In my opinion (and Bella Hadid's), this particular fragrance can subtly earn you compliments.

      When Bella Hadid exhales, I take note. So when she introduced a new fragrance through her skin-friendly brand, 'Ôrəbella, the editors at Who What Wear were quick to act for an initial experience (or rather, a sniff?) of the ethereal potion. Encased in a bottle resembling an amber gemstone, the latest fragrance, Eternal Roots, continues her line of oil-based, enduring perfumes. However, Hadid mentioned in a recent Instagram post's caption that this scent has a distinctive feature that sets it apart from her entire lineup and anything crafted by master perfumer Jérôme Epinette. "From the very start, I consult him [Epinette] about every ‘juice’ he might be apprehensive yet eager to experiment with—something not yet available on the market," Hadid writes. The multi-talented model then goes on to detail the notes in Eternal Roots, including lychee, raspberry blossom, suede, pink sugar, and labdanum—and if these layers seem a bit chaotic to you, that’s intentional.

      Orebella

      Eternal Roots Parfum

      Hadid characterizes the fragrance as a “woody, sweet, fruity skin parfum” with deep, sea-like layers, but emphasizes the skillful chaos of fragrance families within it. “I adore the contrast of elements that don’t seem to belong together but somehow fit perfectly,” the model adds. “Yin and yang, perhaps.” Inspired by the duality of this expansive fragrance, I took stock of perfumes featuring mismatched, “yin and yang” notes that have also received the WWW editor's nod of approval. Continue reading for fragrances with surprising combinations that have become some of our top choices.

      Editor-Approved Perfumes with Mismatched Notes

      Perfumehead

      Cosmic Cowboy Extrait De Parfum

      Key notes: Lavender, suede, cinnamon, black musk

      I can't discuss disjointed yet inexplicably harmonious fragrances without mentioning this standout from Perfumehead. Cosmic Cowboy is a rollercoaster of scents, with suede, spice, musk, and florals coexisting beneath the same dazzling night sky. The fragrance has an unusual mix of musk and earthy orris grounding it, while the rest bursts forth in a sparkling blend of lavender and tonka bean. It evolves as the evening progresses, but remains fabulous throughout.

      Editor review: “I enjoy a twisty-and-turny scent (one that's hard to figure out), and this encapsulates a night of mischief you want to relive, bottled. Warm and spicy, it draws inspiration from the Sunset Strip's nightclubs of the 1970s.” – Erin Jahns, beauty director

      Heretic Parfum

      Black Salt Eau De Parfum

      Key notes: Lime, petrichor, black pepper, eucalyptus

      Notes I’d never think would pair? Lime, rose, and black pepper—not to mention petrichor (the scent after rain) and labdanum, the same leathery note found in Eternal Roots. This intriguing marine scent from Heretic evokes “the beach at night,” beginning with lime and culminating in a wave of Turkish rose, jasmine, sea salt, and damp earth. It's my ideal late-summer fragrance, in my opinion.

      Customer review: “Black Salt is surprisingly wonderful and sexy. Capturing its essence with words is tough due to the delightful scent blends: salt, citrus, eucalyptus, lovely jasmine, and occasionally tobacco. It's a bolder marine scent than my usual preference, but it's just so addictive.”

      Lake & Skye

      11 11 Lychee Eau De Parfum

      Key notes: Lychee, raspberry, peony, Hinoki wood

      If these notes sound familiar, you're correct. The fragrance shares a narrative similar to 'Ôrəbella’s Eternal Roots, with fruit, sugar, and floral elements clashing in this earthy scent. It's grounding yet uplifting, shifting on the skin throughout the day—sometimes enveloped in cleansing Hinoki wood and at other moments, showcasing a spring bouquet of sugar-crusted peonies.

      Customer review: “This 11 11 scent is fantastic! I adore the fruity, musky, bright vibes of this perfume. Highly recommended!”

      Byredo

      Bibliothèque Eau De Parfum

      Key notes: Plum, violet, leather, patchouli

      Originally a candle, this library-inspired scent transforms the aromas of leather-bound books and well-loved armchairs into something wearable—and It's girl-approved to boot. If Charli XCX deems this academia-inspired fragrance an “essential,” then so shall I. It merges the woody scent of paper with patchouli, cinnamon, violet, and plum, which may sound more like a school supply list than luxury fragrance ingredients, but don’t judge until you try it.

      Customer review: “I love this classic scent. I receive many compliments when I wear it. It's long-lasting and clean. Definitely recommend this.”

      Key notes: Pear, cardamom