Skin scents are trending in the perfume world, reflective of the “clean girl” aesthetic that’s been so popular the last few years. I love skin scents because they won’t overwhelm you as the wearer or those around you, and they tend to have comforting, pleasant accords that are appropriate for any time of day–and year. Here are my top five picks.
Dedcool’s Milk is a layering and enhancer fragrance with notes of bergamot, white musk, and amber. Don’t let the name fool you – this does not smell like dairy. Rather, it provides the same metaphorical effect that a tall glass of fresh, cold milk might have on a child; it’s familiar, soothing, and provides an instant sense of relief. I like to carry this one with me and spray it on whenever I need a little pick-me-up because 1) I am addicted to the smell and 2) I know it’s not going to overpower anyone’s nose in the immediate vicinity.
Blanche by Byredo is a beautiful harmony of aldehydes, floral notes (peony and violet), and musk with some sandalwood also in the base. This smells like clean clothes, laundered and left to dry outside, the harsh detergent smell softened by an airy breeze drifting past a garden. It has that same comforting note (it’s the musk) that Milk has, but this one is fresher and cleaner. It smells like home, after you’ve showered and slipped into clean sheets.
Everyone’s heard of J’adore by Dior, right? There is a lesser-known flanker called J’adore d’Eau, and it’s magical. Firstly, this edition is alcohol-free (hence the “d’eau,” meaning it’s water-based); it spritzes out in a white, milky mist that smells divine. The scent is not so dissimilar to the original, but this one is less “perfumey” and more subtle. Perhaps the most feminine-leaning of this list, its notes include neroli, jasmine sambac, and magnolia. It smells like skin after a luxurious bubble bath, or a fancy spa. Find it at FragranceNet.
Lake and Skye’s 11 11 is an ode to musk that was inspired by the color white. Its official notes are white amber and musk, and it’s intended to smell like skin after emerging from the ocean. To my nose, this one is a tad like Milk, but sweeter. Its clean subtlety reminds me of fluffy clouds above the sea, crisp against the blue sky and honeyed by the sunshine. I like using the fragrance oil rollerball and layering any of the other scents on this list with it.
Recently, this last fragrance was trending on TikTok. According to some creators, smelling Missing Person will instantly remind you of someone you love. This sentiment is not far off from Phlur’s original intent–the brand calls it a “delicate, yet addictive fragrance that evokes the lingering scent of your lover’s skin.” With notes of skin musk, bergamot nectar, neroli blossom, blonde wood, white musk, and more, this is the warmest of this list, to my nose, and deserves all the hype it gets.
