Fragrances are a little like Justin Bieber’s back catalogue: absolutely delightful if you’re a fan, incredibly offensive if you’re not. Scent is super subjective – what smells amazing to one person might be overwhelmingly off-putting to another, and whilst we often think of perfume as a personal choice, said scent is actually shared publicly from the moment we step out the door.
You know when someone sits next to you on public transport and it smells as if they’ve literally bathed in bergamot? Not ideal. It feels as if your senses have been sucker punched and you find yourself suddenly deeming the rest of the way to work “walkable” based on the fact your nostrils would rather cop cold, (somewhat) fresh air over the human citrus fruit sitting beside you.
So what’s one to do if they actually hate every perfume ever made with undying passion? Go clean. Clean scents are literally designed for people who cannot stand fragrance. In the scent world, clean is conceptual: think light, airy, crisp concoctions that make you smell just like freshly laundered linen, just-fallen rain or fresh, clean air. They’re remarkably unremarkable – no headaches, no nausea and most importantly, no scent-related death stares. Pure genius.
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Byredo
Byredo Blanche EDP ($297, mecca.com.au)
A drop designed around the perception of the colour white, it’s light, clean and profoundly plain (in the best possible way).
Evodia
This fresh, soft fragrance mist mixes airy marine notes with delicate musk and a hint of juicy mandarin.
Maison Margiela Replica
Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning EDT ($170, mecca.com.au)
On the days you don’t want to get out of bed, take the comfort of cosy linen sheets with you.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Celestia Forte EDP ($305, mecca.com.au)
An energising and airy aquatic splash with a dash of cool mint to evoke the freshness of icy ocean air.
Juliette Has A Gun
Juliette Has A Gun Not A Perfume EDP ($199, sephora.com.au)
A perfume for the non-perfume wearer. It’s understated, ultra-chic and simply smells squeaky clean.
Derek Lam
Derek Lam 10 Crosby Rain Day ($125, adorebeauty.com.au)
There’s something magically serene about the smell of pavement just after it rains – this is it, bottled.
Clean Reserve
Clean Reserve Warm Cotton EDP ($140, adorebeauty.com.au)
Love to inhale while pulling warm, fresh clothes from the dryer? You’ll adore this comforting cotton concoction.
Philosophy
Philosophy Pure Grace EDT ($65, myer.com.au)
Purity in perfume form – a soap and water scent to leave you shower fresh all day long.
Escentric Molecules
Escentric Molecules Molecule 02 EDP ($150, mecca.com.au)
A subtle splash made for minimalists featuring just a single note: ambroxan, the light, clean member of the musk family.
Glasshouse Fragrances
Glasshouse Fragrances ‘Diving into Cyprus’ $29.95 at glasshousefragrances.com
Missed out on Euro summer? No need to despair, with the warm (crisp) sea air breeze now lingering on your skin, thanks to this deliciously fresh Glasshouse aroma.
Main image credit: @______anouk_____/
Which perfume notes do you find overwhelming? Have you tried any of these clean scents?
Philosophy seem to have so many stunning scents. They have great sweet scents and also very clean scents. Never purchased any of their perfumes but definitely thinking about it now
I absolutely love clean scents! They are so refreshing
So imaginative
Love the idea behind the name 'Blanche' for the perfume.
All aquatics (especially those with prominent musk) I avoid at all cost. Eeeek. Just can't
The Derek Lam fragrance sounds intriguing.
These are sound so lovely, but some are very $$$
I would really like to try Juliette has a Gun, but every time I go into the the city I forget.
Some of these are so pricey.
I have a sudden desire to smell all of these. I actually dislike perfume intensely – can’t bear it – but these sound appealing, if a little pricy for something designed to ‘not smell’.
They all sound fresh
I still wouldn't attempt to use use any of these scents as I'm super sensitive to fragrances. A bit of essential oil now and then is all I can handle
Evodia is the only one that suits my budget.
They all sound great, so are the prices
I bet my in laws wouldn't like any of them. They don't like perfumes. I do. So I try to avoid spraying if I am seeing them.
None of them is in a price range that I would pay for perfume!
I'm not a fan of clean or aquatic scents
They all sound quite lovely. Some are a bit more expensive than I'd usually pay though.
Interesting. I don't have a problem with perfume, but might try one of these anyway.
Would love to try samples of these fragrances. I so love a variety of perfume.
Great article… Just a touch too expensive for me!!!
That Maison Margiela one is lovely. A bit expensive though!
Very interesting, would like to smell these
Evodia's Beach is my pick here – can see I do like a scent after all
I really want to try the Derek Lam!!
I'm not sure I see the point of buying a bottle of scent that effectively has no scent…
I like a fragrance that works well with my skin. These days I stick with what I know. Having something that doesn't have a fragrance defeats the purpose. Even the bottles look bland but then I might be wrong, as they may be amazing, so I wouldn't say 'no' to trying any either.
Beach looks and sounds good!
I would love a sample of these fragrances. They sound very appealing to me.
Great suggestions
Interesting! I would really love to add a clean scent to my perfume collection.
I adore these types of scents. Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning is really subtle and lovely. I need to try Blanche by Byredo
Some of them expensive for me try.
Some really lovely scents for spring/summer. I like something a bit warmer/spicier for cooler months.
It's about time I smelt some new perfumes too
Thanks for that. Good to know
Bit expensive though
Good to know
Curious about Juliette Has a Gun but feel it's likely overhyped.
I love Maison Margiela perfumes. 🙂
Rain on pavement sounds interesting for a scent; steamy!!
I have not tried any of them.But i found colours of the bottles look the same.
i love my florals
Quite pricey to smell like…nothing!
If I could afford these I would buy some.
So-called clean fragrances are not for me. I have a challenging skin chemistry that seems to "eat" perfumes up quickly. I need a strong-smelling perfume.
I've reported the spam below by Jamesm12.
Too expensive for me
I prefer a floral
I was very surprised to find a sample of Juliette has a gun not a perfume in a parcel I collected today!