Beauty

I Tested All 20 Phlur Fragrances—Here’s My Honest Ranking

13 Mins read29

My collection of perfume bottles keeps expanding. I believe my current age is in the double digits. I test them out for work, wear them to bed, and change my perfume all day long. I reside in New York City, so I’m always searching for scents that are so inventive that they literally stop people cold. I want people to be noticing me, asking me questions about my outfit, and considering me to be their personal perfume expert. All of this to mean that I can’t control my obsession with perfume collecting, so I have to check out a popular scent brand like Phlur as soon as it comes up in conversation.

Phlur, a fragrance company founded in 2015, creates fragrances that range from woody citrus to fruity florals and all in between. Each scent has a very distinct scent, yet they are designed to blend together to produce a variety of seductive concoctions. Additionally, the complementary notes give the entire range a sense of harmony because many of the perfumes share one or more olfactory components.

For a few years now, I’ve been seeing the brand trending on social media, always being informed that Heavy Cream is a new fan favorite or that Vanilla Skin is again out of stock. I decided to take matters into my own hands and sample the full range when they recently developed five more amazing recipes (I’m looking at you, Rose Whip).

How I Chose the Best Phlur Fragrances

While testing out each of the fragrances, I looked at the following:

Current popularity – Are they best sellers or popular online? Have they been trending on TikTok or Instagram?
Approachability – Does it contain notes that are generally overwhelming to the nose?
Strength – Will it stay on your body for long periods of time or does it fade too fast? Does it cling to clothes or other items like bedding or furniture?
Universality – Would most people like it if they smelled it? Could it be worn by nearly everyone?

Here is my personal ranking of 20 Phlur fragrances.

1. Caramel Skin

Caramel Skin, which combines sweeter, sugary components with earthier musks and woody notes to create a strong skin aroma that leans leathery, is grounded in a way that most caramel scents are not. It is meant to read organically on the skin and is a member of Phlur’s “skin scent” family. It has a brightness from the bergamot in the introduction, yet it’s sensual and deep from the caramel, warm milk, vanilla bean, brown sugar, and musk. However, I must admit that this is my least favorite of the skin smells. Maybe it’s how it applies to my own skin, but there’s something a little fake about the way it reads. For those of you who like caramel-like fragrances, this might be a huge success.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: body mist
Olfactive Family: sweet, musky
Top Notes: bergamot, caramel
Middle Notes: warm milk, vanilla bean, caramel cream
Base Notes: brown sugar, sandalwood, musk

2. Coconut Skin

Like new skin after a beach day, Coconut Skin makes me think of the subtle aroma of sunscreen that has been rinsed off and a layer of aloe on warm, sun-kissed skin. The milky aromas of coconut and caramel gelato balance off its groundedness and mild florality. The most floral of Phlur’s “skin scents,” it stands out from the others because to its greener undertone, which is absent from Caramel Skin and Vanilla Skin. It’s like West Coast cousin “skin scents” in a bottle. I believe it merits a place in the middle of this list because it feels very wearable and neutral.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: body mist
Olfactive Family: lactonic, floral, ambery
Top Notes: palm leaf, caramel gelato, coconut
Middle Notes: frangipani, tiare blossom, jasmine absolute sambac
Base Notes: liquid sandalwood, salted amber

3. Not Your Baby

Not Your Baby has a subtle, powdered flowery scent when you first apply it. It’s similar to showering and then sprinkling your skin with baby powder. Not Your Baby, which is earthy, creamy, and somewhat spicy, keeps the user alert. The overall profile is sweetened by the vanilla notes in the base, but it remains sensual—dare I say sexy—for the duration of the wear. Phlur’s explanation sums it up perfectly: A fiery flower that is far from innocent. PS: The candle version of Not Your Baby is now on sale for $27 if you’re a fan.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: eau de parfum
Olfactive Family: spicy, floral, powdery, milky
Top Notes: cardamom, bergamot
Middle Notes: mimosa, violet
Base Notes: vanilla milk, sandalwood, tonka beans

4. Soft Spot

The scent of Soft Spot is flowery, woodsy, and slightly musk-like. It has a garden-like vibe and wonderful powdery undertones. However, not everyone will like the newest member of the Phlur family. The inclusion of a musk background note might make the scent feel a little animalic, and some people may find it to be a hit or miss. It appears to smell somewhat different every time I inhale it. I must admit that I had great expectations for this one, but after giving it a few tries,I felt a little let down. All I want is a little more consistency. Layering it with something like Vanilla Skin to produce a sweeter, more balanced scent did make it more approachable, I found.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: eau de parfum
Olfactive Family: musky, animalic, amber, floral, fruity
Top Notes: bergamot peel, mandarin, freesia
Middle Notes: jasmine petals, waterlily, vanilla orchid
Base Notes: amber, sandalwood, musk

