Confirmed: All the Surprisingly Delicious Fragrances Share This Alluring Note.

      As noted by Instagram, TikTok, and my online shopping carts, skin-inspired gourmand fragrances are in vogue right now, and as the sweet tooth at Who What Wear who prefers to keep things fresh, I fully support this trend. Although gourmand scents are not a new concept, several delightful perfumes have recently been released that deserve as much recognition as their longstanding counterparts. It’s also well-known that these ultra-sweet fragrances have evolved over the years, taking on forms like whipped cream, pure vanilla bean, dulce de leche, and marshmallow. However, the modern perfume industry owes a lot to almond. While almond scents typically align with the gourmand category, they come in many variations, often leaning more sheer, fresh, and earthy than one might anticipate. When you bite into an almond, do you immediately think of sweetness? They’re often included in desserts, but they can also have a bitter edge. There are scents that capture both aspects and everything in between. Continue reading to uncover the top almond perfumes to try if you want to stay ahead of the trend.

      What exactly are almond fragrances? Tanya Gonzalez, cofounder of Eauso Vert, describes almond fragrances as creamy, skin-like, and adaptable. "Almond fragrances can act like a soft veil on the skin, creamy and indulgently gentle while rooted in comfort and nostalgia," she explains. Almonds possess what's described as "a gentle sweetness blended with a subtle nuttiness," which is occasionally enhanced with a hint of marzipan, a detail Gonzalez appreciates. Her top recommendation for an almond fragrance is Hilde Soliani's Orgasmo Eau de Parfum ($130), which fuses this note with a classic Amaretto liqueur accord. "It reminds me of my favorite almond butter croissant found only in San Francisco but remains completely wearable while feeling modern and playful," she notes. "It's also slightly woody, making it a great match for cozy cashmere or a leather jacket."

      Are almond perfumes suitable for layering? Gonzalez indicates that almond perfumes are perfect for layering because they provide a soft base that can soften sharper scents and enhance sweeter ones. They are also ideal for the colder months. "Almond is a bit of a shape-shifter—lean one way and it takes on a soft, edible quality; lean the other way and it becomes airy, buttery, and floral," Gonzalez explains. "The accompanying notes define the overall mood, which is why it's fun to experiment with." Almond complements many notes that are commonly used in perfumery, including vanilla, tonka bean, citrus, sandalwood, and musk. "These combinations envelop the almond in a smooth, close-to-skin warmth that feels more like a whisper than a dessert, creating a scent that is intimate, subtle, and uniquely yours," she elaborates.

      The Best Almond Perfumes, Listed:

      - **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, vanilla absolute, amyris wood essence, amber woods

      - **Parfums de Marly Valaya Exclusif Parfum**

       *Scent Type:* Fresh florals

       *Notes:* Almond, bergamot, mandarin, orange blossom, white flowers, powdery facets, akigal