The best new perfume releases so far this year
words by Lara Daly
Noteworthy notes.
At the end of last year, we reported that the biggest fragrance trend for 2024 was gourmand, with sweet notes of caramel, creamy vanilla and juicy fruits wafting through the ground floor of department stores across Australia.
It was also, weirdly, a big year for milk, as niche ‘lactonic’ notes grew in popularity, adding to a trend that seemed to point to our desire for comfort and nostalgia. Considering the state of the world, it makes sense that grown woman just want to wear baby tees and spritz on Y2K-inspired body mists.
We like nosy people. Don’t be shy, head to our Beauty section for more.
According to the experts, 2025 would have more sweet escapism in store for our nostrils. Jessica Tate, co-owner of Lore Perfumery in Melbourne predicted that fruits would take over, “but with a darker edge to them,” while Liz O’Brien, a buyer at Adore Beauty told me everyone would want to smell like a fresh jar of Bonne Maman, “that raspberry jam note has mass appeal,” she said.
Now that we’re over half way through the year, it seems only appropriate to do a sniff check. Of all the new perfume launches that have landed on our desks, these are the ones we couldn’t get enough of.
Kurky by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
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Described as a ‘gourmand fragrance for grown-ups’, Kurky combines juicy notes of orange, pear and raspberries with creamy white musks. The result is mouth-watering and nostalgic, yet still clean and sophisticated.
Get it here.
La Playa by Carner Barcelona
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If you’ve been dreaming of a Euro summer, this would be the next best thing. Warm notes of coconut milk, pistachio and ylang ylang smell good enough to eat – but you’ll have to wait until September when it launches in Australia to buy a bottle.
Get it here.
Guava Granita by Ellis Brooklyn
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Another fruity number, Guava Granita by Ellis Brooklyn smells as tropical as the name suggests. Notes of guava juice, banana and cavaillon melon sit on a gourmand base of vanilla and sandalwood, making it a perfect date night or summer holiday scent.
Get it here.
Eucalyptus 20 by Le Labo
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Shifting gears from the sweeter scents, Le Labo’s Eucalyptus 20 has the fresh, green notes you’d expect, combined with a heady dose of wood smoke. It leans masculine but smells intoxicating on anyone.
Get it here.
Orphéon by Diptyque
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Inspired by the famous Parisian jazz bars of the 1960s, Diptyques’ latest launch, Orphéon, smells like a citrusy gin cocktail with a soft layer of tobacco smoke. It’s a sexy, androgynous classic that feels right to wear any time of the year.
Get it here.
Aurner by Aesop
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Described as an ‘unexpected floral’, Aesop’s Aurner Eau de Parfum combines green spice with magnolia leaf and chamomile, plus a dose of the brand’s signature geranium and wood notes. The result is an intriguing scent that’s calming, spicy and romantic.
Get it here.
Cowgirl Grass by D.S. & Durga
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A spin on the brand’s bestselling Cowboy Grass, this femme-style fragrance hits you with a juicy bergamot and lychee accord before opening to a flowery heart of peony and geranium. It’s exactly how you’d imagine a rhinestone cowgirl to smell like.
Get it here.
For more on our favourite scents, try this.
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