Patchouli has been a prominent ingredient in perfumes for centuries. Considering how beautifully this vibrant and aromatic scent wears on the skin, its recent boost of popularity is hardly a surprise. The best perfumes with patchouli combine this intoxicatingly dark and earthy aroma with bright florals, fruits and woods to create a genuinely eclectic fragrance experience.
What Is Patchouli?
Patchouli Pogostemon cablin is a bushy evergreen shrub native to Southeast Asia, that blooms of white flowers with violet-coloured markings. A close relative of the mint family, patchouli oil is extracted from the leaves and stems of the plant.
What does Patchouli Smell Like?
Patchouli has a sweet, musky, earth-like smell that is incredibly dark, intense and complex. Despite its intoxicating aroma, perfumers have discovered that patchouli also enhances other milder notes and increases overall perfume longevity.
Where Is Patchouli Grown?
Patchouli originates from Southeastern Asia, though today it flourishes in many tropical climates. Southern California, Florida, and parts of Arizona are all areas noted for growing the herb. Any tropical environment is ideal for planting patchouli, though, with proper care, it can grow in colder climates as well.
10 Best Perfumes With Patchouli For Women
We have uncovered 10 of the best perfumes with patchouli that combine this incredibly intoxicating aroma with sensual feminine florals and fruits.
1. Tom Ford – White Patchouli
Review
White Patchouli Eau de Parfume is a sensual women’s fragrance from American designer Tom Ford. It offers a dazzling opening of Bergamot and feminine White Peony for a light yet captivating scent. Heart notes of rose absolute and night-blooming jasmine add an exotic vibe. A heavenly base of rich, earthy patchouli combined with musk and incense bring depth and sheer sophistication.
White Patchouli Eau de Parfume is an ideal any season fragrance best suited for evenings out. Its elegant aroma makes the perfect addition to a fancy occasion deserves to be worn when you are dressed up.
The longevity of White Patchouli is excellent at 5+ hours with good sillage and projection.
White Patchouli offers a stunning figure with its subtle yet attractive white bottle and bold gold-plated accents. Everything about this fragrance is captivating and draws you in at first glance.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Peony, White Flowers, Coriander
Mid Notes:
Rose, Ambrette Seed, Night Blooming Jasmine
Base Notes:
Incense, Patchouli Orpur, Woody Notes
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
2. Van Cleef & Arpels – Moonlight Patchouli
Review
Moonlight Patchouli Eau de Parfum from Van Cleef & Arpels is a luxurious fragrance for women. It offers deep woody notes combined with the sweet scent of Bulgarian rose. A patchouli base and leather-like accents give it a profoundly sensual and intoxicating aroma that is an absolute must-have.
Whether you’re headed out for a night at the jazz bar or off for a romantic weekend away, Moonlight Patchouli Eau de Parfume is the fragrance to wear! Its darker profile makes this the ideal accessory for evening activities and after-dark encounters. More of an autumn/winter fragrance due to the deep leather and suede notes.
The longevity of Moonlight Patchouli is excellent at 5+ hours with good sillage and projection.
This perfume has a minimalistic look that entices you and draws you in with its mystery. A solid black bottle with white contrasting details give this perfume a unique appearance and is subtle enough to keep practically anywhere unnoticed.
Top Notes:
Bulgarian Rose
Mid Notes:
Leather, Fruity
Base Notes:
Patchouli, Suede
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
3. Thierry Mugler – Angel
Review
Angel Eau de Toilette (2019) from Thierry Mugler, offers an intriguing scent that yields endless possibilities. Whether it’s a day at the mall or a relaxed lunch with friends or family, Angel Perfume steals the show.
Begins with a fresh opening of orange and soft peony. A heart of crisp apple and red berries are beautifully offset by the sweetness of praline. Upon dry-down, vibrant patchouli combines with the woodiness of cedar for an intoxicating finish.
Angel Perfume delivers a bubbly fragrance that is best suited to daytime wear. Its light fruity notes are ideal for an afternoon outing with friends as the patchouli ensures enough depth to effortlessly carry this fragrance along into the evening.
The longevity of Angel Eau de Toilette is good at 4+ hours with reasonable sillage and projection.
Everything about this fragrance is dainty and adorable, even the bottle! Its star-shaped appearance is unique and looks fantastic on your nightstand or just about anywhere else in your home. A silver spray tip adds a layer of sophistication to this already glamorous design and makes it stand out even more.
