Discover The Best Amber Perfume! 7 Fragrances To Smell Like A Mysterious Desert

I could write a whole book about my favorite amber perfume, but no one would read it.

Amber is one of the most evocative scents in the world of fragrance. But it is so much more than just a perfume ingredient.

Every time we smell amber, it is as though we are immersed in an exotic land. The smell transports us back in time and makes us feel part of a mystical place.

It’s one of those scents that has a way of enticing us. So, let us find out more about amber and why you need an amber fragrance.

What Does Amber Perfume Smell Like?

Amber perfumes smell mysterious. They usually smell sweet, like resin, reminiscent of vanilla. There’s a richness that can’t be described in words.

Its scent is synonymous with oriental perfume, with all its luxury and history.

Amber oil smells like benzoin, tonka bean, labdanum, and beeswax. “Arabic Nights” smell like amber.

Is Amber The Same As Ambergris? 

As described by master perfumer Nigel Broom in his quintessential compilation, The Perfume Handbook. In perfume vocabulary, amber is a term used to designate a scent found in ambergris. Now, ambergris isn’t some secret ingredient whipped up in a perfumer’s lab. It’s much more exciting than that. It’s a composition produced by the sperm whale, often bobbing in the sea or washing upon its shores, mainly around the Indian Ocean.

Tumbled and tempered by the sea, the initially nauseating-smelling lumps of ambergris morph into a highly fragrant material with a scent similar to labdanum. And no, you won’t find labdanum in your groceries. It’s another esteemed ingredient in our master perfumer’s palette.

So, before you go telling others that Amber and Ambergris are from the same family tree, let’s clear the air. Amber is not the same as ambergris. One is a resin, the other a path less traveled, aged by the tumultuous waves. But when orchestrated by a skilled perfumer, they both compose a fragrance that lingers, with a resonance that might score a symphony of memories and moods. 

While ambergris once graced the base note of several eau de parfums, scarcity and environmental concerns have pushed the perfumers to tread towards a synthesized form. Nevertheless, the hints of rich amber or the scent of ambergris continue to play a crucial role in crafting quality perfumes—an enigmatic whisper that lasts longer than most love affairs!

Why does amber smell good?

Amber is more than just a fragrance note. Strongly associated with religious smells, its aroma moves us. Amber tells a story.

Amber invites us to worship. Putting us in a state of awe.

I could tell you about the properties of fossilized amber, but I won’t. Amber deserves more than chemistry lessons. Amber deserves to be experienced.

Perfumery loves amber, and amber delivers. [1]

Is Amber a Top Note?

For a good reason, Amber is one of the most popular base notes. It is a fixative for other smells, making them more appealing to our senses.

Its presence adds its sweet, woody smell and structure and order to a fragrance. As a result, it’s an indispensable ingredient in modern perfumery.

Amber perfume: Is it right for you?

Amber perfumes are suitable for anyone with a sense of smell.

There’s something about its smell that transcends genre or season. It goes with everything.

Amber appears in many great fragrances as the lead or as a supporting role. Amber doesn’t mind. Its beautiful scent brightens up everything.

Get your nose ready. Let’s take a look at some of the best amber fragrances.

Best Amber Perfumes Ever

Shalimar By Guerlain Review

Guerlain Shalimar is probably the best perfume ever. Basically, it’s a citrus oriental scent that smells like smoky vanilla and exudes warmth.

Guerlain Shalimar Description

The amber note gives it an almost mythical smell. It has undergone more changes than a politician, but it is still great.

On my skin, my cologne bottle from the 60s smells amazingly unisex. Civet, natural in my vintage bottle, stills smells intoxicating and combines with the citrus notes.

It definitely never goes out of style since it smells like a deja vu. Always delicious and familiar.

It could be anyone’s signature scent in 100 years.

Ambre Sultan By Serge Lutens Review

The perfumer, Christopher Sheldrake, tried to recreate life in the Far East and succeeded. I’m a massive fan of the house created by Serge Luten.

Ambre Sultan is a warm amber perfume for people with character and conviction. It’s the fragrance you’d wear if you were planning a coup.

Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan Description

It smells like fossilized amber resin, musk, sandalwood, and almost illegal vanilla. Animalistic, bordering on oozing sexuality.

The ultimate amber musk. A scent you should smell at least once. Or twice.

It has the power to affect more than just the sense of smell. We’re transported.

You might get a lifetime out of a bottle, but if you like rich scents, you should get a small decant.

Angel By Mugler Review

Mugler Angel is one of the most iconic scents in the world of perfumery. Since its launch in 1992, it’s been imitated more than the Beatles.

This was the first edible fragrance, giving rise to the gourmand genre. Patchouli and dark amber make this a true oriental scent. Thierry Mugler really created a symphony of notes that complement each other perfectly.

Mugler Angel Description

The amber accord isn’t the central part, but it deserves an Oscar for the best supporting role.

A woody chocolate bomb that captivates interest and still feels new and relevant.

Amber Absolute By Tom Ford Review

Golden Amber. It smells how it looks. I love it when things make sense.

Its color and bottle tell you what it is. We expect a powerful amber fragrance, and we get that. An oriental fragrance that mesmerizes.

Sadly discontinued from the Private Blend collection, I use my decant sparingly and carefully.

Tom Ford Amber Absolute Description

One perfume note. Amber. One great friend. Incense. Together, they’re perfect. Encourages lofty thinking—religious thoughts. We can reflect and take a break. 

It would be perfect for a wedding or another significant event, like a sad Sunday.

L’Air du Desert Marocain By Tauer Perfumes Review

Defining a state of mind with a scent. Calm and meditative. A great name. I can smell the Saharan desert even though I’ve never been there. Truly a feat of perfumery that illustrates artisan craft for all of us.

I am reminded of authentic oriental perfume oil with the scent of styrax. 

Tauer Perfumes L’Air du Desert Marocain Description

Vanillin-like and enigmatic. Powerful for those of a timid spirit and lovers of moderate citrus cologne.

As long as I adjust the trigger, I find this fragrance works in every type of weather.

Bring it as a gift, along with gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Ambre Nuit By Christian Dior Review

Amber and rose. Rose and amber. Is there any other ingredient? No.

Is it a classical floral fragrance? No, it’s not. I think it’s neo floral or something like that with sensual velvety accents that create a unique olfactory experience.

Christian Dior Ambre Nuit Description

Why does it smell slightly like an amber oud typical scent with an animal note, though? I don’t know. Life is strange.

Ambre Nuit starts smelling like citrus—probably bergamot or another juicy aroma.

This doesn’t last long. Immediately, an amber accord comes through that takes you by surprise. It’s never too strong or too sweet. 

The amber and rose complement each other beautifully and look like the kind of happy couple who never argue.

It’s powerful. You don’t need a full bottle; a decant could last forever.

In a few words, Ambre Nuit smells like floral luxury.

The One for Men By Dolce & Gabbana Review

Often, the popular is considered generic and of lower quality, according to the experts.

That’s not what I think. There is often great value in the popular. We are more alike than we think.

The One is yet another victim of its own fame. We don’t value it enough because it’s so common, but for me is an excellent example of a cologne that embodies pure masculinity, and if you get a whiff when a dude passes by you, its scent captivates.

Dolce & Gabbana The One Description

For me, it smells like class. Orange blossom and amber go great together.

I could use it every day. That’s not going to happen. Nevertheless, I like its woody feel.

The perfect gift for the one. Sorry, I had to.

Why Do People Enjoy Amber Perfumes?

Our sense of smell is quite the maestro when directing the orchestra of our experiences. 

Hollywood sensation Margot Robbie wholeheartedly concurs. According to Yahoo News on July 26/2023, Robbie divulged that she relied on a particular perfume to slip into her role as ‘Barbie’. 

Why? 

Because aromas create moods, and amber is a testimony of their power to do so. So go ahead. Create your own amber-infused attitude and smile.

Your Turn: Buy an Amber Scent

Sweet amber remains one of the favorite smells since humans have noses. This special tree resin adorns a scent that you should buy to enrich your life. After reading this post, you know where to look for it.