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6 best sage perfumes — spring's most elegant note is crisp, uplifting and will last all day
Your springtime spritz, sorted
When springtime finally rolls around, we find ourselves spoiled for choice on the Cosmo beauty team. Are we reaching for the white florals? Are we breaking out the bergamot? Or are we hopping on the sage trend, and going for elegant meets earthy?
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The answer is all of the above (don't worry, not all at once...), but on days when we'd like to feel a little more energised, sage is the solution. Though it's known for adding a crisp, invigorating touch to green blends, sage feels like an underdog in fragrance. "It's one of those notes that quietly does a lot in perfumery," says Emmanuelle Moeglin, founder of Experimental Perfume Club. "It’s fresh but not citrusy, aromatic but not heavy, and it gives a clean, elevated effect."
Whether you're fond of woody, herbaceous or aquatic notes, it's often hidden in a range of different scent profiles, and makes a subtle but distinct impact. According to Moeglin, clary sage offers an almost tea-like softness, while common sage feels sharper, more herbal.
Whichever notes sage is paired with, it offers the perfect amount of depth and vibrancy to feel sophisticated and luxurious, and layers nicely with a ton of our favourite scents. Intrigued? Discover six of the best sage perfumes to spritz this spring, from aromatic musks to peppery florals.
No conversation about sage in the olfactory world is complete without mention of Jo Malone's classic Wood Sage & Sea Salt. Imagine a bracing ocean breeze meeting crisp woodland air; the lovechild is this sensual, refined blend. Inspired by the British Isles, this fragrance feels nostalgic and fresher-than-fresh.
Key notes: Sage, ambrette, sea salt
When you've splashed the cash on a luxury perfume, the least it can do is elicit some compliments. Maybe a double take, or two. Enter Byredo's De Los Santos (a unisex offering), where a rich, musky variation of sage is elevated with warm amber and earthy orris root. Trust us when we say one spritz sticks around, long after you've left the room.
Key notes: Sage, orris root, cistus, mirabelle
New from fragrance icon Penhaligon's, Bold Blend actually feels a little calmer than the name suggests, IMO. It infuses clary sage with peppermint, black pepper and palo santo for a unique scent that offers a burst of spice at first spritz, then settles into a soothing, herbaceous vibe. Plus, the bottle – which is reminiscent of old apothecary medicines – gives any bathroom shelf a touch of sophistication.
Key notes: Clary sage, peppermint, violet leaf, black pepper
Eucalyptus, mint and myrrh band together to take a clean, aquatic approach to sage in Mìneir. Rather than being overpowering, this one is for those looking to feel a little calmer and more grounded on a hectic day (without offending any desk-mates in the office). Layer it with a lightweight rose-based mist for an extra feminine touch.
Key notes: Sage, patchouli
When the goal is luxury and elegance, Diptyque rarely fails - and Tempo is no exception. Naturally, sage is the star of the show here, but patchouli gets its share of the spotlight too. Paired with violet leaf, call it equal parts earthy, woody and energising. P.S. A little goes a long way (and will last for hours).
Key notes: Sage, patchouli, violet leaf
If American Cream has you picturing a sickly-sweet gourmand, think again. This one might be unconventional, but anyone familiar with Lush's indulgent range of purse-friendly perfumes should give it a try. While vanilla absolute and lavender feel comforting and airy, the presence of clary sage oil here feels distinct in a non-cloying way.
Key notes: Sage, vanilla, strawberry, lavender
Beauty Assistant Urmi works across Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, Red and Prima.
She fell into the world of beauty following a Masters in Magazine Journalism, and has been knee-deep in maximalist makeup, seasonal nail trends, and skincare myth-busting ever since. Both in and outside the office, she is best recognised by her signature red hair and elaborate set of acrylics.
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