How about taking an unusual trip today – through travel inspired perfumes? Today we will travel around the world without actually physically traveling. We have already done a similar trip on my blog which became super popular: Travel the World Without Flying, where we explored internationally themed locations in the U.S, from Chinatowns to German towns and everything in between.
But now we will take a different but no less exciting trip around the world – with the help of perfume and beauty expert, Beauty by Sofia Bee.
Each country has its unique smell. Some aromas are more distinct than others: the spices of the Middle Eastern outdoor markets or tropical flowers of the Caribbean Islands, for example. Often these unique aromas are incorporated into the travel inspired perfumes produced by the local perfume makers and those aromas will always remind you of that specific place. You close your eyes, you smell Plumeria, and you definitely feel like you are in Hawaii…
In some cases a country or region specific perfume has nothing to do with the unique aromas of the place but more with the character of the place. For example, France is considered to be the country of love and French perfumes are known for being sexy.
Today we will explore both, aromas and characters of different countries. First, let’s travel the world with local AROMAS. (by Family Road Trip Guru)
Hawaii
As I mentioned above, nothing says “Hawaii” as well as the intoxicating smell of Plumeria. Plumeria are beautiful flowers that you can find on all Hawaiian Islands. They can be white, pink, yellow or orange in color and all combinations of these colors as well. Plumeria grows everywhere on the islands – this is one of the often used flower bushes in landscape design over there. So the aroma goes with you everywhere.
The best way to experience Plumeria outside of Hawaii is through this travel inspired perfume – Royal Hawaiian Plumeria perfume. If you or someone among your family and friends is a fan of Hawaii – this travel inspired perfume will be the best gift (and it is inexpensive too!)
England
I lived in England for 5 years and the British Isles cannot be more different from Hawaiian Islands but these northern islands have their own captivating aromas. To me England smells of English Pear, English Rose, Lilly of the Valley, Peony, Honeysuckle, Bluebell and other flowers that are prolific in perfectly manicured English gardens.
And no one else does a better job of capturing those local aromas in perfumes than Jo Malone London. I personally fell head over heels for English Pear and Freesia Cologne. When I miss London I reach out for this bottle and get immediately transported across the Atlantic with this travel inspired perfume…
For a special treat check out mini variety set of 5 of Joe Malone most popular flower scents (English Pear and Freesia is included in this set):
India
India has one of the most long standing traditions of perfume making in the world. There are Indian texts that are about 2000 years old that describe how to extract aromas from plants. Classic Indian aromas are exotic and captivating: Jasmine, Patchouli, Musk, Sandalwood.
If you are able to travel to India, try to get your hands on All Good Scents perfumes. They are considered to be one of the top 5 Indian perfume brands using traditional Indian scents but unfortunately they are not shipped outside of India. However, regardless of where you are located you can sign up for their perfumery workshops on their website if you are interested in perfumes.
To experience Indian travel inspired perfume in the U.S. and Europe, check out Indian Night Jasmine by The Body Shop:
United Arab Emirates
Middle Eastern perfumes may by too strong and exotic for some. They usually represent a combination of spicy, sweet, woody and floral scents. Black Pepper, Saffron, Leather, Turkish Rose, Sage, Oud are some of the often used notes in Arabic perfumes.
Swiss Arabian perfume company creates both truly Arabic fragrances and fusions of Western and Arabic scents. If you want to virtually transport to the world of “1000 and 1 Nights” fairy tales then Swiss Arabian is your ticket! Sehr al Sheila is one of their most popular perfumes for women with strong rose notes and probably one of the most exotic ones on my list of travel inspired perfumes:
Japan
Classic Japanese scents are Sakura, White Magnolia, Flowering Plum, Iris and Musk. This is how Kyoto and Tokyo smell in spring when they look totally mesmerizing adorned with all the flower blossoms.
Shiseido is one of the most famous Japanese beauty and perfume brands that also owns another top Japanese perfume brand – Issey Miyake. Check out their Shiseido for Women Energizing Fragrance for a virtual flowers inspired trip to Japan.
If you want to dive deep in exploring Japanese fragrances, check out this excellent article from Tokyo Weekender about top Japanese and Japan-inspired perfumes.
