Florals are a staple of most women’s fragrances, with tuberose, jasmine, peony, honeysuckle, ylang-ylang, and aldehyde being particularly popular ingredients. Other florals that are less-used but make for beautiful floral fragrances include iris, orange blossom, narcissus, and magnolia.
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There’s a huge and often intimidating variety of floral fragrances on the market. So to make your shopping a little easier, we’ve rounded up a diverse selection of designer and niche options for you to consider.
Where known, the name of the perfumer is in brackets after the name of the fragrance.
Acqua Di Parma Rosa Nobile EDP
Although Italian niche fragrance brand Acqua di Parma is better known for its citrus-infused scents, their Le Nobili collection’s feminine floral focus (including peony, magnolia, iris and jasmine) is also highly recommended.
For lovers of rose fragrances, Acqua di Parma Rosa Nobile is a no-brainer. This EDP centres on centifolia rose buds which, according to the company, are sourced from an organic plantation in Piedmont, Italy.
They give the fragrance a fresh and leafy quality that’s perfectly complemented by notes of Sicilian mandarin, pepper, peony, cedarwod and musk.
There’s also a hint of ambergris in the base, which could explain why this beauty is on the pricey side.
Gucci Bloom EDP
Phew! Never mind full on this is a super-intense white floral fragrance. A collaboration between master perfumer Alberto Morillas and Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele, it features natural tuberose bud from India, natural jasmine bud extract and Rangoon creeper (apparently the first time it had been used in a fragrance).
Gucci Bloom EDP is like being in a hothouse wonderfully intoxicating or get-me-out-of-here suffocating, depending on your mood.
No doubt it’s been a huge success, as there are now three flankers, the most recent of which is the lighter Gucci Bloom Gocce di Fiori EDT.
Elizabeth Arden Sunflowers Summer Air EDT
Elizabeth Arden Sunflowers EDT was originally launched in 1993 and has proved to be a popular range for the American brand.
The official inspiration for a fragrance can often make for hilarious and misleading reading. But in the case of Elizabeth Arden Sunflowers Summer Air EDT, the reality perfectly reflects the inspiration of a summer breeze with wafting notes of lemon, apple, vert de mandarin, rose, osmanthus, jasmine, cedarwood, musks and amber.
This is fresh, green, uplifting stuff which, like its namesake, comes and goes, and therefore requires regular re-applications. With its bargain price, there’s no need to complain.
Mugler Alien Eau Sublime EDT
Who says a constant flow of flankers automatically results in diminishing returns? Mugler proves to be the exception with new and surprising takes on its pioneering classic that was originally launched in 2005.
Mugler’s original creator, Dominique Ropion, brings a sunnier dimension to this 2017 flanker. Jasmine, Tiare flower, lemon, orange blossom and cashmere take prominence. Typically Mugler, it’s bold and unapologetically maximalist. Translation: You’ll either love it or hate it.
While you’re in the world of Mugler, make sure to sniff out the recently launched Alien Fusion EDP, a spicier rendition of the theme.
Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Pure Nectar De Parfum EDP
Issey Miyake sure knows how to work those flankers, mostly with a twist on the aquatic theme.
Fragrances in the L’Eau d’Issey Pure range have focused on a drop of dew (L’Eau d’Issey Pure EDP); delicate petals (L’Eau d’Issey Pure EDT); and a drop of dew and nectar developing into a blossoming garden (the recently launched L’Eau d’Issey Pure Petale de Nectar EDT).
The 2018 flanker, Pure Nectare de Parfum EDP, is more floral in character. It ventures into sweet territory, with initial stand-out notes of pear, honey and rose. Hallelujah, it’s not the cloying variety and the aquatic element will be very familiar to Issey Miyake fragrance fans.
Coach Floral EDP
American leather goods company Coach has been producing fragrances since 2007. They are characterised by their good quality, reasonable prices and versatility.
Coach Floral EDP was launched in 2017. What a pretty bottle! What a pretty fragrance! The standout pineapple note in the opening is followed by afloralheart of tea rose, jasmine sambac and gardenia notes.
While it isn’t going to be winning any awards for originality, it’s a popular choice for good reason it’s a very accessible and pleasant fragrance.
Price:$60 $100.
Boucheron La Collection Iris de Syracuse EDP
High-end French jewelry brand Boucheron has capitalised on the private fragrance collection trend later than other companies. Its La Collection is inspired by the adventures of the house’s gem-hunters.
However, it’s made up for last time with eight unisex EDPs that ooze quality, sophistication and luxury.
Iris de Syracuse opens with hints of mandarin, pear and black pepper notes. But the iris concrete is the star of this floral show. It’s a wonderfully authentic and elegant interpretation, with sniff-me-again powderiness, that’s rounded off by notes of white musk and vanilla.
Expensive, yes, but worth every cent.
L’Artisan Parfumeur Monte Narcisse EDP
Founded in 1976 by Jean Laporte in Paris, L’Artisan Parfumeur is widely acknowledged as the original niche fragrance pioneer. Over four decades and almost 100 fragrances later, the brand has not lost its touch.
Floral fragrances often evoke hot and bright summer days. L’Artisan Parfumeur Monte Narcisse is a more intriguing affair.
There’s an initial freshness, thanks to bergamot, cardamom and pepper notes. The floral heart (narcissus, osmanthus and immortelle) is given a dark and smoky ambience due to the powerful leather and birch facets.
It’s not a conventional, crowd-pleasing fragrance, but your curiosity will be well rewarded if you seek it out.
Bvlgari Splendida Magnolia Sensuel EDP
The Italian luxury company launched its floral Spendida line in 2017, including fragrances such as Iris d’Or, Jasmin Noir, Rose Rose and, most recently, Tubereuse Mystique.
Fresh citrus notes of tangerine and orange blossom provide an initial sweetness to this scent. That effect is amplified when the magnolia makes its appearance, with jasmine and vanilla in support.
It’s a well-crafted fragrance that justifies its higher-than-usual price. Don’t be fooled by the color of the bottle, though it’s not as intense and rich as it looks, and can be worn from day to night.
Mon Guerlain Florale EDP
When the iconic French perfume company launched Mon Guerlain EDP in 2017, it probably got more attention due to the presence of Angelina Jolie as its face than for the actual fragrance. Now, that the hype has died down, the fragrance line is being judged on its own merits.
Like its predecessor, Mon Florale is big on lavender and vanilla notes. But its floral bouquet of jasmine, peony, jasmine sambac, lily-of-the-valley and ylang-ylang brings a different take on the original. An iris note in the base gives it a delicate powderiness.
Although it’s not a Guerlain classic in the making, it’s a worthwhile purchase in its own right.
Richard Goller is a fragrance and grooming blogger. His blog is called Fragroom. A senior editor with 20 years' experience, his blog allows him to combine two of his passions: engaging content and the always-intriguing world of fragrances. When he isn't blogging, you'll find Richard indulging in his newly found passion for balcony gardening.