The 11 Best Sandalwood Perfumes to Smell Rich and Sweet
Reviewed by Julia A. Siegel, MD
Think you know sandalwood? Think again. If you're into woodsy or musky scents, you're probably already a devotee of the sophisticated base note—certain sandalwood scents are practically household names at this point (ahem, Le Labo). But it's also a surprisingly easy place to start if you’ve been loyal to sweet florals or creamy vanilla tops. In fact, the fall-favorite is just as alluring in bright summer aromas and intoxicatingly mysterious blends that makes you lean in just a little bit closer.
If you're shopping for a new perfume or maybe you're just curious about what sandalwood has to offer, you've come to the right place. We've found 11 tantalizing fragrances that will make you love sandalwood—that is, if you don't already.
Keep scrolling for our curated roundup of the top sandalwood perfumes worth trying.
Serge Lutens Santal Majuscule Eau de Parfum
Serge Lutens Santal Majuscule Eau de Parfum ($164)
Let's start things off with a fragrance that the perfumer himself describes as "sandalwood written in capital letters." With a profile—and a name—like that, it's a must-have (or at least a must-try) if a sandalwood scent is what you're after. Get introduced with a warm, woody opening note tempered with light floral notes (think: fresh rose). A snap of cacao at the end keeps things sharp and leaves a lasting impression.
Byredo Parfums Blanche Eau de Parfum
Byredo Parfums Blanche Eau de Parfum ($205)
Blanche may be Byredo founder, Ben Gorham's, attempt at evoking synesthesia. The scent is meant to represent his perception of the color white. With floral top notes and heart notes like white rose and peony, it leans toward the lighter side of sandalwood. It's an overall clean and fresh fragrance, making it a great option for everyday wear.
Diptyque Tam Dao Eau de Toilette
Diptyque Tam Dao Eau de Toilette ($175)
The only eau de toilette to make our list, Diptyque's Tam Dao illustrates the powerful tie between scent and memory. Co-founder Yves Coueslant created the fragrance to evoke the Mysorian forests and temples where he spent his summers as a child. The woody notes of this fragrance (Italian cypress, cedar, spices, and amber) give it a warm, spicy appeal that seduces the senses.
Tom Ford Santal Blush Eau de Parfum
Tom Ford Santal Blush Eau de Parfum ($185)
Ford intended for this exotic fragrance to embody a kind of "naked glamour"—and that's exactly what it delivers. Equal parts creamy and spicy, it counts cinnamon bark oil, ylang-ylang, benzoin tears, and copaiba balsam, among its ingredients. We're betting it would be right at home in the mid-century excess of Palm Springs.
Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Perfume Oil
Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Perfume Oil ($65)
Here we have an affordable option that smells anything but. Sandalwood combines with vetiver and amber to create a warm, earthy scent that doesn't overpower. And while perfume oil may not have the sillage of an Eau de parfum, it actually lasts longer. Light yet highly luxurious, this is the scent to slather on if you want major compliments.
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum ($230)
Thanks to its cult status, this perfume has become synonymous with modern luxury. With notes of cardamom, violet, iris, papyrus, and cedarwood, you've likely already smelled this incredibly popular scent in the wild—and if you've been to LA. Creamy and light, you'll want to continue layering it on throughout the day.
D.S. & Durga Radio Bombay Eau de Parfum
D.S. & Durga Radio Bombay Eau de Parfum ($210)
Wallflowers need not apply—this exotic fragrance demands attention. Its spicy, heady scent was inspired by the bustling streets of Mumbai. And with a formula that includes ambergris, one of the world's most expensive perfume ingredients—it should come as no surprise that Radio Bombay doesn't run cheap. Fortunately, D.S. & Durga also offers a Pocket Perfume ($72) that poses as a more budget-friendly option.
Chanel Coco Eau de Parfum
Chanel Coco Eau de Parfum ($135)
A classic fragrance created by Jacques Polge, Chanel's Coco needs no introduction. Sicilian mandarin, jasmine, patchouli, and a note of vanilla-like Tonka give way to a scent that is complex, but not complicated; empowering without overpowering. It makes for the perfect date-night perfume.
Henry Rose Queens & Monsters Eau de Parfum
Henry Rose Queens & Monsters Eau de Parfum ($120)
This perfume is a perfect example of how rich fragrances don't need to compromise lightness for sensuality. Fresh and zesty notes of violet leaf, neroli, freesia, and jasmine levitate with a woody twist of petitgrain but the creamy base of vanilla, coco musk, and sandalwood offer a cozy grounding that makes this fragrance a true standout.
Petit Histoire Coup de Courage Eau de Parfum
Petit Histoire Coup de Courage Eau de Parfum ($145)
Another perfume oil on the list, Coup de Courage is an absolutely tantalizing unisex fragrance. A warm embrace of sandalwood and vanilla pose an invitation for the senses before mysterious ylang-ylang captures you with its exotic magnetism. The 100 percent natural, small-batch fragrance is vegan and cruelty free.
Tocca Stella Eau de Parfum
Tocca Stella Eau de Parfum ($80)
This flirty fragrance may seem surprising for a sandalwood find, but it beautifully illustrates the chameleon-like range of the often pigeon-holed scent. A true ode to balmy Italian romance, bright notes of blood orange, freesia, and spicy lily transport the senses, amplified by the unlikely deep base of sandalwood and musk.
Up Next: 20 Musky Fragrances to Suit Any Scent Preference
Read the original article on Byrdie.