When you think of “grandma” perfumes, what do you think of? Maybe something that’s super floral, maybe a scent that’s super rich and potent, or maybe it includes timeless scents like rose and jasmine. It’s classic, grown-up, and sophisticated—something your beloved grandmother would wear.
Let me be clear here: I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a “grandma” scent, even though it might have a weird connotation with some people. Who doesn’t want to smell timeless and elegant? But I think the thing is, since most people associate certain scents with their grandmothers, maybe they don’t want to smell like their nana, no matter how much they love them? You’d rather be your own person and have your own signature scent that’s probably a little bit trendier and more modern.
Well, I’m here to tell you that maybe you should rethink that notion because there are a lot of so-called “grandma” fragrances out there that are worth spritzing on. And if everyone is gravitating towards the trendy fragrances that are woodsy, fresh florals, or bright citrus, don’t you want to stand out with another type of perfume?
One scent that I don’t think you should write off just yet is a powdery one. I know, the term “powdery” might make you think of something that’s musty or too stale, but trust me. There are a lot of great-smelling options that don’t feel dated and actually feel so modern and of the moment. These are light and delicate. They’re fragrances that people will compliment you on and then beg you, “Tell me what you wearing!” Take a look at some options below.
Some notes that are generally associated with powdery fragrances are rose, lavender, vanilla, and musk. It’s supposed to be a little warm, too. This scent from Yves Saint Laurent has notes of lavender, orange blossom, and vanilla extract, so it’s a sweet floral. Customer review: “This is such a sophisticated and feminine scent. It smells like lavender and orange, but the vanilla notes really just add to the appeal. The staying power is great and I always get compliments. Perfect for any occasion.”
Here’s another option that’s in the warm-florals family. It has notes of orange blossom, vanilla absolute, and marshmallow. It’s definitely a very sweet scent that’s grounded with an amber base. Customer review: “This perfume smells so beautiful. It’s a sweet almost vanilla scent with bites of orange blossom. One spray lasts the entire day. It’s really beautiful feminine and unique.”
This one has the traditional “powdery” scents of vanilla and rose. Add some pear and warm amber, and you’ve got an intoxicating and grounded perfume. Customer review: “Enchanting, warm fragrance that has beautiful notes to suit every season and style. Much sweeter and feminine than a lot of warm perfumes and makes me feel so confident.”
Flowerbomb is always a beloved favorite. It’s full of delicious florals: freesia, rose, sambac jasmine, and cattleyas. Plus, patchouli and soft vanilla balance out the flower explosion. The result is something that’s feminine and luxe. Customer review: “I was searching for the perfect scent for my wedding day, and when i smelled this scent, I knew it was the one. Every time I wear it i think back to my wedding day, and I get so many compliments on how good it smells. Must have!”
If you want something that’s a bit more grounded than a floral scent but still has those powdery vibes, try Byredo’s Mojave Ghost. In addition to powdery violet, it has notes of sweet Jamaican nessberry, ambrette, sandalwood, magnolia, warm Chantilly musk, amber, and cedarwood. Customer review: “It’s incredibly light and airy with a touch of sweetness. This reminds me of a bright Sunday morning, tucked in fresh sheets. It’s floral but it’s a unisex floral with a touch of wood. It’s hard to describe but every time I get a whiff of myself while wearing this perfume, it makes me feel really clean and fresh.”
This perfume has a strong concentration of amber, but it also contains scents of patchouli, tonka bean, and vanilla. It’s a subtle fragrance with a hint of mystery, so wear it if you prefer being an enigma. Customer review: “I think this perfume is perfect for lovers of amber’s soft powdery dry scent. It’s a comforting scent. It is heady at first spritz but dries down sweet and comforting.”
Prada’s perfume veers more on the traditional side while also being fresh and light. It has top notes of iris pallida, mandarin, and neroli; middle notes of cedarwood, vetiver, and galbanum; and base notes of incense and benzoin. Customer review: “This has become a favorite for me. It’s like a palette cleanser between heavier fragrances. Light, fresh, clean and powdery. Despite its lightness, it’s pretty long lasting.”
This perfume is described as a “colorful bouquet,” which sounds just so lively and fun, right? The scents in the “bouquet” include fresh lily of the valley, spicy peony, and powdery iris. Customer review: “Beautiful scent and bottle. I get constant compliments from people that I smell good while wearing this that I wasn’t getting with other perfumes. Absolutely obsessed with it. It lasts forever and I notice it while washing clothes I wore days ago. Highly recommend.”
If one of your favorite activities is taking a bubble bath, might I suggest investing in this fragrance so you feel like you’re in one 24/7? This one has actual notes of soap bubble accord, plus scents of rose, jasmine, lavender, white musk, and coconut milk accord. It’s both fresh and cozy—like a bubble bath! Customer review: “Fresh and clean without being too soapy or floral, this is such a unique fragrance. Definitely worth getting a sample of it. The coconut makes me think of a luxe spa treatment. Decent lasting power, lasts about two hours on my skin.”