5. Solar Power

A bright, botanical fragrance, Solar Power will have you itching to get outside and bask in the sunshine. It’s fresh with some ambery florals that appear in the middle of its wear. I imagine most people would like Solar Power because it blends well into the skin and isn’t overpowering. It’s a bit more masculine than some of Phlur’s other offerings, so I decided to rank it a bit lower on the list because it might not be popular amongst Phlur’s target audience, which seems to be edgy women in their 20s-30s. Sun-drenched and like breathing in a gulp of fresh air, Solar Power is the epitome of summertime radiance. I know I’ll be soaked in it all season long. And lucky for you, all Solar Power products—which include a full size eau de parfum and a travel size version—are just under 40 percent off until stock runs out. RIP Solar Power. We loved you while you lasted.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: eau de parfum
Olfactive Family: musky, floral, fruity
Top Notes: Italian red mandarin, sun-drenched bergamot, jasmine absolute
Middle Notes: neroli, orange flower
Base Notes: driftwood, solar musk, sea salt

6. Somebody Wood

I would if someone were wood. Most likely, you would, too. You guessed it: this woody scent is seductive and distinctive, turning a conventional fragrance profile upside down. Notes of lemon, jasmine and vanilla provide a softer tone to what would otherwise be a highly masculine perfume. Adding fragrances like cedarwood and sandalwood to your daily rotation in this way is more approachable. I was concerned that I wouldn’t enjoy it as a perfume because I usually equate those notes with candles, but I was pleasantly pleased by how easy it was to sniff. It is not at all overbearing and is really subtle.Because I personally don’t gravitate toward wood-heavy olfactory profiles, it’s ranked a bit lower for me, but knowing that many people do love it puts Somebody Wood squarely in the middle of the list. Consider adding this gem to the cart if you’re that somebody.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: eau de parfum
Olfactive Family: warm, musky, fruity, floral, amber
Top Notes: bergamot, lemon
Middle Notes: jasmine, saffron, cyclamen
Base Notes: sandalwood, vanilla, musk, amber, moss, cedarwood

7. Vanilla Smoke

When I was first introduced to Vanilla Smoke, I wasn’t entirely sure about the body mist, but I think with time, it’s grown on me. This is most definitely a late fall/early winter scent. Imagine you’re sitting on a log in front of a blazing fire in a snow-dusted forest surrounded by birch trees and balsams. That is Vanilla Smoke in a nutshell. Because it’s part of Phlur’s vanilla family, there is a subtle sweetness to the olfactory concoction. It is a bit heavy on the foresty notes which can be polarizing depending on your preferences, so I’d keep Vanilla Smoke in the middle of the pack. When it’s time to gear up for the colder months, definitely consider adding this one to your cart.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: body mist
Olfactive Family: sweet, smoky, ambery
Top Notes: bergamot, pink pepper, birch
Middle Notes: cacao blanc, cashmere vanilla, tonka bean
Base Notes: incense, Peru balsam, amber

8. Dragon Fruit

Look no further than Dragon Fruit if you’re looking for a fun, delicious, and fresh scent. This sun-shiny, somewhat sweet mixture is calming and breathy. Although it might be too fruity for certain users, it would make a lovely everyday scent. With this one, Phlur was attempting to transport you directly to an island getaway. While enjoying delicious cocktails made from pineapples, picture the sun shining. Dragon Fruit is that. She is your cool AF best friend and will get you wasted on the beach any day—of course, while smelling delicious.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: body mist
Olfactive Family: fruity, floral, sweet, amber
Top Notes: pineapple, dragon fruit, watermelon
Middle Notes: plum blossom, lotus flower, peony
Base Notes: sugared amber, vanilla bean, sandalwood

9. Lost Cause

During my Phlur testing, I kept coming back to Lost Cause since it had a fresh cologne fragrance profile and was quite neutral. It had a floral dry down and was tropical and powdery. Simply told, practically everyone can safely use the scent because it is mild and easy to digest. I wanted to make sure it was toward the top of the list since I think it’s a scent that appeals to everyone. This is something you should look into if you want to feel refreshed, clean, and revitalized. It does skew a tad more masculine because of the inclusion of stronger, spicier olfactory notes like Italian bergamot and cassis leaves. Unfortunately, Lost Cause is a part of Phlur’s Farewell Sale, so snag all the freshness while you can.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: eau de parfum
Olfactive Family: fresh, woody, floral, fruity
Top Notes: Italian bergamot, cassis leaves, crisp apple, rhubarb
Middle Notes: fresh freesia, jasmine, Lily of the Valley
Base Notes: maté absolute, orris concrete, vanilla orchid

