Beauty: Experience the Aromatic and Uplifting Power of Tea-Scented Perfumes Just Like a Delightful Brew

As an individual with a deep passion for both perfume and tea, it’s surprising that I haven’t combined these two interests until recently. Last month, I had the opportunity to try Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Aqua Media Cologne Forte, which is like a refreshing cold compress for the mind. Its notes of iced matcha tea, fizzy citrus, fresh coriander, and pale woods transport me to a tranquil oasis. I absolutely adore it.

This experience inspired me to explore other tea-inspired fragrances that offer a similar experience but at a more affordable price. Let’s start with Elizabeth Arden, a brand that popularized tea-themed fragrances. One notable option is their Green Tea eau de parfum, also created by Francis Kurkdjian, but sold at a much more budget-friendly price.

Arden’s Green Tea is a delightful fragrance that offers freshness, upliftment, and liveliness without being overpowering. It’s the ideal solution to combat the effects of hot and humid urban environments. Unlike other citrus-based fragrances, it maintains its vibrancy and sharpness without overstaying its welcome. As time goes on, Green Tea transforms into a cozy, musky scent, providing a warm and comforting experience. Plus, with its 100ml bottle priced at only £20, it’s definitely worth a try.

For those willing to splurge a bit, I highly recommend L’Occitane’s Thé Vert. Although it comes at a higher price point of £60 for 50ml, it offers a truly delightful experience. This fragrance, which returned due to popular demand after being discontinued, has a cooling effect and a more natural scent compared to others. Its herbaceous notes, spicy nutmeg, and sweet aromatic tea leaves create a harmonious blend that appeals to individuals of all ages and genders. And don’t worry, it doesn’t smell like fish, unlike traditional green tea fragrances.

A surprising choice is Le Labo’s Thé Matcha 26 (£157 for 50ml). It deviates from the expected tea-infused fragrances by presenting itself as a fruitier option. Instead of resembling a traditional builder’s brew, it reminds me of Twinings fruit infusions. The sweetness in this fragrance is complemented by figs, musk, and creamy cedar wood sap, resulting in a glorious, gender-neutral scent that is calming and tactile. If you’re a fan of Le Labo’s widely-known Santal 33, Thé Matcha 26 serves as a lesser-known but equally satisfying alternative (Le Labo also offers Thé Noir, a black tea fragrance with a sexier vibe, though it doesn’t surpass the others in my opinion).

Lastly, for those seeking an authentic, no-nonsense black tea scent, The Library of Fragrance has you covered with their Black Tea fragrance priced at a reasonable £21 for 30ml. It captures the true essence of black tea without any frills, making it a perfect option for tea enthusiasts.