Of all the scents featured in Kilian’s three-piece cocktail collection, Midnight Espresso is its most nocturnal. Like a perfectly mixed espresso martini after a good night out, this scent is equal parts boozy and heavy-bodied; the “espresso” hits you instantly before drying down into gourmand notes. Midnight Espresso also swaps the traditional vodka for rum, plus coffee beans and vanilla.
Key notes: Coffee bean, rum, hazelnut, bourbon vanilla
Size: 2.5 fl oz
ELLE editor review: “Everyone orders espresso martinis differently. While I prefer mine with a dash of Baileys Irish cream, Kilian’s olfactive interpretation leans more nutty and boozy than creamy. Each spritz deepens its seduction, courtesy of the coffee bean and rum notes that lightly tickle your nose; hazelnut and vanilla create a sweet and soft balance.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
The beauty of coffee is the various concoctions and flavor profiles that any curious mind can make. At Nest, Cardamom Latte leans creamier than the others on the list, reminiscent of the first sip through a frothy, milky layer courtesy of coconut milk. As it dries down, its spicier accords emerge and settle into a comforting warmth that smells even better as it soaks into your threads.
Key notes: Cardamom, jasmine petals, coconut milk
Size: 1.7 fl oz
ELLE editor review: “I’d argue that no one loves coffee more than I do. The thought of taking that first sip of my cold brew with a splash of vanilla creamer is truly what gets me out of bed every morning. But what if I could experience that first-sip feeling all day long? That’s where Nest’s Cardamom Latte comes in. The spicy gourmand eau de parfum combines notes of jasmine and coconut milk. The result is a scent reminiscent of the perfect warm and creamy latte on a crisp fall day.”—Emma Aerin Becker, associate beauty commerce writer
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Close your eyes after one spritz of Casino, and you’ll run to book a reservation for the tastiest affogato nearby. Luckily, the Italian treat is already in the note pyramid (aptly titled espresso affogato), along with notes like almond, jasmine, and rum cake that translate to a creamy, uplifting take on the dark-roasted drink.
Key notes: Espresso affogato, rum cake, almond foam, jasmine
Size: 1.7 fl oz
ELLE editor review: “Whenever it gets cold outside, I reach for the scents that instantly feel like a warm hug. Maybe it's the espresso affogato note or the rum cake (proud Jamaican here!), but each time I wear this perfume, I sniff my clothes a little more than usual because it’s just that addictive. Plus, it has a sweeter dry-down that leans sophisticated and not adolescent.”—NP
Perhaps the most on-the-nose interpretation of everyone’s favorite morning drink, Coffee Break has an inviting, toasty aroma, as if you just walked into a cafe. The formula is order-ready: lavender, coffee accord, and milk mousse, anchored by a musky base that makes you want to snuggle up in a blanket.
Key notes: Coffee accord, lavender, milk mousse accord
Size: 3.4 fl oz
ELLE editor review: “This was my first introduction to Margiela fragrances, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned having collected quite a few over the years, it’s that each scent relies on the imagery it evokes more than its notes. Coffee Break, in my opinion, smells like a stroll through a quiet, coastal town with a quaint cafe, with freshly brewed coffee permeating the air. I don’t typically subscribe to seasonal scents, but I absolutely reach for Coffee Break every fall without fail.”—NP
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If a comfort scent is what you’re after, Musk Latte is exactly that. As straightforward as its name, this scent blends sweet and spicy notes, melding cinnamon, pink pepper, café latte accord, and lavender to cocoon you in a creamy, musky embrace.
Key notes: Bergamot, café latte, chocolate musk, cinnamon
Size: 3.4 fl oz
ELLE editor review: “Kayali is known for its brighter, juicier, and sweeter fragrances, but I love when the brand goes dark. First, the Oud collection, then this gem from the Freedom Musk line, which reminds me of a really frothy and creamy latte from an expensive cafe. I love the spicy edge, courtesy of cinnamon and pink pepper, but love how it settles into a softer end even more.”—NP
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With the gourmand note as the star of this composition, it’s easy to believe that what’s behind the bottle is as sweet and creamy as we know it to be. Look at the vial, and that’s your hint: Vanille Fatale is dark, sultry, and smoky. Think of this as the wildcard of a cafe’s fall menu. Vanilla, coffee absolute, and roasted barley create a woody, earthy aroma primed for chilly fall nights.
Key notes: Coffee absolute, roasted barley, mahogany wood accord, vanilla resinoid
Size: 1 fl oz
ELLE editor review: “The darker and moodier a scent, the more inclined I am to buy. I love sweet, flirty perfumes as much as the next woman, but Vanille Fatale feels sexy, mysterious, and bold—exactly how every woman should feel stepping out each day. Because of its sultry nature, I reach for this more at night for dates or girls’ outings to enhance the appeal.”—NP
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Ever wanted to enjoy a slow sip of coffee in the woods? A whiff of Bois Corsé will take you there. Its French name translates to “bark,” adding a woody tinge of sandalwood and tonka to the coffee note.
Key notes: Café arabica, sandalwood, tonka bean
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Customer review: “This fragrance is absolutely intoxicating. Anyone who finds it underwhelming likely doesn’t fully appreciate the complexity of the composition or have a well-developed nose for quality. The longevity is exceptional as well, lasting up to four days on my clothes. It’s truly unique and an outstanding scent.”