Greenery under grey skies. The scent that lingers after heavy rain. Green fragrances are the most understated corner of the fresh family – and for many people, the most evocative. Here's what makes a green fragrance, and how to find the one that's yours.
What do green fragrances smell like?
Our green fragrances are infused with the crispness of freshly cut grass, rosemary and mint. They offer a wildly nostalgic feel that gently refreshes the soul – like a quiet walk through a dewy garden.
Where citrus draws its freshness from fruit, green draws it from leaves, stems and sap: think snapped stalks, crushed leaves, tomato vine, damp earth after rain. There's often a faint bitterness in a good green fragrance, and that's deliberate – it's what stops the freshness reading as sweet, and what makes these scents feel like the outdoors rather than a room spray.
Why are green fragrances so nostalgic?
Green notes have an unusual power to trigger memory. Freshly cut grass in particular is one of the most universally recognised scents there is, tied for most people to childhood summers and open air. That's the quiet appeal of this category: green fragrances don't just smell pleasant, they tend to take you somewhere.
When should I wear a green fragrance?
Spring above all, when the association is at its most natural, though a green fragrance is a lovely thing on a mild autumn day too. They suit daytime and outdoor occasions, and they're quietly excellent for work – present without being noticeable, refreshing without being loud. If you find citrus too bright and aquatics too cool, green often sits perfectly between the two.
How does green differ from the other fresh scents?
The fresh family divides by the source of its freshness. Green draws on leaves and stems. Citrus draws on fruit, for brightness and zest. Aromatic draws on herbs, going warmer and more daring. Aquatic draws on sea air and water accords, for something cool and open.
Discover our green fragrances, or explore the full fresh family.