What do you think of when you hear the word patchouli? Does it make you think of the 1960s and 70s — or hippie culture — or worse, grandma perfume? The patchouli plant is a member of the mint family. It's an herb with strongly scented leaves as well as tiny pink and white flower clusters. Patchouli is known for its earthly, green, herbal scent with nods to its mint relatives. It's been used for centuries for fragrance, insect repellent, tea and alternative medicine practices.
Patchouli did become extremely popular in the late 60's with the hippie movement thanks to the natural, herbaceous scent (thought to mask the smell of cannabis or lack of deodorant) thus giving it a bad rap. Perfumers today are introducing patchouli into lighter, fresher scents and the results are magical. Patchouli, when blended with other fragrances, creates a sexy, earthy, yet refined concoction that we just love. Check out some of our favorite patchouli-laced fragrances that are fresh and new, but slightly reminiscent of decades past.
Nectar is the latest addition to the gourmand and spicy Flowerbomb family. Patchouli adds a grounding, earthy quality to this blend of sweet florals, amber, vanilla, tonka bean and metallic, smoky gunpowder. It's totally sexy for a night out with your boo.
This powdery, flower-driven scent especially comes to life the longer it's been in contact with skin. It contains a delicate blend of florals like iris, orange blossom, lavender and rose combined with patchouli, white musk and smoky guaiac wood. The result is a fresh, balanced, floral that smells like springtime in a bottle.
Ralph Lauren's neo-classic fragrance just got a sparkling, fruity twist. It's the wearable, fresh floral that you've come to love with the addition of juicy apple, black currant and lychee. Earthy patchouli and classic rose round this out for a delectable scent that's perfect while sipping a glass of rosé on your favorite rooftop.
If you love By the Fireplace you'll love the latest installation from Maison Margiela's Replica line. It's a woody, earthy fragrance that screams sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. Green notes of cannabis and patchouli mingle with crisp apple, dark and animalic leather, smoky tobacco, incense and cedarwood. Spritz it on for your next concert — or any time you feel like being a bit of a badass.
