DECEMBER 22, 2025
Welcome to the third annual ScentAdvice Awards!
In this lengthy article I take you through my 30 favorite new releases and my 20 favorite discoveries this year (that were released in previous years). And since a lot of you liked it last year, I added a little rant in between the two lists. For the die-hards, there’s a reflection on my top picks of 2023 and 2024 after this year’s ranking, to see if I still stand behind those picks. To finally wrap it up with the biggest giveaway of the year.
Before diving into the fragrances, I want to thank everyone who used or shared ScentAdvice in any capacity. It grew beyond my expectations and goals, with more than double the visitors of last year. The Instagram page, Reddit group and other socials saw similar growth. And a special thanks to those who use the Shop Page or other links on the site, as a stepping stone for their shopping. The commissions led to a steady revenue stream that ensures the independent nature and my time investment for the foreseeable future.
Looking back, this year was a change for me as a “fragrance reviewer”, due to the nature of ScentAdvice growing, becoming more of a business and being a news site first and foremost. A lot of my resources went into sampling newer and popular releases. At the same time, I stopped making social media content and ‘lost’ 90% of my incoming PR; which meant discovering less random, lesser known fragrances. This has affected this year’s awards. I think the New Releases list is of higher quality than last year due to the sheer volume of fragrances that I’ve tried. However, there are less obscure releases that made the cut; you will find more of those in the discoveries list. In 2026, I will likely review less fragrances and focus more on smaller brands that intrigue me personally.
Every year I highlight the best fragrances that I’ve tried, that were released in years prior. Mostly to do justice to the fragrances from previous years, that were deserving of a spot in the awards, had I smelled them in time.
Disclaimer: Fragrances are listed with [#AD] only to state that I received a bottle as part of PR previously. There has been zero involvement, influence or payments regarding the picks or ranking of the awards. You can read my initial reviews by clicking on the names.
20. Siam1928 RED JUNGLE (2023)
Nutt Wesshasartar
Siam1928 is a great brand to explore. While a lot of their fragrances feel surprisingly classical, French perfumery in style (my favorite being MEKHA ARANYA), the Thai Local Spirits collection that contains RED JUNGLE is a more fun and eccentric, with booze-themed scents. YODBEER is the most fun, but RED JUNGLE is worth a try as well.
19. Snif VOW FACTOR (2023)
With Snif still not being sold in Europe, I’ve only smelled two of them: HONEY SUITE being just okay, but VOW FACTOR was better than I expected. You can’t really go wrong with fig, and this is a well-exectuted crisp, green take on fig. Whereas other green figs can go aromatic, here it feels borderline fruity and there’s a welcome sweetness coming in later.
18. Lydeen HORSIKA BLUE [#AD] (2021)
A prime example of when PR works out, as I would’ve never blind bought or even smelled Horsika Blue otherwise. Essentially a powdery iris core with spices (cardamom) and a nutty vanillic sweetness towards the end. It stays rather clean and tame, making it versatile and classy.
17. Cartier OUD & SANTAL (2016)
Mathilde Laurent
The Cartier Les Heures Voyageuses collection is one of the ‘exclusive’ lines that I’m least familiar with. I believe this was my first time properly wearing one. It wasn’t quite as great as I hoped, but the quality is there. Spiced, but with a unexpected fruity touch; it reminded me of Serge Lutens Arabie at one point.
16. Clive Christian TOWN & COUNTRY (2023)
Vincent Ricord
This is one of the most enjoyable Clive Christian’s that I’ve worn. The reason I wouldn’t rank it higher, is that it leans rather far into (hybrid)clone territory. Creed AVENTUS is unmistakable in this and it gets more vanillic in the way that Electimuss IMPERIUM does. Not very original, but a nice wear.
15. Art Meets Art LIKE A VIRGIN UNPLUGGED [#AD] (2024)
Fabrice Pellegrin
I’m not the biggest fan of orange blossom, but LIKE A VIRGIN UNPLUGGED is up there with the best orange blossoms that I’ve come across. I praised it as a stand-out discovery during my last trip to Paris (after which the brand sent me a bottle). It borders on becoming a gourmand with how much vanilla and tonka take over and that blends well into a creamy, lactonic orange blossom.
14. Strangers Parfumerie ROSA RAIMUNDA (2024)
Prin Lomros
This one I bought on impulse and while I really enjoy it, I probably should’ve bought something else. It shows however, how nice of a first impression ROSA RAIMUNDA makes and the 30ml price point for these Strangers Parfumerie releases is inviting. A rose with all facets: Fizzy, fruity, red, green, minty, jammy, sweet. Not as sweet and more fruity than Ormonde Jayne INDUS, but that one is in the same ballpark.
13. Isabelle Larignon BANGLA YASAMAN (2023)
Isabelle Larignon
BANGLA YASAMAN is the star of this brand’s line-up for me. A healthy dose of daring indoles, which is a rare find these days. To be clear, this does not smell ‘fecal’, instead, it comes across bitter, almost like a vaccum, a void. Jasmine and osmanthus, with tones of hay, tobacco and leather, but also a surprising sweeter element. It’s an unusual mix, but it works.
12. Fragrance du Bois HERITAGE (2016)
Francois Merle-Baudoin
Years ago, I smelled pretty much everything in the Fragrance du Bois collection, but HERITAGE was one of a few that had always escaped me. This year, I finally put it to the test and I think it’s one of the biggest outliers in the brand’s line-up. It opens aldehydelic and traditional; reminding me of Guerlain SAMSARA at first. I’m not the biggest fan of how sweet the drydown is; it feels like a mismatch for its opening. Still, this is an underrated Fragrance du Bois, especially compared to anything the brand has released in more recent years.
11. Argos CHARON’S VAIL (2024)
Probably my favorite Argos to date, after falling out of love with TRIUMPH OF BACCHUS throughout the years (and the Triumph of Bacchus Extrait didn’t make the new releases list). CHARON’S VAIL is a mix of metallic rose and dark, sweet woodiness, reminding me of the excellent Maison Tahite COFFEE BOMB to some extent.
10. KMSKA EDP (2024)
Laura de Coninck
This fragrance is created exclusively for the lovely KMSKA museum in Antwerp. There’s a lot of cumin to my nose, but it’s not all that challenging, due to how fresh it is. It feels crisp, citrussy, soapy floral, but it has a hint of sweaty skin due to that cumin. This gives off strong luxury soap vibes. The closest reference that I can think of from memory would be L’Orchestre Parfum FLAMENCO NEROLI. Perhaps a bit of a near-homefield-advantage & Laura bias here, but it’s a fun one to try.
09. Prin BURMITE HONEY (2023)
Prin Lomros
BURMITE HONEY is a bit… much. I don’t know if I would wear it much, which is why I bought the aforementioned ROSA RAIMUNDA over it. That said, BURMITE HONEY is special. In the air, this is a sweet, cozy honey scent. Rich, lush, honey, like Hiram Green SLOWDIVE. Up close and in the drydown, it’s a lot more fiery, ambery, dry, almost like Roja PARFUM DE LA NUIT 1. Not for the faint of heart.