Chloé’s signature fragrance is so sophisticated and elegant. It’s definitely one of those perfumes that will be your everyday pick. Along with a powdery rose scent, it also has notes of pink peony, freesia, lychee, magnolia flower, lily of the valley, cedarwood, amber, and honey. Customer review: “This is an absolutely beautiful fragrance that lasts and lasts. It is so feminine, so fresh, and very unique. As soon as I tried a sample in the store, I had to buy it. Now it is my signature scent and I absolutely adore it. It is also the only fragrance I’ve purchased in the last few years that honestly does stay with you all day.”
The description of this perfume says it’s inspired by “clean sheets and a swath of sun-warmed skin,” and who doesn’t find that appealing? It’s in the warm-florals family with key notes of ambrette seeds, jasmine petals, and musk. Customer review: “This is an absolutely beautiful scent. Musky but in a very light and airy way, floral but not in a powdery way. The very nuanced hint of white cedar is so beautiful. Smells like clean, sun-dried sheets, expensive shampoo. Every time I wear this, I find myself sniffing my wrists constantly all day.”
This is a new remix, so to speak, of the original Guilty perfume. You’ll notice a floral blend of lilac, rose, violet, and geranium, plus patchouli, citrus mandora, and pink pepper. Reviewers describe it as a sexy floral. Customer review: “I experienced a warm floral citrus wonderland. This is a showstopper yet delicate and elegant fragrance. I love the long lasting scent and endless compliments.”
This is another classic floral option for someone who wants something traditional and timeless. It’s a soft and feminine scent with notes of ylang-ylang, jasmine, rose, iris, and sandalwood. Customer review: “I stumbled upon a small perfumery in Positano and after describing what I liked, the shop keeper matched me with this fragrance. Complex but clean and sophisticated. Grounded yet playful. The perfect balance of floral, resin, grass and wood. The dry down varies based on what I spray it on – a piece of clothing, a scarf, my dry wrist or my hair.”
Warm and sensual, Guerlain’s Shalimar is so luxe you might feel rich and fancy when you wear it. In addition to powder notes, it contains bergamot, iris, amber, and vanilla. Customer review: “I have loved this perfume for years, but just recently purchased a bottle for myself. It’s just… perfect. It evokes a sense of “Old Hollywood” and takes me back to memories of my iconically glamorous great aunt wearing it. I’m very sensitive to scent, and break out from most fragrances. One spritz of this lasts the entire day, and it isn’t overpowering. It’s earthy, but ultra feminine. 10/10!”
A flirty and soft mix of red apple, peony, and suede, Jo Malone’s scent is sweet, fresh, and gives off signature fragrance vibes. One reviewer raved about the perfume, saying, “It smells like if the color pink had a scent mixed with a grown-up version of baby powder.” Customer review: “I absolutely adore this scent by Jo Malone. Not only is the packaging refined and beautiful to display on your vanity, but the scent is very very dreamy. It’s perfectly and sophisticatedly feminine; not saccharine or juvenile. The jasmine and blush suede are so sensuous and together with the peony, they create a perfect perfume harmony.”
Philosophy’s Amazing Grace is another one of those classic, enduring fragrances that has been popular for years. It features powdery florals, like lily of the valley, plus musk and bergamot. Customer review: “Been wearing this for years! I absolutely love this scent – it smells so clean and fresh. The scent lasts a long time – I still smell amazing the next day. I layer it with the body wash and lotion. Highly recommend!”
Chanel No.5 is probably a perfume your grandmother actually wears, but why sleep on a good thing? It’s an iconic fragrance for a reason. The rich floral perfume has notes of May rose, jasmine, citrus, bourbon, and vanilla. Customer review: “I love this. It’s floral, powdery, musky, and warm all in one. Absolutely stunning. It smells so classic and elegant, but it can be worn by everyone. I recommend this to everyone who will listen.”
Swirling with notes of tuberose, this fragrance veers powdery in the sweetest possible way. Jasmine and iris help soften it while mandarin and bergamot keep it bright. Customer review: “This is a beautiful journey from the opening to the dry down. There is no mistake in this beautiful, warm, well-blended fragrance. Sedbury is a high quality fragrance for sure. In the opening, I smell beautiful, mouthwatering fruit, kind of like oranges. Really juicy to me.”
We found it: the most adorable perfume. Inspired by parents sharing a tender moment with their children, this fragrance evokes joyful memories with petitgrain, white peach, and vanilla. Customer review: “There is nothing more alluring than baby powder ! Channel #5 is based on it. What’s not to love? My daughter and I have used this since she was a small child and we both love it 20 years later.”
