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Cosmopolitan
4 days ago
- Health
- Cosmopolitan
Experts Break Down the Functional Fragrance Trend for 2025
Functional fragrance might already be a part of your vocabulary if you light a specific candle to set the scene for wind-down time or have an emotional support perfume reserved for big events like a job interview. But for those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, welcome. The fragrance industry is in its self-care era, and the vibes are less date night and more 'me' time—hence the influx of perfumes labeled calming, mood-boosting, and energizing. In theory, these scents are designed to do more than just smell good; they have a purpose when it comes to regulating emotion. So can you replace your therapist with a bottle of perfume? Of course not—but it won't hurt if you spritz a cozy fragrance before your next appointment to chill out. Below, we unpack the hype around functional fragrances and explore whether this trend is valid or just aromatic snake oil (spoiler alert: it's kind of both). Functional fragrances are designed to do more than just smell good; they aim to influence your mood and well-being. 'Functional fragrances can elicit a specific emotional or physiological response,' says Frank Vöelkl, principal perfumer at DMS-Firmenich and formulator behind The Nue Co.'s Functional Fragrance (as well as Le Labo's Santal 33 and Glossier's You lineup). The emotional response in question can vary from calming to energizing, grounding, or enhancing your focus. The idea isn't totally new—this is aromachology, the study of scent and its psychological impact. So, you can think of functional fragrance as aromatherapy, just rebranded and tailored for everyday wear. As Vöelkl puts it, 'They aren't profoundly different [from traditional perfumes]... the structure and overall formulation are similar. The difference is that we are dropping in specific notes that have specific effects.' Functional fragrances rely on the close connection between scent and the limbic system—a region of the brain responsible for memory, emotion, and behavior. Michael Varnum, Ph.D., associate psychology professor at Arizona State University, says the science gets even deeper. 'Research has shown that scents can sometimes provide comfort and other times signal danger,' he says. 'For example, the smell of our romantic partners can improve sleep quality and reduce stress responses. And the smell of others' fear can be contagious.' He notes that both of these effects are likely adaptive parts of our psychology from primitive times to keep us safe and connected. 'Further, we appear able to pick up on cues that others are sick based on their odors, and this motivates us to avoid them generally, keeping ourselves from catching pathogens.' He says that's the reason we find smells like rot or feces disgusting; 'they're cues of pathogen threat, and disgust is a system evolved to keep us safe from this threat,' he explains. But when it comes to scents you'd find in a bottle of perfume, like lavender or sage? 'I highly doubt we evolved to have an instinctual response to [them],' Varnum explains. 'We might learn to associate such scents with various moods or states of mind through classical conditioning or through placebo effects.' So yeah, functional scent technically can work, but often because your brain believes it does. While Vöelkl notes that Firmenich does have classified internal data that they use as a base point for developing functional fragrances, there are currently no studies to prove the psychological effects of functional fragrances. But, then again, we all know the instant sense of calm after catching a whiff of freshly-cut flowers (or the instant dread of smelling your ex's favorite vape flavor in a crowd). 'While we can't claim the effects on mood to be clinically true, we all just know they're real because we all experience fragrance,' says Carina Chaz, founder of fragrance brand DedCool. 'It's like the moment I put on lipstick—I instantly feel better and refreshed. The same thing can be said about fragrance.' Functional fragrance formulas are designed around intent. But, as Vöelkl says, 'You certainly need both science and creativity' when developing one. 'If we were to create a fragrance that really is joyful and makes you happy, there are many different notes I could be using... It could be a gourmand fragrance, because, somehow, in subconscious childhood memories—like eating cotton candy—those notes can create a sensation of comfort and happiness.' Still, certain ingredients show up again and again. Lavender and musk for calm. Eucalyptus and citrus notes for clarity and energy. 