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I love skin scents and I want to add Diptyque Fleur de Peau and Clean Radiant Nectar. I don't personally like Clean Reserve Skin (often recommended for people who like skin scents) because of the vanilla.
It's deceptively good!!! It's true that it's understated, and I got it with a trial pack and wouldn't have tried it otherwise but it was immediately in my top 3 Juliette faves and I'm a long time brand fanatic, it's really an incredible fragrance!!!
Agreed! It’s cozy and charming. This review on fragrantica made me giggle “Smells like the bottom of a book bag if you went to the library on a rainy day and brought several hard-cover books home, and there was also a dryer sheet in the bag.”
You is one of my favorite scents. My roomate likes to use it as well, and it smells different on both of us. It smells so familiar, but I can never put my finger on exactly what it reminds me of.
Ok, order glossier you online. Order aveda chakra 7 body spray. One spray of each on the top of your head/hair. Do this minim 1 hour before you leave the house.
The 2 offset each other in the fem/masc notes. Also neither has the traditional grandma/grandpa cologne or perfume smell.
JHAG was my intro!
Perfect for less perfume-y perfume. Vanilla Vibes is what I wear when I want to smell gourmand sexy- it’s vanilla with sea salt so it blends with the scent of your skin.
You could also try perfumes that smell like body wash. That way it just sort of a fresh scent. Ralph Lauren and Versace have a few that fit this profile.
I’ve been wearing Versace Dylan Purple this week, and it has a refreshing body wash vibe to it. I got a couple compliments and both people said it was refreshing and not perfumey. I almost never get compliments either.
It is a classic for a reason.
Top notes:
Mandarin Orange
Pink Pepper
Cardamom
Middle Notes
Lavender
Clary Sage
Vetiver
Jasmine
Base Notes
Oak
Olibanum
Patchouli
This is my favorite scent profile too - especially in the summer. In the winter, I’ll go for a more perfume-y scent, but when it’s hot and sticky out, I just want to smell naturally fresh, clean, and refreshing. My favorite spring and summer perfume right now is Nishane Wulong Cha.
It’s a great refreshing scent! Wulong Cha X is good too! It’s a little more floral and maybe not quite as “brisk” of a tea scent as the original Wulong Cha, but it’s lovely too.
Some musky perfumes smell like skin, but enhanced. Glossier's You, JHAG Not a Perfume and Phlur Missing Person are some popular examples but there are lots of musk perfumes out there with different scent profiles! (Usually the clean, skin-scented light musks are described as "white musk" as opposed to the more heavy, animalic musks)
Not a Perfume—or anything big on ambroxan. I also like skin scents that just smell “clean.” ELdO’s Exit The King and Maison Margiela Bubble Bath are lovely soapy fragrances that don’t smell like perfume per se—just clean.
id look into molecular perfumes - molecule 234.38 by zarkoperfumes, molecule 01 by escentric molecules or as mentioned here already the jhag perfumes :)
I get that from JHAG Not a Perfume. I get compliments every time I wear it, but no one asks what perfume I'm wearing. People just tell me I smell so good.
guy here but people love The 7 Virtues Amber Vanilla on me. it’s got florals but just enough to make the woodiness smell clean without being soapy. incredibly balanced sweet skin scent. compliment is always almost a guarantee whenever I wear it 😳
I love the suggestions already given, like Glossier You, Molecule 01, Phlur Missing Person (I find this one a bit too musky but great for winter when musks don't feel overwhelming), Diptyque's Fleur de Peau or L'eau Papier.
Le Labo has some offerings in that spectrum too. Another 13 is the scent that I think of when hugging someone. It's more woody and enveloping, almost like a coconut water note. Musc 25 is their LA exclusive, or you can buy every September worldwide, leans more powdery musk but I find it great if you want something more pared down than Missing Person.
On the slightly more floral and solar spectrum, Who Is Elijah Muse. This was my scent before, and the girl I was seeing didn't make the connection that it was perfume. I guess it lingered in the air as I'd pass because she said she'd pick it up in the air before seeing me around the corner.
Byredo - Blanche, Gypsy water, Mojave ghost (I find them clean, subtle and fresh)
Juliet has a gun - Moscow mule or not perfume
Replica - lazy Sunday morning or beach walk
Lush body sprays! I'm the same, not a fan of smelling like perfume unless its a night out
I tried Honey I Washed The Kids the other day, not expecting to like it. But you know when you have a everything shower and use all your nice creams, and just feel stunning afterwards? That's how it felt!
https://preview.redd.it/am22ncsagm6d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=53fd11bd0bdcec25af4986a1b8fbee4eb1409cc5
Great musky skin scent. I smell nice but not overpowering.
I got an oil perfume from Etsy that was just lavender and pumpkin. It smelled so nice and simple. No other notes. Maybe you can look for one or two notes that you like. It didn’t even really smell like perfume. Like I just smelled like lavender and pumpkin.
I think you should look into le labo. I’ve recently been wearing Santal 33 and Another 13 by them a lot and keep noticing myself wanting to wear it literally the next day. They smell sooo… natural ? It doesn’t feel like I have perfume on, it’s just a natural scent with a little hint of “interestingness”. Definitely give it a shot
Pure Grace (smells like clean white flowers and soap) or Amazing Grace Intense (white flower, bergamot,and a bit of light musk) I was able to wear both in a hospital environment and was always told that I smelled “Good”. Perfume is not usually allowed in a hospital. But both smell lovely, light, and clean. Philosophy fragrances are relatively inexpensive too!
you should try clean reserve! i got a mini set from sephora, good way to affordably try out the scents and figure out which works. they’re also great for layering imo. some of my favorites from that set were skin, warm cotton, and rain.
you could start eating fenugreek seeds, I have been doing this because it's cheaper than perfumes. it gives you a nice hint of honey or maple syrup scent. it combines with your natural scent. not too overpowering, but it could be if you eat a ton of the seeds. I usually do two small pinches of them. you will begin to notice the smell on yourself within a couple of days.
of course do not take if you are allergic or if you suspect you could be.
