I think gender in fragrances can work as a reference point (although everyone’s frame of reference will differ and change over time), but I don’t think they should ever be used as boundary. On this site and in my collection you’ll see many fragrances geared towards women and in the world of niche, unisex has been the standard for a while. That being said, as a man, perhaps some lists may appeal more to other men’s tastes. So here are 15 niche fragrance that I feel definitely appeal more to women.

Atelier Des Ors Pink Me Up [#AD]
A fun, vibrant and very fruity, sparkling scent. If you want a slightly more mature version, check out Carner Marbella or check out Jacques Zolty J’Suis Snob for a more floral take.

Dries Van Noten Soie Malaquais
Technically not ‘niche’, but I think it belongs on this list instead of a designer list. Perhaps the best from the Dries van Noten EDP line and arguably the prettiest bottle design of 2022. I was hoping for a stronger gourmand, but the backbone here is a more feminine leaning sun-tan lotion.

Amouage Guidance [#AD]
I see some parallels between this and Soie Malaquais. Guidance also has a nutty sweetness, mixed with more of a sea breezed skin than sun tan lotion. A lot of peach in this for me.

Zoologist Hummingbird
People sometimes think that Zoologist is all about daring scents (or used to be), but this Hummingbird from 2015 is a nice floral hair shampoo-type of scent with some fruits and sweetness. Very easy going and well done.

The Harmonist Yin Transformation Parfum [#AD]
If you grew up in certain parts of the world, the smell if Nivea cream will be very familiar to you. Yin Transformation is that scent. Clean, soapy, fresh and very elegant. There is a more affordable EDP, but I only tested the Parfum and it’s a gem.

BDK Pas Ce Soir EDP
I’m not a fan of the (less feminine leaning) Extrait, but the EDP was a nice surprise. Accessible to anyone, with a juicy, tart fruitiness, orange blossom and sweet, candied base. Could be bordering on cloying, but I think it walks the line just right.

Kajal Lamar [#AD]
Lamar was bound for success. An eye-catching bottle and a scent that incorporates hints of Baccarat Rouge (but definitely not to the point of copying it) with a fruity opening. I know a lot of men love this as well, but it’s one of my top recommendations for women.

Stephane Humbert Lucas Soleil De Jeddah Mango Kiss
Easily one of the best mango scents on the market. I much prefer this over the more fruity/musky God Of Fire. Mango kiss goes in a more powdery and sweet direction and feels a tad more mature.

New Notes Latte Di Cherry [#AD]
Cherry scents are ever popular lately and they are rarely my thing. I went into this with low expectations, but it’s my favorite in this category. Unisex cherry with a really nice milky vanilla-sweetness. Not cloying or loud.

Frassai Blondine
I adore the opening hour of this fragrance. The most buttery, milky vibe that I absolutely fell in love with. The drydown goes in an unexpectedly floral and more feminine leaning direction, hence it’s place on this list.

V Canto Guercino [#AD]
This smells like a bag of citrussy and sugar-powdered candy. Sour, gummy, tart with a sweet drydown. A fun fragrance and a good pick for a tropical Summer pick.

Andrea Maack Solstice
Solstice is one of the few watermelon fragrance that does it well. A more floral, clean watery scent that perhaps smells more of a frozen watermelon (with less of its sweetness). Great crisp and mellow fragrance.

Ostens Impression Jasmine Absolute [#AD]
This has been in my top lists for years and it will feature in any floral list, but it’s also a particularly feminine leaning scent for many. I love wearing it myself, but I’d argue it’s the ‘most traditionally feminine’ scent in my steady rotation. Summery, vibrant jasmine without an indolic edge.

Micallef Ylang In Gold
A sparkling, lemonade-like ylang ylang. Tropical, bright with a real floral drydown. If you like your ylang ylang vibrant and Summery more than sweet, coco-nutty or indolic, this is one to put on your radar.

Alghabra Bolshoi Opera Finale [#AD]
Another fragrance with ylang ylang, but here it’s a fruit cocktail with a ton of vanilla in the base. I get more of a rice or coconut milk with some creaminess here as it dries. One of my favorites from this brand and the one I’d recommend to women first.