Confirmed: All the Most Delightfully Surprising Fragrances Share This Alluring Note.

      As per Instagram, TikTok, and my online shopping carts, skin-like, gourmand fragrances are currently in vogue, and as Who What Wear's go-to sweet enthusiast who enjoys keeping things fresh, I'm completely on board. Although the concept of gourmand fragrances isn't exactly groundbreaking, several exciting perfumes that have recently emerged deserve just as much attention as those established for years. It's also well-known that these exceedingly sweet perfumes have evolved over time, taking forms such as whipped cream and pure vanilla bean to dulce de leche and marshmallow; however, the contemporary perfume industry wouldn't be the same without almond. While almond fragrances are typically classified as gourmand, they can present in various forms, many of which lean more sheer, fresh, and earthy than anticipated. When tasting an almond, do you immediately think of sweetness? While they are often featured in your favorite desserts, they can also be somewhat bitter. There are scents that capture both extremes and everything in between. Continue reading to find the best almond perfumes you can explore to stay ahead of the trend before it becomes mainstream.

      What are almond fragrances?

      Tanya Gonzalez, cofounder of Eauso Vert, describes almond fragrances as creamy, skin-like, and versatile. "Almond fragrances can envelop the skin like a soft veil, indulgent yet anchored in comfort and nostalgia," she explains. She notes that almonds possess "a gentle sweetness mixed with subtle nuttiness." This note sometimes includes a hint of marzipan, which Gonzalez particularly enjoys. Her favorite almond fragrance is Hilde Soliani's Orgasmo Eau de Parfum ($130), a blend of this note with classic Amaretto liqueur accord. "It evokes memories of my favorite almond butter croissant found only in San Francisco, yet remains completely wearable while feeling modern and playful," she observes. "It’s also slightly woody, making it a great match for your go-to cashmere attire or leather jacket."

      Are almond perfumes suitable for layering?

      According to Gonzalez, almond perfumes are perfect for layering since they provide a soft foundation that balances sharper notes and enhances sweeter ones, making them ideal for cooler seasons. "Almond is a bit of a shapeshifter—tilt it one way, and it becomes something soft and edible; tilt it the other, and it shifts into an airy, buttery, yet floral scent," Gonzalez explains. "The notes you combine it with can change the overall mood, which is why playing with them is rewarding." Almond pairs well with several notes commonly found in perfumery, such as vanilla, tonka bean, citrus, sandalwood, and musk. "These combinations envelop the almond in a smooth, intimate warmth that feels more like a gentle whisper than a dessert, resulting in a scent that is subtle, personal, and unique," she elaborates.

      The Best Almond Perfumes, Listed:

      - Best Gourmand Spices: Fugazzi Vanilla Haze Eau de Parfum

      - Best Amber Gourmand: Caswell-Massey Almond Eau de Toilette

      - Best Aromatic Woods: Liis Celestial Object Eau de Parfum

      - Best Warm Gourmand: Arquiste Parfumeur Almond Suede Eau de Parfum

      - Best Fresh Florals: Parfums de Marly Valaya Exclusif Parfum

      **Fugazzi**

      Vanilla Haze Eau de Parfum

      Scent Type: Gourmand spices

      Notes: Mandarin, coconut milk, almond, hazelnut, vanilla pod, tonka bean, jasmine, crème brûlée, white amber, sweet musk

      **Caswell-Massey**

      Almond Eau de Toilette

      Scent Type: Amber gourmand

      Notes: Salty accord, tart cherry, almond flower, tonka bean, sandalwood

      **Liis**

      Celestial Object Eau de Parfum

      Scent Type: Aromatic woods

      Notes: Quince, pink pepper, almond, rice pepper, labdanum, tonka bean

      **Prada**

      Infusion d'Amande Eau de Parfum

      Scent Type: Gourmand spices

      Notes: Bitter almond, heliotrope, mandarin, tonka bean absolute, star anise, musk

      **D.S. & Durga**

      Pistachio Eau de Parfum

      Scent Type: Aromatic green

      Notes: Pistachio, cardamom, roasted almond, vanilla crème

      **Arquiste Parfumeur**

      Almond Suede Eau de Parfum

      Scent Type: Warm gourmand

      Notes: Pink peppercorn, Italian bergamot oil, honeycomb absolute, bitter almond oil, cistus concrete, neroli oil, saffron accord, orange-flower accord, candied sugar, vanilla absolute, pine tar, suede accord

      **BDK Parfums**

      Velvet Tonka Eau de Parfum

      Scent Type: Gourmand florals

      Notes: Orange blossom, almond, rose absolute, tobacco absolute, tonka bean absolute,