10. Apricot Privée

Apricot Privée is like an elevated body spray from the 2000s. The fragrance is fruity and sweet with a dash of florals. Don’t be alarmed by the top notes. Though they pack a potent punch when first sprayed, things shift and soften as those top notes dissipate, so it has more of a skin smell. It’s a malleable and unpredictable scent, but one that I adored. We also have to wave goodbye to Apricot Privée as she’s part of the Farewell Sale, too. 🙁

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: eau de parfum
Olfactive Family: warm, fruity, sweet, fresh
Top Notes: apricot, plum, cardamom
Middle Notes: jasmine absolute, peony
Base Notes: agarwood, tonka beans, sandalwood, labdanum

11. Amber Haze

The Phlur scent that caught me off guard the most was Amber Haze. Usually, I picture something sensual, crisp, and deep when I think about amber scents. This bottle of fuchsia was a surprise treat. It has strong, subtle floral notes and a caramelly amber smell. Phlur has just recently begun to experiment with the sweetness that comes from the addition of vanilla, which I typically connect with gourmet perfumes. It’s comfortable to wear and makes me think of a softer version of Cheriosa 62 from Sol de Janeiro. Amber Haze is ideal for a romantic evening because it is understated yet elegant.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: body mist
Olfactive Family: floral, musky, amber, sweet
Top Notes: saffron
Middle Notes: jasmine absolute (*responsibly sourced)
Base Notes: amber, vanilla, musk, oakmoss

12. Tangerine Boy

The scent Tangerine Boy is firmly androgynous. The perfume is quite refreshing, with fruity notes like lemon, apple, and tangerine, along with spicy components like amber and black pepper. Its sour rind gives it an eerie capacity to smell like a freshly peeled orange. The scent reminds me of the messy fruit I used to eat during snack time as a kid, with juice running down my fingers and pith lodged in my fingernails. Despite having a diverse olfactory profile, it leans heavily toward citrus, yet Phlur maintains its better ranking due of the reference to this in the name. We’ve warned you, citrus haters! Please put this in your cart right away, everyone else.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: eau de parfum
Olfactive Family: fresh, amber, fruity
Top Notes: lemon, ginger, black pepper
Middle Notes: apple, tangerine, jasmine petal
Base Notes: amber, moss

13. Father Figure

Father Figure is a word play, just like a lot of Phlur’s scents. One of the most noticeable scents in this somewhat sweet, herbaceous song is fig. Light on the nose, Father Figure is undoubtedly a brand secret. It reminds me of a natural garden with blossoming buds and delicious fruit hanging from trees, and it draws on its floral notes throughout wear. The bluish-green bottle appears to be a tribute to earthy riches and fresh, plentiful harvests.Father Figure is a word play, just like a lot of Phlur’s scents. One of the most noticeable scents in this somewhat sweet, herbaceous song is fig. Light on the nose, Father Figure is undoubtedly a brand secret. It reminds me of a natural garden with blossoming buds and delicious fruit hanging from trees, and it draws on its floral notes throughout wear. The bluish-green bottle appears to be a tribute to earthy riches and fresh, plentiful harvests.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: eau de parfum
Olfactive Family: fresh, musky, woody, floral
Top Notes: waterlily, lush fig, cassis buds
Middle Notes: orris root, iris flower, jasmine dew
Base Notes: skin musks, vanilla Madagascar, patchouli leaf, sandalwood

14. Golden Rule

The first of Phlur’s fragrances to be housed in an opaque bottle, Golden Rule stands out from the rest. Featuring a reflective, metallic gold finish, this perfume is sophisticated in a very grown up way. It feels different than other Phlur perfumes and mists that I’ve experienced, mature in a way that doesn’t read ‘old.’ With a fruity opening, it’s a burst of surprising freshness that settles into a lactonic floral. Rich notes of coconut milk, vanilla cream and benzoin (which smells like a woody vanilla) swirl together with pink pepper, jasmine blossom and sandalwood to create a gorgeous garden for the nose. It may lean too flowery/powdery for some, but it’s a high rank for me because not only is it new, but it’s done to perfection. Golden Rule is the rule of thumb.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: eau de parfum
Olfactive Family: lactonic, floral, fruity
Top Notes: mandarin splash, pink pepper, golden pear
Middle Notes: orange flower water, jasmine blossom, coconut milk
Base Notes: benzoin, sandalwood, vanilla cream

