A beginner’s guide to single note perfumes

As much as I adore my perfume collection, I admit other people might not feel the same way. For me, a blend of orchids, marigold and roses with a dash of pepper, spice and cedarwood is nothing short of divine, but I also have it on good authority that not everyone in the bh office shares my love of oud.
If you’re anything like my counterpars, you’ll agree that sometimes, less is more. So enter the world of single note fragrances, where your nostrils can take in just one incredible aroma at a time....
Demeter
There are almost 300 simple and singular ‘life scents’ in the Demeter library, so you’ll find things like Fresh Hay, Christmas Tree, Pink Grapefruit and Rain along with stranger concoctions (lobster, anyone?). Demeter colognes are based on the smallest combination of ingredients that express a single, identifiable smell or idea, or layered to create a new scent unlike any other. Don’t ask me how they do it - just be thankful that someone finally decided to make cake batter perfume.
Jo Malone
Okay, you got me. This one isn’t exactly a single note fragrance, but you’d be hard-pressed to get a whiff of anything besides orange. Bursting with citrusy delight, there’s nothing subtle about this fragrance. Trust me on this one.
Commodity Goods
Are you a minimalist with an appreciation for the finer things in life? Excellent. You’ll love the simple, refined scents of Commodity Goods - think Rain, Tobacco, Whiskey and Tea. Ignore the gender divisions and explore the fresh, clean and beautiful scents on offer.
Kiehl’s
This beauty from Kiehl’s actually features notes bergamot, nectar and white patchouli, but dries down to a powerful musk. Originally believed to have been created in the 1920s, the scent was locked in an apothecary’s vat, labelled ‘Love Oil’ and deemed “too sexy” for sale. It wasn’t until the late 50s that the cologne was rediscovered and available to the general public. So risqué!
Do you own a single note fragrance? Which one is it?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
105 Member Comments
Most single note I have is Mugler's Alien. Jasmin in amber base.
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I can’t say I’ve actually ever owed a single note perfume
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I love some of the Jo Malone fragrances, they are very nice.
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Single note sounds great but wouldn't it just be easier to just wear an essential oil than a perfume? Not a fan of smelling like Birthday Cake either (it would just make me hungry all day long)
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I don't have a single note fragrance, but the orange blosssom sounds wonderful.
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mmm birthday cake sounds devine , who wouldnt wanna smell like birthday cake
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I used to love Demeter when I was a teenager. They have some incredibly unique scents (dirt anyone?) I need to pick up some more because my tastes have changed. No more smelling like a sugar cookie lol
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Might have to suss out Kiehls Fragrances
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Interesting! I’ve never given much thought to scents before, I’ve always just picked something that I’ve liked
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The body shop has some amazing single note scents, their pink grapefruit and satsuma are my favourites. I rebuy them over and over. I'll be devastated if they discontinue them
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I haven't tried these before but Birthday Cake and Orange Blossom sound like they would be good.
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I haven't tried any but would like to try Jo Malone.
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Thank you for the article and the list
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Jo molone perfume is one I have been lusting over. From the scent to the packaging, ahhhh just perfect
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So true! I never thought too much into it but most fragrances consist of a complex base and layer of notes. I want to smell the sea salt and birthday cake scents from Demeter. How heavenly!
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I'd love a rose single note fragrance. I love the smell!
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didn't even know what that meant until now!
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I like the sound of the Jo Malone Orange Blossom Cologne. I think my favourite single scents would be either vanilla or lavender.
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Discovered L'occitane lavender I'm in love!
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I like the simplicity of single note scents, especially in Summer. The Body Shop have some excellent ones.
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Eww..... The smell of tobacco is gross & it's a perfume are you insane? Who would want this.... Not me. Whiskey & tea naa I'll pass on this.
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I think tea would be nice, I don't know if I would want to smell like whisky, I just imagine smelling like a hangover haha
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I have parfum de roses by Chloe, so goregous
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birthday cakes sounds delicious
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