'There's a lot of complexity to it,' Vöelkl adds. 'It depends on what kind of emotion or sensation you are looking for.' And while the exact mood-altering compounds in these fragrances are proprietary, the big takeaway? Ingredients are chosen intentionally to deliver on a feeling. Take a look at some of the most popular notes and blends below: For Stress: Look for notes like lavender, sandalwood, and musk—think notes that you want to deeply exhale to calm any negative energy in your mind. For moments like these, Chaz swears by DedCool's Mochi Milk. 'I call it the happy fragrance because every time I spray it, I instantly feel my mood boost,' she says. For Sleep: Go full cozy with lavender and warm gourmands like vanilla. Bonus points if it's a pillow mist. For Focus: Eucalyptus, rosemary, or grapefruit will invigorate your brain. For Energy: Citrus-forward scents (hi, bergamot) can give you a zesty little boost. Functional fragrances are trending hard, but let's be honest: not everyone's spritzing rosemary mist and reaching Nirvana. But it does signal a shift from its utilitarian role in masking body odor to expressing individuality through scent. 'I personally always believed that fragrance is there mainly for yourself,' Vöelkl says. 'But it was not necessarily marketed to us that way for many years.' Historically, fragrance has been sold as an external performance 'for him,' 'for her,' 'for date night.' But now? There's a clear cultural shift. 'Rather than being used to seduce somebody or to make somebody else react to you, they're developed to be something that solely makes you feel good,' he says. Chaz agrees: 'We always talk about the expensive fragrance you get over the holidays, and you don't want to spray it because it's so precious. It doesn't really speak to you.' Instead, she's more interested in 'integrating scent across your life… on your skin, in your laundry, in your car, on your pet.' With functional fragrance, the priority isn't luxury, but comfort. Go ahead and embrace functional fragrances however you want—there are no rules. Spray it on your wrists, layer it with another scent, or mist your pillow before bed. With aromatics, you have the leeway to explore your signature mood-balancing blend. 'Fragrance is very personal,' says Vöelkl. 'Who would wear a fragrance that they hate themselves just to please others? I don't think anybody's doing that.' DedCool's Chaz adds, 'We always say that we take the category seriously, but not ourselves… It's about amplifying [the consumer], meeting them where they're at, and allowing them to tell the story that they want to tell.' Want to create your own scent wardrobe based on how you're feeling that day? Go for it. 'We see people fragrance wardrobe-ing online all the time with our fragrances, mixing them depending on where they're going and how they're feeling.' says Chaz. Fragrance layering is all about mood and intention, so have fun with it. Jennifer is the former beauty editor for where she's testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, HelloGiggles, and more. When she's not swatching eyeshadow all over her arms, you can find the NYC-based editor scouring for hours on end for vintage finds, eating pad thai, and hanging out with her cat, Chunks.
Cosmopolitan
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
The Best Luxury Perfume Dupes, According to Fragrance-Obsessed Editors
Falling for a luxury perfume is all fun and compliments—until you realize it's a seriously pricey indulgence. One bottle of Le Labo or Carolina Herrera's Good Girl later, and suddenly you're shelling out hundreds of dollars for your signature scent every few months. But here's the thing: some of the best perfumes aren't sitting behind glass at fancy department stores. They're tucked away in the drugstore beauty aisle or available on Amazon with thousands of reviews, mimicking your designer faves without the splurge. That's right—there are some seriously impressive luxury perfume dupes out there for under $100, and they're giving your pricey bottles a run for their money. Team Cosmo is fragrance-obsessed, and we've spritzed a bunch of these picks against the originals. From viral body mists to under-$50 perfumes that could easily pass as the real thing, these are the best dupes for your favorite luxury scents.
