2026 has just begun, and it might be too early to talk about the best new fragrances of 2026. While I’ve yet to catch “2025” being entered incorrectly, the Fragrance Calendar has unveiled the highly anticipated formula. Just two months later, brands are already launching a number of new releases, setting the tone for what will be a decisive year in fragrance. For those of you approaching the Year of the Horse with renewed motivation and intention, now is the perfect time to reconsider what’s on your perfume shelf—or just add a few things to the mix.
fashion magazine The Most Popular Fragrance Releases of 2026
Some big-name designer brands are revisiting their icons—YSL Libre is being remixed with a raspberry flavor. Meanwhile, niche brands are getting creative: Noyz is experimenting with texture and form, launching perfumed lotions as a softer, more intimate interpretation that blurs the lines between fragrance and skin ritual.
Scroll through to see the best new fragrances of 2026 so far—seven in total and counting, but we’re just getting started.
best orange blossom: Marly Athénaïs perfume
- why we like it: Named in homage to Françoise-Athénaïs de Montespan, the legendary confidante of Louis XIV of France, Parfums de Marly’s latest fragrance opens with intense orange blossom, then unfolds into a bouquet of white florals laced with sparkling citrus. This latest launch has a warm, summery feel and corresponds to the brand’s best-selling Valaya. It’s in the base, however, that Athénaïs shows its true allure, with a bright shine softened into a delicate powdery veil.
- Main points: Orange blossom, bergamot, grapefruit, orange blossom, jasmine, tonka bean, vanilla
- this smells like: Take a bite of an orange on a warm summer day
best berries: YSL Beauty Libre Berry Crush Eau De Parfum
- why we like it: Libre Berry Twist is noticeably more tart and, as you might have guessed, fruitier. While raspberry stands out on the first spray, French lavender and Moroccan orange blossom (liberal category mainstays) take root, paving the way for a Madagascar vanilla base. Plus, the scent is long-lasting and lingers on your clothes, leaving a trail of scent wherever you wander.
- Editing experience: “Libre Berry Crush just launched at New York Fashion Week this year, debuting at a super sexy, dimly lit, red velvet-draped party. Where could you find me at the party? Well, near the giant centerpiece adorned with raspberries, of course. After first spraying on, you’ll notice there’s something moody and nostalgic about this version, like something your cool teen sister would have tried on in the 2010s. Look all grown up.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Main points: Raspberry fragrance, coconut fragrance, orange blossom, lavender, vanilla
- this smells like: A glass of raspberry liqueur
best white flowers: Le Labo Violette 30 Eau de Parfum
- why we like it: Those who love period pieces will appreciate Le Labo’s latest fragrance, inspired by the romantic secret language of sending flowers in the Victorian era. The fragrance is centered around violet, a note that had many different interpretations at the time – from passion to innocence. Here, the aroma contrasts with subtle white florals and herbal white tea, with notes of cedar and guaiac wood. There’s also moody incense in the mix. The result is a contrast, suitable for compositions that escape a single meaning.
- Main points: Violet, rose, aldehyde, incense, cumin, saffron
- this smells like: The cool girl protagonist in the costume drama
Best fruity and floral scent: Dior Beauty Addict rose radiance eau de toilette
- why we like it: This is not your grandma’s rose perfume. Dior reinvents classic blooms with a modern twist—less dressing room, more playful. Centered around Damask Rose, the scent is lifted by the juicy brightness of lychee for a crisp burst. Meanwhile, a hint of caramel brings a hint of candy-like warmth that feels indulgent without being overpowering.
- Main points: Damask rose, lychee, caramel
- this smells like: Equal parts floral, fruity and candy scent
best niche: Henry Ross London 1983
- why we like it: Calling all the cool kids! Henry Rose’s London 1983 captures the restless creativity and underground edge of London’s music and arts scene in the early 1980s. The aroma opens with lush notes of fig and black pepper, striking a balance between softness and subversion. Soft floral notes balance sweetness with top notes, then blend with notes of musk, golden woods and bourbon vetiver.
- Main points: Fig, black pepper, water lily, jasmine, dry musk, blonde wood, upgraded Orcanox, sustainable vetiver bourbon
- this smells like: The quintessential David Bowie album—on vinyl, of course.
best musk: Hermès Musk Padilla
- why we like it: Hermès’ latest fragrance is the embodiment of quiet luxury in a bottle. The fragrance has only two main notes, featuring iris, a royal note in the world of perfume. A true skin scent that’s musky, subtly powdery and sensual. This elegant simplicity makes it a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate understated sophistication.
- Main points: Iris, musk
- this smells like: Quiet luxury
Best Fragrance-Skincare Hybrids: Noyz Only Human Milk Perfume
- why we like it: Is it skin care products or perfume? It’s both! Here, Noiz transforms the fragrance from a regular spray into a pourable, creamy milk. Fragrance milk provides moisture with sunflower oil and hyaluronic acid, leaving an intoxicating skin scent. The milk is available in three scents: Only Human, a subtle gourmet blend of vanilla bean, cedarwood, and ambrox, a personal favorite. Both sensory and functional, it redefines scent as something that can be applied directly to the body.
- Main points: Vanilla bean, ambroxan, cedar wood
- this smells like: Skin-friendly vanilla flavor







