Words by Giovanna Gama
Cherry perfumes are having a moment. Long admired in the fragrance world for their rich, seductive twist on fruit-forward scents, cherry notes are now firmly in the spotlight – thanks, in part, to the rise of cherry red as the season’s It-colour across fashion and beauty, The numbers don’t lie either: cherry-inspired fragrances have surged in popularity across social media, with terms like “best cherry perfume” trending throughout the summer, and Pinterest searches for “dark cherry red” alone were up 235% this year.
Luxury fragrance houses including Van Cleef & Arpels, Guerlain and Fragrance du Bois have all unveiled their own decadent takes on the note – from syrupy and sweet to spicy and sensual. Whether you’re looking to refresh your scent wardrobe or discover a bold new favourite, we’ve curated the best cherry perfumes worth knowing now.
For a cherry fragrance that looks as good on your vanity as it smells on your skin, turn to Tom Ford and its Electric Cherry eau de parfum, where a pink and red bottle is just the first glimpse into the perfume’s memorable aroma. The latest addition to the brand’s scent portfolio, it spotlights the tartness of morello cherry – a top note that will instantly catch your attention – before introducing jasmine sambac and musk for an alluring yet unique spin on the classic fruity scent.
Its name might have the word ‘rude’ in it, but this fragrance is anything but. Complex, intriguing and captivating, the Rude Cherry parfum from Fragrance du Bois is part of a Harrods-exclusive collection of daring perfumes, showcased through the green and gold accents of its vessel. Bold bursts of cherry, chilli and almond are complemented by a heart of saffron, rose and tonka, resulting in an intense blend, embraced by the warmth of musk, vanilla and ever-coveted oud for a fragrance that is nothing short of electrifying.
Mancera uses a red flacon to hint at what awaits inside: a scent so good you have to say it twice. The Cherry Cherry eau de parfum is made of three distinct layers that harmoniously work together to create the captivating fragrance. The top notes open with juicy black cherry, sparkling bergamot and zesty lemon to instantly awaken the senses. A blend of orris, jasmine and heliotrope quickly follows before landing on the warmth of vanilla pods and white musk, taking you on an unforgettable olfactory journey.
If you’re looking for a cherry scent that offers more than a fruity aroma, Guerlain has got you covered. The deep hues and intricate details of the L’Art & La Matière Cherry Oud eau de parfum bottle are enough to indicate this fragrance offers more than meets the eye – something you will discover upon the first spritz. Cinnamon and cardamom sit at the top for an instant hit of spice, while Turkish and Bulgarian roses enhance the cherry accord at the heart. The base serves as the grounding element, with oud, musk and leather accord adding warmth and mysterious allure to the perfume.
Feeling rebellious? Then this scent is for you. Often one to push boundaries in the world of fragrance, BornToStandOut offers a more unexpected take on the classic cherry perfume with its Indecent Cherry eau de parfum. “Our collections are not just about perfume, but a lifestyle." While both sweet and sour cherries are part of the scent’s notes, the brand shows its mischievous side by adding the likes of Bulgarian rose, mimosa, patchouli, amber and even oud to the mix, taking you on an experimental olfactory journey that’s nothing short of spectacular. The clue to how BornToStandOut fragrances will make you feel is in the name. As founder Jun Lim puts it, “Our collections are not just about perfume, but a lifestyle."
Kayali perfumes are known to be viral hits, and its LoveFest Burning Cherry 48 eau de parfum is no exception. Reimagining the signature bottle in a deep hue, the brand provides more than a straightforward scent here. Burning cherry is accompanied by bergamot and raspberries to immediately greet you with freshness, while a floral blend sits at the heart to soften it. The base, however, picks things back up with palo santo, guaiac wood and patchouli, adding a smoky and woody element to the fragrance.
If a bolder approach to a cherry scent is what you’re after, then the Moonlight Cherry eau de parfum from Van Cleef & Arpels is the one for you. Drawing inspiration from some of nature’s most enticing components, it combines bitter almond and absolute rum for an intense yet refined greeting, which smoothly transitions to a heart of cherry, coffee and sandalwood. The final touch comes via a base of tolu balm, vanilla and musk, resulting in a perfume that’s complex, alluring and undoubtedly memorable.
If the hue shown through the glass bottle of this perfume is indicative of what it has to offer, then you’re bound to be mesmerised. BDK Parfums’ Rouge Smoking eau de parfum is a sweet yet smoky take on a cherry fragrance, where pink berries and bergamot are enriched with cherry accord for a burst of freshness. On drawing inspiration from a woman living in Pigalle with a penchant for fashion, founder David Bendek says, “A Parisian approach to emotions and sensuality allows us to show a different approach to raw materials.” Black vanilla, orange blossom, tonka bean and white musk are some of the notes that follow, adding complexity to the scent and turning it into an intriguing and powerful aroma.