I've Never Been a Coconut-Fragrance Girl, But Byredo's New Alto Astral Has Become the Exception
Elevated is an understatement.
Confession: I don't love tropical perfumes. I'm all for a juicy peach situation or fresh, aquatic blend come summer, but I typically shy away from anything marketed as a "vacation in a bottle." Sorry, but I spend way too much time unearthing the best fragrance-free sunscreens to then douse my limbs in a fragrance akin to SPF 50. I totally get why people crave the nostalgia of a sweet, banana-coconut scent, but I'd personally rather smell like a bakery than a beach bag. That's just me!
So when I heard Byredo was gearing up to launch a coconut perfume, I wasn't exactly bouncing on my toes with excitement. The brand can do no wrong when it comes to wildly expensive-smelling potions… but still, it would take a very elevated coconut to overcome my ick. As you can likely tell from the headline above, Byredo smashed the assignment and completely changed the game, in my (very discerning) opinion. Alto Astral Eau de Parfum is an absolute dream—so divine that I officially renounce my coconut-hater status. You heard it here first.
Key notes: Aldehyde, coconut water, incense, jasmine petals, milky musks, sandalwood, cashmere woods, salted amber
Pros: Spicy and elevated, great for summer but could be worn year-round, impressive longevity, a unique blend that won't smell like anything else you own
Cons: Doesn't smell like a traditional tropical scent, if you're someone who loves beachy perfumes
Customer review: "Beautiful smell. It's become my new favorite summer scent. Soft, creamy, yet fresh and intoxicating. Lasts a good amount of time on my skin too. Very happy with this fragrance and would repurchase."
What Does Byredo Alto Astral Smell Like?
Vibrant. Warm. Elevated. Unbelievably sexy. These are just a few words that come to mind whenever I sniff Alto Astral on my wrist. While technically a coconut perfume, it has an oaky, spicy dry-down that's more akin to a skin scent than a sunscreen-coded fragrance. I suspect that's why it's the first coconut elixir that's actually managed to capture my heart (plus countless compliments from strangers); the coconut simply provides a fresh, creamy opening before incense, milky musk, sandalwood, cashmere wood, and salted amber quickly take over for more of a seductive edge. It's not merely giving beach; it's giving beach club at dusk.
That said, I wouldn't necessarily pigeonhole Alto Astral as a vacation-ready scent. I've worn it to the office, on dates, and at countless summer soirées, and each time I'm blown away by how brightly it shines. The name itself comes from the Brazilian Portuguese expression that roughly translates to "good vibes," and I concur that this fragrance is pure joy with a hint of mystery.
This Nordstrom reviewer says it best: "As a longtime Byredo fan—this being my ninth bottle—I thought I’d seen it all. But Alto Astral completely surprised me. It’s a warm, bright, and sensual fragrance that feels like summer bottled up, with a signature twist only Byredo could pull off."
I'd argue that "twist" (the trail of warm spice) makes Alto Astral perfect for year-round wear. Some may swear it's summer in a bottle, but those elevated, earthy notes can easily read cozy fall. In fact, I can barely register the coconut at all once the fragrance dries down and I'm wrapped in its sandalwood, cashmere, and amber embrace.
How Long Does Alto Astral Last?
Byredo perfumes typically have impressive longevity (six to eight hours at least!), and Alto Astral is no different. Just keep in mind that this is an eau de parfum, which means it's slightly less concentrated than an extrait (such as Vanille Antique, another cult favorite), but I'd say it does last quite a while on the skin—and even longer if you spray it on your shirt collar. (Heads up: Fragrance clings better to fabric fibers.)
Regardless, Alto Astral has become one of those perfumes I genuinely crave topping off, so I personally don't mind a midday spritz. I've been keeping it within arm's reach all summer, and besides, the adorable 50-milliliter version was practically made for deskside touch-ups.
Is Byredo Alto Astral Worth It?
Look, I'm a huge Byredo fan, and there aren't many offerings (maybe none at all) that I wouldn't recommend. That said, none have sent me into a fragrance frenzy quite like Alto Astral. Please, PLEASE give this a try if you can! I'm beyond happy I did, despite my hesitation toward most tropical scents—no lie, the first spritz left me slack-jawed. I've been secretly wearing it all summer and have received more "You smell amazing" compliments than I can count on both hands, and people are always surprised when I say it's a new elevated-coconut perfume. If you're searching for a grown-up beach scent that transcends seasonal trends, I can't recommend Alto Astral enough. I, for one, will be wearing it well into the cooler months whenever I'm craving a hit of coconut and salty, sun-warmed skin—never did I ever think I'd type that sentence.
Shop the Fragrance
More Byredo Scents I Love
Twist my arm, and I'd tell you this is my favorite Byredo scent (well, until Alto Astral came along). The blend of bergamot, African marigold, violet, vetiver, and Moroccan cedarwood is fresh and uplifting.
Go ahead and snag the matching hand cream while you're at it. You won't be sorry you did!
I'm a huge fan of Rose of No Man's Land, but the absolu version is, dare I say, even more intoxicating. It has a smoky quality thanks to papyrus, dark patchouli, and warm amber, which adds a seductive touch to the classic floral.
Byredo clearly has a thing for flipping expectations. Case in point? You might file this vanilla perfume under "dessert-inspired scents," but I promise you it's far from sticky-sweet. Smoky, dark, and earthy, it's actually one of the sultriest fragrances you can wear on a night out.
Oh, how I love Mojave Ghost. The combination of violet, magnolia, crisp amber, and cedarwood earns me compliments with every wear.
If you love smelling like freshly washed linen sheets, allow me to introduce you to Blanche. Most clean scents dissipate quite quickly, but this absolu lasts well over six hours on the skin.
True to its name, this vibrant blend of cardamom, sandalwood, cedarwood, carrot seeds, and papyrus evokes the dry heat of the desert at first light.
Why choose just one? With this gift set, you'll score three of the brand's best sellers—including my personal winners, Bal d'Afrique and Blanche.
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