Amber perfumes
Amber in perfume isn’t fossilized resin. It’s an accord, usually labdanum, benzoin and vanilla, that smells warm, resinous and slightly sweet. Amberwood is its drier, woodier modern cousin. Both sit in the base and make a scent feel warmer as it dries down. Editorial inference
Perfumes with amber notes
Amber is a key note
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Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum
- Woody / amber
- Amber
- Musk
- Sandalwood
Soft citrus over sandalwood, amber and a little incense. Smoother, warmer and longer-lasting than the EDT, and just as easy to wear.
Perfumer: Jacques Polge
-
Her Eau de Parfum
- Fruity / gourmand
- Dark berries
- Jasmine
- Violet
- Amber
- Musk
A big basket of red and dark berries over soft jasmine, violet and a warm musky amber. Sweet, juicy and cheerful without being sugary.
Perfumer: Francis Kurkdjian
-
Paradoxe Eau de Parfum
- Floral / amber
- Neroli
- Amber
- White musk
Bright neroli and orange blossom over a soft, glowing amber and clean white musk. Fresh, warm and polished, easy to wear anywhere.
Perfumers: Nadège Le Garlantezec, Shyamala Maisondieu, Antoine Maisondieu
-
Vanilla 28 Eau de Parfum
- Amber / gourmand
- Vanilla orchid
- Jasmine
- Brown sugar
- Tonka
- Amber woods
Rich vanilla and brown sugar with tonka, a touch of jasmine and warm amber woods. Sweet and cozy, but warmer and more grown-up than a dessert perfume.
Perfumer: Gabriela Chelariu
Amber in the full note list
These don’t lead with amber, but it’s in their published notes, usually in the base.
-
Y Eau de Parfum
- Aromatic / fougère
- Bergamot
- Ginger
- Sage
- Geranium
Crisp apple and ginger over sage and a warm, sweet amberwood base. Fresh enough for daytime, rich enough for the evening, and often named among the most complimented men’s scents.
Perfumers: Dominique Ropion, Claire Liégent
-
Light Blue Eau de Toilette
- Citrus / fruity
- Sicilian lemon
- Apple
- Cedar
Sparkling lemon and crisp apple over clean cedar. A breezy summer classic.
Perfumer: Olivier Cresp
-
Le Male Eau de Toilette
- Amber / aromatic
- Mint
- Lavender
- Vanilla
Cool mint and lavender over warm vanilla and tonka, like a barbershop that smells of cake. Soft, sweet and comforting, and a 1990s icon.
Perfumer: Francis Kurkdjian
-
Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum
- Floral / amber
- Peony
- Centifolia rose
- Vanilla
A big, sweet bouquet of rose, jasmine and orchid over patchouli and vanilla. Romantic, cozy and made to be noticed.
Perfumers: Olivier Polge, Carlos Benaïm, Domitille Michalon-Bertier, Dominique Ropion
-
Man Aqua Eau de Toilette
- Aquatic / aromatic
- Grapefruit
- Cardamom
- Salted moss
Grapefruit and cardamom, a sea-spray accord and clary sage over salty moss. A light, easy summer cologne with a little spice.
Perfumers: Paul Guerlain, Julien Rasquinet
Comparisons
- Comparison Bleu de Chanel EDT vs EDP Bleu de Chanel Eau de Toilette vs Eau de Parfum: the notes Chanel lists for each, how they differ from opening to dry-down, and which to sample first.
- Comparison Sauvage vs Bleu de Chanel Dior Sauvage vs Bleu de Chanel: the two best-known fresh men’s scents compared, with the notes each brand lists, how they differ and which to sample first.
- Comparison Bleu de Chanel vs Acqua di Giò Bleu de Chanel vs Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò: two fresh classics compared, with the notes each brand lists, how they differ and which to sample first.
- Comparison Light Blue vs Devotion Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue vs Devotion: two lemon-led perfumes by the same perfumer compared, with the notes the brand lists, how they differ and which to sample first.
- Comparison Le Male vs Eros Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male vs Versace Eros: two sweet mint-and-vanilla men’s scents compared, with the notes each brand lists, how they differ and which to sample first.