Dates are a particularly appealing fruit for perfume lovers with a sweet tooth because they literally smell (and taste) like candy. This body spray melds dates with toffee, buttery caramel, and sandalwood oil for a scent that’s truly delectable, uplifting, and lush. This one is unique because it’s made from natural ingredients and lasts all day long compared with other similar fragrances we tested. Once you apply this one, you may never go back to traditional perfumes.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“Who knew a body spray could be so rich? It’s irresistible and very sweet, and instantly boosts your mood with the buttery date and cozy caramel notes. It’s lightweight and lasts forever; I’m afraid I won’t use another body spray in my collection after this one. The bottle is the only thing I’d change about it—it’s a little bulky and could be confused for a cleaning product, which, well, I would also like my home to smell like it too, so maybe that’s fine.” —A.M.K.
- Key notes: Dates, caramel, sandalwood
- Best for: Someone who loves a rich, warm, gourmand scent
- Size: 6.7 fl. oz.
Frequently asked questions
Are fruity perfumes versatile?
Fruity perfumes can absolutely be versatile, according to the experts we spoke with. “Some lean toward the edible, like smoothies or jam, while others use fruity accords to highlight a completely different star ingredient,” says fragrance content creator Eric of Kaleidoscope Scent Index and curator at Scent Split. Notes like passionfruit, mango, and coconut can add creamy texture to a fragrance, while notes of blackcurrant, black cherry, and berries bring acidity, for example.
It comes down to what’s surrounding the fruit too. “A fruity note on its own, especially something well-known and sweet, can read as one-dimensional or even a little young. It’s the ‘supporting cast,’ a.k.a. the base notes, like spice and woods, that determine if a fruity perfume feels playful or genuinely sophisticated,” says Kevin Keller, cofounder of Fulton & Roark.
What other notes play well with fruity notes?
Fruit notes need something to push back against them, says Keller. “Woods like cedarwood or vetiver ground the sweetness. Spices like black pepper or coriander add contrast. Even a green note like galbanum can cut through fruit in a way that keeps it from feeling one-note,” he says. Xavier agrees and says that today’s fruity fragrances are often balanced with florals, cedar, cardamom, woods, musks, or aromatic notes to create depth and elegance. “When they’re thoughtfully crafted, fruity fragrances can feel timeless and wearable for any season or occasion,” says Xavier.
How we evaluated fruity perfumes
We evaluated fruity perfumes by looking at their key notes, supporting notes and longevity. The best ones we found were complex and interesting, and mixed main fruity notes with woods, musks, florals, and gourmands for a memorable finish. The best fruity fragrances we landed on were not overly sweet or syrupy, rather, they melded well to our skin, gave us just enough sweetness without overpowering our noses. The ones we landed on also lasted for hours without need for reapplication, and were able to take us from daytime into night.
