Amber Perfumes Are Having a Moment — Here Are the Hottest Ones
From Christian Dior’s “Ambre Nuit” to DedCool’s “Xtra Milk.”
Amber perfumes, known for their sweet yet sexy allure, have become a popular choice among scent lovers. Described as warm and cozy, the note is present in a multitude of cult-favorite fragrances. Similarly to vanilla, which serves as a key component of amber, the note is versatile enough to suit a wide range of scent profiles. At the same time, its unmistakable powdery musk is enough to shape a scent entirely on its own.
As a complex fragrance accord, rather than a single ingredient, amber is known for creating a balanced contrast when paired with a variety of notes. For this reason, it’s often used as a base to amplify other scents. Because of its versatility, no two amber perfumes smell quite the same. When paired with fresh floral notes, amber adds a level of mature sophistication. On the other hand, when infused with spicy accords, amber seamlessly taps into its natural warmth.
Whether you lean more sweet or spicy when it comes to your signature scent, amber notes are delivering a wide range of fragrances to add to your rotation. Ahead, we outline some of the most noteworthy amber perfumes.
Tom Ford’s “Amber Intrigue”
If you’re in search of a woody take on amber, look no further than “Amber Intrigue,” created by Tom Ford and perfumer Christophe Laudamiel. Featuring enveloping date and amber accords, along with earthy sandalwood, the perfume is the ideal addition to any sophisticated winter scent lineup.
Heretic Parfum’s “Dirty Amber”
Infused with ancient amber oil, the plant-based “Dirty Amber” is grounding and sensual thanks to notes of bergamont, tonka bean and cypress. Its unique fossilized amber makes it a must for any fans of the note.
Christian Dior’s “Ambre Nuit”
Known as one of the quintessential amber perfumes, “Ambre Nuit” by Christian Dior is the ideal blend of feminine and sensual notes. The scent opens up with citrusy top notes of bergamot and grapefruit, before middle notes of damask rose and pink pepper add that floral quality. Lastly, ambergris, guaiac wood, cedar and patchouli round out the perfume with woody touches.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s “Grand Soir”
Another classic amber, “Grand Soir” is synonymous with the note’s distinctly sweet aroma. Created by Maison Francis Kurkdjian, “Grand Soir” has a tangy top note of orange — next, it hits you with powdery lavender, before finally lingering with warm base notes of amber, vanilla, tonka bean, musk and cedar.
DedCool’s “Xtra Milk”
Harping on two of the year’s hottest perfume trends — milky and amber notes — “Xtra Milk” by DedCool has officially been inducted into the amber hall of fame. Described by fans as a “your skin, but better” scent, “Xtra Milk” plays on amber’s musky and powdery qualities. It features a top note of bergamot, white musk in the middle and amber at the base.
Kayali’s “Vanilla 28”
If you usually opt for vanilla perfumes, “Vanilla 28” by Kayali is a must. While the perfume emphasizes spicy base notes of vanilla orchids, tonka absolute and amber — it relies on vanilla orchid, jasmine, brown sugar and tonka bean to give it that classic sweet vanilla essence.
Mugler’s “Alien”
For nearly two decades, Mugler‘s “Alien” has been a staple amber perfume. Not only does the scent remain a cult-favorite to this day, it’s often regarded as the brand’s most popular perfume — aside from “Angel.” With warm amber as its base, it turns mysterious thanks to notes of jasmine sambac and cashmeran wood.
Vyrao’s “Sun Rae”
“Sun Rae” by Vyrao is proof that not all amber perfumes fall into the gourmand family. Described by the brand as “sunshine, bottled,” “Sun Rae” is spicy and citrusy. Its top notes are turmeric, bergamot, lemon and ginger. While its middle notes are spicy black pepper and cardamom. Lastly, its base notes turn earthy with musk, Haitian vetiver, sandalwood and amber.
Le Labo’s “Santal 33”
“Santal 33” by Le Labo is a beloved pick for a reason. The woody perfume is infused with amber and leather as its base notes, which deepen the scent without bringing that overly-smoky smell. For middle notes, sandalwood, papyrus and Virginia cedar capture its outdoorsy nature — lastly, top notes of cardamom, violet and iris factor in a subtle, powdery quality.
Xerjoff’s “Erba Pura”
For fans of fruity perfume, “Erba Pura” by Xerjoff is just as fresh as it is ambery. Like most amber perfumes, the note is used as a base — but this time, for orange, lemon and Mediterranean fruit basket accord. Finally, its other sophisticated base notes, vanilla beans and white musk, slowly reveal spicy influences.
Byredo’s “Gyspy Water”
“Gypsy Water” by Byredo is said to “capture the spirit of freedom and bohemian lifestyle.” The woody base brings us the likely trio of amber, sandalwood and vanilla. Meanwhile, it opens with fruity notes of bergamot, lemon, and juniper berries — balanced out by middle notes of smoky incense, soft iris and pine needle.
Boy Smells’ ”Hinoki Fantome”
A new addition to the amber universe, Boy Smells‘ “Hinoki Fantome” is spicy and woody. It opens with cardamom and pear before gaining woody seduction thanks to cedarwood and hinoki. As for base notes, oakmoss and smoked amber give it that warm depth.
For more fragrance, read about ripple Home’s Essential Oil Scent Burner.
