Geraniums are flowers otherwise known as pelargoniums, along with zonal, bedding, and scented geraniums. They come in a wide range of types and have different uses. Geraniums smell like no other flower.
It is an aromatic evergreen plant from the Geranium family and is one of the most popular scented plants because of its garden appeal. In addition, geranium oil in the leaves and stems is used in making perfumes, creams, face lotions, and ointments.
Geranium essential oils have a unique floral scent historically used in aromatherapy, perfumes, and cosmetics. A few drops of Geranium essential oil are also said to enhance feelings of positivity and calmness. Geraniums have been used for centuries in perfumes, and the fragrance is often used in soaps and skin-care products.
But what does it smell like?
The smell of geraniums varies according to variety, but most evoke the scent of rose with a hint of lemon. It’s thought that geraniums contain compounds similar to those that give roses their scent, which is why sometimes they are often marketed as rose scents.Â
Keep reading if you wonder what Geranium smells like in Perfumes or looking for popular perfumes with Geranium notes.
How would you describe the smell of geraniums?
Geraniums have a robust and pleasant smell. The scent isn’t overpowering, but it’s still pretty distinct from most other flowers. The best way to describe it is floral with a hint of earthiness. Think roses and violets but with some green leafy vegetable smell mixed in.Â
It can be pretty fragrant if there are many plants in one area or just a tiny hint of natural beauty if only one or two plants are present. However, if you’re walking by and notice it for more than a second, then you’ve already had your nose assaulted with geraniums.
They aren’t subtle flowers, but they aren’t overpowering either—it’s mostly how much is around that matters.
As a word of caution, geraniums produce a foul odor when they haven’t been watered or are not getting enough sunlight (especially during the winter months). In addition to being potent smelling herbs, they have been known to cause contact dermatitis in some people when they directly contact them.
What does Geranium smell like in Perfumes?
The most popular type of Geranium used in Perfumes is Pelargonium graveolens or Rose Geranium. It has a fresh, clean smell, or it’s floral with a hint of fruity sweetness and spice, but it also has a potent warm green scent.Â
It’s pretty sweet but not overpowering—just enough to leave a pleasant scent on your skin after wearing it for a while. It’s often used with citrus scents like orange blossom, lemon, lime, and other fruit scents like peach or pear. In addition to smelling great, Geranium is very versatile in perfumes!
For example, it can be paired with leather scents and masculine notes like ambergris or musk. Some of the pairings are classic perfumery standards, but a few might come as a surprise to you!
A scent that features Geranium will usually last at least 5 hours on your skin. However, some more powerful scents may last even longer—up to 8 hours!
Popular Fragrances with Geranium Notes
Popular fragrances have many ingredients to make them smell good, one of which is Geranium. Knowing about these scents will help you better recognize why a particular perfume smells so appealing and what exactly it is about that scent that draws you in.
Here are some of the popular fragrances containing Geranium, a critical ingredient.
Floris London Leather Oud Eau de Parfum Spray for men and women
Like a magical, mysterious potion, the intense aroma of oud is combined with the smoothness of leather, arousing associations with gentle sunshine and endless deserts.
The heart notes deepen the leather accord, and the colorful floral character sparkles with spicy carnation, warming Geranium, and mysterious patchouli. The scent deepens through its base, where leather is joined by rich, fragrant amber, smoky vetiver, and sexy musk.
It’s a perfect blend of contrasting notes to create a dynamic, lingering finish that lasts well into tomorrow. It’s remarkable how Leather Oud manages to capture everything you want from an oriental fragrance in just one Eau de parfum spray; it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime creations that remind you how fantastic perfumery can be.
Jack Black Signature Jack Black for men
The black signature series from Jack Black has a particularly masculine, stylish, and self-confident appeal. The starting note of sage is fresh and lively combined with spicy cardamom, bay leaf, and warm Geranium.
Sensual Lavender and gorgeous orchids release their appeal in the heart note, giving it a slightly peppery scent. Finally, the amber woody base note is distinguished through patchouli, sensual cedarwood, and dark papyrus.
This cologne has subtle masculinity that exudes confidence while remaining delicate enough to be worn in any setting without being overpowering or intrusive to those around you.
Empress of Fashion Diana Vreeland for women
This rich and fruity fragrance leaves a deliciously sensual imprint with every wear at once opulent and passionate, yet intriguing and regal. The scent opens with top notes of pink Pepper, saffron, and cassis for a shimmering fruity effect.
Next, Turkish rose absolute, mimosa, black currant, and Geranium mingle in the heart for an intoxicating sensation to awaken the senses.
Hints of warm cashmere vanilla, tonka bean, and Cypriol Oil or Nagarmotha anchor the scent at the base to an enveloping finish that beautifully captures femininity through its contrasts. Empress of Fashion Eau de Parfum is an exquisite scent that reveals the many facets of a woman’s individuality.
Coco Noir Chanel for women
Oriental, woody, and seductive, the composition starts with fresh notes of grapefruit and bergamot along with citrusy orange.
In the heart, you are greeted by a union of rose and jasmine underscored with a sensual touch of Geranium. Base notes create an enveloping orientalist aura through the marriage of sandalwood and Tonka bean, vanilla and patchouli, musk, and cloves.
This parfum is recommended for evening wear but can be worn anytime, day or night. Its texture is velvety and opulent, and Coco Noir represents passion, strength, and allure.
Bentley for Men Intense Bentley for men
This Bentley fragrance is a spicy Oriental with a sensual leather base, paired with warm incense and woody notes. Bentley For Men Intense is edgier but still recognizable as a member of the Bentley family.
Designed for the successful and ambitious gentleman, this elegant and classic scent starts with Pepper and cardamom before developing into a character-packed masculine heart of Rum, African Geranium, and Cinnamon. This all comes together at its base with a rich fusion of patchouli and Cedar.
Apart from the perfumes described above, Diptyque Geranium odorata and Hermes equipage geranium are two others that smell similar. These are often described as having a masculine rose scent. They are highly sought after in the market because of their rich fragrance.
Takeaway
Geranium is a popular note for women’s scents since its floral scent is designed to appeal to female olfactory senses. However, citrus notes in Geranium can also make it appealing to men. The herbaceous aroma of geranium essential oil is also popular among men since it’s more masculine than floral.
It’s not difficult to understand why Geranium has become a favorite fragrance note among men and women. Its many scents range from sweet to spicy, and it’s often paired with other fragrances to enhance the smell and/or provide contrast.
Men who like spicier smells or masculine fragrances may enjoy wearing it alone or mixing it with floral notes; women prefer using Geranium as an enhancer in their perfumes.
Give these perfumes a shot! You might also find that you enjoy using Geranium on its own or in combination with other fragrances. Its versatility makes it easy to work into any existing scent collection, whether you’re looking for an accessory note or an entirely new aroma.