Now let’s talk about CHARACTER. In this section we will continue our exploration of travel inspired perfume brands from different countries with Beauty by Sofia Bee.
Germany
Escentric Molecules
Escentric Molecules have recently taken over the fragrance world. The one thing that Germans are most known for is efficiency: their state of the art cars and flawless home appliances are a testament to that. So only a German, I think, could have come up with a perfume based on just 1 molecule (how efficient is that?)
Indeed, Escentric Molecules typically have just 1 molecule in its perfume. Such one of a kind molecules are synthetically created but similar in tone to some of the natural occurring aromas such as, for example, sandalwood or vetiver, but more refined and “up-scaled”. For instance, the main ingredient in Molecule 01 is the aroma-molecule Iso E Super. This is one group of fragrance materials, such as musk.
Escentric Molecules were at the epicenter of where the craze of “no odor” started. You don’t even smell it much. Honestly, these perfumes are fantastic for work place where you can’t be smelling powerful. I also call it a perfect boyfriend smell where you “smell” him, and you know it has a spice. They did come out with some fragrances for girls – I personally love the Number 4 perfume (notes of grapefruit peel and cream roses).
Italy
Nasomatto
Nasomatto means “Crazy Nose” in Italian, and the creator of Nasamatto, Alessandro Gualtieri, is often called the Van Gogh of fragrances, and I agree! Italy has always been on the edge of fashion and fashionable new trends. So my one characteristic of Italy in this respect is “edgy”.
Nasomatto’s work is definitely edgy and super different than anything you ever tried in your life. If you want to know how new Italian fashion smells, you must try Nasamatto. In his perfumes you will find very unusual notes, such as plastic, smoke, animal notes together with the traditional floral and woody scents.
My favorite is a very feminine fragrance, “Narcotic V,” even the name is unusual for the artist. Many people agree that the main ingredient in this perfume is tuberose but be very careful and don’t overspray yourself. It is like Dior “Poison”: it can make you attractive but at the same time, it can play against you if the smell is too strong. Make sure you keep it on the light, and all the men around you will be at your feet!
France
By Kilian
France is sensual and sexy. By Killian is the most sensual artist of them all, and in the last ten years, he is the most talked-about as well! By Killian is a perfect example of France royalty, and don’t forget he is a Henessy fifth generation of Richard Hennessy. Killian fragrances are sexy and are not only sexy but very unapologetic, and his fragrance creations will get your passion on fire! Fragrance creations that he does are just called the fragrances that you will never forget and will be in your memory forever!
My favorite by far is “Love, don’t be shy” this is a true magic potion, and I encourage everyone to try it if you like sweet yummy fragrances. He does have other creations that are super beautiful and truly must-try. But it is not for everyone. This is the scent for those who love to eat delicious candy that taste like vanilla. I will tell you my secret: this is my signature scent, and I always get compliments. Here are some of the notes of this magic fragrance: Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Coriander, Neroli, Sambac Jasmine, Honeysuckle, Orange flower, Bulgarian rose. And here is another secret: men can wear this fragrance as well! Yes absolutely they can, maybe not as much as women but like a dot and mixing with a man’s chemistry this fragrance becomes a true gem (but make sure that your man has the same sweet tooth like you.
Francis Kurkdjian
Another French perfume genius is Francis Kurkdjian. He was born in Paris in 1969 to Armenian parents. Since he was thirteen years old, Francis, who already had an interest in perfume making, decided in 1985 to become a perfumer, and oh, what a perfumer he became!!! He is the name to some of the most famous perfume brands such as Nina Ricci, Elizabeth Arden, Burberry and more.
But he also has his own brand, Maison Francis Kurkdjian and all his creations are just stunning. He is one of the most talented creators in the fragrance world. I highly recommend his perfume Baccara Ruge 415, which has amber, spicy and woody notes, typical for many of Kurkdjian’s products. People often describe Francis Kurkdjian perfumes as rich and provocative and isn’t it what defines France too?
USA
Tom Ford
Tom Ford is a trendy and very talented American designer. He is in charge of absolutely EVERYTHING! Clothing, photo sessions, makeup, bags, fragrances, shoes. You name it, and he does it! Today I will talk about his one perfume that I adore, and it is a cult favorite, “Vanille Tobacco”.
