Over the last few years, perfumes that contained patchouli has been somewhat maligned by popular culture. It’s been portrayed as a hippie fragrance worn only by baby boomers. However, that’s just not the case at all. Not only has this scent been used around the world for thousands of years, but it’s also used as a base note in some of the most sensual and seductive fragrances in the world. To prove that point, we’ve done the research and have found the ten best patchouli perfumes being sold today. And needless to say, a lot of people are going to surprised by some of the high-end perfumes that contain this scent that’s derived from a plant in the Lamiaceae family.
Patchouli is an herb belonging to the mint family; they generally grow in bushes and bear small pinkish white colored flowers. They are mainly found in certain regions of Asia such as China, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and India. Many times it can be seen that people love fragrances that have patchouli blended in them this is because the smell has a very cooling effect and it gives the perfume an all over exotic feel. The plant extracts are said to have influences on driving negative energy out and inculcate divination in a person. They were incorporated in potions of love, and protection rituals against hexes. There are various perfume and cologne brands that manufacture fragrances with patchouli extracts for men. Let’s take a look at some of the popular men’s patchouli scented colognes available in the market.
Best Patchouli Perfume
18. ARAMIS by Aramis Men’s Cologne / Eau De Toilette
Aramis is a very reputed perfume brand established in 1965 that makes this classic cologne. They have a signature smell of their own which contains notes of cumin, bergamot and jasmine mixed within a heart of patchouli, musk, and amber. The cologne is very soothing on freshly shaven skin and the stays supple and refreshed for very long time
17. Christian Dior Cologne Spray for Men
The leading perfume brand brings this awesome masculine smell which is elegant and energetic. The fragrance mixes lavender, bergamot, vetiver, patchouli, leathery dry-down, sage, cocoa, heart of iris and amber.
16. Michael Kors Cologne for Men
This leading fashion brand has brought the stylish new cologne with a twist of patchouli.
It combines the rough and carefree, masculine feature and the urban sophisticated nature of man. The smell is a blend of oriental and wood with the top notes of star anise, bergamot, thyme, coriander, elemi, and black pepper in a heart of incense, suede, and sage. The base notes consist of patchouli, musk, sleek woods, and sandalwood.
15. Molinard Les Orientaux Patchouli Intense Eau de Parfum Spray
Another French cologne with an old school masculine smell. It has a very nice skin nourishing quality and it absorbs very fast relieves the skin from rashes and irritations. The smell is a very delicate blend of jasmine, orange, amber, neroli at the top, vanilla and patchouli at the heart and vetiver and sandalwood at the base.
14. Thallium Black for Men by Yves De Sistelle
This one is a very masculine seductive smell from the French perfume company. It has a calming effect on the skin and the smell is very exotic. The fragrance is a magical blend of basil, sage with a heart of plum, tonka bean, geranium, and a base of patchouli and musk.
13. Jovan Sex Appeal by Jovan for Men
Jovan is a very renowned perfume and skincare brand and this cologne of theirs is a masterpiece. It is very mild on the skin and forms a protective layer that keeps the skin smooth and supple. The smell is very mild and refreshing consisting of sandalwood, patchouli and oriental spices.
12. Mambo by Liz Claiborne for Men
This is an awesome cologne from the reputed house of Liz Claiborne with a classic signature smell. It has the cooling effect of patchouli and the mild fragrance of a blend of orange, patchouli, bergamot, and musk. Keeps your face refreshed all day
11. Patchouli Cologne 1 ounce with root
It is one of the authentic patchouli themed colognes that is still now available. This brand uses not only the sweet refreshing fragrance of patchouli but also its essential oils and root extracts. The oil is a natural anti-inflammatory element and root is an awesome antiseptic and skin nourishing agent.
10. Hanae Mori For Women EDT Spray
First introduced to the public during the mid-1990s, this high-quality perfume for women is an aromatic collection of Oriental notes combined with juicy fruit notes and patchouli. This perfume’s top notes are resplendent with the fragrances of orange blossoms, red apples, blueberries, and black currants. This perfume’s base notes are a blend of Siam benzoin, sandalwood, cedar, and amber. But where this fragrance truly lives is inside its unique heart notes. Heart notes that include not only the earthy scent of patchouli, but also features wild strawberries, tea roses, jasmine, and toffee. All of which makes this casual one that a lot of women will want to wear before a night out on the town.
