Tea perfumes are brewing up a storm right now—but their origin story goes way, way back. According to legend, tea was discovered in 2737 BC, very much by accident. Chinese emperor Shen Nung was sitting under a tree as his servant boiled drinking water. When some leaves landed in the pot, the emperor tried the infusion and called it “refreshing and invigorating.” A happy accident that would become the world’s most beloved ritual, shaping cultures from London to Tokyo.
But nothing about today’s tea perfumes—or their current popularity—is accidental. Complex, nuanced, and wildly varied, they’re the sophisticated antidote to the current wave of sweet gourmands and barely-there musks (not that we’re complaining—we have a lot of love for both—but you do need to change things up sometimes). Tea perfumes and related searches are up 65%, so you know, the numbers are there.
Time to get acquainted with the notes everyone’s talking about—black tea, white tea, maté and matcha—and the trending tea perfumes to add to your rotation right now.
Vilhelm Parfumerie Dear Polly
Inspired by his wife’s morning ritual of black tea in bed, this romantic fragrance from Vilhelm opens with bergamot and apple, with an aromatic Ceylon heart and cosy musk underneath.
Add Vilhelm Parfumerie Dear Polly to your Scentbird queue here.
Miller Harris Tea Tonique
Tea Tonique blends invigorating citrus with tea leaves, giving a natural lightness like Earl Grey with a slice of lemon, as maté bringing a delicious smoky dry down. Bright and refreshing, with extremely realistic tea notes.
Add Miller Harris Tea Tonique to your Scentbird queue here.
Arquiste Indigo Smoke
This Arquiste perfume is deep, dark and seemingly unfolds in layers of rich smokiness. Mysterious lapsang souchong takes the lead, unexpected apricot brightens the heart, with maté and incense adding depth and richness.
Add Arquiste Indigo Smoke to your Scentbird queue here.
Imaginary Authors O, Unknown!
Released by Imaginary Authors as a Philip Sava creation is a masterful blend of orris butter, Lapsang Souchong tea, and sandalwood. Evocative and melancholy, moody and delicate.
Add Imaginary Authors O, Unknown! to your Scentbird queue here.
Liis Ethereal Wave
A dreamy and fragrant everyday scent from Liis Perfume, with complex tea and warming blonde woods and a white tea note that lingers delicately.
Add Liis Ethereal Wave to your Scentbird queue here.
Skylar Fall Cashmere
Snuggle into this cashmere delight from Skylar Perfumes, a cup full of warming matcha and spices. Vanilla, sandalwood, and soft musks wrap this up in pure autumn comfort.
Add Skylar Fall Cashmere to your Scentbird queue here.
Liis Rose Struck
In a modern alternative to the classic bergamot and tea pairing, this Liis perfume is centred on rose and matcha. Opening with light blackcurrant and tangerine, rounded out beautifully by a vibrant matcha-green heart and a blend of life-like roses at the base.
Add Liis Fragrances Rose Struck to your Scentbird queue here.
Whether you’re drawn to the mysterious smokiness of traditional Lapsang Souchong, the effervescent lightness of Earl Grey, or matcha’s frothy green energy, there’s a tea perfume that’s right for you. They may not be the loudest fragrance in the room, but they’re crafted with skill, precision and surprising complexity—just like the perfect cup of tea. And with searches up 65%, we’re not the only ones ready to trade our coffee dates for tea time.
