I’ve never considered myself a fan of coconut scents, but Byredo's new Alto Astral has changed that.

      Confession: I'm not a fan of tropical perfumes. While I enjoy a juicy peach fragrance or a fresh aquatic scent during the summer, I generally avoid anything labeled as a "vacation in a bottle." I spend a lot of time finding the best fragrance-free sunscreens, so it feels contradictory to cover myself in something reminiscent of SPF 50. I understand the nostalgic appeal of a sweet banana-coconut scent, but I prefer to smell like a bakery rather than a beach bag—just my personal preference! So, when I learned that Byredo was about to release a coconut perfume, I wasn’t exactly thrilled. The brand typically delivers amazing fragrances, but it would take something exceptional to change my mind about coconut scents. As you can see from the title above, Byredo completely exceeded my expectations and transformed my perspective. Alto Astral Eau de Parfum is an absolute delight—it’s so wonderful that I officially renounce my coconut-hating stance.

      BYREDO

      Alto Astral Eau de Parfum

      Key notes: Aldehyde, coconut water, incense, jasmine petals, milky musks, sandalwood, cashmere woods, salted amber.

      Pros: Sophisticated and spicy, suitable for summer but can be worn year-round, excellent longevity, a unique blend that stands out from anything else you own.

      Cons: Doesn’t have the typical tropical scent; may not appeal to those who prefer beachy fragrances.

      Customer review: "Beautiful scent. It's my new favorite for summer. Soft, creamy, yet fresh and captivating. It lasts a good amount of time on my skin too. Very pleased with this fragrance and would repurchase."

      What Does Byredo Alto Astral Smell Like? Vibrant. Warm. Sophisticated. Incredibly sexy. These are just a few descriptors that come to mind whenever I catch a whiff of Alto Astral on my wrist. While it is technically a coconut perfume, it has a spicy, oaky dry-down that feels more like a skin scent than a sunscreen-like fragrance. I believe this is why it is the first coconut scent that has genuinely won me over (and garnered numerous compliments): the coconut offers a fresh, creamy opening, quickly followed by incense, milky musk, sandalwood, cashmere wood, and salted amber, giving it a seductive quality. It’s not just reminiscent of the beach; it feels more like a beach club at twilight.

      That being said, I wouldn’t categorize Alto Astral strictly as a vacation fragrance. I’ve worn it to the office, on dates, and at numerous summer gatherings, and I’m consistently impressed by how brilliantly it shines. The name is derived from a Brazilian Portuguese expression that translates roughly to "good vibes," and I agree that this fragrance exudes pure joy with a hint of intrigue.

      One reviewer from Nordstrom sums it up perfectly: "As a long-time Byredo fan—this being my ninth bottle—I thought I’d seen it all. But Alto Astral completely surprised me. It’s a warm, bright, and sensual fragrance that feels like summer bottled up, with a signature twist only Byredo could pull off." I’d argue that this "twist" (the hint of warm spice) makes Alto Astral suitable for year-round wear. While some might claim it’s summer in a bottle, those refined, earthy notes can easily evoke the coziness of fall. In fact, once the fragrance dries, I can hardly detect the coconut, enveloped instead in its sandalwood, cashmere, and amber warmth.

      How Long Does Alto Astral Last? Byredo fragrances are known for their impressive longevity (at least six to eight hours!), and Alto Astral is no exception. Just keep in mind that this is an eau de parfum, so it's slightly less concentrated than an extrait (such as Vanille Antique, another beloved choice), but I’d say it lasts quite a while on the skin—and even longer when sprayed on fabric. (Note: Fragrance adheres better to fabric fibers.) Regardless, Alto Astral has become one of those perfumes I truly enjoy reapplying, so I don’t mind a quick midday spritz. I’ve kept it nearby all summer, and the charming 50-milliliter version is perfect for touch-ups at my desk.

      Is Byredo Alto Astral Worth It? As a big fan of Byredo, there are very few products (perhaps none) that I wouldn’t recommend. However, none have excited me quite like Alto Astral. I encourage you to give it a try if you can! I’m so glad I did, even with my reservations about tropical scents—honestly, the first spray left me speechless. I’ve been secretly wearing it all summer and have received an overwhelming number of "You smell amazing" compliments, with many surprised when I reveal it’s a new elevated coconut perfume. If you're looking for a sophisticated beach scent that