Fragrance is deeply personal. In general, what smells good on one person might smell entirely different on someone else. (Thanks, pheromones!) I’m a major fragrance person, and I’m constantly churning through my massive collection of fragrances, and there are some notes that I don’t like on myself but love on others.
There is one fragrance note that I think works for nearly everyone, though, and that’s salt. If you think about it, it makes sense—our bodies have naturally occurring salts in them. Salty notes in perfume just help you get that certain je ne sais quoi. People will tell you that you smell good, but they won’t quite be able to land on why. These fragrances give your skin a certain creamy, oceanic scent that’s hard to resist. Keep reading for some of the most intoxicating salty scents out there.
1. Ellis Brooklyn Salt Eau de Parfum
Key notes: ylang-ylang, Tahitian tiare, ambergris
As the name might clue you in on, this fragrance depicts salty skin at the beach. You know the feeling of frothy waves washing over your toes on a sunny day? This is that, bottled.
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Key notes: pear, orris, marshmallow
2. Jo Malone London Wood Sage Sea Salt Cologne
Key notes: ambrette seeds, sea salt, sage
This might be the antithesis of a warm, tropical day at the beach—instead, picture brisk, seaside air sweeping through cliffs. Herbal, earthy, and woodsy notes render this fragrance an electric, invigorating breath of fresh air.
Key notes: yellow mandarin, sea daffodil, vanilla
Key notes: amber, patchouli, cardamon, myrtle and seaweed
3. Lancôme Idôle Aura Eau de Parfum
Key notes: isparta, centifolia roses, white jasmine, bergamot, salted vanilla
While it's floral on the nose, this fragrance weaves in salty notes by way of salted vanilla. It's like eating a macaron in a blossoming garden.
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Key notes: iris, patchouli, vanilla
4. Dior Eden-Roc
Key notes: sea salt, citrus, minerals, jasmine, mastic, pine tree, labdanum
If you were able to smell underwater, this is what plunging into the ocean in the South of France would smell like.
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Key notes: labdanum, rose, patchouli, saffron, agarwood, amber, cedar
5. Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Eau de Parfum
Key notes: coco de mere, ylang ylang, jasmine, tuberose
One spritz of this fragrance transports you to a remote private island, surrounded by sun-dappled waters.
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Key notes: Salty seaweed, pink peppercorn, oud blend, styrax, ambergris accord, fir balsam
6. Floral Street Arizona Bloom
Key notes: Balinese coconut, Madagascan black pepper, oak moss, salted musks, jasmine Petals, fig leaves, cashmere woods
This scent captures the essence of placid water at dawn. It's refreshing and airy, making it the perfect subtle scent.
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Key notes: Madagascan black pepper, coconut, jasmine petals, fig, wild orchid, cashmere woods, salted musk
7. Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk
Key notes: bergamot, heliotrope, coconut milk
The ideal end to every long beach day is a sunset walk along the shore. This fragrance captures that perfectly, evoking the feeling of dusty golden rays bouncing off the water.
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Key notes: lily of the vally, iris, white musk
8. Diptyque Do Son Eau de Toilette
Key notes: tuberose, orange blossom, jasmine, marine accord
This unique scent is bright, fresh, and airy. It's like lying down in a tuberose field and looking up at the sky.
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Key notes: fig leaves, fig tree sap, fig tree wood, black pepper
9. Maison Margiela Replica Sailing Day
Key notes: aquatic accord, coriander, red seaweed essence
When I smell this fragrance, I picture cobalt-blue water, sun-bleached sails, and a cloud-free sky. It's the fragrance equivalent of dipping your head underwater to cool down.
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Key notes: aquatic accord, rose petal, pine needle
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