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Jun 12, 2023

Best fig perfumes

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Creamy, juicy and succulent, fig fragrances are guaranteed to keep the compliments coming For many of us, the start of a

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Creamy, juicy and succulent, fig fragrances are guaranteed to keep the compliments coming

For many of us, the start of a new season calls for a new signature scent. But, considering the tumultuous weather we've had this summer, we're not quite ready to let go of the bright, uplifting, warm-weather fragrances. And yet, as September beckons, the urge to cosy up on cool evenings in our best cashmere co-ords is undeniably strong...

Enter fig fragrances, which slot in perfectly as a transitional scent as we move from summer to autumn. The milky undertones lend a smooth, skin-hugging creaminess to any scent composition, while its verdant leaves capture the effervescent mood of a sunny day. The British fragrance expert and founder of Perfumer H, Lyn Harris, agrees, sharing how figs remind her of "summer nights in the Mediterranean". An expert at crafting some of the industry's finest 'green' scents, Harris enjoys "green fruity figs that smell lactonic and sappy with a deep green-leaf surround."

The smell of figs cannot be extracted from the plant itself so perfumers turn to clever synthetics to mimic its scent. "Amazing green-leaf alcohols, galbanum and lactonic aldehydes can help propel the deliciousness of this fruit," Harris tells Bazaar. The versatility of the fig means that it's able to temper the sweetness of a fruity scent, bring balance to a blousy floral and add depth to a lively citrus. Diaphanous takes on figs, such as the ones by Jo Malone London and D.S & Durga, are endlessly pleasant and easy to wear across all seasons and occasions.

High-end designers and cult perfume labels are equally enamoured by the fruit. Phlur, the US-based perfume brand that made waves on social media with its Missing Person fragrance, has recently launched Father Figure, arguably one of the most complex scents in its collection (Selfridges can barely keep it in stock), while Francis Kurkdjian's debut for Dior, Dioriviera, sees the pairing of sun-drenched figs with roses in full bloom.

The British perfumer Lyn Harris is a master at concocting verdant scents. Under her discerning nose, this fig scent takes every facet of the tree – its bountiful fruit, the lush green leaves and woody branches – and turns it into something utterly chic and versatile for all seasons. It's the fragrance equivalent of fashion's classic white shirt.

Santal Greenery opens with a hit of freshly squeezed, bright yellow citrus before settling into a skin-hugging, creamy scent of green figs and sandalwood. The best part? The scent lingers on fabrics and smells even better the day after.

Certain fig fragrances have a tendency to feel sticky sweet, but Debaser's well-balanced composition has an airiness that makes it a head-clearing spritz, lingering like a gentle cloud rather than a stifling scent. Think ice-cold coconut milk splashed onto freshly-picked figs.

There was a collective gasp of delight when Dioriviera landed on the Bazaar beauty desk; one waft had the whole team swooning over Francis Kurkdjian's sparkly spin on figs. It sees the greenest harvests nestled within basketfuls of sun-warmed rose petals for a lively, contemporary take on the classic floral.

The perfumer Olivia Giacobetti takes the most succulent facets of figs – its creaminess and its woody edge – and amplifies it by adding in comforting sandalwood, fleshy coconut and smooth almond milk. The result? A lasting scent that turns heads.

Laced with fluttery violets and a gentle hint of spice, Santal Blanc is soft and plush. It sits beautifully on skin and stays elegant from start to finish.

This is one for those who prefer their scents to feel like hazy watercolour paintings; dreamy, gentle, yet no less breathtaking. There's a powdery hint here that nuzzles softly on the skin, yet lingers for hours. The beautiful presentation box comes with a 10ml refillable vial too, so you can always have it on-the-go.

Imagine yourself in the Mediterranean, lazing on a sun-dappled spot underneath a fig tree and you get Philosykos, one of the most hyper-realistic interpretations of lush green figs – leaves and all. A woody hint of cedar adds depth and complexity.

The luxury independent perfumery Hermetica exclusively creates alcohol-free fragrance formulas while supporting reforestation efforts in Madagascar and Indonesia. Figfever sees juicy green figs dancing through an upbeat composition of tart blackcurrants, crisp apples and zesty mandarins.

As the name suggests, Nerolia Vetiver dials up the neroli – a white flower that can sometimes appear with a slightly bitter, earthy edge rather than a full-on girlish floral. There's a splash of bright citrus in the opening to perk up rainy days, tempered with woody vetiver and just the lightest sprinkle of fig for extra body.

Like oversized lilypads floating serenely on a pond, there's a tranquility to this dewy fig scent. It's airy, easy to wear and hovers gently on the skin .

Refined elegance is the thread that weaves through the Prada Les Infusions fragrance collection. Infusion de Figue is no exception. Instead of leaning into fruit's nectary sweetness, perfumer Daniela Andrier's interpretation is soft and impossibly smooth.

Everything feels a little more amplified when you're vacationing somewhere sunny – from sights to sounds and scents. Tuberose and Wild Fig captures that jubilant mood perfectly, with voluptuous tuberose, overripe citrus and a hearty dose of succulent figs.

It's rare that the Bazaar beauty team unanimously agree on a fragrance, but Phlur's Father Figure won our hearts with its blend of powdery iris root, vanilla-infused figs and just a sprinkle of blackcurrant leaf for extra shine. Considering that it's made by perfumer Frank Voekl (the man behind Le Labo Santal 33 and Glossier You), we expect Father Figure will be a cult-hit.

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