There are perfumes you wear, and there are perfumes that wear you. You know the ones—the signature scents that linger in a scarf, spark memories, or make someone turn around just to ask what you’re wearing. Whether you’re someone who rotates scents like outfits or you’re loyal to your ride-or-die fragrance, the perfume world is a playground of olfactory art.
In this round-up, we’re diving nose-first into two fragrant categories: Timeless Classics—the forever favourites that have earned cult status and will never be booted from our vanities—and Fresh Finds, the new kids on the block that are spritzing their way into our hearts (and pulse points). Think of it as a perfume wardrobe refresh: one half rooted in history, the other half brimming with newness. Let’s begin our sniff test.
Fresh finds to excite your senses
Tom Ford Rose Exposed Eau de Parfum
If Glossier You is the “no-makeup makeup” of fragrance, Rose Exposed is your red lip and killer boots. A heady mix of rose absolute and rose water extract, this isn’t your grandma’s rose—this is dark, velvety and modern. White pepper adds a dry, spicy edge, while the black leather accord toughens up the sweetness just enough. It’s sexy, assertive, and lingers like a well-told secret. A new release that already feels iconic. Available from Myer, David Jones and others.
Ellis Brooklyn Dear Sky Eau de Parfum
This one is pure sunshine in a bottle. Dear Sky starts with a burst of juicy honeydew, rhubarb and bergamot—playful and refreshing—before floating into soft white peony and tuberose. The dry down is grounded with galbanum and cedarwood, creating a scent that feels earthy yet airy, like a breath of fresh air on a road trip through wildflower fields. It’s vibrant, joyful, and endlessly wearable. Consider it your daily dose of happy. Available at Mecca.
L’Occitane Néroli & Orchidée Eau de Toilette
Elegant and romantic, this is a soft floral with just enough sparkle to keep things interesting. Néroli brings a zesty brightness, while white orchid adds creamy sophistication. A whisper of vanilla in the base gives it warmth without making it sweet. It’s like a gentle hug from someone who wears cashmere and always remembers your birthday. Beautiful for everyday wear, especially if you like your florals with a side of chic. Available from L’Occitane.
Love in a Bottle Eau de Parfums
Welcome to the fragrance version of your favourite nostalgic daydreams. The Love in a Bottle range is fun, feel-good perfumery at its best—whether you’re spritzing Love in Life for its citrusy brightness and juicy raspberry-strawberry heart, or indulging in Love in Milkshake, a dessert-like concoction of vanilla, chocolate and coffee. They’re playful, layered, and full of personality. Plus, the storytelling behind each scent (think: bottled memories) makes them as emotional as they are fragrant. Sweet, whimsical, and totally TikTok-worthy. Available from Love in a Bottle.
Glossier You Fleur Eau de Parfum
A newer sibling to the original You, this is brighter, sunnier, and oh-so-breezy. Fleur is like taking a walk through a dewy garden at sunrise. It opens with a salty mineral accord (yes, salt is having a moment), blooms into a fuzzy bouquet of osmanthus and ylang ylang, and rests on a soft, musky Ambrox base. Cashmeran adds a woody warmth that keeps things balanced. It’s floral—but not powdery; airy—but not fleeting. If Glossier You is your favourite tee, Fleur is your silk slip dress. Available at Mecca.
Timeless classics that never go out of style
Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Cologne
If autumn had a scent, this would be bottled leaves, golden orchards and soft knits. Juicy Williams pear kicks things off—ripe, luscious, and a little addictive—before the cool, clean florals of freesia take over. Patchouli and woods in the base give it a grounded, lasting warmth without being overpowering. It’s graceful and impossibly elegant, like a weekend stroll through an English garden (with a pear tart cooling in the kitchen). A signature Jo Malone number, and rightly so.
Diptyque Do Son Eau de Parfum
Evocative and deeply transportive, Do Son is one of those fragrances that tells a story with every note. Inspired by the Diptyque founder’s childhood memories in Vietnam, this scent is a tribute to tuberose in all its heady, white floral glory. Orange blossom and pink pepper add a breezy brightness, while musk lingers like a gentle sea breeze. Dreamy, elegant and utterly timeless—it’s a classic you’ll always come back to when you need a little escapism.
Kayali Oudgasm Rose Oud | 16 Eau de Parfum Intense
Oud can sometimes feel like the fragrance equivalent of a leather jacket: bold, intense, not always easy to pull off. But Kayali’s Oudgasm series makes oud surprisingly wearable. Rose Oud | 16 is rich and dramatic but also soft and alluring. The rose is romantic but not stuffy, spiced up with juicy pear and wrapped in smoky, opulent oud. The result is like velvet on skin—sensual, intoxicating, and perfect for evening spritzes or layering with other Kayali hits. It’s luxury in a bottle (and she knows it).
Glossier You Eau de Parfum
This is the “your skin but better” of the fragrance world. Glossier You isn’t a perfume you wear to shout—it’s a scent that whispers, “This is just how I naturally smell when I wake up looking flawless.” Opening with pink pepper (for that cheeky sparkle), it mellows into a musky, slightly salty ambrette and ambrox mix that clings to skin like your favourite cashmere jumper. The iris note adds a veil of powdery freshness that softens the whole thing beautifully. The bottle even comes with a literal thumbprint indent, like it was made just for you. A modern classic that truly lives up to its name.
Whether you stick with your signature or flirt with something new, your scent should feel like a second skin—familiar, but a little magical. So go ahead: rediscover the classics, spritz the newcomers, and find the fragrance that feels like you.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
