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High on my list of things to gift people is fragrance. Whether that’s something personal like their favourite perfume, or something for the home such as a candle or room spray. With fragrance having such a strong link to memory, it always feels like an intentional and thoughtful gift.
It also helps that ‘Scent Stacking’ was named as one of the Pinterest Predicts 2026 trends, so it feels even more timely to discuss what I think is an underrated element in the fragrance world: Extraits.
Of course, we all wear and use fragrance to enhance how we feel throughout the day, but I’d be lying if I said that compliments don’t factor in. As it turns out, Sasha Likar, Myer Fragrance Merchandise Planner says that research agrees.
ELLE’s Edit Of The Best Perfume Extraits:
- Best Fresh: Fugazzi Orange Crush Extrait De Parfum, $339
- Best Vanilla: Matiere Premiere Vanilla Powder Extrait Parfum, $429
- Best Oud: Maison Crivelli Oud Maracujá Extrait de Parfum, $419
- Best All-Round: MERIT Retrospect L’Extrait De Parfum,$220
“Fragrance is an emotional purchase; it’s about confidence, attraction, and self-expression,” Likar explains. “What really stands out from the data is that compliments are a huge part of how people evaluate their signature scent — the moments when friends ask, ‘What are you wearing?’ are what make a perfume truly memorable and desirable.”
“This is why they’re such a perfect gift: giving a scent that turns heads and sparks conversation shows thoughtfulness and leaves a lasting impression.”
If we’re talking about lasting impressions, extraits — which can be referred to as Extrait De Parfum — are the way to go. With a higher concentration of perfume oils, these are usually a deeper, richer scent, which will create a longer-lasting wear time.
So if you’re ready to level up your fragrance game — either for yourself or as a gift — consider this your guide to the more indulgent extraits available.
Retrospect is a highly concentrated extrait, yet still manages to feel fresh, clean and contemporary. Effortlessly wearable and light, it melts into the skin and wears beautifully throughout the day. It’s a well-rounded fragrance that settles into a base of musk, vanilla and moss for a warm, second-skin finish that is polished and understated.
Fragrance notes:
- Top: Bergamot, Pear, Ambrette, Aldehydes
- Heart: Jasmine, Rose, Rosemary, Violet, Orris
- Base: Vanilla, Musk, Moss
Vanilla lovers, meet your new obsession. Vanilla Pawder Extrait takes everything you know about vanilla fragrances and lifts it into something undeniably… more. It’s warm and creamy, but still contains a soft sweetness that stays close to the skin. It’s elegant, comforting and effortlessly chic.
Fragrance notes:
- Top: Coconut
- Heart: Vanilla (Madagascar)
- Base: White Musk, Palo Santo, Tonka Absolute (Venezuela)
Not only does this extrait look decadent, it’s also a beautiful, luxurious fragrance that captivates both men and women. Deep, layered and long-lasting, it evolves gradually on the skin, revealing different facets throughout the day. It takes you on a journey through the Casa Fornasetti garden, where Mediterranean herbs mingle with fragrant woods.
Fragrance notes:
- Top: Thyme, Juniperberry, Lavender, Geranium
- Heart: Vanilla, Patchouli, Cedarwood
- Base: Oud, Sandalwood, Tonka bean, Oakmoss, Amber
Guidance 46 is intensely concentrated (a staggering 46 per cent, as in the name), meaning every note feels fuller, creamier and more long-lasting. Sweet pear and florals melt into woods and ambergris, creating a scent that’s bold, elegant and impossible to ignore. One spritz is genuinely enough.
Fragrance notes:
- Top: Pear, Frankincense, Hazelnut, Rose water, Pepper, Almond
- Heart: Saffron, Rose, Jasmine, Osmanthus
- Base: Cistus Labdanum, Sandalwood, Akigalawood, Ambergris, Vanilla, Ambrette Seeds, Georgywood, Cypriol
Byredo Casablanca Lily Extrait de Parfum is a bouquet of flowers in extrait form. As an extrait, it’s rich and concentrated, drawing you in with lush plum and gardenia before unfolding into spicy tuberose and carnation. It’s the kind of floral fragrance that can be worn late into the evening without feeling too sweet or simple.
Fragrance notes:
- Top: Ambrette, Nesberry
- Heart: Violet, Sandalwood
- Base: Musk, Amber, Cedar
Intense Instant Crush in extrait form turns up every element you love about the original. It opens with a magnetic rush of saffron, sparkling citrus and smoky black leather, before heart notes add depth and warmth. On the skin, the rich base of Mysore sandalwood and white musk gives this extrait a sensual, long-lasting presence that feels bold and alluring.
