6 perfumes to take your senses to the great outdoors—sans the heat and rain

These botanical-inspired perfumes from Aesop, Chanel, Le Labo and more will take you to a verdant place with just a spritz

If you find yourself pining for the outdoors—be it the aroma of flowering herbs or the earthy essence of mossy woods—while at work or while doing your daily household chores, there’s a way to capture that natural freshness and keep it with you.

Yes, we’re talking about herbaceous perfumes. These botanical-inspired scents, with their green, earthy accords, have the power to transport you to a verdant place, even amid the bustle of the city. Embrace the relaxed, effortless vibes of the season by spritzing on a herbaceous fragrance—it’s the next best thing to being immersed in nature itself.

Jo Malone Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense

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One whiff of this new woody fragrance from Jo Malone can transport you to a European garden in summer. Think cypress trees, grapevines and freshly trimmed grass.

Price: HK$1,750 (100ml)

Available at: Jo Malone Fashion Walk pop-up, Jo Malone boutiques across Hong Kong and Jo Malone website

Aesop Tacit

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Trust Aesop’s Tacit to make you nostalgic for your last summer vacation—or anticipate the next one. There’s something about its mix of crisp basil notes with vetiver that evokes a sense of carefree days spent in the sun.

Price: HK$1,650 (100 ml)

Available at: Aesop stores in Harbour City, Causeway Bay and online

Le Labo Bigarade 18

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Le Labo’s Bigarade 18 is simple at its core: bergamot and neroli petals, with a hint of musk. But together, these ingredients create a complex aroma profile which feels contemporary yet classic. The brand has dedicated this fragrance to Hong Kong, as the city also embodies the balance of old and new.

Price: on request

Available at: Hong Kong boutiques only (samples available online from August)

Serge Lutens Point du Jour

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A heady blend of thyme, lavender and sage come together in Serge Lutens’ Point du Jour. The result? A refreshing aroma that leaves you feeling rejuvenated with every whiff.

Price: HK$1,300

Available at: Serge Lutens perfume shop at IFC mall, online and more

Chanel No. 5 L’Eau

Above Chanel No. 5 L’Eau (Photo: courtesy of Chanel)

Chanel No. 5 L’Eau (Photo: courtesy of Chanel)

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This limited-edition perfume by Chanel strikes just the right balance between citrusy and woody aromas. Top notes of mandarin and orange blend with a bouquet of jasmine, giving way to a soft musky undertone. Perfect for beating the heat.

Price: HK$1,275 (50ml)

Available at: Chanel boutiques and online

The Scentist Olympic 2024 Special Edition

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We also wanted to put one Hong Kong brand on your radar: The Scentist, a local perfume brand that pays an ode to not just its native city through fragrances such as Kowloon and New Territories, but also to other destinations popular among Hongkongers, such as Okinawa, Seoul, Kyoto and London. This season, it has launched a special edition, Olympic 2024 perfume that evokes the best of summer through its tangerine, cucumber, basil and sage notes.

Price: HK$680

Available at: online only

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Topics

Perfumes Chanel Jo Malone Le Labo Aesop