From the floral scents of Francis Kurkdjian’s Aqua Universalis Cologne to the musky scents within Le Labo Santal 33, these are the best genderless perfumes.
Summer is finally here and besides wearing plenty of deodorant in preparation for the sweat that comes with hot weather, it’s not a bad idea to also apply perfume. Whether you’re having a picnic in the park, walking the dog, or getting ready for a night out, perfume should be a staple among your post-COVID cosmetic products—especially one you can share with all of the besties, regardless of gender. Here, L’OFFICIEL rounds up the best unisex and genderless perfumes to share.
Le Labo
Inspired by the American West, Le Labo’s Santal 33 has hints of cardamom, iris, violet, and ambrox combined with leathery and musky notes for the perfect unisex scent. Although it’s a statement fragrance, it’s not overwhelming, and is perfectly timeless.
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum, $192 for 50 mL, Le Labo
Byredo
Byredo Blanche is built around the perception of the color white, aiming for a pure, untainted, innocent scent that would blend into nature. The perfume has notes of white rose, peony, violet, musk, and sandalwood.
Byredo Blanche, $190 for $50 mL, Byredo
Exentric Molecules
Molecule 01 is truly unique, thanks to one single ingredient. The Iso E Super formula allows this scent to smell different on whoever wears it, so it’s perfect for sharing with friends.
Escentric Molecules Molecule 01, $60 for 30mmL, Net-A-Porter
Yves Saint Laurent
Reformulated based on the classic Libre Parfum, Libre Eau de Parfum Intense is longer-lasting and more intense. The notes of orange blossom and warm vanilla are light and lovely—perfect for a big night out or an all-day work marathon.
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum Intense, $30 for 10 mL, Yves Saint Laurent
D.S & Durga
This perfume aims to capture the dry air of Marfa, Texas, and it does so with scents of pine resin, oak, and smoke. If you’re looking for a vacation from bustling city life, start with this perfume that will take you away to another place.
D.S. & Durga El Cosmico Eau de Parfum, $175 for 50 mL, D.S. & Durga
Heretic Perfumes
Heretic Perfumes
A New York-based perfume, Pistil Whip has an interesting backstory, as it was inspired by the founder getting mugged and pistol-whipped one night walking home in the city. However, the scent is gentle, with floral notes and a smoky layer.
Heretic Parfums Pistil Whip, $65 for 15 ml, Shen Beauty
A New York-based perfume, Pistil Whip has an interesting backstory, as it was inspired by the founder getting mugged and pistol-whipped one night walking home in the city. However, the scent is gentle, with floral notes and a smoky layer.
Heretic Parfums Pistil Whip, $65 for 15 ml, Shen Beauty
Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein
CK One is the O.G. unisex perfume, if one even exists. With clean scents of bergamot, cardamom, and pineapple, this perfume will remind you of spring and summer.
Calvin Klein CK One, $54 for 1.7 oz, Calvin Klein
CK One is the O.G. unisex perfume, if one even exists. With clean scents of bergamot, cardamom, and pineapple, this perfume will remind you of spring and summer. Calvin Klein CK One, $54 for 1.7 oz, Calvin Klein
Jo Malone
Jo Malone
While many of Jo Malone’s perfumes are unisex, the combination of the woody oak scent and the hazelnut makes this perfume stand out as light and pleasant for all genders. Plus, it has a strong sillage, so it’s great for a variety of occasions, lasting a long time.
Jo Malone English Oak & Hazelnut Cologne, $72 for 30 mL, Jo Malone
While many of Jo Malone’s perfumes are unisex, the combination of the woody oak scent and the hazelnut makes this perfume stand out as light and pleasant for all genders. Plus, it has a strong sillage, so it’s great for a variety of occasions, lasting a long time.
Jo Malone English Oak & Hazelnut Cologne, $72 for 30 mL, Jo Malone
Francis Kurkdjian
Francis Kurkdjian
Aqua Universalis Cologne aims to capture and inspire radiance, with scents of bergamot, white musk, and white flowers such as mock orange and sweet pea. This perfume literally feels like a breath of fresh air.
Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte, $225 for 2.4 oz, Bergdorf Goodman
Aqua Universalis Cologne aims to capture and inspire radiance, with scents of bergamot, white musk, and white flowers such as mock orange and sweet pea. This perfume literally feels like a breath of fresh air.
Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte, $225 for 2.4 oz, Bergdorf Goodman
Dior
Dior
Dior’s Spice Blend encapsulates the season of fall perfectly, with its mix of cinnamon, ginger, and rum scents. As you smell it, you can picture fall leaves coming down from trees in autumn while drinking cider.
Dior Spice Blend, $250 for 4.25 oz, Dior
Dior’s Spice Blend encapsulates the season of fall perfectly, with its mix of cinnamon, ginger, and rum scents. As you smell it, you can picture fall leaves coming down from trees in autumn while drinking cider.
Dior Spice Blend, $250 for 4.25 oz, Dior
Chanel
Chanel
With its citrusy tones, Chanel Deauville will remind you of the Normandy coast and all the wonder that surrounds it. The formula includes orange, lime, basil, jasmine, and rose, so it’s perfect for any occasion. Chanel Deauville, $80 for 1.7 fl. oz., Chanel
With its citrusy tones, Chanel Deauville will remind you of the Normandy coast and all the wonder that surrounds it. The formula includes orange, lime, basil, jasmine, and rose, so it’s perfect for any occasion.
Chanel Deauville, $80 for 1.7 fl. oz., Chanel
Clean Reserve
Clean Reserve
Clean Reserve Smoked Vetiver is a therapeutic scent, with wood, smoky vetiver, sandalwood, and myrrh. It’s also cruelty-free, vegan, and nontoxic, truly living up to its “clean” name.
Clean Reserve Smoked Vetiver, $98 for 3.4 oz, Clean Beauty Collective
Clean Reserve Smoked Vetiver is a therapeutic scent, with wood, smoky vetiver, sandalwood, and myrrh. It’s also cruelty-free, vegan, and nontoxic, truly living up to its “clean” name.
Clean Reserve Smoked Vetiver, $98 for 3.4 oz, Clean Beauty Collective
Tom Ford
Tom Ford
A darker scent, this Tom Ford perfume is known for its blend of dark florals with black truffle, blackcurrant, and bergamot. Since it’s heavier, it might be best to save this one for a night out.
Tom Ford Black Orchid, $150 for 50 mL, Tom Ford
A darker scent, this Tom Ford perfume is known for its blend of dark florals with black truffle, blackcurrant, and bergamot. Since it’s heavier, it might be best to save this one for a night out. Tom Ford Black Orchid, $150 for 50 mL, Tom Ford
AllSaints
AllSaints
A blend of cypress, cedarwood, and incense, this is a great fragrance to share. It’s soft and sweet, but also holds some more traditionally masculine tones.
AllSaints Incense City, $79 for 100 mL, AllSaints
A blend of cypress, cedarwood, and incense, this is a great fragrance to share. It’s soft and sweet, but also holds some more traditionally masculine tones.
AllSaints Incense City, $79 for 100 mL, AllSaints
Vilhelm Parfumerie
Vilhelm Parfumerie
Priding themselves on being gender fluid and inclusive, Vilhelm Parfumerie’s 125th & Bloom is inspired by—you guessed it—Harlem. With notes of angelica seeds, saffrom, damascene roses, and violet blended with ebon wood and leather, this smell brings out the best in anyone who wears it.
Vilhelm Parfumerie 125th & Bloom, $90 for 20 mL, BlueMercury
Priding themselves on being gender fluid and inclusive, Vilhelm Parfumerie’s 125th & Bloom is inspired by—you guessed it—Harlem. With notes of angelica seeds, saffrom, damascene roses, and violet blended with ebon wood and leather, this smell brings out the best in anyone who wears it.
Vilhelm Parfumerie 125th & Bloom, $90 for 20 mL, BlueMercury
