Fragrances can really set the tone or vibe—I like to think of choosing a fragrance as like sort of choosing my “aura” for the day. Do I want to feel seductive and sexy? I might try a spicy or musky fragrance. Do I want something that’s light and carefree and perfect for daytime? I normally gravitate towards fresh florals or citrus. And for special occasions, like weddings or big work events, I might bring out a classic designer fragrance to make me feel grown-up.
There’s a fragrance I’ve been drawn to recently, though, that I realized is perfect for days when I want something effortless, a little low-key, but still noteworthy. Basically, something that will make me smell good, that might get me a compliment or two, but that doesn’t make me look like I’m trying. It’s a tall order, I know, but the scents that really stand out to me for this specific need are earthy perfumes.
You might be thinking, “Uhh, earthy?! Like dirt?” But hear me out. One, you won’t be smelling like dirt. And two, in my opinion, earthy fragrances are grounding, a little mysterious, and a more unexpected option than reaching for my go-to floral or fresh scents. I like to think of these grounded scents as somewhat of a neutral—they work for just about any setting.
Take a look at some of my favorite earthy scents below, plus other highly-reviewed options from editors and readers.