Buzz Feed
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
36 Budget-Conscious Buys For People Who Still Want The Best Of The Best
Polarized sunglasses for people who know they can't be trusted with high-end pairs. These do a good impression of Ray-Bans *and* they come in a three-pack, so losing a pair at the park won't be a world-ending event. Ohora semi-cured nail strips offering a professional-looking manicure, even if your past at-home attempts yielded less-than-stellar results. Apply them like stickers, seal them under a UV lamp, and you're done! These waterproof strips will look and feel like a gel manicure and last up to two weeks. A hotel-style new duvet cover because your old one is looking a little tattered, no? Despite costing less than a room service chicken club, this microfiber cover has over 50,000 5-star reviewers raving. They say it's buttery soft and comparable to ones from high-end brands. And a set of extra soft "hotel" bedsheets with so many 5-star reviews (almost 250,000!), you'd think they were capable of permanently curing insomnia. No promises, but some people are saying they never want to get out of bed. And to complete the bedding trifecta, a set of wildly popular "hotel" pillows so you can feel like you're falling asleep at the Ritz. Reviewers rave that these are the perfect balance of fluffy and firm, meaning you can prop yourself up for a good in-bed TV binge. Plus, they're breathable and cooling! E.l.f Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara, which creates tubing around your lashes to make them appear longer, thicker, and darker. The lightweight "extensions" won't smudge or weigh down your actual lashes and — best of all — they fall right off when you wash your face. Priceless! A cult-favorite luxury-scented candle reviewers love for its intoxicating and long-lasting smell (think: Le Labo's Santal 33). It has an impressive throw, meaning you can actually fill your home with its calming jasmine, oud, and sandalwood scent instead of having to stick your nose right up to the flame. L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal — a new dark spot correcting serum that aims to be like a professional peel in a bottle. The blue gel uses 25% AHA, BHA, and PHA to chemically exfoliate and help reveal brighter, smoother skin. Expect compliments with words like glowing, radiant, and wellness influencer. A pair of whitening gel pens that use carbamide peroxide to remove stains and bring you one step closer to a movie star smile. With daily use, you can whiten your teeth up to eight shades lighter. Reviewers say the process is super easy and doesn't cause sensitivity, unlike professional whitening sessions. A Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired moisturizing body wash offering an affordable solution to your dependence on that beloved (but pricey) fragrance. Thanks to the notes of white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber, shower time has never smelled better. A set of lovely silk tulips that look like the real deal but, unlike live flowers, can stick around for many years to come. Keeping a regular rotation of fresh flowers can be pricey! Spritz 'em with a little perfume and guests won't even be able to tell they're imposters. Synthetic extensions if you want to look like you spent top dollar at the salon. These clip-ins provide instantly perfect beachy waves with zero effort and minimal cash. With over 12,000 5-star reviews — and many citing easy installation, comfort, and ability to style with heat — I'm inclined to think these things are well worth the little you have to pay! A Bodum kettle with the same aesthetic sensibilities as the pricey Fellow Stagg Gooseneck Kettle but at a fraction of the price. While the Bodum doesn't have to-the-degree temperature control or regulation, it still has a large capacity, precise spout, and rapid boil ability (around two minutes!). Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel in case you've always wanted to not only drink the energizing tea, but also wear it. This cult-fave can help quickly minimize eye puffiness and swelling using its combination of caffeine and hyaluronic acid. Finally, your eyes can look and feel as refreshed as you do after a bottle of White Label — and for roughly the same price! An 18k gold-plated cherry keychain because dropping almost $100 on the one from Coach is honestly kind of ridiculous. Reviewers say this one is almost identical! The Wand, if you insist on drinking two-buck Chuck despite the dire consequences. This mini handheld filter could possibly reduce your wine-induced headaches by removing histamines and sulfites in alcohol, aka the stuff that can potentially cause a nasty hangover. It'll be like