Scents with berry notes aren’t a new thing, but we’re starting to see the less usual berry ingredients cropping up in fragrance formulas. Of course perfumers and fragrance houses are always looking for ways to entice, and in our earlier trend report we predicted that fruity fragrances are going to be everywhere. We’ve already sniffed several new crops of this vibrant fragrance family, and to get ahead of this trend, let’s take a look at some already-available scents who’ve embraced this distinctive and gloriously juicy trend by using the less often used berries.
February being ‘the month of love’, with the traditional Valentine’s it’s fascinating to note how often berries feature in romantically themed scents, and there’s a long history of berries and love being linked this way. Strawberries are perhaps the most obvious – being pleasingly heart shaped and often presented to loved ones, perhaps decadently dipped in chocolate. But those less-often usedfragrant berry notes also have many links to mythology and flower lore.
As Courtney Alexander, from the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University explains, in Victorian flower language, for example, ‘an elderberry branch signified remorse’, while ‘the cranberry blossom signifies that the receiver extend kindness to the giver.’ Meanwhile, ‘Gooseberries are also associated with a wide range of meanings’ (often rather nudge-nudge, wink wink ones) because ‘when British children ask where babies come from, they are told that they can be found “under a gooseberry bush.” This agrees with the Victorian flower meaning of the blossom: anticipation.’ And of course, ‘The phrase “playing gooseberry” signifies the third person and possible chaperone of a group where the other two people are dating.’
Whichever ripe berry you plump for, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect perfume, from our pick of the berry bunch this month…
Gooseberry – Abercrombie & Fitch Authentic Self Woman
As bright and cheery as a sunny day in the English countryside. The vibrant yellow flacon hints at the explosion of freshness within – a zesty wake-up call that’s sure to lift your spirits on even the gloomiest of mornings. The star of the show is the tart, green gooseberry, which adds a delightful zing to the composition. Imagine biting into a perfectly ripe gooseberry, its sharp, tangy flavour bursting on your tongue. This vivacious note is beautifully complemented by the citrusy punch of lemon peel and the luscious sweetness of pear. As the scent develops, a beautiful bouquet of freesia, jasmine, and lily of the valley emerges, their delicate floral notes softened by a woody musk base.
£39 for 100ml eau de parfum thefragranceshop.co.uk
Cranberry – Pictor Parfum Airbrush
Painting a picture of sophistication with its unique cranberry note, think of strolling through a misty landscape, the tart berries glistening with morning dew. The scent opens with a smattering of ripe cranberry, its sharp, slightly bitter aroma mingling with the sweetness of mandarin and the exotic allure of lychee. As it settles, the composition reveals a heart of rose and cyclamen, with an unexpected twist – the glamorous scent of waxy lipstick. The final brushstroke is a creamy blend of vanilla, dry amber, and soft musk, creating a truly flawless olfactive masterpiece.
£84 for 50ml eau de parfum In our Shop
Tayberry / Loganberry / Sloe / Raspberry Leaf – Jorum Healing Berry
A veritable cornucopia of berry notes. This fragrance transports you to the Valley of Strathmore, where wild berries grow in abundance. Imagine crushing tayberries, loganberries, and sloes in a timeworn pestle and mortar, releasing their tannin-sweet juices. The scent is a complex tapestry of aromas, weaving together the herbaceous notes of artemisia and wild mint with the fruity richness of blackcurrant and violet leaf. As it dries down, the earthy warmth of raspberry leaf and orris butter emerges, grounded by a unique cereal accord that evokes images of sun-warmed fields.
£89 for 30ml extrait de parfum jorumstudio.com
Blueberry – Shay & Blue Blueberry Musk
Created by perfumer Julie Massé, is a bewitching concoction that showcases the often-overlooked blueberry note. Close your eyes and imagine biting into a plump, ripe blueberry, its sweet-tart juice staining your fingers. This vivid note is paired with zesty orange in the opening, creating a sparkling, mouthwatering effect. The heart of the fragrance blooms with the heady white floral notes of magnolia and orange blossom, their creamy sweetness perfectly balancing the fruity top notes. As the scent settles, a sensual base of musk and cashmere wood emerges, wrapping the wearer in a warm, inviting embrace.
Try a 2ml sample as part of The Perfume Party Discovery Box (nine differing fragrance samples) £22 / £18 for VIPs In our Shop
Blackcurrant / Blackberry / Mulberry / Blueberry – Lalique Amethyst
A true berry extravaganza created by Nathalie Lorson, this is a celebration of dark, juicy berries – blackcurrant, blackberry, and mulberry – with a hint of blueberry for good measure. Picture yourself in a sun-dappled forest, surrounded by bramble bushes heavy with ripe berries. The scent opens with a burst of spicy nutmeg mingling with the rich, jammy aroma of blackberry and the tart, slightly green note of blackcurrant. As it develops, a lush floral heart unfolds, featuring pepper-spiced rose, delicate peony, and intoxicating ylang-ylang. The base is a soft, powdery blend of Bourbon vanilla and sensual musk, creating a scent that’s as multifaceted and captivating as the amethyst-inspired bottle it’s housed in.
£63 for 50ml eau de parfum uk.lalique.com
These innovative fragrances prove that berries are more than just a sweet treat – they’re a versatile and exciting addition to the perfumer’s palette. From the tart zing of gooseberry to the jammy richness of blackberry, each berry note brings its own unique character to these olfactive compositions, creating scents that are truly unforgettable.
Written by Suzy Nightingale