Take Note: These Are the Scents That Will Characterize Fall 2026

      (Image credit: Guerlain; Ex Nihilo; Sidia; Le Labo; L'Objet; Old Navy; Chloé)

      As someone whose job involves testing and reviewing beauty products, I often get early access to exciting launches weeks—sometimes even months—ahead of their official availability. It's certainly an advantage, and my excitement never fails to spike when I receive a secret, unlabeled lab sample in the mail. However, this also creates a bit of a challenge, particularly with fragrances. Whenever someone compliments my scent (which is my favorite kind of praise) and asks what perfume I'm wearing, it’s usually an unreleased formulation I need to keep confidential for now. I attempt to describe the fragrance notes without revealing the brand or name, but that requires some mental maneuvering. In the last few months, I've tested many of these delightful scents, but I've held off until now to share my official picks. So here it is: a list of new fragrance launches that caught my attention amidst the barrage of press releases, astonished me from the first spritz, and prompted numerous compliments of "You smell amazing." If you're searching for a fresh autumn perfume, don't miss these 10 picks.

      The Best New Perfumes to Wear in September

      1. L'Objet Alento Eau de Parfum

       Key notes: Orange, aldehydes, orange blossom, fresh florals, lactones, vanilla, ambergris, white musks. Fruity gourmands are experiencing a revival, especially in luxury fragrances. A playful scent doesn't necessarily lack sophistication. For example, L'Objet's Alento conjures the essence of walking through a California orange grove with its sparkling orange, aldehydes, orange blossom, creamy vanilla, and white musks. It reads as juicy on paper, yet feels crisp—similar to the initial coolness of autumn air. Just a note: citrus notes typically peak in fall and winter!

      2. Voluspa Saddle Up Santal Eau de Parfum

       Key notes: Cardamom, sandalwood, mahogany, cedar, amber, musk. I challenge anyone to find a scent more evocative of fall than this spiced mix of cardamom, sandalwood, mahogany, and cedar. Though not a brand-new introduction, it signifies the luxury home fragrance brand's entry into fine fragrances. I had high expectations, as I have several Voluspa candles around my home (Bourbon Vanille is always burning once the air turns crisp), and I'm thrilled to say the brand delivered impressively. I also adore a unique scent that feels like a well-kept secret, and this woodsy, leathery fragrance will have everyone eagerly asking for the details.

      3. Le Labo Shiu 25 Eau de Parfum

       Key notes: Iris, olibanum, woods. Introducing Le Labo’s newest City Exclusive fragrance, Shiu 25. Like other scents in this special lineup (such as Gaiac 10, Osmanthus 19, and Tabac 28), this blend is only available in the city it originates from—Beijing. However, from today until September 30, you can purchase a full-sized bottle no matter where you are. City Exclusives feel like insider treasures, scents that you can claim as distinctly your own, but Shiu 25 particularly deserves a spot in your collection. It's light and airy with iris and olibanum, yet has a grounding woody base that makes it ideal for everyday wear in the fall.

      4. Sidia The Strike

       Key notes: Black pepper, leather, vanilla cream, coconut. The first time I wore Sidia's debut fine fragrance, a fellow beauty editor (shoutout to Alyssa!) asked me, "What fragrance are you wearing? It smells amazing!" Well, technically it's Braless—the same leathery, creamy scent that captures the essence of a well-loved t-shirt—elevated to eau de parfum strength and encased in the most stylish gold bottle I’ve ever seen. Inspired by a pair of earrings given to founder Erin Kleinberg by her grandmother, the sculptural bottle called The Strike is a stunning piece of art and has been in my bag ever since I received my early sample.

      5. Guerlain L'Heure Bleue Eau de Parfum

       Key notes: Iris, orange blossom, vanilla, Ambroxan. I clearly have an affinity for iris right now, as I can’t help but rave about Guerlain's recent release, which features two types of this luxurious note—a butter and a tincture—resulting in a rich, creamy scent. Perfumer Delphine Jelk shared that the fragrance is designed to evoke a breezy twilight evening, capturing that precise moment of transition between day and night. I can't think of a better scent to invest in as the cooler seasons approach.

      6. Chloé Le Nectar Parfum

       Key notes