During December, my perfume collection consisted of sweet, gourmand fragrances that smelled like festive desserts. I doused myself in notes of gingerbread, chocolate and caramel, but now that January is here, the only thing I want to smell like is fresh laundry blowing in the breeze. Whilst I’m not a “new year, new me” kind of person, I am all about embracing those fresh, clean vibes for the month ahead. As a beauty editor, one way I do that is definitely through scent.
Whether it’s organising my space and lighting one of the best candles to enjoy a cosy night in, changing my sheets and giving them a spritz of linen mist, or swapping out my fragrance for a fresh laundry perfume, I find that these little changes make the biggest difference to my mood.
So, what fresh laundry perfumes am I reaching for this month? Luckily for you, I’ve tested some of the best clean-smelling scents on the market and have found some absolute gems that really do smell as if you’ve just stepped out of the shower and grabbed your outfit from the washing line before heading out the door. Keep scrolling for my top picks, and prepare for an influx of compliments.
I’m reaching for these fresh laundry perfumes in January.
7 of the Best Fresh Laundry Perfumes 20261. Byredo Blanche
Best fresh laundry perfume overall
Byredo
Blanche Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Aldehydes, pink pepper, white rose, neroli, peony, violet, blonde woods, musk, sandalwood
First up is my most-worn perfume this month. Fresh, soft and a little floral, Byredo Blanche is easily one of the best clean-smelling perfumes out there. What I love about this scent is that although it’s delicate, I can still smell it on my clothes hours after spritzing. If you want a true, powdery, fresh laundry scent, this is the fragrance to invest in.
2. Zara Energetically New York
Best affordable fresh laundry perfume
ZARA
Energetically New York Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Cardamom, jasmine, sandalwood
When it comes to affordable perfumes, I know I can rely on Zara for expensive-smelling scents that don’t break the bank. One of my favourites has to be Energetically New York. Whilst this is incredibly fresh thanks to notes of cardamom, it also has this slightly spicy, woody aroma that adds a really invigorating touch. It’s not a fresh sheets on a Sunday kind of fragrance, but it is like slipping on a crisp, white shirt before heading out for drinks.
3. Acne Studios par Frédéric Malle
Best luxury fresh laundry perfume
Acne Studios
Par Frédéric Malle Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Sandalwood, peach, vanilla. white musk, frankincense
Not only is this one of the best fresh laundry perfumes, but I count it as one of the best perfumes full stop. A collaboration between Acne Studios and Frédéric Malle, this fragrance combines fresh aldehydes with soft floral notes for a truly stunning finish. To me, it smells like wrapping up in a plush, cotton towel fresh out of the shower at a five-star hotel. Oh, and this scent lasts all day long.
4. Initio Parfums Privés Musk Therapy Hair Mist
Best fresh laundry hair mist
Initio Parfums Privés
Musk Therapy Hair Mist
Key notes: Bergamot, mandarin, white magnolia, cassis, white sandalwood, white musk, rose musk
I feel like hair perfumes are underrated, but they are a great way to help your scent last. My favourite this month is Musk Therapy from Initio Parfums Privés. Yes, it has hints of musk, but in my opinion, it smells just like fresh laundry thanks to uplifting notes of bergamot, mandarin and powdery magnolia. A couple of spritzes of this will trick everyone into thinking you’ve just washed your hair with the most luxurious shampoo.
5. Borntostandout® Naked Laundry
Best unique fresh laundry perfume
Borntostandout®
Naked Laundry Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Mandarin, mimosa, white caramel, creamy milk, amber woods, tonka bean absolute
As the name suggests, this perfume has been designed to smell like fresh laundry. However, it’s a little different from your usual clean-smelling scents thanks to notes of caramel and creamy milk. In my opinion, it’s like wrapping up in a cosy jumper that’s just come out of the dryer. It’s a warm and comforting freshness that makes it unique.
6. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Linen Mist
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Aqua Universalis Linen Mist
Key notes: Lemon, bergamot, fresh white flower accord, light musks
Ok, this is technically a linen mist, but you can also use it on your clothes to create that beautiful, fresh laundry scent. It’s probably one of the closest scents to actual laundry that I’ve ever come across. Lemon and bergamot smell fresh and uplifting, whilst floral, musky notes add that powdery, comforting touch. In true Maison Francis Kurkdjian style, it’s a work of art. I use this on both my clothes and bedsheets and never get tired of the expensive-smelling aroma.
7. Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning
Maison Margiela Replica
Lazy Sunday Morning Eau de Toilette
Key notes: Lily of the Valley, pear, aldehydes, ambrette seeds, iris, rose absolute, orange flower, white musks, patchouli
You didn’t think I’d do this roundup and not include this scent from Maison Margiela, did you? Possibly one of the most popular clean-smelling perfumes out there, it’s like lounging around in fresh sheets on Sunday morning, with nowhere else to be. The fragrance is fresh, uplifting, comforting and calming all at once, and a great introduction to the world of fresh laundry perfumes.
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