
I tried all four of Harry Styles' Pleasing fragrances, and this one stood out as my absolute favorite.
(Image credit: Getty Images; Pleasing)
As a beauty editor for nearly a decade and a long-time Harry Styles fan (picture me in 2012, blasting a well-loved One Direction CD on my way to school), I realized I've never explored Pleasing, Harry Styles's beauty and lifestyle brand. I know, I know—this makes me a less-than-stellar fan and an even more lackluster beauty editor. That's precisely why I decided to change that. Being a fragrance enthusiast, I figured the best way to dive into Pleasing was through its initial four fragrances. There were positive reviews online, but I'm selective about the scents I wear. For years, I've adhered to a somewhat strict lineup of favorite perfumes, like Phlur's Missing Person, Frédéric Malle's Portrait of a Lady, and The 7 Virtues' Coconut Sun. So, while my expectations were high, I wasn't entirely sure any of the Pleasing perfumes would find a noteworthy place on my vanity.
Spoiler: They did. I was genuinely impressed by the brand's distinctive scent profiles and the vivid memories and feelings they stirred. These are not run-of-the-mill perfumes and certainly don’t feel half-hearted, as is common with some celebrity fragrances. They are unique, thoughtful, and truly one of a kind. One scent, in particular, has captivated me, causing all my other favorites to gather dust. Below, discover which one it is.
#1: Closeness Eau de Parfum
Pleasing
Closeness Eau de Parfum
Notes: Australian pink pepper extract, cardamom, clean sheets, orris butter, carrot seed, bamboo, Indian papyrus, cashmere woods, salted musk.
I believe this "clean-sheets-and-musk fragrance" is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive scents I've encountered. Combining fresh and spicy notes, it reminds me of the indie shops on South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas (forgive my specificity; I lived there). These boutiques have an effortlessly cool vibe, often featuring unique handmade items while incense wafts through the air. This scent reflects that same laid-back aura. Even as someone single, I immediately imagined sharing this scent with a partner because 1) I'm enamored with it, 2) it's genuinely genderless, and 3) I'm convinced that couples who adopt a shared signature scent tend to stay together. Regardless, I've been consistently wearing it ever since it arrived on my desk. It’s fair to say it’s my favorite Pleasing perfume.
Shop the Closeness Candle:
Pleasing
Closeness Candle
What’s better than getting your new signature scent in candle form?
#2: Bright, Hot Eau de Parfum
Pleasing
Bright, Hot Eau de Parfum
Notes: Plum, tobacco leaves, orris butter, marine accord, cedarwood, tonka bean absolute, Madagascar vanilla, amber.
If I were to summarize this scent in three words, it would be "fresh, cheerful, and uplifting." While it’s not specifically a citrus scent, it gives a similar impression. Perhaps it’s the mix of juicy plum, sweet orris butter, and airy marine accord that evokes sun-soaked smiles in sepia tones. Coincidentally, the brand describes it as, “Fading into sleep beneath the hot sun [...] Time slips away, basking in a midday reverie,” which captures a similar essence. Interestingly, though it's labeled a "woody amber" scent, I wouldn’t categorize it that way; it feels much brighter and more joy-inducing than other woody-amber perfumes I've tried. I genuinely love it, and that’s saying something.
Shop the Bright, Hot Candle:
Pleasing
Bright, Hot Candle
Since I have the perfume, I now need the candle.
#3: Rivulets Eau de Parfum
Pleasing
Rivulets Eau de Parfum
Notes: Ambrette seeds, lemon, Madagascar black pepper, white linen accord, poplin blossom, ambroxan, skin musk.
Light and refreshing, this scent is as invigorating as a spring shower. With notes of lemon, white linen, and poplin blossom, it brings to mind the freshness of clean laundry (in a positive way), while ambrette seeds and skin musk evoke the feeling of just-showered skin. I feel a bit guilty placing it third; it deserves higher praise, but I adore Closeness and Bright, Hot so much that they take precedence. It really depends on your usual scent preference. If you enjoy sophisticated skin scents, go with Closeness Eau de Parfum. If you prefer bright, citrus-like fragrances, opt for Bright, Hot Eau de Parfum. Lastly, if you like clean scents, choose Rivulets Eau de Parfum.
Shop the Rivulets Candle:
This candle adds a refreshing ambiance to your space.
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I tried all four of Harry Styles' Pleasing fragrances, and this one stood out as my absolute favorite.
Delightful fragrances are often overlooked. Click here to read a beauty editor's review of all four scents.