15. Mood Ring

The way Phlur promoted Mood Ring to me was what convinced me to buy it. A vivid bright green bottle that resembles Charlie XCX’s “Brat,” encircled by gummy bears (as they’re a key component of the fragrance line’s composition). Mood Ring is an absolute blast. Fruity, sweet, ambery, and floral are all in equal measure in this olfactory mix, which is a fragrance profile I’ve never seen used before. Your nose will be dizzyingly delighted, and you will want to keep listening for the next note to come. I may have a soft spot for this one because I’m currently in love with the color chartreuse, but it’s been a huge hit with Phlur’s clientele, selling out multiple times and ranking as a best-seller on their website.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: body mist
Olfactive Family: sweet, fruity, amber, floral
Top Notes: pitaya pulp, sweet orange, fruit gummies
Middle Notes: orange flower, jasmine sambac, marigold bloom
Base Notes: patchouli prisma, glazed musks, sheer amber

16. Strawberry Letter

This fragrance is a seductive and fresh tribute to strawberries, featuring notes of apple flower, red poppy, tonka beans, and strawberry gariguette. Strawberry Letter is incredibly vibrant and wearable, making it ideal for the warmer months. This strawberry version is exciting because it’s not too sweet. It channels some woody aromas while remaining crisp as it delves into the bush fruit’s earthier components. My baby just wrote me a letter, and I don’t care how much money I have to spend, I have to get back to my baby again, the Box Tops sang as they sang the lyrics to “The Letter.” They were fully aware of the subject matter. You shouldn’t live without Strawberry Letter, just as I can’t.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: eau de parfum
Olfactive Family: fruity, floral, sweet
Top Notes: cassis leaves, strawberry gariguette, plum nectar
Middle Notes: wild lily, red poppy, apple blossom
Base Notes: earthy woods, tonka bean, sugared amber

17. Mango Mood

Mango Mood is an enticing combination of mango and berries that smells something like a fruit compote. It is a full-bodied, well-balanced scent. In a softer, flowerier way, it’s sensual and deep. A heavy yet refreshing nose feeling is produced by the inclusion of notes like pink pepper, wild orris, black lotus, jasmine sambac absolute, vanilla, patchouli, and brown sugar. The combination of berries and stone fruit is uncommon in the beauty industry, and it makes me think of Brigeo’s Mango and Cherry Balancing Shampoo, which I will always suggest.Mango Mood does something similar with its formula to create a captivating fragrance. It’s a body mist that I’ll be splashing on when I’m jonesing to enchant those around me. I feel like the masses will love this one, too.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: body mist
Olfactive Family: sweet, fruity, fresh, spicy
Top Notes: black currant, pink pepper, mango
Middle Notes: wild orris, black lotus, jasmine sambac absolute
Base Notes: patchouli, vanilla elixir, brown sugar

18. Rose Whip

One of my favorite fragrance notes is rose, even though it can be a divisive scent. This is actually one of my favorite Phlur’s most recent releases, in my opinion. For even the most skeptical perfume enthusiast, this rose scent is a welcome change of pace, infused with a fruity freshness. A joy to the nose, Rose Whip reads as a younger, more wearable rose. With a wow factor, it begins with zingy aromas of black currant and pink pepper. As it adheres to the skin, earthy nutmeg and floral aromas of rose and osmanthus (a honeyed stone fruit) are detected.You get more ambery sweetness with woody and musky undertones as it dries out, and less rose. Grandma can choose this contemporary version of a classic note and maintain her vintage rose scent. You won’t regret it, I assure you.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: eau de parfum
Olfactive Family: floral, fruity, ambery
Top Notes: pink pepper, black currant
Middle Notes: rose, osmanthus, nutmeg
Base Notes: amber, cashmere wood, musk

19. Missing Person

Missing Person is another huge smash for Phlur. The fragrance’s remarkable capacity to replicate the scent of a loved one has made it a viral success on TikTok since its 2022 launch. This scent, which is slightly musky, animalic, and slightly fruity flowery, is nearly like having your mother embrace you. Missing Person is incredibly easy to wear, despite being ever so bit powdered. It makes you smell great while blending into your skin in a way that makes you feel like you’re wearing nothing. Missing Person isn’t one to miss; they’re warm and comfortable.

Fast Facts

Fragrance Concentration: eau de parfum
Olfactive Family: animalic, floral, fruity
Top Notes: skin musk, bergamot nectar, sheer jasmine
Middle Notes: fresh cyclamen, neroli blossom, orange flower
Base Notes: sandalwood Australia oil, blonde wood, white musk

20. Moonstone

Moonstone, which shares a name with the iridescent white and blue gemstone, is totally magical. A floral fragrance with a sweet dry down, Moonstone was one of my favorites of the bunch. It’s alluring, mysterious and perfectly androgynous (with just a twinge of fruitiness). It was incredibly pleasant to smell and felt both bold and alluring at the same time. I’ll be reaching for this one all summer long—and apparently, I’m not the only one. The purple-bottled beauty is finally back in stock in both the regular and travel size after being out of stock for awhile, and I’m really hoping it stays that way.