These "Nude Perfumes" are why I consistently smell the best in any room.

      (Image credit: @anoukyve; Diptyque, Phlur; Merit; Chanel)

      Feel free to call me self-assured, but I haven't declared myself as the "best-smelling person in the room"; rather, I've simply received this compliment over the years from many people. I shouldn't be reprimanded for believing them—deciphering the best fragrances is my profession. While I relish a variety of scents, from floral notes to fresh, cotton-like fragrances, there is one category I know leaves a lasting impression more than others—what I term "nude perfumes."

      It's common for those not familiar with fragrances to confuse nude perfumes with skin scents, but that would be a mistake. Nude perfumes don’t resemble skin at all. Instead, they harmoniously blend with the skin, creating a closeness that makes them feel like an integral part of you—the kind of fragrances that are so intimate they almost seem intrusive to ask about. Nude perfumes exude warmth and allure, giving the wearer an air of exclusivity. They are subtle yet unmistakably present.

      You might be curious about how I coined the term "nude perfumes" for these scents, and the answer is straightforward. Aside from their intimate resemblance to skin, their standout quality is how they improve with time on the skin—something I’ve noticed upon waking, still enveloped in their lingering scent. Trust me, these nude perfumes will have you smelling better than anyone else.

      1. Merit Retrospect

      Key notes: Ambrette, pear, bergamot, orris, musk, vanilla, rose, jasmine, moss

      Merit Retrospect opens with a sweet, juicy note reminiscent of biting into a perfectly ripe pear, but as time passes, this fragrance reveals its true character. Once the initial sweetness fades, it becomes clear that this scent envelops the skin warmly. It envelops you in a creamy musk embrace, reminiscent of melted flower petals blended with double cream. Yet, it carries an element of lived-in beauty, with a slightly disheveled depth that evokes a well-loved handbag, making Retrospect inherently human. Prepare to fall in love with no other fragrance like this one.

      2. Phlur Soft Spot

      Key notes: Bergamot peel, mandarin, freesia, jasmine, waterlily, vanilla orchid

      Among the nude perfumes listed, Phlur Soft Spot is the most akin to a "skin scent." However, its floral heart paired with a soft sandalwood base elevates it to a nude perfume. This blend doesn’t merely rest on the skin like other sweet musk fragrances; it attaches to your skin and evolves into a scent that seems to enhance your own natural sweetness. Soft Spot is truly a gentle extension of your essence.

      3. Chanel Jersey

      Key notes: Lavender, bourbon vanilla, white musk

      Interestingly, Chanel's perfume named "Jersey," reminiscent of soft cotton fabric, is among the most exceptional nude perfumes. While it radiates the velvety softness of jersey, it more accurately evokes the aroma of clean skin wrapped in a luxurious, freshly-pressed jersey t-shirt all day long. In my view, Jersey is one of the most exquisite fragrances ever crafted by Chanel.

      4. & Other Stories Perle de Coco

      Key notes: Caramel, red apple, bamboo, jasmine, ylang ylang, vanilla, warm milk accord, sandalwood

      & Other Stories Perle de Coco is sweet, creamy, gourmand, and delightfully sun-kissed. It resembles caramel mixed into warm milk and poured over sunlit skin while basking on tropical beaches. It encapsulates the aroma of delightful vacation skin in a bottle.

      5. Diptyque Lilyphéa

      Key notes: Vanilla, violet leaves, cardamom

      I must admit, Diptyque Lilyphéa wasn't my first thought when considering the best nude perfumes for this piece. Yet, its captivating qualities can’t be overlooked when I wear it. After spritzing it on my neck daily for a month, I was met with a stream of compliments. People questioned my choice of laundry detergent, body cream, and whether I had just come from a shower. I only realized Lilyphéa was the cause of this intrigue when I sprayed it in the Who What Wear office and everyone flocked over to inquire. It evokes the sensation of stepping out of a refreshing outdoor shower on a hot day.

      6. Maison Francis Kurkdjian APOM

      Key notes: Orange blossom, lavender, ylang-ylang, vanilla, ambery woody accord

      APOM stands for A Part Of Me, and that perfectly describes the essence of this fragrance. The sweet, powdery notes of lavender and orange blossom cling to the skin like a magnet and remain. With just one spritz, you receive a warm, creamy sweetness with an ambery depth that feels as if that scent is inherently yours. APOM becomes part of you.

      7. Victoria Beckham