One way for a fashion or beauty trend to stand out these days? To emerge from anywhere other than the hallowed halls of TikTok. Such was the case when Chemena Kamali’s debut Chloé collection arrived on the fall/winter catwalks in Paris earlier this year. The return of boho chic was immediately heralded by the loose and flowing silhouettes on display.
While we haven’t seen the aesthetic’s return to sartorial dominance just yet, now’s as good a time as any to channel your inner flower child. We’re talking on the beauty front—think softly diffused eyeshadow, ethereal pastels and a light hand. All have been making their way back into the beauty mainstream. But even more impressionistic? The exhilarating notes of any bohemian-befitting perfume.
Earthy, woody scents have long been associated with a summer of love. Look to patchouli and sandalwood, once-countercultural aromas that now feature in popular scents such as Gucci’s Flora Gorgeous Magnolia and Le Labo’s Santal 33. Amber and vetiver are also grounding options.
Beyond these deeper fragrances, fresh florals and citruses offer a light counterpart. The zest of lemon, bergamot and neroli is an olfactive portal to summer breezes and fields forever. Meanwhile, everyone smiles as you drift past the flowers of sensual jasmine and calming ylang-ylang.
Whether your preferences err more rich and incense-like, or brighter and airy, there’s a fragrance for the free spirit in everyone. View Vogue Singapore’s edit of six ambrosial, dreamy boho scents to try below.
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Byredo's Gypsy Water
It’s a bestseller for a reason. Byredo’s ode to the nomadism of gypsy culture transports you straight to a sunlit, fresh forest. Dreamy layers of pine needle, sandalwood, amber and citrus ensure this.
Byredo Gypsy Water EDP, $297 for 50ml, available at Escentials.
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Maison Crivelli's Patchouli Magnetik
It’s safe to say that patchouli is the most timeless of bohemian scent emblems. Here, niche French fragrance house Maison Crivelli spotlights the musky aroma alongside gardenia, sandalwood, benzoin and amber. This scent’s earthy magic is prolonged by its impressive sillage.
Maison Crivelli Patchouli Magnetik EDP, $379 for 50ml, available at Escentials.
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Diptyque's Eau Mohéli
Ylang-ylang, renowned for its calming abilities, never fails to whisk one away to more blissful locales—if only by scent. The flower’s subtle spice and woodiness are the stars of this Diptyque fragrance. Its name heeds the island of Mohéli in the Comoros archipelago, where the lush plant abounds.
Diptyque Eau Mohéli EDT, available at Diptyque.
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Chloé's Nomade Naturelle
From the house that single-handedly brought back boho arrives a new take on their daring Nomade fragrance. Inspired by the muse of an adventurous woman who seeks out experiences far and wide, the heart of this perfume is Egyptian jasmine. The accompanying bergamot, vanilla, sandalwood and date accord make for a scented adventure in itself.
Chloé Nomade Naturelle EDP, $260 for 75ml, available at Sephora.
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Matiere Premiere's Santal Austral
You’ve likely already clocked sandalwood as an integral base note for many perfumes on this list. Matiere Premiere goes one step further with their fragrance, which spotlights Australian sandalwood oil as its main ingredient. Iris, benzoin and tonka bean round off the warmth and woodiness of it all.
Matiere Premiere Santal Austral EDP, $269 for 50ml, available at Escentials.
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Lush's Love
If you’ve entered the heady aisles of Lush before, you’ll know that it would be remiss not to mention their fragrances—the original bohemian scents for many. Our pick is Love, which attracts with a deliciously sunny incarnation of lemongrass, bergamot and ylang-ylang.
Lush Love, $99, available at Lush.