Top Notes:
Mandarin Orange, Peony
Mid Notes:
Praline, Red Berries, Apple
Base Notes:
Patchouli, Cedar
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
4. Frederic Malle – Portrait of a Lady
Review
Portrait of a Lady Eau de Parfum from Frederic Malle is a wickedly tempting display of rose and patchouli notes. Based on a benzoin accord with hints of cinnamon and sandalwood, this musky scent offers Oriental sources that are sensual and alluring. The nose behind the fragrance is none other than fragrance titan, Dominique Ropion.
Portrait of a Lady opens with delightful rose, fruits and a multitude of spices. Incredible heart notes soon emerge in the form of vibrant patchouli and incense with a sprinkle of sandalwood. Upon dry-down, warm amber entwines with musky notes for a luxurious finish.
As for when to wear, Portrait of a Lady is perfect for autumn/winter to ensure you create a bold statement. Its musky scent works just as well during the daytime as at night, leaving a lasting impression.
The longevity of this fragrance is incredible at 8+ hours with enormous sillage and projection. Phenomenal.
Portrait of a Lady comes presented in classic Frederic Malle style with a discreet bottle with black label and cap. Very classy yet discreet.
Top Notes:
Cinnamon, Rose, Black Currant, Clove, Raspberry
Mid Notes:
Patchouli, Incense, Sandalwood
Base Notes:
Musk, Benzoin, Amber
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
5. Van Cleef & Arpels – Precious Oud
Review
Van Cleef & Arpels is a luxury boutique specializing in jewellery and fragrances. Their designs are world-renowned, while their scents are incredibly stylish and long-lasting.
Van Cleef & Arpels Precious Oud Eau de Parfum delivers a bright bergamot top note combined with pink peppercorn for an opulent incense smell. With floral notes at heart, this patchouli/oud-based scent is both luxurious and earthy. It has woody notes of sandalwood and vetiver that blend beautifully with the amber undertones. Divine.
Wear this perfume for any occasion from dinner to the office after-party. Its bold notes of patchouli and incense are tamed by the floral mids that make it an elegant choice fit for anything. More of an autumn/winter scent.
The longevity of Precious Oud is excellent at 5+ hours with good sillage and projection.
Comes presented in an incredibly stylish, clean-lined bottle with a black cap. A delicate medallion hangs from the neck of the bottle to complete the look. Very smart and elegant.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Pink Peppercorn
Mid Notes:
Floral Notes, Jasmine, Tuberose
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Patchouli, Vetiver, Oud
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
6. Byredo – Slow Dance
Review
Slow Dance Eau de Parfum by Byredo is a provocative and intoxicating bittersweet fragrance with a boozy-smoky vibe. Complete with sweet vanilla and violet notes, this perfume is a treat for the senses.
A warm, powdery, smokey opening of opoponax laced boozy cognac create an almost masculine feel. A floral heart of geranium, labdanum, violet soon blooms to soften the edges. Upon dry-down, a wave of earthy/musky patchouli emerges from the base that mingles with slightly sweet vanilla to deliver an incredible feminine scent.
As for when to wear, Slow Dance is more of an autumn/winter scent and a distinct choice for date nights thanks to its romantic vibe. A patchouli base gives this fragrance a bit of an edge, which would match well with a candlelit dinner, or stroll by the sea.
The longevity of Slow Dance is excellent at 6+ hours with good sillage and projection.
This perfume looks as good as it smells and comes in a sleek modern bottle. Complete with a minimalist dome cap and discreet peek spray hole, this fragrance is easy to carry with you while you travel, and it looks stunning atop of your nightstand.
Top Notes:
Opoponax, Cognac
Mid Notes:
Geranium, Labdanum, Violet
Base Notes:
Vanilla, Patchouli
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
7. Ramon Monegal – Mon Patchouly
Review
Mon Patchouly Eau de Parfum from Ramon Monegal is a provocative fragrance inspired by the natural scent of patchouli which is both uplifting and seductive to its core.
The opening is a sensually spicy mix of oakmoss and frankincense which are very quickly joined by sweet jasmine and slightly green geranium. Upon dry-down, patchouli emerges from the base and reveals its sweeter side yet still has unmistakable earthy tones. A touch of amber provides additional warmth. Mon Patchouly is an exquisite fragrance, indeed.
This perfume is perfect for wearing in the changing seasons of autumn and spring. It’s tempting enough to wear for a night out on the town, yet laid-back enough to wear while taking in a cappuccino at your favourite local cafe.
The longevity of Mon Patchouly is excellent at 6+ hours with excellent sillage and projection. One that will certainly get you noticed.
Presented in a squat, sharp-edged bottle with a black cap that has matching lines and flips backwards. A silver-coloured metal neck compliments the overall look.