9. Aging Hippie & Hippie Peace Perfume Oils
This roll-on perfume oil comes with Aging Hipping Patchouli Oil and Hippie Peace Nag Champa Oil, a combination that’s a throwback to the fragrances of the 1960s and 1970s. To get their full effect, all the user has to do is roll this perfume oil on their wrists or behind their ears and they’re immediately whisked back to the time of demonstrations, peace marches, and love. And since this scent lasts a long time without fading, the wearer doesn’t have to keep on applying it throughout the day. That makes this a winning fragrance combination for anyone who loves patchouli and Nag Champa.
8. Pacifica Beauty Himalayan Patchouli Berry
If there’s one thing that can be said about this perfume its this: This is not your grandmother’s patchouli fragrance. No, this scent has more of a modern vibe than most patchouli fragrances and its earthy tones are punctuated by bubbly notes of citrus. Although it can be difficult to break down this perfume into its top, base, and heart notes, some of its particular scents can be picked out of it. It not only has a distinct patchouli smell as one would expect from this type of perfume, but this scent is also mixed with grapefruit, sugar, and geranium. It’s a fragrance that’s sure to be adored by people who want a little bit of an adventure in their perfume.
7. Tom Ford White Patchouli Parfum Spray
Released in the fall of 2008, White Patchouli by Tom Ford has been enjoyed by anyone who likes their patchouli fragrance to remain subtle and very understated. All of the patchouli in this perfume has been concentrated in its base and gently mixed with other woodsy scents. At its top, this perfume comes on lightly with notes of white flowers, peony, and bergamot. After this settles down, it then slides into its jasmine and rose heart notes. It’s only after it’s dried down that the patchouli scent comes alive and rounds out the essence of this fragrance.
6. Patchouly Spiritual Sky Perfume Oil
This patchouli-scented oil is another perfume oil that’s a throwback to the head shops of the 1960s. This product isn’t a watered-down combination of other scents but is a true representation of what patchouli perfumes smelled like almost 60 years ago. Although some people might complain that this product smells more like incense than it does perfume, it is a vibrant and forefront fragrance that’s bound to turn a lot of heads. And that’s not surprising considering that this product has been bought and enjoyed by both men and women since the 1970s. It’s certainly a scent that all patchouli fans should try at least once.
5. Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Cologne
When most people take an initial whiff of this sensual fragrance, they often don’t even realize that patchouli notes are infused into its base. That’s because it’s a very subtle fragrance that’s as much an ode to the Isle of Great Britain as it is to any one type of fragrance note. At its top can be found notes of English pear and crisp musk melons. It’s heart notes are a combination of English roses and freesia, and it’s base notes are an earthy combination of rhubarb, amber, musk, and of course, patchouli. It’s a romantic scent that’s very sublime and is also very crisp.
4. Indigo Wild Zum Mist Patchouli Spray
Although there are certainly some people who aren’t a fan of the psychedelic patchouli from the 1960s, most people who prefer patchouli perfumes prefer that particular type of scent profile. And that’s probably why Indigo Wild Zum Mist is one of the more popular patchouli combinations available. It’s a pure and faithful reproduction of flower child patchouli and isn’t watered down with the usual notes found in modern patchouli fragrances such as vanilla, violet, or lavender. That makes it a great fragrance for anyone looking for a perfume that captures that head shop vibe and takes them back to a different time.
3. Reminiscence Patchouli EDT Spray
Even though this perfume initially comes off as a somewhat chaotic fragrance profile when it’s first applied, it does coalesce rather quickly into a great perfume. This perfume was released in 2009 and quickly gained in popularity among both men and women. That’s because it’s a wonderful collection of scents that dance among themselves. These notes are a mixture of sandalwood and patchouli, vanilla and cedar, and tonka bean mixed with white musk. As it stands, it’s a perfume that doesn’t have base, heart, or top notes but is simply a pleasing continuous stream of earthy, and sometimes pungent, fragrance notes.
2. Terra Nova Patchouli Perfume Essence
This fabulous patchouli oil may not be suitable for everyone, but it is liked by quite a few people. Some people may prefer to go with white patchouli, and if they do, then they’re probably not going to like this oil. That’s because it has a little bit of a menthol smell to it and isn’t a traditional patchouli fragrance. It also seems to have somewhat of a violet undertone that’s not only very relaxing but is also extremely sensual as well. It’s an alcohol-free natural essential oil that provides a long-lasting scent that accompanies a person all day long. And it’s also a unisex scent, so both men and women can enjoy its lasting essence.