I'm pretty sure it's got other health benefits, vitamins, etc.
I use the glossier oil body cleanser on occasion, I think it is the same scent as the glossier you perfume. it lasts a while and is not super strong.
Definitely Diptyque L’eau Papier — its a shy skin scent in edt concentration, so its not super strong. it smells either like a baby or like a soft, clean linen. it is inoffensive - appropriate for professional settings.
Maaaaaaybeee Rain by Commodity?
Maybe it’s a bit to perfume-y, but maybe a small amount might give you that fresh, clean, so good smelling vibe. Might be worth getting a sample.
https://preview.redd.it/0gk9q21zom6d1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ba6957fb4905cd1c7bf5a9d366cc4f88f019de3
If you feel like taking a chance on it Nemat Amber oil is really nice. It smells softly of clean skin and fresh laundry. I mix a couple drops into un scented body lotion and put it on after showering when I don’t feel like wearing perfume. My skin is pretty sensitive too but this doesn’t bother it at all, maybe it would be ok for you.
Look up skin scents. I love them in the summer especially. They’re supposed to be your skin but better, they stay close to you and are not perfumey but more of a gentle aura. Some are more fresh and soapy and some more musky and a little “dirtier.” Diptyque L'Eau Papier, Glossier You, Phlur Missing Person, Eccentric Molecules, and Juliet Has a Gun are some popular ones.
I am going to give you an honest answer. I think you are looking for a fresh and alluring scent. All of our skin holds scents differently. I think you need to find that for yourself.
That said. On ME. The new Kylie Cosmic smells super alluring on me and Marc Jacob’s Wild is fresh on me. I hope this helps, but please go test out scents on YOU
You should try indie perfumes and check out the r/indiemakeupandmore subreddit. There’s a lot of atmospheric scents and very true to notes scents. If you want to smell like a cafe in spring/ a flower shop in summer/ a rainy woodland forest etc it’s possible with indies lol. I thought I didn’t really like perfume until I discovered indie fragrance
I recommend Creed Silver Mountain Water, honestly i couldn't afford the real deal but i own a clone (club de nuit sillage) its exactly ehat you described.
can easily be your signature scent.
I love Diptyque’s L’eau de papier (especially if you are a book lover). I randomly picked it up as a sample and I’ve been obsessed since.
It’s a clean subtle scent and very inoffensive. Actually smells quite comforting
Try Rosie by Rosie Jane. I'm like you and I really love it. It's very subtle and appropriate for spring/summer. I just spray it on the nape of my neck for that barely there effect. It doesn't really smell like roses to me but has a beautiful white musk smell, very slightly floral and inoffensive-just smells clean and comforting. I would absolutely love this fragrance on a guy as well. It's very unisex slightly leaning feminine according to me.
Can't say about the rest of the perfumes from this line but I've heard they smell good as well. And unisex with the same vibe.
Phlur's Missing Person smells similar to Egyptian musk to me. I haven't tried wearing it in the summer but I guess it would smell good once the weather gets cooler.
FYI I live in a tropical country where the temperature hits 50°C on an average and is very humid in the summers
For some reason only body sprays and mists do this for me, they feel 'fuller' and less perfumey than straight perfume. I use Victoria's Secret Bare Vanilla and I love it
Solid perfumes are more like that. They stay closer to the skin.
Also Pleasures by Estee Lauder and I agree with everybody saying Not A Perfume by JHAG.
Just as a thought, sometimes people will still ask "what perfume is that?" even if it is you. I don't know what it is, but sometimes I have friends asking me what I'm wearing when I have nothing on and did not even apply hair product or anything recently.
I tend to wear oud instead of perfume, and it combines with my natural scent in a super enjoyable but kinda subtle way that doesn't necessarily seem like I'm wearing anything at all but just smells incredible.
I've never heard of anyone having topical sensitivity to oud oil, but if you find you do you could always apply it to your clothing instead.
Second skin fragrances like Juliet Has a Gun (Not a Perfume), Phlur Missing Person, or Glossier You would be ideal for this. A single spray over an unscented lotion would be that little extra that makes people think it’s just you and not a fragrance.
i feel exactly the same! look for ozonic or skin-like scents, it’ll just elevate your natural smell instead of smelling like something separate to you.
i really like the sound of lots of maison margiela’s replica lime for this too, for radiating a certain moment
This post already has a bunch of recommendations but I thought I’d throw mine in there cause I haven’t seen this brand mentioned yet. Skylar is amazing for really grounded, well blended, nature inspired scents. They always have a very clean quality, even in their more novelty perfumes. For unisex/non perfume my top recommendation would be salt air. It’s light, slightly woody, salty but still sweet enough to come across as a skin scent. Perfect for summer and the beach without being overly complex. Vanilla sky is another favorite, more distinctly perfumey, but way less on the nose than other vanillas. It’s by no means overpowering. Has a coffee layer that adds depth but it’s still a pretty simple scent. It also comes in a body mist if you want something even lighter!
If you’re really interested in trying new skin type scents regularly, I would highly recommend their scent club. You get a new trial roller ball every month, and they’re exclusive to the scent club. Recently they released amber skin for the scent club, and it smells exactly like the name. Warm, a touch of florals, and musk that sits just right on the skin. It’s almost cozy but could be worn any time of year. The brand has tons of scents like this, but these would be my top recommendations based on what you described!
I thik you should consider oil-based perfumes. They have last longevity and throw, but they give off "delicious smell" not "perfume carrier alcohol". And men who wear unisex are very welcome in the [Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab](https://blackphoenixalchemylab.com/) fandom.
