Fragrances I Wore in Europe
There’s something deeply personal about the fragrances you wear while traveling. They don’t just complement the moment—they become the moment. Every spritz settles into memory, tying a scent to a city, a mood, a feeling.
On my recent trip through Amsterdam, Paris, and London, fragrance became a soft ritual—one that made unfamiliar places feel intimate and grounded. Whether I was boarding a train, sipping espresso in a new café, or taking in golden hour views of the Eiffel Tower, I found myself reaching for scents that mirrored the energy of each place.
If you’re curating your travel fragrance wardrobe or searching for the best perfumes to take to Europe, here’s what accompanied me—and why each one felt just right.
Amsterdam: Earthy Calm Meets Cool Minimalism
Amsterdam greeted me with quiet charm—canals lined with bicycles, minimalist boutiques, and that unmistakable European ease. The fragrances I chose here leaned grounded and modern, with just enough edge to stand out in the cool, crisp air.
Royal Earth – The Harmonist
Fragrance Family: Woody Aromatic
Key Notes: Carrot seed, angelica root, vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood
Wearing Royal Earth in Amsterdam felt like planting my feet firmly after a long-haul flight. It’s earthy but elevated—think morning walks past canal houses, wrapped in a wool coat, the sound of water gently lapping at the edge of the city. Rooted and refined, this was my scent of calm confidence.
Matrix Metal – The Harmonist
Fragrance Family: Aromatic Mineral Wood
Key Notes: Juniper, incense, metallic accord, angelica, cedarwood
Matrix Metal surprised me. It’s cool and metallic, with a polished bite that echoed the clean lines and creative energy of Amsterdam’s modern neighborhoods. I wore it to gallery strolls and late afternoon coffee stops—it was fresh, sharp, and just slightly enigmatic. Definitely one of the more unexpected travel scents I reached for.
Apricot Privée – Phlur (Amsterdam to Paris travel day)
Fragrance Family: Fruity Amber
Key Notes: Apricot, plum, cardamom, jasmine, agarwood, tonka bean
I needed something warm and soft for the journey from Amsterdam to Paris, and Apricot Privée was perfect. It’s juicy, a little decadent, and gently spicy. Like a silk scarf and a wink from across the aisle. It made the transition from one city to the next feel seamless and sweet.
Paris: Velvet Evenings & Statement Scents
In Paris, I leaned into opulence—but always with restraint. The scents I wore here had layers. They were romantic, but not cliché. Sophisticated, but never too serious. Whether I was sipping wine at dinner or watching the Eiffel Tower shimmer from Trocadéro at golden hour, these perfumes added depth and drama in the best way.
Desired Earth – The Harmonist
Fragrance Family: Woody Floral
Key Notes: Orris root, violet leaf, suede, sandalwood, saffron
This scent felt like brushing past velvet curtains in a quiet Parisian boutique. It’s powdery and soft, with a suede-like richness that clung to the air. I wore this for slow mornings, croissants, and quiet reflection. It’s one of those Paris-appropriate perfumes that makes you feel instantly more pulled together.
Loubidoo – Christian Louboutin
Fragrance Family: Fruity Floral
Key Notes: Strawberry, rose, cedarwood
Sweet, fun, and a little bit flirtatious. Loubidoo is everything you want when you’re feeling playful in Paris. I wore it while wandering from one boutique to the next along the Champs-Élysées, taking in the textures, scents, and design details of each beautifully curated space. It's a youthful rose with a strawberry twist—simple, but still elegant in a way only Paris can pull off.
Oud for Greatness – Initio Parfums Privés
Fragrance Family: Spicy Woody Oud
Key Notes: Saffron, nutmeg, lavender, natural oud, patchouli, musk
This was my evening signature scent in Paris. Rich, bold, unforgettable. Oud for Greatness turns heads, but never screams. It’s ideal for dinner reservations, long conversations, and feeling a little mysterious. If you're looking for a statement fragrance for travel, this is the one.
London: Cozy, Chic, and Just a Bit Moody
London has this cinematic energy—gray skies, historic streets, and just enough bustle to keep things interesting. I spent most of my time in Piccadilly and Westminster, taking long walks and leaning into a more polished, metropolitan vibe. My fragrance choices here reflected that mix of comfort and quiet sophistication.
Milk (Personal) – Commodity (Travel day from Paris to London)
Fragrance Family: Soft Gourmand / Skin Scent
Key Notes: Milk accord, marshmallow, tonka bean, mahogany
On travel days, I always want something that feels close to the skin—something that’s more for me than anyone else. Milk was exactly that. It’s creamy, cozy, and incredibly comforting. Think soft sweaters, warm drinks, and windows fogging up with rain. If you're wondering what fragrance to wear on a plane or train, this is my top choice.
Cœur de Jardin – Miller Harris
Fragrance Family: Floral Fruity
Key Notes: Pear, peach, Italian bergamot, rose, moss, tuberose, musk
I wore this while exploring London’s stately architecture and polished streets. It’s not your typical floral—it has depth, thanks to the moss and musk. It reminded me of perfectly arranged bouquets in hotel lobbies, afternoon tea, and quiet elegance. A beautifully balanced city scent for fall travel.
Final Thoughts: Packing Fragrance with Intention
Fragrance is more than a beauty product—it’s an experience, a timestamp, a sensory journal. As I unpacked back home, each bottle brought me back to a specific scene: the tulip-lined bike paths of Amsterdam, golden hour at Trocadéro, a long stroll through Westminster at dusk.
If you’re building your own travel fragrance capsule, I’d recommend selecting a mix:
Something grounding (for arrival days)
Something playful (for daytime adventures)
Something bold (for evenings out)
And something soft (for transitions and travel)
Trust your instincts, pack light, and let your scent tell your story.
Which scent or city spoke to you most?
Leave a comment or share what fragrance you’re reaching for lately—I love hearing what others are wearing and why.