7 Perfumes That Smell Like Tyla’s Hit ‘Water’

Rewind to the summer of 2023, when Tyla’s ‘Water’ became the anthem, captivating charts and social media alike. Its infectious beat and simple title made it the season’s hit, inspiring us to attempt a twerk and memorable performances of Tyla’s fans on and offline. Peaking at 18 on Billboard and claiming the top spot on Rolling Stone’s list, the Johannesburg native turned global sensation overnight with her Amapiano, Afrobeats, R&B, and pop fusion.

Now, if you are a perfume lover just like us, you probably have wondered what ‘Water’ would smell like as a perfume? Imagine scents ranging from aquatic freshness to hints of sunscreen, embodying the song’s themes of attraction, love, and lust against the backdrop of hot summer nights. Or perhaps a blend of sexy gourmand, dark floral, or ripe summer fruits? Below, we explore perfumes reminiscent of Tyla’s iconic hit.

Beach Walk by Maison Margiela

Tyla’s hit “Water” evokes late summer nights on exotic beaches, a sensual vibe perfectly captured by Maison Margiela’s Beach Walk. This fragrance bottles the essence of sun-kissed shores with a blend of citrusy bergamot, pink pepper, lemon, and a floral heart with a coconut twist, reminiscent of sunblock and warm sands. The base of white musk and cedarwood wraps you in the comfort of sunny, salty breezes, embodying the song’s carefree, romantic beach atmosphere. It’s a seamless blend, mirroring the blissful, nostalgic essence of “Water” in every spritz.

Laskarina by Frapin

The essence of Tyla’s “Water” intriguingly reminds us of Laskarina by Frapin, a fragrance that captures a feminine mystique with its sugary sweet and ambery warmth. Starting with an inviting blend of pear, pink pepper, grapefruit, and bergamot, it evokes a vibrant tropical fruit platter. The transition to a heart of rose and orange blossom adds a layer of girlish sweetness, leading to a delicate, powdery drydown of spicy amber. This scent journey mirrors the song’s largely feminine appeal, the very reason why the summer-loving girlies embraced Tyla’s hit right away!

Ombre Sereine by Grace de Monaco

Ombre Sereine by Grace de Monaco weaves zesty pink pepper, mimosa, and bergamot into a captivating opening, mirroring the sensual and emotional depth of ‘Water’ by Tyla. Its heart unfolds into a bouquet of roses, ylang-ylang, jasmine, and lavender, echoing the song’s themes of desire, young love and passion. The scent’s drydown of leather, musk, and ambroxan lingers provocatively, reminiscent of a tender, intimate and disarming embrace by a lover. This fragrance, much like the song, is a journey through the landscapes of emotion and connection, each note a verse in the poetry of passion, sensuality, and the intense moments that define us.

Musc Ravageur by Frederic Malle

Musc Ravageur by Frederic Malle amazingly mirrors the sensuality of Tyla’s ‘Water,’ blending vanilla, musk, florals, and spices into a unisex scent that captivates with its depth, complexity and seductive sophistication. This fragrance evokes the same lustful and romantic vibes, becoming a skin scent that’s both mysterious and disarmingly intimate. Despite its classic status, Musc Ravageur continues to impress, offering a bold and sophisticated experience that resonates with new fragrance enthusiasts. It stands out for its ability to weave a story of passion and connection just like ‘Water’ did for us last summer, making it a profound choice for embodying the essence of all-consuming lust.

40 Knots by Xerjoff

It might be too on the nose but writing about ‘Water’ would not be complete without a perfume with predominantly aquatic notes just like 40 Knots by Xerjoff. This gorgeous unisex perfume was launched in 2012 but still enchants perfume lovers who go for marine, salty and aromatic notes to this very day.

When we think of Tyla’s summer hit and remember her very steamy music video, we can already smell the sea salt, that distinct ocean breeze we all love and some slight sweetness from yummy beachside cocktails. Xerjoff’s 40 Knots perfectly embody all these scents and vibes but adds a layer of luxury and sophistication that is undeniably magnetic.

Vacation EDT by Arquiste

We are wholly convinced that Tyla was wearing Arquiste’s “Vacation” when she was recording ‘Water’ or, at least, when she was looking gorgeous in her music video. Vacation masterfully blends all the much-craved sunscreen notes like coconut, banana, and sea salt with that pool vibe—think water, toys, and swimsuit lycra. It’s all the summer feels in a bottle, reminding you of those chill, sun-soaked days with your summer holiday crush making cute eyes with you from across the cabana. 

Vacation undoubtedly has got that beachy, poolside thing down, making it the go-to scent for anyone craving a bit of summer nostalgia. Just a spritz, and you’re right back in that summer vibe, matching the chill tunes of “Water.” It’s loved for bringing those sunny, lazy days to life, no matter where you are.

Oud Satin Mood by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Whilst Oud Satin Mood by Maison Francis Kurkdjian may not be the first fragrance that comes to mind for beach days or summer, its appeal is undeniable. It radiates a sexy and sensual vibe, reminiscent of the evocative lyrics in ‘Water’. Launched in 2015, this fragrance weaves together amber, wood, and rose notes, enchanting those with a penchant for romantic scents.

Echoing the sultry essence of Tyla’s lyrics, Oud Satin Mood wraps you in an irresistibly seductive aura. It combines oud with rose oil and violet, creating a fragrance that’s both refreshing and complex, ideal for cooler summer nights. The addition of a powdery vanilla in the base notes brings a warmth and subtle femininity. Reflecting on the memorable slow-dance scene from the ‘Water’ music video, Oud Satin Mood is all we can smell as it encapsulates that atmosphere: provocative, inviting, and intensely sensual.

There you have it! We hope you had as much fun reading this as we did curating it. Immersing ourselves in these perfumes truly resurrected ‘Water’ with all its summer feels. Each fragrance, like Tyla’s hit, spins its own tale, proving music’s magic extends way beyond our playlists. Got a favourite scent from the list, or is there another that screams ‘Water’ to you? Drop us a line and share your thoughts!