(Fragrance)

These Cult-Favorite Unisex Fragrances Are Guaranteed To Leave A Lasting Impression

Inclusive and memorable.

Updated: Feb. 20, 2024

Originally Published: June 14, 2023

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By nature, a fragrance is meant to work with your body chemistry to create a scent that is distinct to its wearer. It knows no boundaries or gender lines, for that matter, despite some of the heavily romanticized commercials and marketing materials used to promote them. Whether you fall into the floral and fruity category or the deep and intensely earthy group, the truth is anyone can wear any scent. This simple concept was brought to the mainstream in 1994 when Calvin Klein launched CK One, a unique scent that was neither classified as perfume or cologne, thus blurring the rigid gender lines in the fragrance space. It remains a cult-favorite, thanks to its universally fresh aroma. But things have come a long way since then, and today, the best unisex fragrances evoke a freeing feeling as well as an enticing scent.

Season-less and genderless, these perfumes are ideal for all aspects of wear, whether you’re headed to work, a fancy wedding, traveling abroad, or simply lounging around your home. But perhaps best of all, many of them are built with accords made from classic notes so they’ll stand the test of time.

Below, the best unisex scents to create a lasting one-of-a-kind experience.

Best Unisex Fragrance For A Dose Of Self-Love

Boy Smells

Rose Load Genderful Fine Fragrance

$98

While it’s nice to be appreciated by someone special, there’s really no feeling more gratifying than learning to love and appreciate yourself. For those moments, a spritz of delicately balanced fragrance is all that’s needed to spark the feeling. With a liberal amount of rose scents strung along a smoky wood accord, Rose Load immediately envelopes your senses like a nice comforting hug. | Featured Notes: Pink peppercorn; rose petals; papyrus; sandalwood |

Best Unisex Fragrance For A Clean Scent

Dedcool

Milk Layering Fragrance

$90

Though all of DedCool’s fragrances are meant to be layered, Milk tops the list as the most unique scent that is clean and lightly refreshing. Similar to the lingering smell of fresh laundry, it has the ability to enhance any fragrance for a multidimensional scent or can simply be worn on its own for a subtle but hypnotic feel. | Featured Notes: Bergamot; white musk; amber |

Best Unisex Fragrance For Zen Moments

Maison Margiela

Replica Matcha Meditation Eau de Toilette Fragrance

$85

When your morning is going to be hectic and busy, let this peaceful scent transport you to a place of tranquility. Inspired by a meditative experience of sipping a cup of warm matcha tea, it emits soothing aromas of bergamot, and of course, green tea that are lifted with fresh scents of moss and citrus essences. And if you prefer a sleek bottle with minimalist elements, you’ll be particularly pleased with the classically bare bottle that houses the pale green fragrance. | Featured Notes: Matcha; orange flower; jasmine |

Best Unisex Fragrance For Fans Of Vanilla

Tom Ford

Tobacco Vanille

$295

Despite being a popular note in the fragrance world, vanilla can be overbearing when not balanced properly in a juice. But that issue is far from a concern in this luxe scent by Tom Ford. In it, contrasting notes of tobacco leaf and ginger meld with warm touches of vanilla to create a savory blend that borders masculine and feminine aromas. | Featured Notes: Tobacco leaf; cocoa; dry fruit; sweet wood sap |

Best Unisex Fragrance For Casual Date Nights

DIPTYQUE

L'Eau Papier Eau de Toilette

$125

A truly unique fragrance, Diptyque’s L'Eau Papier is a tribute to the fresh woody scents of handmade paper. The accord base features the light aromas of steamed rice, blooming mimosa flowers, and musky notes that make even the smallest spritz feel inviting and warm. As the summer heats up, this delicate fragrance is the perfect choice for a low-key date night that’s as interesting and composed as the scent itself. | Featured Notes: White musks; mimosa; blonde wood |

Best Unisex Fragrance For Gemini Personalities

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Gentle Fluidity Gold Eau De Parfum

$140

Much like the split personality of a Gemini, this luxe fragrance is just one half of Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Gentle Fluidity duo. The idea was born from the perfumer's desire to create one distinct scent housed in two contrasting bottles, one gold, and one silver. But just as luxurious as the packaging is the olfactory composition that’s an eclectic blend of spiced coriander seeds, vanilla, and earthy musks. Whether you opt for the warm golden bottle or the cool-toned silver, you’re sure to leave a lingering trail where ever you walk by. | Featured Notes: Juniper berries; nutmeg; amber; vanilla |

Best Unisex Fragrance For Minimalists

Calvin Klein

CK One Eau de Toilette Spray

$83

The original unisex fragrance from the ‘90s continues to be beloved for its ability to effortlessly blend with your unique body chemistry. With a sharp scent of green citrus, crushed flower petals, and warm amber, the cult-loved classic blend is a true celebration of fluid beauty and works as well for everyday wear as it does for nights out. | Featured Notes: Mandarin orange; papaya; violet; cardamom; rose |

Best Unisex Fragrance For Leather Weather

Malin + Goetz

Leather Eau de Parfum

$96

If you live in your leather jacket come fall, this fragrance was made for you. An alluring mixture that marries the raw elements of the material with rustic woody and subdued floral notes, it feels as comfortable as your favorite vintage find. To get the full experience, lightly spray your pulse points and watch how it evokes throughout the day to a worn-in and warm scent. | Featured Notes: Lotus flower; orchid; cedarwood |

Best Unisex Fragrance For City Dwellers

Santal 33

Le Labo

$220

No doubt about it, you’ve been arrested by the scent of this soulful fragrance before. Its alluring accord is a combination of spice, sweet floral essences and smoky wood undertones that create an intoxicating aroma that’s also suitable for daily use. The perfect mix for a new signature scent.| Featured Notes: Cardamom; iris; violet; musk|

Best Unisex Fragrance For An Air Of Mystery

D.S. & Durga

I Don't Know What

$280

Created to give any fragrance that certain ‘je ne sais quoi’, this fragrance enhancer can be used as a tool to transform other scents or worn alone as a bewitching transparent aroma. Structured with natural bergamot essence and fresh elements of earth like vetiver, it’s meant to be layered and leave you with a mysterious scent that keeps the room guessing in the best way. | Featured Notes: Bergamot; vetiver; civettone |

Best Unisex Fragrance For Non-Conformists

Dior

Gris Dior

$330

The color gray can easily evoke softness and sharp structure at the same time — which is exactly the thought process behind this fragrance which was inspired by the monotone hue. A twisted blend of woody notes and floral accents it embodies the not-so-flat feeling of the color and is perfect for those who don’t conform to lines of black and white. A quick splash of this interesting scent is all that’s needed to create a signature scent. | Featured Notes: Chypre; citrus; floral |

This article was originally published on June 14, 2023