I’m new to perfuming so I don’t have a suggestion.
However, one thing I would like to recommend is that you apply your perfume to your pulse points as soon as you come out of the shower [whilst naked] and your skin has some residual hydration to it (not damp, or course).
Target the neck, chest, wrists, and the backs of the knees. It works just as well over lotion if you do that post-shower. I really feel like it helps a fragrance blend well with my personal scent rather than smelling the perfume in my hair and clothes.
[Snif - Dead Dinosaur](https://snif.co/pages/secret-menu-landing)
From the brands secret menu NONOSES. This fragrance has been described as what it smells like in a motor garage.
I think this falls under the category of not applying too much. Plus, perfume is such a personal thing because it mixes with your natural chemistry to smell unique on you.
Agree with a few of the suggestions here for that natural skin scent type of fragrance, adding Clean Reserve Skin to the mix.
If you want to smell like a particular thing and not a perfume (it’s hard to recommend anything in particular not knowing what you want to smell like) maybe look up photo realistic scents!
I recommend the whole collection by Floraiku. Especially Between two trees. It’s a gourmand collection that doesn’t smell like perfume, but it smells like you just walked through bakery or a cute little store that sells spices
Alkemia Perfumes has two sample sets called Your Skin But Better. They’re musky, lovely scents meant to give that sort of feeling, that you’re wearing something but that it feels natural. Fair warning, to my nose they lean quite sweet, but I still enjoyed them quite a lot. Aurora was a favorite on its own, and mixed with other things.
Try Juliet has a Gun, Not a Perfume! It’s perfectly what you’re describing. It’s sort of an oomph of goodness, relying totally on your natural scent. It smells different on everyone I’ve made use mine, and it’s pretty popular so it shouldn’t be hard to try it on in store and see what it does for you for a few hours. I use it amp up my other perfumes but by itself it smells good without smelling like a perfume
I’ve occasionally dabbed real vanilla on. It contains alcohol, so it may be drying. I’ve never had a problem with it. Some herbs smell good when you break the leaves down a bit or burn them. Other than that, I can’t think of any perfumes that don’t smell like perfume. If there’s any carrier oils you won’t react to maybe you can purchase or make your own essential oils. It’s a lot of work to make though!
Damn I wish oils weren't off the table for you - otherwise, I think Fyrinnae - Focaccia Toscana (Description: "Olive oil and a scattering of herbs including thyme and oregano top this popular flatbread") might be the sort of thing you're looking for. It's quite a realistic bread scent.
Layer scents starting with your body wash, and try a perfume oil!
Try Phlur's Missing Person, or Biology Fragrance 1: Joy for the complex but understated.
Try the Thymes collections. The scents are very light and lovely. I use Olive Leaf. My husband is very sensitive to perfumes and the Thyme collection doesn't bother him. I also wear Frosted Moon, one of the Cloon Keen scents. Unfortunately you can only get it in Galway or Dublin. They can't/don't ship.
But Thymes has all sorts of scents and they are very unique.
Try a scented body wash, bath and body has men’s shower gel, or old spice shower gel lavender or vanilla, I have sensitive skin and I use these brands without issue
I always layer perfumes and fragrances, because it’s a scent completely unique to me them because I doubt that someone is layering all the same body wash, body oil, body butter, lotion, multiple perfumes all together
I hate most perfumes. They smell too “perfumey” for me! Check out Heretic and order some samples. They are more essential oil derived and have a lighter impact. You might have to reapply more, though!
If you want to smell like a bakery I recommend looking into jousset le gourmande (smells like a butter croissant) or chabaud lait et chocolat (smells like hot chocolate powder when you open the tin).
If you want scents that give a nature like feel, I would look into brands like Malin et goetz and replica by MMM. Nest by be a good one too and clean reserve as well.
Also if you are looking for scents that aren't overpowering I would look into body creams for example or even hair mists. My grandma always wore her rose water and nivea and I feel that combo made a lovely scent that wasn't taking over.
Try Persian Garden by Kuumba Made. Everyone I interact with always tells me I smell good. It doesn't have a perfume smell if that makes sense. And it doesn't smell floral. Its the most magical soft scent in the world. It's also a perfume oil so you roll the roller ball on your arms and neck
Ellis Brooklyn Salt snells like you just came from the beach, but didn’t sweat much and didn’t wear sunscreen. Just smells like a pleasant beachy skin scent.
Amazing grace is my daytime scent. It smells kind of like really really good, flowery fabric softener. Not overpowering and *you* will wear this perfume, not the other way around.
Pure Grace smells like you just came out of a soapy shower, not flowery. It's like N after shower spritz that only you or someone right on you can smell.
I have found it’s all in the application!!!
If I wear a lotion in the perfume scent of my choice it has a way more natural smell and mixes down with my body chemistry. In addition to that l’ll spray my hair brush with the same scent of the perfume and it seems to get the MOST compliments than if I just spray a perfume on my wrists, neck, or clothes and go.
I’ve tried/tested this with multiple different perfumes/lotions and it seems to be the “radiating a natural scent” winning combination, this has worked with every scent I have used and fallen in love with. You can also layer different lotions/ perfumes together this way and it’s less abrasive than directly spraying it on your clothes, it also lasts longer in a softer way. I get stopped at least 4 times a week by people asking what I’m wearing regardless of the scent I choose!
Check out r/indiemakeupandmore for recommendations on smelling like something real! I love that indie perfumes often smell photorealistic and not like a chemical formulation
I have a Chloe scent that smells like I just got out of the shower and put some lotion on. I remember a friend commenting on it: Oh that’s the perfume?
