Burning incense is a staple in many religious and spiritual ceremonies. It can also help clear the air of unpleasant smells.
Frankincense, Sandalwood and Cedarwood fragrances are ‘calming scents’ and great for meditation. Similarly, floral-based fragrances like jasmine and rose can open the heart chakra.
Yves Saint Laurent Opium
Celebrities are known to love a good perfume, and Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic Black Opium has long been the celebrity perfume of choice. Since its launch in 1977, the spicy-fierce fragrance has garnered a cult following. Stars like Salma Hayek, Heidi Klum, and Gisele Bundchen have made it their signature scent.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley called it her “all time ultimate fragrance” in a 2020 YouTube video, while Kate Bosworth revealed she’s “really loyal” to the woody spritz. The cult-favorite is reminiscent of Old Hollywood glamour, combining notes of citrus with musk and sandalwood.
This scent is a great option for women who want something sexy yet still feminine, thanks to its blend of dark and light elements. While the opening has a flirtation with fresh pear, Black Opium soon showcases its “novelty” element — coffee. The smoldering note is complemented by musky incense and myrrh, and the fragrance eventually dries down to a softer side with white flowers and vanilla.
Chanel No. 5
There are few things more iconic than Chanel No. 5. Perhaps it’s the decades of unwavering popularity, the backstory that reads like a fairytale, or its associations with old Hollywood glamour. But the scent itself is equally as iconic. Launched in 1921, the perfume combines May rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, vanilla, sandalwood, and of course, aldehydes, which give it its clean fragrance profile. Legend has it that Chanel settled on the fifth sample of her collection from perfumer Ernest Beaux, who also created other formulas for the brand, and later named the scent after its debut date on May 5, the fifth day of the fifth month.
It catapulted to fame after Marilyn Monroe famously shared that she wore “only a few drops of Chanel No. 5 to bed” in an interview, making the scent a true icon. Today, the iconic bottle is an instantly recognisable symbol and the scent itself is tweaked to stay in line with changing tastes – while staying faithful to its roots.
Byredo Gypsy Water
Celebrities love to smell fresh and clean. That’s why perfumes that are light, natural, and non-offensive tend to be their favorites. For example, Eva Mendes, Victoria Beckham, and Sophie Turner are big fans of Le Labo Santal 33, which is a beautiful blend of aldehydes and florals.
Another popular scent among celebrities is Byredo Gypsy Water, which features top notes of bergamot, lemon, pepper, and juniper berries mixed with hints of pine needles and orris and incense. When it first hits your skin, the fragrance smells crisp and outdoorsy, like a campfire under the stars in a deep forest. But then, it dries down to a warm skin scent with soft, subtle traces of amber and sandalwood. This woody, aromatic fragrance is an ode to Romani culture, their unique customs, and intimate beliefs. It awakens a dream of a colorful lifestyle made of innate nomadism. It was launched in 2008 and is the brand’s best-selling scent.
Rihanna’s Fenty
Rihanna is a multi-hyphenate mogul with her own makeup line, lingerie brand and fragrance line. Her enticing scent has made her arguably the best-smelling celebrity in Hollywood. While her perfume collection only currently consists of one, she’s a fan of Kilian Love, Don’t Be Shy, which features hints of tangerine and Bulgarian rose over a base of amber and woods.
The irresistible orange blossom perfume floats on a bed of marshmallow and vanilla – and is the perfect compliment getter, which is probably why it’s become a staple for the Bad Gal. It’s also been praised by fellow celebs including J Law and Lil Nas X.
As for the other celebrities, Meghan Markle is a big fan of Jo Malone’s Wood Sage and Sea Salt and Wild Bluebell fragrances, while Audrey Hepburn has a soft spot for Gucci’s unisex Memoire d’une Oud and Harry Styles loves Le Labo Santal 33. Discover (and shop) these and other celebrity-loved scents here.