Vanille Tobacco, I feel, would be great for absolutely anyone. It has tonka bean, some tobacco, and spice. What it does, it wakes you up and makes you almost lose control and get on a wild ride, somewhere on a scenic American highway, speeding up in a Porsche… It is a very sexy and raw smell where you can be yourself, yet you can try something out of the ordinary – isn’t that the ultimate American Dream?
And the best part is that this fragrance has no gender: men or women can wear it and feel sexy and yet homey at the same time. Maybe that is why this fragrance has been so popular for so many years and still is!
Around the World
Could one travel around the world and experience different country scents with the help of just one perfume designer? Yes, one surely can, with the following travel inspired perfumes!
BYREDO – Sweden
Ben Gorham is the man who is responsible for creating BYREDO. Byredo is one of my super favorite fragrances because it is perfect for work, date, interview, feeling extra clean, and overall just easy to wear and recommend to others.
Interestingly enough, Byredo perfumes do not represent Sweden as a country but often take you on a voyage to other places. Byredo travel inspired perfumes take you on a trip to Italy with Palermo, to Holland with LaTulipe, to India with Black Saffron, to Africa with Bal d’Afrique and so on.
One of the most popular fragrances in the collection is “Mojave Ghost” (Mojave is the name of a desert in the Southwest United States) This perfume is primarily unisex, and when I bought this for my hubby as a gift, I knew that I would be wearing it myself. The main notes are: Sapodilla, Ambrette, Magnolia, Violet, Sandalwood.
Le Labo – USA
Le Labo is an American perfume house and it has fragrances so exclusive that several most popular (tourist) cities of the world have their own scent.
Le Labo “The City Exclusives’ travel inspired perfumes are:
- Gaiac 10 (Tokyo) – musk, guaiac wood, cedar
- Vanille 44 (Paris) – vanilla, guaiac wood, incense
- Tubereuse 40 (New York) – orange flower, bergamot, tangerine
- Poivre 23 (London) – pepper, labdanum, vanilla
- Musc 25 (Los Angeles) – musk, aldehydes, ambergris
- Limette 37 (San Francisco) – lime, musk, bergamot
- Baie Rose 26 (Chicago) – rose, pink pepper, aldehydes
- Cuir 28 (Dubai) – woody, leather, earthy
- Benjoin 19 (Moscow) – amber, woody, warm spice
- Bigarade 18 (Hong Kong) – neroli, bergamot, bigarade
Le Labo has several other cities in his collection – these were just some examples to get you intrigued. To add to the intrigue: these fragrances are ONLY available in their corresponding city and nowhere else!
If you are interested in Le Labo perfumes, check out this discovery set:
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed our tour around the world with perfume. Let us in the comments below which of these scents would you like to try or you already tried and loved!
Whichever perfume you choose for yourself, I highly recommend looking at the unisex fragrances suggestions because they are so uplifting. It helps with dating, personal hygiene, going for an interview, having a job where you need to be standing super close to someone. There is nothing worse than a person who smells a little “too much,” and then it is just not very pleasant for everyone else around.
If you found this article about travel inspired perfume interesting, please, share with friends! We would absolutely love that.
About Beauty by Sofia Bee
Sofia Bee, who is the co-author of this article, is a Medical Esthetician, Celebrity Makeup Artist, and leading expert in all things beauty and exclusive creator of the OnLine beauty course. She brings more than 20 years of hands-on hands-on hands-on experience. Prior to owning her own business, she worked for top medical spas, holistic spas as a Lead Esthetician and the top educator for her clients and staff. In addition to frequent beauty event training on looks on the go for women of all ages, she is an advocate of beauty within yourself and creating confidence with less is more approach, being a number eight person to appear on wikiHow, Tara Banks Stanford project, and more. You can find Sofia on Instagram
Additional Resources
If you are interested in learning and exploring the world of perfumes further, you may find these fascinating books helpful:
DISCLAIMER: I participate in Amazon Associate program. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links and I may earn a small commission with no additional cost to you. I use all of these proceeds for support and maintenance of the blog so that I could bring you more travel itineraries, ideas and tips.
BONUS Video
And here is a great FREE bonus for you: after this article was published we did LIVE video with Beauty by Sofia Bee about perfumes around the world. You can watch the full recording of the video here:
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