Ahead of festival season officially kicking off with Coachella this month (11 April), internet searches are spiking for fragrances associated with everything festival-goers need to keep smelling fresh rather than funky while dancing the day away in the sunshine (or rain if it’s Glastonbury or Parklife rather than Coachella you’re attending this year!).

Currently social buzz is for long lasting fragrance, unisex fragrance (up 52.3% YOY) and hair mist (up + 26% YOY).

Fragrance Insiders Jonny Webber, fragrance expert at Perfume Direct, and cult-favourite independent perfumer Aude Asklöv explain what makes the ultimate festival fragrance – perfume or aftershave alike.

“Festival fragrances are a whole category in their own right – what works in an air-conditioned office or cosy winter dinner simply won’t cut it in a sweaty crowd under the blazing sun or while you’re dancing in a field at 2am”, explains Jonny Webber from Perfume Direct.

“So, while you’re busy planning your outfit (and packing your glitter), there’s one thing you shouldn’t overlook: your fragrance, because chances are your usual 9-5 signature scent isn’t going to hold up when you’re dancing in 28-degree heat, covered in dry shampoo and drinking warm cider from a paper cup. You need something punchy, lasting, and totally you.

“The first requirement for a fragrance is that it needs to last. Like, properly last.

“You want longevity. Not just the top notes wafting off your skin for five minutes then disappearing; your festival scent must survive heat, sweat, maybe even rain (because, let’s be honest, British summer can be unpredictable).

“You want Eau de Parfum or Parfum, versus Eau de Toilette. And look for fragrances with strong base notes like amber, woods or musk. These ingredients tend to cling to the skin and actually improve as the day goes on.”

“Fragrance layering can also make your scent last longer,” adds Jonny. “Start with a matching shower gel or body cream if your fragrance has one. If not, use unscented products and apply your perfume to moisturised skin – it clings better.

“And for a top tip – apply a dab behind your knees and on your belly. As you move and your body warms up, you release subtle waves of scent. It’s sexy, and nobody sees it coming.”

Fresh but fabulous with a festival vibe

“The most popular summer fragrances are light fresh scents, but for a festival you need something that’s not too light and a good sillage (the trail a scent leaves) is a must. Looking for something with energy is a good choice – citrus, spices, herbs and a bit of floral lift maybe – but make it balanced. Consider a mix of citrus paired with something unexpected—like basil, cardamom or incense – for character. Think fresh and bold.

For men: think about aromatic fougères or woody citruses (Creed Aventus has become cliché but it works). For women: white florals with bite, or zesty gourmands – something like Mugler Alien Goddess or Creed White Flowers or Spring Flower.

“Perfume is more than what’s in the bottle—it’s about the story it tells and the memories it creates”, says Aude.

Jonny agrees: “Festivals are about freedom and self-expression, and your fragrance can reflect that. This is your moment to go bold or a bit weird, if you want. Fragrances with oud, fig, suede, cardamom, saffron or even metallic or salty accords can add some real edge. These are the kinds of scents that stick in people’s memories. Think about niche houses or unisex blends that don’t smell like a department store.”

Pocket-Sized Party Perfection

Jonny cites Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Drops capsules as the ultimate festival-ready fragrance: “Designed for effortless, on-the-go application, these mini, single-dose fragrance capsules really are the optimum festival companion.

“Housed in a travel-friendly, sustainable aluminum tin featuring the iconic Daisy design, they’re uber-portable and convenient—just twist, squeeze, and apply anytime, anywhere for a vibrant and energetic burst of fragrance that delivers long-lasting freshness.”

You might also want a fragrance that fits the mood of the festival.
“A technique I’ve used successfully, helping clients “find themselves” in a scent, is by creating a fragrance ‘Mood Board’ – curating insight into not just how a person smells but for their overall essence,” says Aude.

Let the location guide you.

Is it a vibey, boho, indie thing like Glastonbury? Maybe something earthy and free-spirited like Bvlgari Terrae Essence (that has depth and complexity). More of a rave or beachy fest? Go for solar florals, salty marine notes, or something like Tom Ford Oud Minerale or Tom Ford Soleil Blanc. Big Ibiza energy.

“The best festival fragrances don’t stay static—they morph and mingle with your body heat, your skin, even the air around you” says Jonny. “So your fragrance has to either blend beautifully with your natural scent as the day goes on or camouflage the chaos. Anything too delicate or shy will just get lost. Look for clean but punchy notes – vetiver, neroli, basil, incense can be brilliant.

“If you’re camping and can only bring one bottle, go for a signature that evolves with your body and the heat. Or take miniatures and layer to create a unique scent for the vibe.

“Think of it as part of your festival outfit. And please, for the love of nose gods, don’t overspray in a tent.”