Fragrances that become materials For those looking to smell like concrete and metal

Usually, when we think of a perfume, we think of flowers, vanilla, fruit, woods. All things we already know how to recognise. But perfumery doesn't always have to be so well-behaved. It can also smell like things we would never think we wanted to smell like. Some perfumes, however, prefer to take inspiration from materials and surfaces rather than the usual ingredients. This doesn't necessarily mean that a fragrance has to smell like a construction site or burnt rubber; sometimes all it takes is the memory it brings back to make us like it.

Perfumes that become matter

Paper - Papermaking by Le Gout de Peau

Papermaking by Le Gout de Peau is a perfume that explores the making of paper, from its plant-based origins to its transformation. It opens with green notes of paper mulberry and leaves, followed by valerian, chamomile and vetiver at the heart. Finally, the base brings together paper, ink and ambergris, making the reference to the material even more evident.

Metal - Resonant by .Oddity

Resonant by .Oddity explores the smell of hot metal and citrus notes. It opens with yuzu, mandarin, bergamot, ginger and petitgrain, before the real protagonists emerge at the heart: metallic notes. Finally, the base features musk, guaiac wood and ambergris.

Concrete - Concrete by Comme des Garçons

Concrete by Comme des Garçons explores the smell and sensation of concrete, taking you inside a construction site surrounded by concrete and airborne dust. It opens with cumin, cardamom and cloves, followed by rose oxide and sambac jasmine at the heart. Finally, the base features sandalwood, cedar and musk.

Wax - With the Candlestick by Clue Perfumery

With the Candlestick by Clue Perfumery explores the smell of candle wax, particularly when it is still warm and has just been extinguished. It opens with cherry wine and cinnamon leaf, followed by labdanum, melted wax and church incense at the heart. Finally, the base features extinguished candle and warm musk, creating a smokier, slightly metallic effect.

Paint - Odeur 53 by Comme des Garçons

Odeur 53 by Comme des Garçons does not recreate the smell of paint exactly, but captures that more chemical and artificial side that can recall a freshly painted surface or an open can of nail polish. It opens with metal, oxygen and burnt rubber, followed by enamel, cellulose and sand at the heart. Finally, the base features clay, pebbles and mineral notes.

Nylon - Nylon Noir by Prada

Nylon Noir by Prada starts with nylon itself, the material that has become a symbol of the maison. The composition is very simple and is based on three notes: jasmine, nylon accord and musk.