Across the world, tea is steeped in a great wealth of cultural meaning, and is often associated with tranquillity, mindfulness and health. For the true tea lovers, experiencing a cup of tea is more than just downing the beverage itself. It’s the patience in the process of brewing a pot, the aroma that wafts through the room as it steeps and sometimes, the warmth of conversation that takes place between sips.
This is especially true in traditional Chinese tea ceremonies, where taking in the aroma of a cup of freshly brewed tea before it even touches your lips is paramount to the experience. Stopping to pay attention to a tea’s fragrance is not only a symbol of appreciation and respect, slowing down and grounding one in the experience—it also allows you to anticipate and discern the most subtle of notes and flavours, and enjoy it to the fullest.
It’s no surprise, then, to find that many fragrance enthusiasts also hold a deep love and appreciation for tea. The realms of tea appreciation and perfumery are perfectly in tune when it comes to the emotional and symbolic power of scent and its ability to influence our mood and energy. And when the two worlds collide, magic is created. While fragrance houses have long been influenced by the flavours and complexity of tea, it’s only been in recent years that they’ve begun to see teas as having unique scent profiles of their own, bringing more tea-inspired fragrances to the market of late.
The versatility of tea is unparalleled. From floral jasmines to smoky pu’ers, the addition of tea flavours can completely transform a fragrance, whether its adding a touch of sweetness, creating spicy dimensions or cutting through more heady notes with a hit of freshness. Across the board, what binds these flavours together—despite their sheer diversity—is the sense of comfort and calm that an aromatic cup of tea evokes.
Below, see Vogue Singapore’s curation of the best tea-inspired fragrances to try for a soothing olfactory experience.
1 / 8
Giorgio Armani Thé Yulong
An aromatic blend of black and green teas, Giorgio Armani’s Thé Yulong pays homage to the tranquil Yulong Mountains in Yunnan, China. A true tea fragrance, it opens with energising notes of green tea and citrus, before lulling you into the cosy depths of black tea. Mild and refreshing, it’s the perfect everyday scent to cut through the stifling humidity in Southeast Asia.
Giorgio Armani Thé Yulong, $280 for 100ml eau de toilette, available at Sephora
2 / 8
One Day Jasmine Tea
The most well-loved of Chinese perfume house One Day’s tea exclusive line, their Jasmine Tea fragrance emits a soft green floral aroma that’s as clear and comforting as a warm cup of jasmine green tea. Free from the clutter of any other distracting notes, this fragrance was made for those in search of a photorealistic tea scent.
One Day Jasmine Tea, $188.70 for 60ml eau de parfum, available at One Day
3 / 8
Obvious Milk & Matcha
Formerly known as Un Été, this comforting fragrance went viral upon its 2023 launch for good reason. Despite its new name, this unique scent leans towards lively notes of tangerine and ginger, while its comforting matcha and creamy vanilla base radiate a pleasantly sweet sense of calm.
Obvious Milk & Matcha, $188.90 for 100ml eu de parfum, available at Obvious
4 / 8
Maison de L'Asie Nanyang
Inspired by the tales of the straits Chinese diaspora, Nanyang is a timeless and elegant scent by Singaporean luxury fragrance house Maison de L’Asie. This fragrance’s journey begins with crisp, clean green tea and lemon, while notes of spicy saffron, black tea and musky jasmine lend it an air of opulence and mystery. Rich leather and sandalwood tie it all together, a true marriage between the past and present.
Maison de L’Asie Nanyang, $405 for 100ml extrait de parfum, available at Maison de L’Asie
5 / 8
Chasing Scents Tea Service
From Chasing Scents—a niche fragrance house specialising in aromatic tea perfumes using real tea extracts—comes the tranquil Tea Service, a beloved fragrance that’s both comforting and lively. Conjuring images of afternoon chats at a traditional tea house, oolong tea takes the lead with this scent, working in tandem with jasmine for a hint of sweetness that’s not too overpowering.
Chasing Scents Tea Service, $129 for 30ml eu de parfum, available at Chasing Scents
6 / 8
d’Annam Matcha Soft Serve
Another matcha fragrance, d’Annam’s Matcha Soft Serve is the perfect gourmand fragrance for those whose beverage of choice is a cup of creamy matcha latte. Leading with a photorealistic, herbaceous punch of matcha, it evolves into a sweeter, more lactonic scent throughout its wear as rich vanilla notes take hold.
d’Annam Matcha Soft Serve, $213.20 for 50ml eu de parfum, available at d’Annam
7 / 8
Zhufu Aged Pu-Er Tea
Woody and earthy, Zhufu’s Aged Pu-Er Tea is pure zen in a stylish, bamboo-inspired bottle. It opens with the rich smokiness of Pu-Er Tea, as subtle aquatic and bergamot notes cut through to create a light freshness. Nestled in the base notes are vetiver and sandalwood, imbuing it with depth and enigma.
Zhufu Aged Pu-Er Tea, $167.90 for 15ml parfum, available at Baroma
8 / 8
Nishane Wulóng Chá
Clean and fresh, Nishane’s Wulóng Chá is an energising blend of citrus—bergamot, orange and mandarin—and toasty oolong tea. Base notes of musk and decadent fig ground this mesmerising fragrance, adding a touch of comfort and luxury.
Nishane Wulóng Chá, $446.40 for 100ml extrait de parfum, available at Nishane
