Basil is not only a culinary or aromatic ingredient. It is widely and incredibly pleasingly used in perfumery. Very often, perfumes with a basil note can be classified as “masterpieces.”
Basil provides a fantastically rich aromatic raw material. It is easy to feel by touching the tips of your fingers to the bush. You don’t even need to bring your fingers to your nostrils to sense the wild, generous, and lively essence of the aroma, all thanks to the oils abundant in its leaves and stems.
In perfumery, basil is most often combined with citrus, especially with mandarin: this combo instantly creates an uplifting mood reminiscent of Italian vacations. We have selected ten perfumes where you can easily sense the basil note. All of them are true works of perfumery art: unconventional, emotional, and uplifting.
Basilico & Fellini, Vilhelm Parfumerie
The name of the fragrance already pays homage to Italy (Basilico & Fellini – an allusion to Federico Fellini, the famous director). This absolutely green-sounding fragrance contains another exceptionally Italian note – fig. But the palette is not limited to fruits and greens: there are hints of tomatoes, celery, carrots… Fantastic.
Eau de Basilic Pourpre, Hermès
Perfumer Christine Nagel combined the crisp note of basil with sensual patchouli, geranium, and spices. The name of the perfume suggests that basil is purple, creating a unique interplay between the juicy color of the bottle and its components.
Mandarine Basilic Harvest, Guerlain
For the Harvest line at Guerlain, 95% of the raw materials are of natural origin, and French beet alcohol from a network engaged in responsible farming is used. This is not the end of the plot twists; the formula uses the harvest of unripe mandarins of the Marzolo variety from Calabria to preserve the bitter undertone. Basil and green tea act as a luxurious carpet on which these mandarins are scattered. Beautiful.
Chef’s Table, MiN New York
The perfume’s name refers to the famous Chef’s Table series, which tells the story of outstanding chefs and their approach to cooking. There is both a healthy sense of humor and recognition of the gastronomic role of basil. This note in the composition is like a dish surrounded by tomatoes, black currants, bergamot, and sage.
Venise, Diptyque
This limited edition is evidently dedicated to travels. Venice can indeed smell like basil – in Caprese snacks, pesto sauce, Margherita pizza. Spicy, fresh, it combines vegetable notes – tomatoes, basil – and vetiver.
