritzing it on the dreariest of winter mornings for an instant pick-me-up.
Customer review: "I love everything about this parfum. I'm a faithful Chanel wearer. All of my fragrances are Chanel. I never thought I'd love another as much as I love N°5 and then came N°19. It is soft, easy to wear, and goes with everything."
Key notes: Wood accords, iris, frankincense
Olfactory family: Woody floral
Iris fragrances don't always have to be soft and feminine. Case in point? This luxurious Dior blend, which is a wood-forward blend "pricked with iris," per the brand. It's earthy and comforting, while that pinch of iris adds a clean element not unlike fresh laundry. It's a fabulous unisex scent to share with a partner, IMO. The smooth composition just can't help but draw people in.
Customer review: "I had a sample and loved it enough to use it all so I bought the big bottle. It's a fresh, not cloying, scent that smells softly clean. When I get a hug, people comment that I smell wonderful and what is it? I don't want a fragrance that enters the room before I do."
Key notes: Bergamot, lemon, mimosa, lavandin, orris, sandalwood, musk
Olfactory family: Floral musk
You'll find iris in a smattering of skin scents (like Glossier You), given the note's soft, comforting dry-down, but when paired with musk—another skin scent hero—the juice becomes all the more captivating. The brand compares this seductive blend to "getting lost under the open sky," and I'd have to agree. Sintra is somehow light and familiar yet mysterious all at once—a skin scent you can't quite put your finger on but want to keep getting to know.
Key notes: Iris, magnolia, pink peppercorn, mandarin, musk, ambrette
Olfactory family: Floral
A perfect harmony of juicy citrus and delicate florals with a hint of spice. Fleur de Peau is a perfume that will stop people in their tracks to say you—not your fragrance, a notable difference—smell divine. It also has some impressive longevity for a skin scent eau de toilette (which tends to evaporate faster than parfums and extraits); while delicate, the whiffs of powdery iris and sweet ambrette seeds do linger.
Customer review: "Fleur de peau has such a beautiful scent - spicy scent but not overpowering. It really lasts well, and everyone asks what it is that I am wearing. The bottle looks beautiful too, so lovely to keep it out on display. Another stunning product from Diptyque would definitely recommend to others."
Key notes: Iris absolute, isolated iris aldehydes, violet leaf, incense essential oils
Olfactory family: Floral
ICYMI, Balenciaga launched a collection of 10 wildly expensive-smelling fragrances. All of them are worth a whiff, but I do have my personal favorites—one of them being Le Dix, a re-creation of the first Balenciaga fragrance from 1947. It may transport you to an entirely different era, but this perfume is far from old-fashioned. It combines historic elements with modern innovations (like high-tech isolated iris aldehydes) to elevate the juice for today's fragrance consumer. Add some incense essential oils for a hit of smokiness, and you're left with one complex, iconic blend.
Key notes: Fresh-cut lilies, cumin, pressed powder, heliotrope, orris, musk
Olfactory family: Floral
A self-described "grandma scent," Les Cahiers Secrets harks back to a time when perfume was considered a true delicacy—rare, symbolic, and cherished. "Our LCS is a tribute to these timeless creations and the vanished era they evoke," says Cherry Cheng, founder of Jouissance. As such, the spicy floral is meant to evoke the little delicacies found in everyday life: good coffee, silk stockings, and skin "so luminous it glows in the dark."
Customer review: "One of the most visceral scents I've ever experienced. It feels like having sex in an attic surrounded by dried flowers and vintage yet luxurious clothes. Fresh air drifts in, momentarily awakening you before everything turns carnal again. With this scent, you're always on edge in the most irresistible way."
Key notes: Carnation accord, iris, vanilla
Olfactory family: Floral
"I think Guerlain's Après L'Ondée and L'Heure Bleue are still some of the most beautiful iris fragrances out there, even though both of the originals were created more than 100 years ago!" Cheng adds. "To me, they both smell distinctly 'blue' and nostalgic. These are fragrances that whisper melancholic, tender melodies—something that's rarely done anymore in today's oversaturated fragrance market." It's difficult to portray such a wistful fragrance in words, but trust me (and Cheng) when I say that this is one luxurious iris-infused blend.
Customer review: "This is a beautiful scent. I have heard it described as haunting and melancholic. It is aptly named—it does give you the sense of smelling the air "after the rain." It has a distinct character. It may not appeal to all. But if you love it, you won't want to be without it. This purchase was for a backup bottle."
Key notes: Fig, jasmine, sandalwood, orris root, vanilla Madagascar
Olfactory family: Green
I have yet to meet a single person without glowing things to say about this Phlur number. The juicy fig-forward blend is sweet (yet not too cloying), bright (yet has some depth), and soft (thanks to orris root!) without sacrificing longevity. Essentially, this is the Goldilocks of eau de parfums—it has something for everyone.
Customer review: "I love, LOVE this perfume, it's sweet and a little bit zesty yet not too feminine, it's incredible and it became my signature perfume! Will definitely buy again."
What Does Iris Smell Like?
Many associate iris with smelling like red lipstick: powdery, soft, and slightly waxy. That said, the note can also give off a woody, earthy quality in specific blends. "To me, orris has a very soft and creamy odor with earthy, powdery, violet, [and] suede notes with dry fruits and woody undertones," adds Gaurin. It's a versatile note, however, which means it complements a host of fragrance families. Says Cheng, "With very small amounts, it works magic to enhance other ingredients to make them softer and prettier. I think its elegance comes from its subtleties."
What Scents Go Well With Iris?
Well, really anything, given its versatility—although the ingredient particularly shines in soft floral and woody aromas. "I think it pairs most beautifully with sensuous and cocooning florals like heliotrope, ylang, and orange blossom," Cheng shares. Gaurin agrees on the floral front, noting that iris can even add complexity to fresh citrus fragrances. "It can [also] give depth [and] richness, thanks to its animalic/leather tonality, or amplify and elevate gourmand notes with its creamy and powdery effect," he adds.
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