We often associate scents with other impressions, such as colour, temperature, place, mood… and, in spite of their ethereal nature, texture!
Today, we’ll look at fluffy fragrances! I consider perfumes “fluffy” when they feel plush yet lightweight, cosy & clean, with a comforting and gentle character. They can go from powdery, to musky, to sweet, but never in a sharp way – softness is key! “Fluffyness” is often achieved by notes such as white musk, orris, iris, rice, vanilla, tonka, violet, almond…
Here are some of my suggestions for fluffy fragrances! As always, similar scents are listed close, so if you like a perfume, check out its “neighbours”. Titles are also linked to my full review, when avaliable!
“Clean Laundry” Fluffy
Elizabeth Arden – White Tea
Creamy-powdery, lotion-like iris, salt-free oceanic notes, delicate touches of green tea, clary sage & fern, and a smooth ambrette-tonka-woody base. This is probably the freshest, most watery scent in my “fluffy” list, but I’d still call it… well, fluffy.
Smells like: Reading at the SPA porch by the sea, dressed in white & surrounded by linen pillows.
Chanel – Nº5 L’Eau
The airiest take on legendary Chanel Nº5 features soft aldehydes sparkling over a powdery mix of citrus, neroli, ylang ylang, rose, orris & white musks. It has a fuzzy, dry, light texture, at once impeccably put-together and pleasantly plush.
Smells like: a freshly-ironed white shirt & pearl earrings; sunshine through sheer curtains.
Kenzo – Flower
With roses & violets over a resinous, softly woody-green-incense-y base, Flower is a gorgeous fragrance that opens like talcum powder & warm dry laundry to slowly evolve into creamy, thick but just moderately sweet (and inedible) vanilla. For fans of extra-powdery scents, this is somehow opaque, but in a very smooth, silky way.
Smells like: warm dry laundry & vanilla-scented candles.
“Cosmetics” Fluffy
Kenzo – Amour
Another fluffy one from Kenzo! After a sweet floral opening, Amour settles as a thick, chewy blend of vanilla, heliotrope, and rice. The mix smells less edible than it sounds, though, with soft incense & tea accents to its almost dough-y texture.
Smells Like: White wool sweaters and rice pudding.
Narciso Rodriguez – Narciso Poudrée
One of my favourites from the stunning Narciso Rodriguez “cube” line, this is all about a floral-tinted, velvety powdery accord, with tonka, clean musk and a hint of cedar. Modern and romantic. It’s nowhere near the notes list, but I find this scent reminds me of oat – yes, the cereal (in a good way!).
Smells like: Fine face powder & a nude makeup look.
Guerlain – L’Instant Magic
Inedible almonds, anise & vanilla mix with powdery florals like iris, rose, freesia & violet, in this softly sweet, delicately fresh-floral, lotion-like scent from Guerlain. I put L’Instant Magic right between my “laundry” & “cosmetics” fluffy scent lists.
Smells like: “mum & baby”-style products.
“Confection” Fluffy
Guerlain – Insolence
Insolence is all about candied violets, slightly medicinal at the opening, then powdery in the drydown. I find the Eau de Parfum opaque, but the original Eau de Toilette is lovely – still vibrant, yet lighter, with hints of red berries and “make up”-y iris adding nuance to the mix. This one is definitely sweet, but still not in “syrupy” territory. I find it fluffy and charming!
Smells like: High tea at the drawing room, ivory lace & cameos.
Lancôme – Iris Dragées
A cool, delicate iris note takes centre in this simple yet refined fragrance. With no rooty-green tones à la Prada Infusion d’Iris, but still beautifully nuanced, the clean-powdery, cosmetic main note is dusted with fine layers of almond & white sugar – just enough for a hint of sweetness. Subtle and ladylike.
Smells like: Almond sweets & a pastel-coloured iris bouquet.
I love fluffy fragrances, and will keep up updating this list as I find new favourites! What are your favourite fluffy perfumes and notes? Share your thoughts!
A Tea-Scented Library 