you sprang for a really fancy bottle of natural wine! Bonus: It claims to revive oxidized wine, so you don't have to toss an open bottle. No drill, wall-mounted amber bottles for anyone who wants the hotel treatment at home. At first glance, the waterproof labels conjure up an Aesop vibe, so guests are gonna be like, "OK, fancy." E.l.f.'s Hydrating Core Lip Shine in the "Ecstatic" shade, which reviewers say works as a very good, affordable replacement for Clinique's "Black Honey," the $25 "universal shade" that has a Shakira-level of fame and adoration. This $7 alternative is nonsticky, moisturizes with vitamin E, and melts onto your lips like buttah. A pair of Cushionaire cork-bottom sandals that are not only supremely comfortable, they're also an affordable alternative to Mayari Birks. The similarities go past just looks: They also have 100% genuine suede soles, so your feet are still treated to the best. Stained glass window film you might be able to pass as the real thing — at least at first glance. It's also the coolest version of privacy film I've ever seen, so it's worth it even if you don't trick your neighbors. A pair of stylish teardrop earrings similar to the popular Bottega Veneta ones, but for a fraction of the price. They're lightweight and gold-plated, meaning that even those with sensitive ears can enjoy them. A faux-sheepskin area rug ensuring the first thing your feet feel in the morning is fuzzy heaven. You can use this next to your bed, flung over a couch, or as an auxiliary pet bed. Yes, even Chanel the dog gets a fancy resting spot. A classic pleated tennis skort with...*drumroll*...pockets! Pleased reviewers have compared it to reputable brands like Nike, Aritzia, and even Lululemon, saying it's suuuper comfortable. A cute set of glass coffee syrup dispensers so you can pretend you have a personal coffee shop right inside your home. If the Seattle Space Needle can have its own Starbucks, why can't you? The kit comes with a funnel and package of labels, but if your coffee tastes are kind of niche, there are also two blank labels. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks that 150+ reviewers say offers a Laneige-like experience for just a fraction of the price. The berry extract and vitamin C work to moisturize lips as you go to bed, proving that beauty sleep is a real thing. A retro mushroom table lamp previously only seen in your wildest Architectural Digest dreams. Guests will ask you if you scored it at an auction; we'll let you decide how honest you wanna be (JK). Glue-on foam ceiling tiles providing a quick, fancy refresh to your kitchen or living room. Gotta love an easy way to add a "wow" factor without having to splurge on carpentry or remodeling. A layered necklace set with three classic chains — herringbone, curb, and rope — that'll elevate any outfit, even your dog-walking uniform. Thanks to their gold plating, the necklaces are hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant, making them a great budget option when solid gold is out of the question. A viral "Soft" perfume rollerball for anyone who wants people to think of them and think "yum." Reviewers compare this $7 fragrance to caramel, lemon cupcakes, warm vanilla scones, and cotton candy. A set of thick velvet slipcovers to instantly transform your drab couch into something new and fabulous. Goodbye, stain-covered gray couch and HELLO new couch of my dreams. A beautiful tennis bracelet no one has to know is actually made with zirconia. You just need to decide if you want yellow, white, or rose gold plating — or OK, all three. A set of Dash ice cream-making mugs if you've been eyeing the beloved Ninja Creami, but don't want to drop serious dough on an ice cream maker. Like its spendier counterpart, you simply freeze the mugs, add ingredients, turn on the churner, and enjoy soft serve ice cream, gelato, froyo, and more in just 20 minutes. A multipurpose blush stick many reviewers note gets the job done just as well the $18 Pixi Beauty version. Despite the outrageously low price, it's just as buildable, waterproof, and pigmented. A spandex-blend slip maxi dress that's the closest you can get to wearing a nightgown outside while still looking ready for date night. Reviewers say that this fabric is not only comparable to a certain Skims dress, it might actually be even better. And a scoop neck tee offering the same buttery softness as the beloved Skims top. Bonus: This one comes in more colors than it costs. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum that laughs in the face of humidity. The lightweight, argan oil-infused formula hydrates, smoothes frizz, and defines waves and curls with such ease, you'll wonder why high-end brands are charging so much.
