Magnolia is a delicate flower which blooms in the Spring; being such a delicate scent it isn’t often the main note in a fragrance. Magnolia smells like a slightly sweet floral bouquet with green undertones, and sometimes has an aquatic quality. This article outlines the best Magnolia perfumes and links to where you can get them.
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Magnolia History & Origins
Magnolia is an ancient plant which has been around before bees even existed (instead Beatles pollinated Magnolia flowers). There are fossils of Magnolia which date back to 20 million years ago, so the scent of Magnolia has been around for a long time. Magnolia gates its name from the French botonist Pierre Magnol and has spread across the world. North Korea, Shanghai, Mississippi and Louisiana all have Magnolia as their official flower.
Estée Lauder Beautiful Magnolia
Estée Lauder Beautiful Magnolia is a rare soft floral fragrance which actually has lasting power and projection. Particularly with Magnolia perfumes, I find they often only last an hour or so. Beautiful Magnolia on the other hand provides fresh and aquatic Magnolia and Lotus notes which follow the wearing round for hours.
Beautiful Magnolia is an Eau de Parfum so it has a good concentration of fragrance in it. It also contains a Solar note which is a synthetic creation that creates the sensation of the sun on the skin, as well as providing lasting power.
In my view, Beautiful Magnolia is the perfect Mother’s Day fragrance gift, or gift for yourself. I recommend anyone looking for a feminine every day perfume they can rely upon to try Beautiful Magnolia.
Juliette Has A Gun Magnolia Bliss
2022 saw the release of Juliette Has A Gun Magnolia Bliss. This pretty fragrance is inspired by the Summer of Love and has lovely floral engraving on the colourful red and yellow bottle.
The scent at first is a fruity magnolia; which took me by surprised because I don’t usually associate fruity scents with Juliette has a Gun. The opening Nectarine and Lemon is swiftly followed by a feminine Magnolia and Peony. However, as the perfume develops the brand’s signature Ambroxan scent becomes more and more noticeable. What I really like about Magnolia Bliss is the lasting power and projection. It really is rare to find a fruity floral perfume which can be relied upon. As a result I think Magnolia Bliss is my favourite Juliette Has A Gun perfume!
Bvlgari Splendida Magnolia Sensuel
Magnolia is a very delicate note and in Bvlgari Splendida Magnolia Sensuel it is certainly noticeable but other notes also shine through. A feminine Orange Blossom and Jasmine create a orangey, white floral scent which is classy and ideal for day time. Bvlgari Splendida Magnolia Sensuel is my personal favourite from the range (my article on the other Bvlgari Splendida perfumes).
In the US Bvlgari Splendida Magnolia Sensuel is available at Amazon and Walmart. In the UK & Europe at Notino, House of Fraser, and Amazon. In Australia it’s available at Fresh Fragrances.
Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Eau & Magnolia
Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Eau & Magnolia is a classic, everyday Magnolia perfume. Issey Miyake fragrances are famous for their aquatic tones and Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Eau & Magnolia is no exception. I think this fragrance is the best Magnolia perfume for humid weather. It’s an Eau de Parfum Intense so it does have lasting power, but it still manages to be refreshing and not at all cloying.
Acqua di Parma Magnolia Nobile
Acqua Di Parma is a lovely Italian fragrance brand. They mainly make unisex fragrances with lots of Italian Bergamot but they also have a Nobile range which is aimed at women; my favourite from this range is their Magnolia Nobile.
I think Acqua Di Parma Magnolia Nobile really captures the fresh sweetness of Magnolia blossom. Its more floral and less aquatic than Estée Lauder Beautiful Magnolia, so this is a scent for floral fans. The Acqua Di Parma fragrances are quite concentrated so you can rely on the fragrance to last; they also have lots of accompanying body products which also help extend the fragrance.