1. Byredo Bal d’Afrique Parfum Spray
A lot of patchouli perfumes put the scent of this aromatic plant right at the front of their fragrance profile, but this one expertly mixes it in with other Oriental wood fragrances. Not only will the wearer be delighted by the patchouli in this product, but they’ll also be equally excited by the jasmine, violet, cyclamen, and black amber notes found in it as well. It also has notes of vetiver, Moroccan cedarwood, and black currents mixed into its base. Once this perfume is applied, it immediately comes out with vibrant citrus notes before it settles into its more earthier tones. It’s deep, luxurious, and ready to impress anyone who smells it.
Patchouli Perfume Guide
Some of the world’s biggest brands make Patchouli Perfume so what is it about the scent that makes it so popular? The alluring and sensual notes are there for all to enjoy, but there is more to it than that. Wearing it can certainly help you stand out but there are a few things to look out for in a Patchouli Perfume before buying.
Our guide will help you to avoid some of the mistakes that others have made, to make sure yours is a quality purchase. Everything you need to know is below.
What To Look For In A Patchouli Perfume
Your Favorite Notes
Patchouli Perfume doesn’t have to be the main scent, if you enjoy the smell but don’t want it to be overpowering, go for a product where it is not the main fragrance.
Alternatively, choose a product that has your favorite type of scent. Patchouli Perfume can be bought in a musky scent, floral, and woodsy in particular. Considering this before you make a purchase can help you to find the right one for you.
Vegan-Friendly
for those who consider this to be of high importance, there are plenty of Patchouli Perfume’s that are vegan-friendly. On top of this, there are a lot of cruelty-free brands.
Brand Reputation
Because the likes of Jo Malone and Tom Ford create Patchouli Perfume’s you know you are in safe hands. However, there are also some lesser-known companies making quality perfumes with this luxurious scent.
The main thing you should do is make sure the brand you are going for is trustworthy and not a cheap imitator trying to rip people off by selling watered-down products.
Value
Because there are some big brands in most people’s top ten Patchouli Perfume lists, you might be forgiven for expecting it hard to find good value. There are some great products out there that do not cost the earth. Even still, the expensive brands tend to last longer which can mean you get more for your money.
Alcohol Content
If you suffer from sensitive skin, a perfume might be something you struggle to find. There are some Patchouli Perfume’s available that do not contain alcohol as well as certain brands that are known for being kinder on sensitive skin. There is no reason why you should miss out on your favorite fragrance.
A Seasonal Fragrance
Because of its earthy and rich fragrance, Patchouli Perfume might not be the best fragrance for the summer months. However, a lot of people consider it to be one of the best scents for when the cooler months set in so it is a good idea to have some when you feel like mixing things up a bit.
Patchouli Perfume: Concentration
The strength of the product you buy will determine how long it lasts, and the quality of the product. This will also determine its price. The concentration is the percentage of oils against the water and other ingredients. You’ll find the most common below:
Parfum – The strongest type of concentration and the most expensive. Expect a high-quality product and anyone receiving it as a gift will know it is the best version of that brand. Anything between 20 – 30% concentration will fit into this category.
Eau de Parfum – These still last a long time and you probably won’t need to top it up on a night out. A concentration of 10 – 20% is most commonly recognized as Eau de Parfum
Eau de Toilette – One of the most widely known and purchased of concentrations. It offers buyers a cost-effective way of getting a high-end brand but is not as strong at 5 – 10% concentration.
Cologne – The weakest and cheapest you might find yourself reapplying regularly as the concentration level is around 2 – 5%.
What Is The Best Patchouli Perfume?
This is difficult to define as two people who each prefer a woodsy fragrance and a musky one won’t agree on the best product. Still, there is no denying the quality of certain products which is why we consider Hanae Mori For Women EDT Spray to be the best.
Its blend of sandalwood and amber with fruity patchouli is undeniably unique and it is easy to see why so many women wear it on a night out and for special occasions.
Conclusion
Whilst there are so many scents to choose from, Patchouli Perfume is one that is going through a revival at the moment. It has managed to shake off an old reputation after its heyday in the ’60s and is found in many upmarket and sophisticated brands. Not kept for the older generations, it is something anyone can enjoy.
So all the patchouli lovers hope you got a hint of what to ask for the next time you go cologne shopping. Test the one that you are buying by keeping it on your skin for 15-20 minutes to see what the end result smells like because fragrances tend to change with skin types. Take a stroll along the shop to check if it suits your skin and mood then buy it.
What we like is that it is easy to make it your signature scent, just watch out for your friends who want to get some for themselves.
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