Although amber is frequently mentioned as the final note in a fragrance’s olfactory profile, do not overlook its relevance in the formulation for a variety of scent-related reasons. “Amber is the rockstar of the perfume world, in my opinion,” explains Alana Shlenker, Maya Fragrances’ founder. “What really makes amber a must-know is its versatility—it blends seamlessly with floral, woody or spicy notes, making it the social chameleon of the perfume world that adds a touch of sophistication.”
“Versatility is what makes amber very exciting in perfumery,” says MarieAnna Ferdinand, EVP of scent development at Tru scent & Beauty. “I love how multi-faceted amber can be in a fragrance—it can range from dark and sexy to warm and comforting depending on how it is used and what other ingredients it is paired with.”
The vibe amber imparts on a smell, as well as the sensation it elicits when it wraps the skin, are often described as sweet, creamy, warm, and comforting, and this is due in large part to the material it is comprised of. You might be shocked to learn that when amber is added to fragrances, it is not the same as the amber you associate with exquisite jewelry or diamonds. A perfume subscription box allows you to sample multiple perfumes to observe how the amber notes react with your body chemistry.
“Amber, in the perfumery sense, is somewhat of an enigma,” says Jonnie Swarbrick, creative director of Fragrance Du Bois. “It’s not produced from the amber gemstone, but rather from a constructed accord that produces a warm, resinous, slightly sweet, and earthy aroma—and this combination often includes labdanum, benzoin, and vanilla, among other ingredients. This produces a perfume that is rich and soothing, with exceptional depth and a velvety texture that epitomizes warmth and luxury in a bottle.”
Discover 10 cult-favorite amber scents that fragrance fans can’t get enough of.
“This fragrance is a cult favorite for a reason—it is addictive with an elevated vanilla amber signature,” says Ferdinand. “Whenever I wear this fragrance, I receive so many compliments.” At first, the creamy apricot top notes and jasmine middle notes entice you, but the brown sugar and amber bottom notes keep you captivated.
A particular blend of notes including bergamot, vanilla bourbon, and, of course, amber, as well as musk and sandalwood, defines warmth and comfort. “We know mists are having a moment and Ambre Vanille needs to be added to your fragrance wardrobe,” says Ferdinand. “The amber in this unique fragrance is sweet but balanced by the boozy bourbon notes.”
This elegant combination has bright, zesty notes of bergamot, ginger, and mandarin, yet musk and amber are also present at the base. “I am a huge fan of the Ex Nihilo brand, and this fragrance is no exception,” says Ferdinand. “It reads as a modern classic with fresh ginger notes on top that give way to the warm amber woody dry down—the result is a unisex fragrance that both my husband and I enjoy wearing.”
“My mother created this unique fragrance inspired by the intriguing, mysterious story of a lost ring by a Russian princess losing her heirloom ring from the Imperial Russian era called l’Emeraude Noire, embellished with a rare black emerald, in the Paris metro,” says Ben Krigler, perfumer and founder of Krigler Fragrances. “This perfume blends top notes of nutmeg, pepper, and bergamot; has a heart of patchouli and an amber mix; and a base of vanilla.” As for why amber is such an important note in perfume: “Amber’s warmth and subtle sweetness evoke a sense of comfort and indulgence—it’s warm, sensual, exotic, musky, soft, slightly sweet, and slightly spicy,” he says.