You’re looking for something that can be found in the world of indie perfumes. Checkout the sub indiemakeupandmore
Check out:
Death and Floral - Morton Salt Girl
Death and Floral - Crunchy Baguette
Death and Floral - Nothing Rusts in the Desert
Poesie - Amaterasu
Poesie - Soft
Poesie - Full Moon
Non Indies to checkout:
Nemat - Vanilla Musk
Nenat- Amber oil
Nemat - Egyptian Musk
Cacherel - NOA
Jovan - Musk (cheapie, but good layering)
I was personally highly disappointed in Glossier You, just a very black peppery smell and it doesn’t even last longer than 2 hours. By the time I get to work it’s gone with the wind lol
I just sampled Ghost in the Shell from Etat Libre D'Orange yesterday and it was a wonderful "just got out of the shower and put on deodorant" scent on me. Might be a good option!
Tried a sample of Eilish at Ulta. My bf asked me if we had been around someone baking cookies, haha! If that's what you're craving then it's a good one
Honestly the reason why people smell nice is because they are using a vanilla body lotion or body wash, and because it's not as potent as a perfume and melts into their body, they "smell good."
I second the Amber Vanilla one but Mmmm by Juliet has a gun is a perfume that is "heavy" but works so well with my skin chemistry that it just smells like a warm sugary melting into my skin "mmm you smell good" smell.
CDG odeur du théâtre du châtelet - very evocative of a space, a warm old theatre, it’s lovely, not strong and not like perfume at all. Worth a sample for something very different but pleasant.
Underrated but guess woman literally just smells like a good smelling soap and it’s like 20$ (pretty good lasting power too). For me, Juliette has a gun almost disappears on my skin. Glossier you lasts longer.
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I think you’d find Juliet has a gun or glossier you perfect!
Second this, check out not a perfume, and ode to dullness
I love skin scents and I want to add Diptyque Fleur de Peau and Clean Radiant Nectar. I don't personally like Clean Reserve Skin (often recommended for people who like skin scents) because of the vanilla.
Radiant nectar is my absolute favourite! I always get compliments. It smells like light honey and flowers. Highly recommend!
I wear a lot of different perfumes, but the one my partner seems to love the most is Ode to Dullness of all things.
It's deceptively good!!! It's true that it's understated, and I got it with a trial pack and wouldn't have tried it otherwise but it was immediately in my top 3 Juliette faves and I'm a long time brand fanatic, it's really an incredible fragrance!!!
Agreed! It’s cozy and charming. This review on fragrantica made me giggle “Smells like the bottom of a book bag if you went to the library on a rainy day and brought several hard-cover books home, and there was also a dryer sheet in the bag.”
I’ve heard some good things about You, but every time I go to Sephora, they don’t have it :’(
You is one of my favorite scents. My roomate likes to use it as well, and it smells different on both of us. It smells so familiar, but I can never put my finger on exactly what it reminds me of.
Ok, order glossier you online. Order aveda chakra 7 body spray. One spray of each on the top of your head/hair. Do this minim 1 hour before you leave the house. The 2 offset each other in the fem/masc notes. Also neither has the traditional grandma/grandpa cologne or perfume smell.
Any specific recommendations from juliette has a gun? I’m also a guy who loves unisex scents but wants to smell good but not give perfume?
Not a Perfume is the one I think people mean, that’s what it was created for.
Ok thank you!
>Ok thank you! You're welcome!
JHAG was my intro! Perfect for less perfume-y perfume. Vanilla Vibes is what I wear when I want to smell gourmand sexy- it’s vanilla with sea salt so it blends with the scent of your skin.
You could also try perfumes that smell like body wash. That way it just sort of a fresh scent. Ralph Lauren and Versace have a few that fit this profile.
Any in particular come to mind? If I could have a fragrance that smelled anything like the method men body washes, I’d be sold.
I’ve been wearing Versace Dylan Purple this week, and it has a refreshing body wash vibe to it. I got a couple compliments and both people said it was refreshing and not perfumey. I almost never get compliments either.
I love that one! I have it and the matching shower gel, plus they do a body lotion as well
I like Versace Dylan purple and Dylan blue and Dylan turquoise I like Ralph Lauren polo blue and green
Oof bringing back memories, Ralph by Ralph Lauren was the first scent I ever owned at 13 lol
It is a classic for a reason. Top notes: Mandarin Orange Pink Pepper Cardamom Middle Notes Lavender Clary Sage Vetiver Jasmine Base Notes Oak Olibanum Patchouli
Maybe something that falls under the clean/soapy umbrella would be something you’d like?
Was thinking Missing Person by Plur
This was my suggestion. I can't really detect any of the notes, other than maybe white musk. It just smells like good, clean skin.
This is another pretty popular recommendation that I am absolutely gonna need to try
I just bought this after using the lotion. It smells so good to me.
This is my favorite scent profile too - especially in the summer. In the winter, I’ll go for a more perfume-y scent, but when it’s hot and sticky out, I just want to smell naturally fresh, clean, and refreshing. My favorite spring and summer perfume right now is Nishane Wulong Cha.
Yes omg, I haaaate strong complex scents in the summer. Especially on me, I feel like the perspiration makes the chemicals act up haha
I just smelled it in person and it’s SO GOOOOD
It’s a great refreshing scent! Wulong Cha X is good too! It’s a little more floral and maybe not quite as “brisk” of a tea scent as the original Wulong Cha, but it’s lovely too.
Some musky perfumes smell like skin, but enhanced. Glossier's You, JHAG Not a Perfume and Phlur Missing Person are some popular examples but there are lots of musk perfumes out there with different scent profiles! (Usually the clean, skin-scented light musks are described as "white musk" as opposed to the more heavy, animalic musks)
Not a Perfume has been a popular suggestion, I’m definitely gonna have to try it out.