Fragrance notes:
- Top: Bergamot, Mandarin, Saffron, Leather
- Heart: Rose, Woody Amber Accord, Patchouli, Salted Caramel
- Base: Oakmoss, Vanilla, Sandalwood, White Musk
Soft, sensual and quietly powerful, Pas Ce Soir in extrait form feels more addictive and gourmand than its eau de parfum counterpart. Sweetness is dialled up just enough through cocoa, balanced by the warmth and depth of black pepper and ginger that lingers beautifully on the skin. It evokes a sense of Parisian mystery, and at 30 per cent concentration, it’s amplified to become a more faceted creation.
Fragrance notes:
- Top: Black Pepper Essence, Ginger Essence, Cocoa Extract, Pear, Tangerine
- Heart: Jasmine Absolute from Morocco, Quince Chutney, Orange Blossom
- Base: Patchouli from Indonesia, Benzoin, Cashmeran, Vanilla, Ambroxan
Oud Maracujá is an extrait that plays with contrast in the best way. Juicy passionfruit easily complements the depth of oud, creating a scent that’s rich yet vibrant. The high concentration gives it impressive projection and longevity, while the unexpected fruitiness keeps it feeling modern and wearable.
Fragrance notes:
- Top: Passionfruit, Ebelia, Saffron, Turkish Rose
- Heart: Indonesian Patchouli, Benzoin
- Base: Leather, Amber Vanilla, Labdanum, Akigalawood
Bright, juicy and surprisingly long-wearing, Orange Crush proves citrus can have serious staying power. As an extrait, the zesty orange opening doesn’t disappear after an hour — instead, it settles into a warm, addictive skin scent that feels cheerful yet considered. It’s a summery, feel-good fragrance with real longevity.
Fragrance notes:
- Top: Orange
- Heart: Musk
- Base: Pepperwood, Akigalawood
Warm and rich, Tales of Amber is an extrait that truly lingers. Orange blossom and moss soften into a creamy amber warmth on the skin, while oud and vanilla add depth and sensuality. It’s the kind of scent that stays close, wears beautifully, and keeps revealing itself long after the first spritz.
Fragrance notes:
- Top: Moss, Orange Blossom
- Heart: Cinnamon, Iris, Musk, Cistus Labdanum
- Base: Ambergris, Cistus Labdanum, Vanillin, Oud Accord
While Trudon might be best known for being the oldest candlemaker in the world — having crafted for King Louis XIV, no less — the brand’s fragrances are just as special. Mystique lives up to its name; it’s a scent that feels both magnetic and powerful. Smoke and leather come together to create a fragrance that’s borderline hypnotic, leaving a dramatic, intense trail as you pass by.
Fragrance notes:
- Top: Leather, Saffron, Cedar
- Heart: Agarwood, Sandalwood, Papyrus Base
- Base: Amber, Patchouli, Ebony Wood
Baccarat Rouge 540 was arguably one of the most popular fragrances over the last few years — and for good reason. The amber, woody fragrance has a gorgeous sillage (that trail of scent that follows you) and is almost guaranteed to have people stopping you to ask, “What fragrance are you wearing?“. The extrait version takes things up a notch, so it projects more and lasts even longer on the skin. Think all the same gorgeous notes, just dialled up to ten.
Fragrance notes:
- Top: Jasmine Grandiflorum, Saffron Accord
- Heart: Bitter Almond, Cedar Wood
- Base: Musky Woody Accord, Ethyl-Maltol, Ambroxan
A fragrance extrait (or extrait de parfum) is the most concentrated form of fragrance available. It contains a much higher percentage of fragrance oils than an eau de parfum or toilette — usually around 20 to 40 per cent — which results in a richer, more intense perfume.
The most significant difference between the two is that an extrait contains a higher percentage of fragrance oils. This makes extraits more intense, longer-lasting and often more expensive than eau de parfum. That said, they’re designed to be worn sparingly and tend to evolve more slowly on the skin throughout the day — meaning you’ll likely use less with each wear.
Yes, however do so with a lighter hand. As mentioned, extraits are more intense, so layering works best when paired with softer, fresher scents or complementary notes. Many people use extraits as a base and add a lighter fragrance on top for a more personalised result.
Not necessarily! While they are more intense, fragrance extraits can be worn daily if applied sparingly. A single spritz on pulse points is often enough to create a subtle, long-lasting scent.
The post An Olfactory Obsession: Why Extrait Fragrances Are The New Flex appeared first on ELLE.
