Top 10 Best Fougere Fragrances

Meaning ‘fern-like’ in French, the word ‘fougere’ refers to a long-standing olfactive category. The Fougere fragrance family is usually airy, elegant, and soothing. Traditionally, Fougere perfumes contained sweet lavender, woody oakmoss, and coumarin, which is reminiscent of the fragrance of fresh hay, as primary ingredients. The first ever fougere perfume Fougere Royale was formulated by Paul Parquet in 1882 for his brand Houbigant. Interestingly, Parquet intended his creation for women but it soon became very popular among the men of the day. Today, Fougeres continue to be categorized as ‘masculine’ perfumes.

Difference between Chypre and Fougere

While fougere perfumes are predominantly aromatic with notes like lavender, coumarin, geranium, and oakmoss notes, chypre perfumes are more woody and mossy with a strong floral accord. Chypre perfumes also tend to contain labdanum, musk, patchouli, ambergris, and citrus accords. They are usually richer and deeper than fougere scents because of the more complex scent profile. For the sake of perfume categorization, chypre perfumes are often considered the female counterparts of the fougere family.

Best Fougere Perfumes

Modern Fougere perfumes often contain bergamot, galbanum, and vetiver, alongside the traditional staples. They usually smell very clean, natural and woody. These versatile perfumes are perfect for all-season wear. If you want to begin or refresh your Fougere perfume collection, take a look at our carefully curated list of the best Fougere perfumes you should not miss out on.

1. Versace – Eros U

A perfume that exudes raw sensuality and confidence, Versace Eros is a classic Fougere that will never go out of style. Opening with sparkling mint and lemon alongside delicious apple, the perfume gives away to a sweeter floral heart of tonka bean, ambroxan and geranium. The delicious Madagascar vanilla in the base combines with woody cedar and earthy oakmoss for an oriental touch that never fails to dazzle.

2. Guerlain – Jicky

Deceptively simple but immensely attractive, this oriental fougere perfume has a timeless presence. Sparkling, cold top and heart notes meet warm, spicy base notes to form a magical friendship. Aromatic lavender and a citrus medley of bergamot, lemon, and mandarin fuse with the rose and vetiver notes in the middle. The oriental vase of patchouli, amber, and vanilla uplifts the fragrance, rendering it ideal for a celebratory mood. This fragrance is available as an Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, and Extrait de Parfum.

3. Cerruti 1881 – Pour Homme

A classic aromatic fougere that always has a commanding presence in any room, Cerruti 1881 is beloved all over the world. Opening with a lovely infusion of lavender, cypress, carnation and juniper, the perfume then moves on to a delicate floral heart that consists of lily-of-the-valley, rose, ylang-ylang and cassia. Vetiver, oakmoss, cedar, patchouli and just the slightest hint of spicy pepper add exceptional depth and contrast.

4. Tom Ford – Beau de Jour

It is difficult to imagine Tom Ford doing anything wrong, especially when it comes to crafting irresistible, gorgeous perfumes. Beau de Jour has a predominantly earthy and woody note profile, but the floral notes of lavender and geranium reign supreme in terms of balancing the fragrance. Sensual musk, warm amber, earthy patchouli and leathery oakmoss cement the Fougere status of this beautiful scent.

5. Calvin Klein – IN2U

If you are a fan of florientals, you have to add IN2U by Calvin Klein to your fragrance arsenal without a second’s delay. Gorgeous warm amber delicately counterbalances the zesty pink grapefruit and sparkling bergamot, allowing the orchid in the heart to shine in its full glory. Delicious vanilla and smooth cedar in the base let the top and middle notes gently fuse with each other to create a lingering aura that is nothing short of magical.

6. Acqua di Parma – Cipresso di Toscana

In a bid to celebrate the beauty of Tuscany, Cipresso di Toscana immediately transports you to the stunning seascapes and landscapes of Italy. A mesmerizing woody-aromatic perfume, it opens with a trio of rosemary, basil, and sage, alongside fizzy grapefruit, which is quite refreshing. The floral-spicy heart predominantly features lavender, coriander, cardamom, and jasmine, while cypress, vetiver, oakmoss, cedar, and patchouli form the fougere base.

7. Joop! – Homme

When it comes to fragrance, the classics are often unbeatable. That is the case with Joop! Homme, continues to enrapture fragrance even decades after its launch. The first fougere for many millennials, the perfume opens with the invigorating citrus burst of mandarin, bergamot and Amalfi lemon. Sweet and warm cinnamon engages in a tug of war with spicy cardamom in the heart while the floral trio of heliotrope, jasmine, and lily-of-the-valley infuses with the oriental patchouli-vanilla-tonka bean combination in the base to create a timeless floriental-fougere.

8. Amouage – Jubilation XXV for men

Fruity but woody, this Jubilation XXV amber-fougere by Amouage is quite the showstopper. The perfume opens with deliciously lush blackberry and orange that exist in harmony with coriander, labdanum and olibanum. The spicy-woody heart featuring guaiac wood, cinnamon, and clove has a drizzle of sweet honey. The rose-oud duo shines as the patchouli-oakmoss-ambergris trio adds depth alongside the clean musk and smooth cedar.

9. Caron – Le 3′ Homme

Perhaps one of the most unique fougere perfumes to have ever been created, Caron Le 3′ boasts an unusual fusion of traditional fougere accords with fresh florals and exotic fruits. Quite a modern fragrance, Caron opens with gorgeous lavender, fresh lemon, and sparkling bergamot before moving on to a floral heart composed of carnation, jasmine, rose, and geranium. Smooth cedar, velvety musk, sweet vanilla, and earthy oakmoss reside in the base, complementing the delicate play of the accords at every step.

10. Houbigant – Fougère Royale

Going back to where it all started, the Houbigant Fougère Royale is a reformulated version of the original 1882 masterpiece, made suitable for modern times. However, it still possesses the same elegance and beauty as its predecessor. The aromatic medley of sparkling bergamot, soothing lavender, and chamomile at the top forms a loving bond with the spicy-floral heart composed of rich geranium, delicate rose, and sweet cinnamon. The warm, sensual base with amber, oakmoss, coumarin, patchouli, and tonka beans is absolute perfection.Fougere perfumes are ideal candidates for signature scents. They are wonderfully light and attractive without being overbearing. All the perfumes on our list represent a unique take on the fragrance family, and you are unlikely to go wrong with any of them. Choose a fougere to be your best friend this summer.