My fragrance hoard is a real window into the eclectic world of scent. While I'd call myself picky, I have no problem appreciating the perfume market's multifaceted nature. There is, indeed, something for everyone. From delicious gourmands to cosy skin scents, earthy woods, uplifting florals and everything in between. Admittedly, I collect them all - my favourite being the punchy, resinous kind. But, as of late, something more mellow has caught my attention.
Milky perfumes, or lactonic scents as they are technically called, are of a soft, creamy and intimate nature and they've have fast become my new addiction. I'm not alone. Google searches for 'lactonic perfume’ have increased by over 5000% over the last month alone. Plus, in its first ever Beauty Trend Report, Pinterest indicates the tide has turned towards all things cosy, as noted by a 134% uptick in searches for 'milky perfume' on the platform.
What are milky perfumes?
While it may seem the world briefly turned its back on dairy, our perfume preferences indicate a real homecoming. Milky perfumes invoke feelings of cosiness, comfort, and sensuality thanks to their soft, creamy and mellow profile. Unlike other notes, think rose, oud, or patchouli, milk can't directly be distilled into a scent. Bottle it and it will spoil. Instead, it serves as a source of inspiration that is concocted through a series of notes to create a milk accord that speak to the original 'source'.
'They fall under the gourmand family even though modern milk fragrance tends to blur the lines between gourmand and musky, creating scent both edible and wearable,' explains Erwan Raguenes, perfumer at DSM-Firmenich. 'Depending on the composition, they can evoke warm milk, whipped cream, sometimes with subtle buttery or nutty nuances. They can range from sweet and indulgent to airy, delicate, and almost skin-like.'
Lactonic notes, that being chemical compounds or aromatic accord that evoke a milky finish, are usually paired with vanilla, sandalwood, and musk to enhance their creamy warmth, while spices, citrus or fresh florals introduce contrast, preventing the fragrance from becoming overtly sweet or heavy.
They are fast gaining traction thanks to their ability to offer emotional comfort and a sense of intimacy, plus the their plush warmth is a welcome retreat during colder months. 'They offer a cozy, enveloping experience without necessarily needing the heaviness of traditional winter ambers or gourmands,' adds Raguenes.
Once regarded niche, now milky scents are everywhere. DedCool's ode to the note has established its line of signature Milk scents among the cult classics. Its newest offering Mochi Milk, £71, goes big on marshmallow, rice milk, and vanilla bean to speak a serious case of nostalgia. L'Entropiste's Jodhpur 6AM, £260,takes on a different interpretation which is slightly less creamy and more bright thanks to burst of dried apricot, ginger and cardamom that open the scent before welcoming a warm milk accord. After something akin to wrapping yourself in a plush blanket? GivePhlur's cosy Heavy Cream Body Mist, £39, a whirl.
Shop: The very best milky perfumes
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, working across all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).
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