Scent is deeply personal. It’s how we start the day, how we mark a moment, and sometimes, how people remember us. But like fashion and food, fragrance doesn’t stand still. It evolves with culture, technology, and how we live.

As we move through 2025, I’ve noticed that fragrance trends are no longer just about what smells good. They’re about how a scent makes you feel, how clean and conscious the formula is, and how adaptable it is to different parts of your day. This year’s trends are more personal, more layered, and more connected to emotion and lifestyle than ever before.

Let’s dive into the top perfume trends shaping 2025 and how you can make them your own.

1. Mood-Driven Fragrance (a.k.a. Moodscaping)

We’re done with the idea of a single signature scent for every situation. In 2025, fragrance is about matching your mood. Are you feeling bold? Soft? Creative? Peaceful?

This trend is called moodscaping, where you build a scent wardrobe that changes with your state of mind. It’s not just functional, it’s intuitive. Morning might call for something crisp and citrusy, while evening might bring in deeper, warmer notes.

KIERIN NYC’s lineup fits right into this approach. You can start your day with Sunday Brunch, switch to Santal Sky for a calming afternoon reset, and end with the sultry edge of Nitro Noir when you’re heading out. It’s not about being extra. It’s about being in tune with yourself.

Fragrance does more than smell good. It can lift your mood and even shift your emotional state. I explored this more in our blog on how scent affects your mood, and it’s a big reason this trend is resonating.

2. The Rise of Clean, Skin-Centric Scents

We’re seeing a shift toward transparency, not just in ingredients, but in scent design too. Clean, minimalist fragrances are taking over. They’re subtle, light, and designed to feel like a second skin rather than a cloud around you.

Think of scents that whisper instead of shout. Musk, sheer florals, soft citrus, and gentle powdery notes are all at the heart of this trend.

It’s not surprising, considering more people are mindful of what they’re putting on their skin. That’s why brands like KIERIN stand out. Their formulas are vegan, cruelty-free, and made without toxins. If you love fragrance but hate when it feels too chemical or overpowering, this trend is for you.

3. Gourmand Is Still Going Strong

Remember when people were obsessed with vanilla and caramel notes? That hasn’t gone away. In fact, it’s evolved. The gourmand trend is still very much alive, but it’s getting more sophisticated.

In 2025, it’s all about balance. Fragrance houses are mixing dessert-inspired notes like coffee, tonka, or salted caramel with dry woods, amber, or smoky hints to create scents that are edible, yes, but also elegant.

KIERIN NYC’s Nitro Noir captures this beautifully. It blends pink berries and patchouli in a way that feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s perfect for those who love a scent that lingers and makes a statement without being too much.

4. Nature-Inspired and Outdoorsy Vibes

With more people craving time outdoors, whether it's real hiking or just walking through the city, perfume is responding with earthy, green, and nature-based notes. Think moss, rain, driftwood, sea salt, fig leaf, and fresh-cut grass.

Scents like Pier New York from KIERIN speak directly to this. It doesn’t just smell fresh. It smells like the breeze on a spring morning near the water. It taps into the idea that scent can reconnect us to natural rhythms, even if we’re standing in the middle of a city sidewalk.

If this resonates, you’ll love the reflections shared in Varying Shades of Green Beauty, where we explore how nature shapes our senses and scent preferences.

5. Layering as a Ritual

Another growing trend in 2025 is fragrance layering, not just for performance, but for personal storytelling.

People are mixing body oils, hair mists, and Eau de Parfum to create custom scent experiences. Some are even combining multiple perfumes to get a blend that feels entirely their own. The goal isn’t to be loud. It’s to be thoughtful. Layering adds dimension, longevity, and individuality.

KIERIN’s Discovery Set is a great way to start. It lets you experiment with different combinations until you find one that feels just right. Try layering at 10 a.m. Flirt over Santal Sky for a green-meets-woodsy blend, or start with Sunday Brunch and finish with Nitro Noir for a sweet-spicy edge.

If you’re new to layering, check out our practical tips in this layering and longevity guide to get the most out of your scents.

What These Trends Tell Us About 2025

The biggest theme behind all these trends? Fragrance is becoming more about you and less about trends for the sake of trends.

People want scents that reflect their mood, values, and routines. They want transparency and performance. And most importantly, they want fragrance to feel natural, something that complements their life rather than competes with it.

If you’re looking to refresh your scent wardrobe this year, think less about the label and more about how the fragrance makes you feel. Choose something that evolves with your day, and with you.

FAQs

Q: Can I wear gourmand scents like vanilla or caramel all year round?
Absolutely. The trick is in how you wear them. In warmer months, spray lightly or layer with a fresher scent. In cooler weather, you can go bolder. Gourmand is versatile when done right.

Q: What does “clean fragrance” really mean?
Clean fragrances avoid harsh synthetics, phthalates, parabens, and other toxins. At KIERIN NYC, all formulas are vegan, cruelty-free, and skin-safe. Clean doesn’t mean boring—it means better for you.

Q: How do I layer fragrances without overdoing it?
Start by choosing scents with overlapping notes. For example, pair a citrus-based mist with a woody Eau de Parfum. Use one as your base and the other as your accent. Less is more—let them build gradually.

Final Thoughts

Perfume trends in 2025 are more than just a list of ingredients or a seasonal shift. They reflect how we’re living, feeling, and taking care of ourselves. From skin scents to mood-based rituals and nature-inspired notes, this year is about personalization and presence.

KIERIN NYC is built for this moment. Clean, long-lasting, and made for real life, each scent is crafted to let you express who you are, quietly or boldly, depending on the day.

We’ve always believed in challenging outdated fragrance rules, and if you’re curious about how it all started, this founder’s story dives into our why.

Explore the full fragrance collection at KIERIN NYC and find the trend that already lives inside you.