All About Iris: 10 Perfume Recommendations

Written by Angel Hoque

Iris is among the most sought-after perfume notes, with its scent profile varying depending on the specific type of iris used. Iris concrete, a key extract, exudes a floral and powdery aroma with complex nuances that include green, woody, earthy, rooty (resembling carrot), buttery, waxy, leathery, and subtle hints of chocolate and raspberry.

Photo credit: Angel Hoque / Instagram @aroundtheunknown

Its distinctive fragrance is primarily due to compounds known as irones, which are derived from the rhizomes (underground stems) of the iris plant. Interestingly, these rhizomes are nearly odorless when harvested and must be dried and aged for several years to develop a rich concentration of irones. Due to this lengthy and meticulous preparation process, iris concrete ranks among the most expensive ingredients in perfumery.

There are many iris perfumes I've cherished since the early days of my fragrance journey, though I must admit, the note took time to truly resonate with me throughout my 20s. As I matured into my 30s, I found myself connecting with the various facets of iris on a deeper level, which gradually blossomed into a genuine affection and love for the note. In this article, I’ll be sharing a mix of longtime favorites and new discoveries among iris-centric perfumes.

Iris Malikhan by Maison Crivelli

The perfume that rekindled my love for iris in 2021 quickly became my signature scent and remained so for quite some time. It features a green, powdery iris beautifully contrasted by creamy vanilla and supple leather, creating an addictive and captivating composition. With bold projection and impressive longevity, it stands as the crème de la crème of this olfactive style introduced by the brand that year. There's an air of quiet luxury—something timeless and almost aristocratic—about Iris Malikhan that only the wearer can truly understand. It’s a cherished favorite and will always hold a special place in both my heart and collection.

Loubirouge by Christian Louboutin

An Oriental Spicy symphony for the senses, artfully composed by Marie Salamagne. Think high heels, cabaret lights, and a seductive trail of cardamom, iris, and vanilla. This fragrance invites you to follow the red soles into the dazzling, dreamlike Paris that has always been Christian Louboutin’s muse. It’s a sensory performance, the composition is minimalistic, yet that’s precisely its charm—I admire how the perfumer embraced simplicity, allowing each note to shine without distraction. While it doesn’t shout as boldly as Louboutin’s iconic Hot Chick 4-inch pumps, it wraps you in a soft, velvety aura—subtle, intimate, and just impactful enough to leave a lasting impression.

Honoré Delights by Ex Nihilo

As a new wave of culinary talent reimagines the classics, Honoré Delights pays homage to Paris and its enduring spirit of reinvention. Like a master pastry chef, perfumer Natalie Cetto deconstructs traditional ingredients and explores unexpected textural pairings to craft the ultimate olfactory indulgence. Sparkling notes of bergamot and neroli open the composition, while orange blossom takes on a powdery quality through the soft, elegant touch of iris. The fragrance culminates in a gentle yet addictive finale of musk and sandalwood—a refined French delicacy for the skin, infused with that unmistakable Parisian je ne sais quoi. It’s a beautifully crafted iris gourmand, embodying the subtle sophistication that Ex Nihilo is known for.

Panthea Iris by Stephane Humbert Lucas

An icy-smooth, powdery iris wrapped in clean white musk and soft floral undertones—this scent is a cult classic, offering a uniquely refined and sophisticated experience. It stands out as one of the rare creations from SHL that veers away from their signature bold ambers and opulent florals. Instead, this fragrance ascends to a near-divine elegance, exuding a quiet strength and distinguished character. It opens with a radiant blend of Italian bergamot and tangerine, complemented by the refreshing purity of white tea. A blue-and-white silk-like veil seems to drape the scent, enhancing its ethereal quality. Tonka bean absolute deepens the base, accentuating the smooth sandalwood and patchouli, while amplifying the powdery, noble facets of the intense iris at its heart. 

Aquamarine N Powder by EBK Paris

A comforting, enveloping blend of iris and musk, gently accented with creamy lavender and a whisper of oud. Though the scent itself is soft and powdery, its projection and longevity are remarkably powerful. This is the kind of iris fragrance that commands attention, thanks to the intense scent trail it leaves behind. While it shares similarities with a few well-known fragrances on the market, its subtle nuances and distinctive twists set it apart making it truly unforgettable.

Musk Pallas by Jovoy Paris

Musc Pallas is a clean, refined fragrance with powdery, floral, and fruity undertones—an original composition that places rich musks at the forefront, leaving a lasting, memorable trail. While it is primarily a musk scent, there's no overlooking the luminous iris at its heart, softened by velvety peach and finished with a satin-like, powdery elegance. The iris emerges subtly throughout the wear, enhancing the fragrance’s sophistication and structural depth as a fixative. To me, this is Parisian chic at its finest—a signature-worthy scent for anyone who appreciates the graceful interplay of musk and iris.

Baicha by Welton London

This is iris in disguise—a mesmerizing blend of bergamot, roasted gunpowder tea, and musk that seamlessly melts into the powdery, cloud-like softness of orris butter. If iris could embody the warmth of sun-kissed skin and the sensation of gliding your fingers across ivory silk, that’s precisely the essence of Baicha. Though it flies under the radar in the fragrance community, it’s the perfect scent for a slow weekend afternoon—when you’re curled up on the couch in elegant silk pajamas, savoring a peaceful moment of solitude and self-care.

Bohème Chic by Marrakech Imperial

Chic, powdery, starchy, and creamy—this iris carries a subtle touch of melancholy that adds emotional depth to its elegance. Some fragrances feel intrinsically linked to certain fabrics or outfits, enhancing your presence without overshadowing your grace. While we often style our clothing and accessories in creative ways, this scent has me eagerly imagining it paired with varying shades of brown linens—effortlessly refined and evocative. It's one of my newest favorites, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend this timeless gem to any iris enthusiast looking to explore the note’s many dimensions while curating a thoughtful, sophisticated collection.

Comète Les Exclusifs by Chanel

A release that I truly believe everyone should experience, and for me, it was a moment of pure satisfaction when I first smelled it. I couldn’t help but think, “Welcome back, Chanel.” This iris fragrance is an enchanting and captivating delight, inspired by the house’s legendary archives. Luminous and intense, it opens with a fresh cherry blossom accord, beautifully embraced by sensual iris and heliotrope notes. The result is an intense floral "stardust" scent, rounded out with a powdery, musky signature. While I don’t yet own the bottle, I’ve tested it enough on my skin to confidently include it in this article. I would absolutely be willing to spend over $350 for a 75ml bottle of Comete. The fact that my inner fragrance critic says this is something extraordinary speaks volumes.

Queen in Rouge by Lord Milano

A lipsticky iris can be a challenging fragrance to get right for consumers. On paper, it may seem like a simple task to create, but the complexity arises from the hesitation many people feel about wearing such a scent profile. At the same time, there's the need to satisfy the desire of those who seek that instant gratification of a beautiful, lipstick-inspired fragrance. Striking the right balance between these two can be difficult. In my opinion, Queen in Rouge—as the name suggests—captures the essence of a burlesque queen perfectly. It does an exceptional job of evoking that world of seduction and allure. There’s nothing I’d want to change about this fragrance; the resinous, woody, and vanillic boldness it offers is sheer perfection. It's the kind of scent meant for special occasions, but its addictive nature makes it tempting to wear more often, giving you that extra boost of confidence. Queen in Rouge is magical—I quite literally skipped a heartbeat when I first smelled it.

If you are curious if / how the list evolved in years, here is an archival post where I reviewed my favorite irises in 2021.