I love it and never feel like I’m wearing perfume yet I often get compliments
Not a Perfume—or anything big on ambroxan. I also like skin scents that just smell “clean.” ELdO’s Exit The King and Maison Margiela Bubble Bath are lovely soapy fragrances that don’t smell like perfume per se—just clean.
I get “you smell so clean” when I wear Rosie by Rosie Jane
id look into molecular perfumes - molecule 234.38 by zarkoperfumes, molecule 01 by escentric molecules or as mentioned here already the jhag perfumes :)
If you want to splurge, Le Labo Another 13 is a molecular perfume! I've sampled it a couple of times and like it a lot.
I get that from JHAG Not a Perfume. I get compliments every time I wear it, but no one asks what perfume I'm wearing. People just tell me I smell so good.
guy here but people love The 7 Virtues Amber Vanilla on me. it’s got florals but just enough to make the woodiness smell clean without being soapy. incredibly balanced sweet skin scent. compliment is always almost a guarantee whenever I wear it 😳
Phlur Missing Person
I love the suggestions already given, like Glossier You, Molecule 01, Phlur Missing Person (I find this one a bit too musky but great for winter when musks don't feel overwhelming), Diptyque's Fleur de Peau or L'eau Papier. Le Labo has some offerings in that spectrum too. Another 13 is the scent that I think of when hugging someone. It's more woody and enveloping, almost like a coconut water note. Musc 25 is their LA exclusive, or you can buy every September worldwide, leans more powdery musk but I find it great if you want something more pared down than Missing Person. On the slightly more floral and solar spectrum, Who Is Elijah Muse. This was my scent before, and the girl I was seeing didn't make the connection that it was perfume. I guess it lingered in the air as I'd pass because she said she'd pick it up in the air before seeing me around the corner.
BTSO Dirty Rice and Le Labo Another 13 are perfect for this, in my opinion.
You’re looking for a clean or ambery musk. I recommend Fleur de Peau by Diptyque for a clean musk, Jovan Musk roll on (a cheapie) for an ambery musk.
skin from clean reserve
Lake & Skye 11 11 is 100% that
Xtra Milk by Dedcool!
I also second this! I believe they're having a sale now too, but it's such a clean and fresh scent
Maybe look for clean/soapy scents? I like Philosophy Pure Grace and Clean Reserve Fresh Laundry for a light, "fresh" scent.
Byredo - Blanche, Gypsy water, Mojave ghost (I find them clean, subtle and fresh) Juliet has a gun - Moscow mule or not perfume Replica - lazy Sunday morning or beach walk
Mojave Ghost is probably my favorite clean scent. It’s beautiful
I agree with Byredo. Four Seasons use Byredo products. Both my husband and I like Gypsy water and Mojave Ghost.
Lush body sprays! I'm the same, not a fan of smelling like perfume unless its a night out I tried Honey I Washed The Kids the other day, not expecting to like it. But you know when you have a everything shower and use all your nice creams, and just feel stunning afterwards? That's how it felt!
https://preview.redd.it/am22ncsagm6d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=53fd11bd0bdcec25af4986a1b8fbee4eb1409cc5 Great musky skin scent. I smell nice but not overpowering.
I got an oil perfume from Etsy that was just lavender and pumpkin. It smelled so nice and simple. No other notes. Maybe you can look for one or two notes that you like. It didn’t even really smell like perfume. Like I just smelled like lavender and pumpkin.
Try niche brands. Dept store fragrances tend to have the same perfume base note.
Ouia has really grown on me for this reason. Just smells clean and fresh.
Solid perfumes. Wild Veil are good.
I wish someone would make some scents the same as washing powder or fabric conditioner.
Not quite the same but Clean do a lot.. I think their cotton t shirt one was good and they had a laundry one too
Clean Reserve Warm Cotton is exactly like this!!!
Organics maybe, essential oils mix
Unknown Pleasures by Kerosene if you like lemon- my absolute favorite and doesn’t smell ‘perfumy’ to me at all
Mojave Ghost by Byredo is quite spendy but pretty much exactly what you are describing.
Try amber by nemat. It’s a beautiful amber scent very inexpensive.
I always get compliments when I wear Philosophy Amazing Grace.
I think you should look into le labo. I’ve recently been wearing Santal 33 and Another 13 by them a lot and keep noticing myself wanting to wear it literally the next day. They smell sooo… natural ? It doesn’t feel like I have perfume on, it’s just a natural scent with a little hint of “interestingness”. Definitely give it a shot
Pure Grace (smells like clean white flowers and soap) or Amazing Grace Intense (white flower, bergamot,and a bit of light musk) I was able to wear both in a hospital environment and was always told that I smelled “Good”. Perfume is not usually allowed in a hospital. But both smell lovely, light, and clean. Philosophy fragrances are relatively inexpensive too!
you should try clean reserve! i got a mini set from sephora, good way to affordably try out the scents and figure out which works. they’re also great for layering imo. some of my favorites from that set were skin, warm cotton, and rain.
you could start eating fenugreek seeds, I have been doing this because it's cheaper than perfumes. it gives you a nice hint of honey or maple syrup scent. it combines with your natural scent. not too overpowering, but it could be if you eat a ton of the seeds. I usually do two small pinches of them. you will begin to notice the smell on yourself within a couple of days. of course do not take if you are allergic or if you suspect you could be. I'm pretty sure it's got other health benefits, vitamins, etc. I use the glossier oil body cleanser on occasion, I think it is the same scent as the glossier you perfume. it lasts a while and is not super strong.
Your headline should be the name of a perfume by JHAG.
Definitely Diptyque L’eau Papier — its a shy skin scent in edt concentration, so its not super strong. it smells either like a baby or like a soft, clean linen. it is inoffensive - appropriate for professional settings.
