1 min
In an era marked by overstimulation and uncertainty, one fragrance family is quietly reclaiming the spotlight: the soft, nostalgic elegance of lipstick-inspired scents.
Once a symbol of vintage glamour, these powdery accords: rich in orris, violet, and delicate musks, are making a meaningful comeback across fine fragrance, beauty, and even home care. And it’s not just about aesthetics. It’s about emotion.
A Scented whisper from the past
There’s something deeply comforting about these notes.
They remind us of childhood, of a mother’s face powder, of quiet rituals before going out, of old Hollywood grace.
Modern perfumers are tapping into this emotional resonance to create scents that feel personal, elegant and grounding. Unlike bold, extroverted fragrances, these stay close to the skin. They whisper instead of shout—but what they say is unforgettable.
Think of it as a scented pause. A memory bottled.
Why Now?
We’re not just seeking fragrances that smell good, we want ones that feel good. According to internal research by dsm-firmenich, 62% of consumers want their fragrance to bring them positive feelings.
In a world of fast trends, lipstick accords offer something timeless: a sense of calm, familiarity, and emotion. They don’t follow fashion. They transcend it.
What Makes Them So Special?
Just a touch of orris, violet and powdery musks is enough to create that iconic, velvety-soft lipstick aura: elegant, intimate and instantly evocative.
A Fragrance That Feels
At Scentmate by dsm-firmenich, we understand that fragrance is more than formulation, it’s emotion.
That’s why we own EMOTIONS, a fragrance innovation which helps brands create scents that are not only beautiful, but contain a technology scientifically designed to elicit happiness, relaxation, or energy.
So if you’re crafting your next fragrance and want it to resonate on a deeper level, powdery florals could be your perfect starting point.
Want to dive deeper into this trend?
We’ve created two exclusive articles for registered Scentmate users, packed with insights, inspiration, and expert storytelling to help you understand and apply this trend across categories: from fine fragrance to home care.
Register now on Scentmate.com to access them and start building fragrances that connect.