Snapshots
The year 2025 was dominated by fragrance. We appeared to be actively searching for the most exquisite fragrances to distinguish ourselves, dedicating more time than ever to research and purchase the finest perfumes. The fragrance industry is ripe for another banner year in 2026, but which scents will be the most sought-after?
You may say that 2025 was a juxtapositional moment. While some of us splurged on powerful, assertive fragrances, others favoured subtle, opulent skin odours. But after analyzing 2026 trends, it seems like we'll be able to luxuriate in a plethora of new fragrance trends in the coming year. The most popular fragrances of 2026 will be bursting with innovation; expect to smell gourmet foods like never before, fruits that enhance sexual allure, scents evoking your favourite cafe, and plenty more. Read on to learn about the five most popular fragrance trends of 2026 and to find out what perfumes will make you smell like the hottest new it girl.
Our perfume guide explores trending notes, identifies classic trends, unique finds, and oldies with an inventive twist! Stick around to finally get your signature scent this 2026!
Fresh spring berries—a unique 2026 trend!
The popularity of berries is outpacing the rate at which their actual vines can spread. In popular fragrances, sun-ripened strawberries take centre stage, competing with the seductive depths of orris root and leather. A whimsical concoction of sugared strawberries, Miutine, was released online by Miu Miu in 2025, and Nest debuted an eau de parfum variant of their fruity-floral Santa Barbara Strawberry in 2026.
A plethora of raspberry fragrances, such as the fresh, juicy Yves Saint Laurent Libre Berry Crush, will be released in the near future. Other options include Serviette Ruche, a more eco-friendly take on the note, and Imaginary Authors In Love With Everything, a celebration of raspberry at its most juicy and sugary, supported by fizzy citrus pulp and coconut palm sugar.
Fruity is back—an understated revamp of a familiar Y2K scent
The fruits are becoming darker, juicier, and fleshier. When you spray on a fruity fragrance, it will be like biting into a juicy piece of fruit. Fruity scents in the year 2026 will be full of dimension, juiciness, texture, and realism. Fruity accords, such as plums, passionfruit, pomegranates, and even bananas, will be more prominent in the middle and base of scents instead of being reserved for the top notes. These days, fruit notes are more than simply a fleeting, dazzling introduction; they're thoughtful and sensuous. We force fruits to the brink of ripeness or force them back into a more acute state. The familiarity is there, but now it's more nuanced, like enjoying something with a hint of challenge.
Toasted Gourmands—a classic note but elevated for 2026
In 2025, every fragrance was just right. From milkshake-themed eaux de parfum to body mists with notes that read like a dessert menu—drizzling chocolate, swirling caramel, and extra helpings of vanilla—we witnessed hundreds of sugary gourmet debuts. However, this year, the gourmet trend is moving toward savoury dishes.
Rather than the same old vanilla caramels, we predict savoury, food-inspired overtones that add texture and comfort—a far more subtle and intriguing take on gourmandism. In 2026, envision a gourmand who combines sweet, savoury, and slightly spicy flavours. You can practically feel the candied stickiness of the caramelised nuts and toasted sesame on your fingertips with just one spray. Its irresistible warmth is supplied by nutmeg, golden musk, and sandalwood, which control its sweetness.
Signature woody scents just for men? 2026 is all about inclusion!
Not only in cologne, but also in 2026, woodsy notes will be ubiquitous. Woodsy aromas evoke feelings of calm, self-assurance, and poise in their wearers; they also cling to the skin, transform gracefully, and exude an air of subtle richness. Basically, spray on a woodsy fragrance to give off an air of affluence. The range of wood notes is vast. Example: sandalwood has a soothing, velvety scent that lingers close to the skin. Contrarily, patchouli has an earthy richness, while vetiver tends toward smokiness.
The scent of cedar is fresh and woodsy. Regardless of the species, woody aromas are often opulent and dramatic, making them suitable for formal events and evenings out. Dancing Scorched Woods is a fan favourite; it's a spicy combination of patchouli, vetiver, cedar, and sandalwood with a hint of sweet booziness from dark rum and sugar. The English Oak & Hazelnut by Jo Malone is a little more refined, featuring cedar, oak, and a hint of hazelnut.