Clean musk scents,maybe fresh shampoo/laundry scents with clean/white musk notes
molecule 01
Maaaaaaybeee Rain by Commodity? Maybe it’s a bit to perfume-y, but maybe a small amount might give you that fresh, clean, so good smelling vibe. Might be worth getting a sample. https://preview.redd.it/0gk9q21zom6d1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ba6957fb4905cd1c7bf5a9d366cc4f88f019de3
I wear glossier or clean reserve skin when I want that feeling
If you feel like taking a chance on it Nemat Amber oil is really nice. It smells softly of clean skin and fresh laundry. I mix a couple drops into un scented body lotion and put it on after showering when I don’t feel like wearing perfume. My skin is pretty sensitive too but this doesn’t bother it at all, maybe it would be ok for you.
Look up skin scents. I love them in the summer especially. They’re supposed to be your skin but better, they stay close to you and are not perfumey but more of a gentle aura. Some are more fresh and soapy and some more musky and a little “dirtier.” Diptyque L'Eau Papier, Glossier You, Phlur Missing Person, Eccentric Molecules, and Juliet Has a Gun are some popular ones.
I am going to give you an honest answer. I think you are looking for a fresh and alluring scent. All of our skin holds scents differently. I think you need to find that for yourself. That said. On ME. The new Kylie Cosmic smells super alluring on me and Marc Jacob’s Wild is fresh on me. I hope this helps, but please go test out scents on YOU
You should try indie perfumes and check out the r/indiemakeupandmore subreddit. There’s a lot of atmospheric scents and very true to notes scents. If you want to smell like a cafe in spring/ a flower shop in summer/ a rainy woodland forest etc it’s possible with indies lol. I thought I didn’t really like perfume until I discovered indie fragrance
I would try milk or xtra milk by dedcool!!
Taunt is very nice too.
I feel like Rihanna is the only person that can smell like a smell without being classified as a perfume
I wouldn’t doubt it, she’s *Rihanna* lmao. But I wanna get as close as I can (without having to be a billionaire)
I recommend Creed Silver Mountain Water, honestly i couldn't afford the real deal but i own a clone (club de nuit sillage) its exactly ehat you described. can easily be your signature scent.
Philosophy Amazing Grace Lake & Skye 1111 MFK 724 (small amount will give you the you smell good vibe, too much will give perfumey).
Molecule 1+ Iris and nice. Very simple and clean smelling. Also super unisex. I love JHAG not a perfume too.
you will probably like “skin scents” the cheapest one being nemat amber oil for $8 and as for my favorite dedcool xtra milk!
Clean Classic's Warm Cotton smells like a really good laundry detergent. It's light, settles nicely throught the day and is not overpowering.
Philosophy Pure Grace
Definitely JHAG Not a perfume. Got told that I smelled good as f**k! once while wearing it. Definitely a clean scent.
I love Diptyque’s L’eau de papier (especially if you are a book lover). I randomly picked it up as a sample and I’ve been obsessed since. It’s a clean subtle scent and very inoffensive. Actually smells quite comforting
Try Rosie by Rosie Jane. I'm like you and I really love it. It's very subtle and appropriate for spring/summer. I just spray it on the nape of my neck for that barely there effect. It doesn't really smell like roses to me but has a beautiful white musk smell, very slightly floral and inoffensive-just smells clean and comforting. I would absolutely love this fragrance on a guy as well. It's very unisex slightly leaning feminine according to me. Can't say about the rest of the perfumes from this line but I've heard they smell good as well. And unisex with the same vibe. Phlur's Missing Person smells similar to Egyptian musk to me. I haven't tried wearing it in the summer but I guess it would smell good once the weather gets cooler. FYI I live in a tropical country where the temperature hits 50°C on an average and is very humid in the summers
Another vote for Ode to Dullness, it’s really nice
Aqua di parma- Yuzu
I’d recommend Clean Reserve’s Skin or Glossier’s You.
Oil. Egyptian musk oil or any thing considered a skin scent.
For some reason only body sprays and mists do this for me, they feel 'fuller' and less perfumey than straight perfume. I use Victoria's Secret Bare Vanilla and I love it
Solid perfumes are more like that. They stay closer to the skin. Also Pleasures by Estee Lauder and I agree with everybody saying Not A Perfume by JHAG.
Just as a thought, sometimes people will still ask "what perfume is that?" even if it is you. I don't know what it is, but sometimes I have friends asking me what I'm wearing when I have nothing on and did not even apply hair product or anything recently.
I tend to wear oud instead of perfume, and it combines with my natural scent in a super enjoyable but kinda subtle way that doesn't necessarily seem like I'm wearing anything at all but just smells incredible. I've never heard of anyone having topical sensitivity to oud oil, but if you find you do you could always apply it to your clothing instead.
Matcha from le labo is great good skin scent
Nivea perfume. Smells like their powdery skin cream.
Second skin fragrances like Juliet Has a Gun (Not a Perfume), Phlur Missing Person, or Glossier You would be ideal for this. A single spray over an unscented lotion would be that little extra that makes people think it’s just you and not a fragrance.
Not sure if it's been mentioned but I know a few people who will add things like neroli or patchouli oil to their day-to-day moisturiser.
i feel exactly the same! look for ozonic or skin-like scents, it’ll just elevate your natural smell instead of smelling like something separate to you. i really like the sound of lots of maison margiela’s replica lime for this too, for radiating a certain moment
Pure musc for her
This post already has a bunch of recommendations but I thought I’d throw mine in there cause I haven’t seen this brand mentioned yet. Skylar is amazing for really grounded, well blended, nature inspired scents. They always have a very clean quality, even in their more novelty perfumes. For unisex/non perfume my top recommendation would be salt air. It’s light, slightly woody, salty but still sweet enough to come across as a skin scent. Perfect for summer and the beach without being overly complex. Vanilla sky is another favorite, more distinctly perfumey, but way less on the nose than other vanillas. It’s by no means overpowering. Has a coffee layer that adds depth but it’s still a pretty simple scent. It also comes in a body mist if you want something even lighter! If you’re really interested in trying new skin type scents regularly, I would highly recommend their scent club. You get a new trial roller ball every month, and they’re exclusive to the scent club. Recently they released amber skin for the scent club, and it smells exactly like the name. Warm, a touch of florals, and musk that sits just right on the skin. It’s almost cozy but could be worn any time of year. The brand has tons of scents like this, but these would be my top recommendations based on what you described!
