I don’t know about you, but I went a little off-piste with my New Year’s resolutions. While I usually aim to drink more water, exercise regularly, and make time for my friends, this year I wanted something far lower pressure — and far removed from self-improvement. That’s why I made it my mission to find a brand new signature scent: something I love so much, I’ll wear it all year round.
Happily, February is proving to be a fantastic month for fragrance. Whether you’re keen to explore the gourmand category — perfumes with “edible” notes like vanilla, chocolate, and berries — or you’re drawn to something darker and more brooding to suit the colder weather, your favorite fragrance brands are delivering.
From Phlur to Le Labo, here are the February fragrances I think are poised to make a big impact. And who knows — you might even find your own signature among them.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Parfums de Marly Athénaïs Eau de Parfum, $410
Since spotting Athénaïs on Trendmood’s Instagram in early December, I haven’t stopped thinking about it. I knew instantly that I had to have it, and it’s all down to the “solar” notes — scents that create a warm, fuzzy feeling, as though you’re basking in sunlight. The first spritz is fizzy, with a squeeze of citrusy bergamot and yuzu, before drying down into a creamy, nuzzly, skin-like scent thanks to jasmine, comforting vanilla, nutty tonka bean, and neroli — the fragrant oil extracted from the flowers of the bitter orange tree. Like all of Parfums de Marly’s predecessors, the staying power is unrivalled; I can still smell it on my jacket days after spritzing.
Parfums de Marly Athénaïs Eau de Parfum, $, available at Nordstrom
Skylar Forbidden Fruit, $33
Skylar’s latest addition is limited, so if it sounds up your alley, you’ll want to add it to your cart, stat. The brand describes this as “unapologetically sweet,” and it’s all in the gourmand notes. There’s sticky lychee, cane sugar, liquid vanilla, and sakura mochi for those with an insatiable sweet tooth, but it’s balanced by crunchy raspberry leaves, resin-like woods, and warm amber.
Skylar Forbidden Fruit, $, available at Skylar
Le Labo Violette 30 Eau de Parfum, $110
As a history buff, I find the story behind Le Labo’s Violette 30 fascinating. It’s inspired by floriography, the Victorian-era art of using flowers to send secret messages. The violet is particularly layered, signaling both passion and strength. It makes sense, then, that Violette 30 packs a punch. Powdery violet, lush rose, all-encompassing incense, and heady patchouli make it a scent that demands attention, while delicate white tea and creamy cedarwood linger softly on the skin as the day goes on.
Le Labo Violette 30 Eau de Parfum, $, available at Nordstrom
Tory Burch Sublime Eau de Toilette, $138
If you think you don’t like floral fragrances, this will make you think twice. It’s light and airy rather than cloying or powdery, thanks to zingy clementine, juicy peach, grassy vetiver, and warm amber woods — like diving headfirst into freshly washed laundry. And the bottle? Absolutely something to marvel at.
Tory Burch Sublime Eau de Toilette, $, available at Nordstrom
By Rosie Jane Matilda Eau de Parfum, $86
By Rosie Jane is a longtime Refinery29 favorite, and Matilda proves exactly why. The first spray sparks as much joy as the first sip of a passionfruit martini, but while the opening is tart and zingy, the dry down is where it truly shines. Sweet meringue is lifted by finger lime, yet both are anchored by golden musk — a honeyed, skin-like warmth that makes the perfume feel cozy, enveloping, and soothing. Obsessed.
By Rosie Jane MATILDA Eau de Parfum, $, available at Sephora
Le Monde Gourmand Violet Sucre Eau de Parfum, $28
I know what you’re thinking: another dessert-inspired fragrance? But hear me out. While the candied violets and actual sugar crystals are as sweet as you’d expect, the addition of raspberry purée takes it from saccharine to tangy and bright. It’s like shampoo in the best way, so if you’re after a “clean” fragrance that isn’t soapy, you’ll love this.
Le Monde Gourmand Violet Sucré Eau de Parfum, $, available at Le Monde Gourmand
Chloé Atelier des Fleurs Plage du Figuier Eau de Parfum, $166
The fig perfume trend shows no sign of slowing, and why would you want it to when it smells this good? Instead of the syrupy inside, it’s like snapping a fig leaf off a branch — green and milky — while sun-baked orange blossom flowers lend a sweetness that’ll have you sniffing your wrists all day long. If you’ve ever walked the streets of a Mediterranean island at sunset, with the warmth of the day still lingering on your shoulders, you’ll recognise the feeling instantly.
Chloé Plage du Figuier Eau de Parfum, $, available at Nordstrom
Phlur Berry Cream Hair and Body Mist, $26
Berries are big in fragrance right now, with YSL, Mugler, and Glossier all picking them for their latest offerings. But no one nails a fruit-forward scent quite like Phlur. Berry Cream combines raspberries and strawberries with fresh, slightly woody apple leaves, warming vanilla bean, and nutty ambrette for a fragrance that occupies a cozy space between sweet and spicy. Think crème brûlée topped with compote.
Phlur Matcha Milk Hair and Body Mist, $, available at Sephora
Phlur Matcha Hair and Body Mist, $26
Trust me when I say that even matcha naysayers will find this addictive. It’s not earthy like the drink; instead, it’s smooth and ever so slightly sweet thanks to vanilla and amber, while salty macadamia milk, steeped black tea, and woody patchouli give it a spicier edge. Spritz it through your hair for impressive sillage.
Phlur Berry Cream Hair and Body Mist, $, available at Sephora
Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle Soleil Eau de Parfum, $150
Consider this your sign to start dreaming of a Mediterranean summer. Wearing this feels like that moment when you’re walking back from the beach, coconutty sunscreen and sea salt mingling on your skin. From open windows, you catch the scent of people showering for dinner — a mix of shampoo and aftersun. Divine.
Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle Soleil Eau de Parfum, $, available at Nordstrom
OUAI Melrose Place Hair and Body Mist, $28
Sparkly champagne, zingy bergamot, and lush rose make up OUAI’s Melrose Place, now available as a body mist. It’s lighter and airier than the eau de parfum — perfect for beach or pool days and staying topped up — but still feels clean, fresh, and energizing.
Ouai Melrose Place Hair and Body Mist, $, available at Sephora
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