Top Notes:
Oakmoss, Frankincense
Mid Notes:
Jasmine, Geranium
Base Notes:
Patchouli, Amber
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harvey Nichols:
8. Givenchy – Patchouli de Minuit
Review
Givenchy Patchouli de Minuit Eau de Parfum is a deep and heady fragrance that draws you into its scent. If you hope to leave a lasting impression, then this is the fragrance to wear.
The opening is subtle with mildly spiced saffron and fresh lavender for an oriental-floral vibe. Soon a wave of creamy bittersweet tonka bean and alluringly dark patchouli rise to create something exceptional.
This is a feminine patchouli fragrance in a class of its own. The dark patchouli notes and creamy tonka bean linger on the skin all night long, with subtle saffron and lavender making it a feminine delight.
Wear this perfume for an evening out on the town! Its long-lasting fragrance will linger until the wee hours of the morning, no matter how much you dance the night away. More of an autumn/winter fragrance.
The longevity of Patchouli de Minuit is very long-lasting at 7+ hours with excellent sillage and projection. Will easily last all evening.
Discreetly presented in true Givenchy style in a square-sided black bottle complete with a gold-coloured label plus matching twine wrapped around the neck.
Top Notes:
Saffron
Mid Notes:
Lavender, Oriental
Base Notes:
Patchouli, Tonka Bean
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harrods:
9. Lancôme – Patchouli Aromatique
Review
Lancôme Maison Patchouli Aromatique Eau de Parfum is a strikingly decadent feminine fragrance that brings sophistication to another level.
An opening of slightly smokey vetiver provides a fresh earth-like tone and mingles with sage gives an almost Victorian garden feel. Sweet, warm and incredibly intoxicating patchouli in the base rises to the occasion to complete this attention-grabbing feminine fragrance.
This perfume is one to get dressed up for when attending formal get-togethers and romantic evenings out. You could also wear it while you’re at the office too if you need some lift. Leans towards autumn/winter/spring.
The longevity of Patchouli Aromatique is long-lasting at 5+ hours with reasonable sillage and projection.
This stunning perfume comes in a gold bottle that looks amazing displayed at home. Its captivating glass and astonishing details make this piece something to display with pride.
Top Notes:
Vetiver
Mid Notes:
Sage
Base Notes:
Patchouli
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Harvey Nichols:
10. Carolina Herrera – Nightfall Patchouli
Review
Another beautiful fragrance from the Confidential Collection, Nightfall Patchouli Eau de Parfum offers a glimpse into the luxurious world of Carolina Herrara. It draws inspiration from the mystery of the night and plays off the after-hours sense of adventure. With deep notes of benzoin resin and cinnamon, this fragrance carries you to a desert oasis.
Nightfall Patchouli opens with spicy-sweet cinnamon that soon entwines with rich, vanilla-like benzoin. As the fragrance settles, it unleashes a welcoming wave of exotically earthy-sweet patchouli that almost takes you back in time. Stunning.
Nightfall Patchouli wears best at night in honour of its nod to the after dark. Its deep notes and spicy profile make this an exceptional choice for dinner parties, evenings out on the town, and even romantic rendezvous. More autumn/winter and perhaps spring.
The longevity of Nightfall Patchouli is long-lasting at 5+ hours with reasonable sillage and projection. One that will certainly get you noticed.
Carolina Herrera captures elegance in a bottle with her Nightfall Patchouli perfume. Its sleek and polished appearance looks stellar displayed anywhere in your home, and the gold contrasted details help it stand out even more.
Top Notes:
Cinnamon
Mid Notes:
Benzoin Resin, Spices
Base Notes:
Patchouli
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Carolina Herrera:
What Other Notes Go Well With Patchouli?
Patchouli is a wonderfully versatile fragrance ingredient that blends beautifully with sandalwood, frankincense, jasmine, rose and citrus.
Sweet scents like vanilla, chocolate, and caramels also work incredibly well with patchouli. Of the synthetics, balsamic notes are a great choice, and sweet spices also blend well with patchouli, such as cinnamon, clove, and pimento.
Conclusion
Each of these 10 best perfumes with patchouli were chosen due to their own distinctive patchouli based aroma. Patchouli is an ageless additive that makes for an incredible base or mid-note ingredient.
An essential thing to remember about wearing a patchouli fragrance is that it has a powerful aroma. You want to look for perfumes that combine fruity or even oriental notes to complement the rich aroma. Choosing a scent that suits the season and also the time of day makes a world of difference, so we included the best time to wear each fragrance on our review.
Patchouli can extend the lingering effect of many other notes, so you can enjoy the fragrance for longer than you usually would. Women who enjoy showcasing their elegance should consider adding one of these recommendations to their line-up of scents.
Before you go, I have put together a review of the most elegant perfumes ranging from timeless classics to modern day sophistication that I think you will enjoy.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