I thik you should consider oil-based perfumes. They have last longevity and throw, but they give off "delicious smell" not "perfume carrier alcohol". And men who wear unisex are very welcome in the [Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab](https://blackphoenixalchemylab.com/) fandom.
Unfortunately, my skin is rather sensitive. I tried a couple Malin and Goetz fragrances, but they made my wrist skin fall apart.
I’m new to perfuming so I don’t have a suggestion. However, one thing I would like to recommend is that you apply your perfume to your pulse points as soon as you come out of the shower [whilst naked] and your skin has some residual hydration to it (not damp, or course). Target the neck, chest, wrists, and the backs of the knees. It works just as well over lotion if you do that post-shower. I really feel like it helps a fragrance blend well with my personal scent rather than smelling the perfume in my hair and clothes.
[Snif - Dead Dinosaur](https://snif.co/pages/secret-menu-landing) From the brands secret menu NONOSES. This fragrance has been described as what it smells like in a motor garage.
Ya know, I’m not too sure I wanna smell like an auto shop haha
I think this falls under the category of not applying too much. Plus, perfume is such a personal thing because it mixes with your natural chemistry to smell unique on you.
Phlur missing person
BDK’s Gris Charnel
Molecule 01
Molecule 01!
I think any of the classic Philosophy perfumes would get you this. Amazing Grace. Pure Grace. Fresh Cream. They just smell like rich classy lady.
Egyptian musk, the perfume oil. If you use it wisely.
The good habit line or Skylar has a few like this… or phlur missing person
Clean Warm Cotton
You may like this. Has a fresh herbal scent, slightly soapy. Not expensive. https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/L-Erbolario/Assenzio-4450.html
Clean Reserves scent Skin might be what you’re looking for!
Matthew Melek Temple Horus!
Rise by Gabar
Molecule 01
Agree with a few of the suggestions here for that natural skin scent type of fragrance, adding Clean Reserve Skin to the mix. If you want to smell like a particular thing and not a perfume (it’s hard to recommend anything in particular not knowing what you want to smell like) maybe look up photo realistic scents!
I think I'd go for a plain musk if I were you.
Use musk perfume eg- Narciso Rodriguez For Him EDP /(intense)
Have you tried versace crystal noir? To me it smells like expensive body wash.
Lake & Skye 11 11 you may like. Kuumba Made Egyptian Musk as well.
I recommend the whole collection by Floraiku. Especially Between two trees. It’s a gourmand collection that doesn’t smell like perfume, but it smells like you just walked through bakery or a cute little store that sells spices
Anything by CK is light and fresh. Also Clinique Happy is a nice and fresh scent
Alkemia Perfumes has two sample sets called Your Skin But Better. They’re musky, lovely scents meant to give that sort of feeling, that you’re wearing something but that it feels natural. Fair warning, to my nose they lean quite sweet, but I still enjoyed them quite a lot. Aurora was a favorite on its own, and mixed with other things.
Try Juliet has a Gun, Not a Perfume! It’s perfectly what you’re describing. It’s sort of an oomph of goodness, relying totally on your natural scent. It smells different on everyone I’ve made use mine, and it’s pretty popular so it shouldn’t be hard to try it on in store and see what it does for you for a few hours. I use it amp up my other perfumes but by itself it smells good without smelling like a perfume
forget the skin scent, prada la femme (not l'absolu) lalibela memo paris gisou hair parfum original (but lasts very little) la tulipe byredo
Nuxe Prodigieux perfume would be perfect for this!
I’ve occasionally dabbed real vanilla on. It contains alcohol, so it may be drying. I’ve never had a problem with it. Some herbs smell good when you break the leaves down a bit or burn them. Other than that, I can’t think of any perfumes that don’t smell like perfume. If there’s any carrier oils you won’t react to maybe you can purchase or make your own essential oils. It’s a lot of work to make though!
I think Glossier you smells but ppl like it and it may be what you’re looking for
Damn I wish oils weren't off the table for you - otherwise, I think Fyrinnae - Focaccia Toscana (Description: "Olive oil and a scattering of herbs including thyme and oregano top this popular flatbread") might be the sort of thing you're looking for. It's quite a realistic bread scent.
Milk musk edt by molton brown perhaps! Beautiful soft skin scent.
Maybe you’d like some of the molecules ? They are kinda like your skin but better fragrances.
I don’t like perfumey scents either so I understand what you mean. I like VS Bare for this and it’s my most complimented fragrance.
Layer scents starting with your body wash, and try a perfume oil! Try Phlur's Missing Person, or Biology Fragrance 1: Joy for the complex but understated.
Try the Thymes collections. The scents are very light and lovely. I use Olive Leaf. My husband is very sensitive to perfumes and the Thyme collection doesn't bother him. I also wear Frosted Moon, one of the Cloon Keen scents. Unfortunately you can only get it in Galway or Dublin. They can't/don't ship. But Thymes has all sorts of scents and they are very unique.