The Irish Sun
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Aldi is selling a £6 dupe of Baccarat Rouge's iconic £335 perfume & it ‘smells just like the real deal' beauty fans say
IF you're a fan of designer fragrances but not the price tag, then we've got good news for you, as the Aldi dupes just keep on coming in. Shoppers are racing to grab a bottle of perfume from the discount giant – which at just £6, is said to be a fabulous dupe. Advertisement 2 Baccarat Rouge is a fragrance favourite, but a VERY pricey one 2 Shoppers are loving Aldi's viral perfume dupe Cardinal Red Credit: Aldi According to bargain hunters, a scent has been deemed a close dupe for the posh £335 Baccarat Rouge. Unlike the 'real deal', the budget-friendly version - the Cardinal Red Eau de Parfum - retails for a mere £6, saving you almost £330. The high-end version is a favourite amongst celebs, including Rihanna and And similarly the Lacura scent offers a a seamless blend of soft jasmine, sweet saffron, warm amberwood and cedar. Advertisement Hair and Beauty The perfume therefore makes for the perfect spicy and floral mix that you'll find difficult to resist - and it already seems to have become a hit on social media. 'I can't believe they've done a Baccarat Rouge dupe… RUN to Aldi,'' said one delighted shopper. 'It's just amazing - it's just unreal.' added another fan. While another said: "This Cardinal Red is a dupe for Baccarat Rouge. It is spot on, I can't believe it." Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Meanwhile, our beauty editor tested Aldi's 7 new beauty buys all for under £5. A cult Charlotte Tilbury dupe is back but I get stopped in the street by people asking where my perfume's from - it's a dupe of a designer scent & saves me £135 Elsewhere, thrifty beauty buffs are raving about a they've spotted at Home Bargains. A nd it's ideal if you're looking to save money this year. Advertisement But check out Zara who is now also flogging a dupe of YSL's Black Opium. Their Gardenia is selling for £15.99 per 90ml bottle, Zara's website shows. The best perfume dupes on the high street WE all love a good perfume, but they can also be pricey. So why not try a dupe from the high street instead? Here's some of the best: *If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue Marks & Spencer: Apothecary Warmth, £9.50 - dupe for Le Labo's Santal 33 - BUY NOW Sea Salt and Neroli, £13 - dupe for Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino - BUY NOW Midnight Blossom, £10 - dupe for Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium - BUY NOW Soft Iris, £10 - dupe for Chanel Coco Mademoiselle - BUY NOW Zara: Energetically New York, £25.99 - dupe for Le Labo's Santal 33 Nude Bouquet, £12.99 - dupe for Dior's Miss Dior Applejuice, £12.99 - dupe for DKNY's Be Delicious Sublime Epoque, £22.99 - dupe for Armani My Way Aldi: Empress, £5.99 - dupe for Paco Rabanne Olympéa Feminine, £6.99 - dupe for Coco Mademoiselle Masculine, £6.99 - dupe for Jean Paul Gaultier's Le Male Hotel Collection No39 Poppy and Barley, £6.99 - dupe for Jo Malone's Poppy and Barley Plus shoppers have gone wild for an incredible dupe which is flying off the shelves at a major supermarket. The dupe is £20 cheaper than the real Sol de Janeiro body spray, despite looking and smelling almost identical. Advertisement Costing just £3.99, the dupe is scented with pistachio and salted caramel. Another version is scented with jasmine and dragon fruit.
Hypebeast
03-06-2025
- Business
- Hypebeast
Le Labo's Beijing Heyuan Fragrance Laboratory Reimagines a Historic Mansion
Shortly after opening a Japanese outpost at a 145-year-old Kyoto home,Le Labocontinues to expand its presence in the Asia Pacific region with a new Beijing Fragrance Laboratory. Marking its second Beijing location, the luxury fragrance atelier has set up shop inside the historic Beizi Mansion, a classic Siheyuan courtyard-style residence. 'The opening of the Beijing Heyuan Fragrance Lab represents our deep respect for this extraordinary city – this is a carefully presented brand layout that reflects our commitment to respecting Beijing's cultural traditions and embracing the profound heritage of the traditional architectural style of Beizi Mansion,' said Deborah Royer, Global President and Creative Director of the brand. 'On this land that has been passed down to this day, we hope that fragrance can become a medium to connect the spirit, while inviting people to return to themselves through the senses, providing moments of tranquility and exploration.' The Chinese Shiheyuan architectural style is believed to have originated thousands of years ago, characterized by a central courtyard flanked by enclosing structures on all four sides. Le Labo integrates the traditional architectural venue into its experiential retail strategy, guiding visitors through different themed rooms focused on its various categories. The first area, the Qi Shi room, draws its core inspiration from Chinese apothecaries and houses the label's main personal fragrance line. Next, the Habitat room lies on the west side of the building, showcasing Le Labo's home fragrances in a lounge area decorated with traditional furniture. Finally, the Jian Di room on the east wing features dressing room furnishings and a stone sink, dedicated to sampling body care products. The experience culminates in the courtyard, featuring traditional gardens and outdoor seating. See the gallery above for a closer look at the Le Labo Beijing Heyuan Fragrance Laboratory.
