From updates on classics to scent stacking and skin musks, fragrance experts reveal how to wear perfume this year.
In 2026, perfume isn’t just something you spray on before leaving the house — it’s a ritual, a mood-setter and a form of self-expression. As trends move faster and consumers grow more discerning, fragrance is becoming both more intimate and more intentional.
“The idea of fragrance as a one-size-fits-all product is disappearing,” says Jonny Webber, expert at PerfumeDirect.com. “People want scent to reflect who they are and how they feel — not just what smells pleasant.”
From personalised layering to bold, long-lasting signatures, here’s how perfume is evolving in 2026 — according to the people shaping the industry.
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Raspberry is the new cherry
Fruit fragrances continue to reinvent themselves and berries remain firmly in focus. After cherry’s cult moment — propelled by icons like Tom Ford Lost Cherry — raspberry is emerging as the fruit note to watch.
“Fruit-led perfumes have enjoyed a strong few years,” says Karla Woolley, head of buying at The Perfume Shop. “Looking ahead to 2026, raspberries are emerging as the berries to watch. They’re sweeter than redcurrant yet sharper and more characterful than strawberry.”
She adds: “We’re seeing more interest in fruit notes that feel bold but refined. Raspberry offers sweetness with personality, which makes it perfect for expressive fragrances.”
Shop the scent: Jimmy Choo I Want Choo with Love
Soft gourmands, reimagined
Gourmands are still dominating, but they’re growing subtler and more sophisticated. Instead of sugary overload, 2026’s edible scents lean into warm, creamy accords.
“Customers are still drawn to comforting notes, but they want them to feel wearable and elevated,” Karla explains. “Gourmand perfumes are becoming less about intensity and more about how they make you feel.”
Jonny agrees, noting a clear evolution: “Sweet dessert notes are being replaced with creamy pistachio, toasted nuts and subtle savoury accords. They feel indulgent, but grown-up.”
Shop the scent: Banana Republic Tobacco & Tonka Bean
The rise of the fragrance wardrobe
The days of one signature scent are quietly fading. In its place comes the fragrance wardrobe — a curated collection worn according to mood, moment and setting.
“More people now own multiple fragrances with a clear purpose,” says Jonny. “One for work, one for evenings, one for the gym and one for comfort at home. Fragrance is being treated like fashion — contextual, flexible and mood-led.”
This shift is being driven largely by gen Z and younger millennials, who see scent as an accessory that changes as often as their playlist.
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Scents for different occasions
Leading on from this, 2026 will be shaped by two parallel fragrance desires.
“In 2026, two distinct scent directions will shape the market,” says Shahadat Tapadar, sales manager at Luzi on behalf of Electimuss. “Light, fresh, second-skin fragrances for everyday confidence, and richer, more intricate signature scents for evenings and special occasions.”
Christina Kamester, head of fragrances at SO…?, describes the latter bluntly: “Consumers want fragrances that work harder — stronger, longer-lasting, with a sillage so thick you could eat it with a spoon.”
These bold, high-impact scents coexist comfortably with softer skin scents, reflecting a culture where opposing aesthetics thrive side by side.
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Skin, solar & gender-neutral musks
Clean, diffusive musks are becoming the backbone of modern perfumery — and they’re also accelerating the move toward gender-neutral fragrance.
Shahadat explains: “Soft, diffusive musks are becoming the signature of daily wear. Consumers are gravitating toward scents that feel intimate, personal and quietly confident — a true second-skin effect.”
In 2026, these musks sit alongside soft woods and warm ambers, allowing fragrance to express personality rather than gender. What was once niche is now simply the norm.
Read more: So…? Women’s Musk Body Mist
Rose gets a modern update
Florals are returning with attitude and rose is leading the charge. Forget powdery or pretty — modern rose is darker, deeper and far more complex.
“Perfumers are pushing rose into unexpected territory,” says Jonny. “Paired with saffron, incense, woods and leather, it’s becoming sensual, introspective and powerful — a floral with depth rather than decoration.”
Shahadat echoes this shift toward cool-toned florals, noting a resurgence of orris, metallic rose and osmanthus accords, which feel translucent rather than traditional.
Shop the scent: Chloé L’eau de Parfum Intense Women’s Perfume Spray
Spices galore
Spice is playing a bigger role in shaping 2026 scents, but with a lighter hand. Saffron is emerging as a hero note, delivering warmth and subtle sweetness without heaviness.
“Saffron brings a glowing warmth that feels luxurious but not overpowering,” says Karla. “Alongside it, cardamom and ginger are being used for gentle lift rather than sharp intensity.”
This radiant approach to spice also reflects the growing influence of Middle Eastern perfumery, where longevity and trail are prized.
Shop the scent: Yves Saint Laurent Libre Le Parfum
Layering, scent stacking & personal rituals
Personalisation is no longer a luxury add-on — it’s central to how we wear fragrance.
Pinterest trend forecasts show a rise in ‘scent stacking’, with consumers layering perfumes, oils and balms to create something unique.
“Fragrance is becoming deeply personal,” says Jonny. “In 2026, luxury fragrance is less about labels and more about meaning.”
Shahadat adds that even subtle layering techniques can transform a scent: “Combining lighter applications or complementary accords helps wearers build a stronger emotional connection to fragrance.”
Read more: How to layer perfumes to create a signature scent
Slow perfumery & conscious creation
As launch fatigue sets in, slow perfumery is gaining ground. Rooted in craftsmanship, ethical sourcing and transparency, it prioritises intention over hype.
“If fast fragrance is fast food, slow perfumery is a carefully made meal,” says Jonny. “It’s not about volume — it’s about depth.”
This mindset aligns with growing sustainability expectations, from bio-engineered ingredients to refillable packaging and reduced environmental impact.
Feature image: Unsplash