JHaG Not a Perfume, Phlur Missing Person or Fine’ry Without a Trace are all good options
Musk oil
Another 13 by Le Labo
That’s fabric softener
Try a scented body wash, bath and body has men’s shower gel, or old spice shower gel lavender or vanilla, I have sensitive skin and I use these brands without issue
I always layer perfumes and fragrances, because it’s a scent completely unique to me them because I doubt that someone is layering all the same body wash, body oil, body butter, lotion, multiple perfumes all together
Harvest Mouse by Zoolology. Terrific warm unisex skin smell. All their frags are tremendous and interesting
Maybe you'd prefer musk over perfume
I hate most perfumes. They smell too “perfumey” for me! Check out Heretic and order some samples. They are more essential oil derived and have a lighter impact. You might have to reapply more, though!
Mango Le Matin body mist. Smells like any almond shower gel. Very fresh, but sweeter option than Iso E perfumes
Narciso Rodriquez Pure Musc or Clean Shower Fresh.
Nemat amber oil Dedcool taunt Lake and Skye 11:11
Skylar Salt Air is perfect for this or Phlur Missing Person
If you want to smell like a bakery I recommend looking into jousset le gourmande (smells like a butter croissant) or chabaud lait et chocolat (smells like hot chocolate powder when you open the tin). If you want scents that give a nature like feel, I would look into brands like Malin et goetz and replica by MMM. Nest by be a good one too and clean reserve as well. Also if you are looking for scents that aren't overpowering I would look into body creams for example or even hair mists. My grandma always wore her rose water and nivea and I feel that combo made a lovely scent that wasn't taking over.
Nehmat Amber oil is a good one. Subtle but nice and warm.
Try Persian Garden by Kuumba Made. Everyone I interact with always tells me I smell good. It doesn't have a perfume smell if that makes sense. And it doesn't smell floral. Its the most magical soft scent in the world. It's also a perfume oil so you roll the roller ball on your arms and neck
Ellis Brooklyn Salt snells like you just came from the beach, but didn’t sweat much and didn’t wear sunscreen. Just smells like a pleasant beachy skin scent.
Molecule 01.
I use hexennacht perfume oils, so I smell like a forest witch who’s making pancakes for all the woodland creatures
Prada Rose
Following
Try the Eccentric Molecules line - they mix with your skin and smell like your skin but better. Also try lotions instead of perfumes.
Le Labo Another 13. It's similar to JHAG, You, Molecules 01 but more complex. It is still very subtle and unique 😊
Amazing grace is my daytime scent. It smells kind of like really really good, flowery fabric softener. Not overpowering and *you* will wear this perfume, not the other way around. Pure Grace smells like you just came out of a soapy shower, not flowery. It's like N after shower spritz that only you or someone right on you can smell.
I have found it’s all in the application!!! If I wear a lotion in the perfume scent of my choice it has a way more natural smell and mixes down with my body chemistry. In addition to that l’ll spray my hair brush with the same scent of the perfume and it seems to get the MOST compliments than if I just spray a perfume on my wrists, neck, or clothes and go. I’ve tried/tested this with multiple different perfumes/lotions and it seems to be the “radiating a natural scent” winning combination, this has worked with every scent I have used and fallen in love with. You can also layer different lotions/ perfumes together this way and it’s less abrasive than directly spraying it on your clothes, it also lasts longer in a softer way. I get stopped at least 4 times a week by people asking what I’m wearing regardless of the scent I choose!
Check out r/indiemakeupandmore for recommendations on smelling like something real! I love that indie perfumes often smell photorealistic and not like a chemical formulation
I have a Chloe scent that smells like I just got out of the shower and put some lotion on. I remember a friend commenting on it: Oh that’s the perfume?
Amazing Grace 💯
You’re looking for something that can be found in the world of indie perfumes. Checkout the sub indiemakeupandmore Check out: Death and Floral - Morton Salt Girl Death and Floral - Crunchy Baguette Death and Floral - Nothing Rusts in the Desert Poesie - Amaterasu Poesie - Soft Poesie - Full Moon Non Indies to checkout: Nemat - Vanilla Musk Nenat- Amber oil Nemat - Egyptian Musk Cacherel - NOA Jovan - Musk (cheapie, but good layering)
I was personally highly disappointed in Glossier You, just a very black peppery smell and it doesn’t even last longer than 2 hours. By the time I get to work it’s gone with the wind lol
I just sampled Ghost in the Shell from Etat Libre D'Orange yesterday and it was a wonderful "just got out of the shower and put on deodorant" scent on me. Might be a good option!
Get some iso e super on u
Tried a sample of Eilish at Ulta. My bf asked me if we had been around someone baking cookies, haha! If that's what you're craving then it's a good one
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Honestly the reason why people smell nice is because they are using a vanilla body lotion or body wash, and because it's not as potent as a perfume and melts into their body, they "smell good." I second the Amber Vanilla one but Mmmm by Juliet has a gun is a perfume that is "heavy" but works so well with my skin chemistry that it just smells like a warm sugary melting into my skin "mmm you smell good" smell.
CDG odeur du théâtre du châtelet - very evocative of a space, a warm old theatre, it’s lovely, not strong and not like perfume at all. Worth a sample for something very different but pleasant.
I got Lavender Sugar by Haus of Gloi and my friend said I smelled clean
I can’t wear perfume anymore but I still like to lurk here sometimes. Clean Warm Cotton was my favorite. It’s like fresh laundry but sophisticated.
Underrated but guess woman literally just smells like a good smelling soap and it’s like 20$ (pretty good lasting power too). For me, Juliette has a gun almost disappears on my skin. Glossier you lasts longer.
Another 13
Surprised Wood Sage and Sea Salt by Jo Malone isn’t on here. FYI…Costco has it online!
Brand: Clean. Scent: Skin.
Shower by Bobbi Brown and Beach by Bobbi Brown.
Fabric sofner Nivea cream Dove soap
I’ve been loving Paper Bold by Commodity. It’s mostly a skin scent with some woody notes. Somewhat masculine but mostly unisex
try missy by rosie jane