Whether you’re more of a Practical Magic green witch girlie or a goth glam fan of The Craft, there’s no denying that fall is the witchiest of seasons. And as the summer heat finally loosens its grip and we turn toward our autumn fragrance wardrobe, we can find some incredible scent inspiration by turning to the spell-casting, potion-brewing aesthetics of the humble (or not so humble) witch. From the herbal and purifying to the dark and smoky, there’s a witchy fragrance out there for every kind of woman. So, curl up with your black cat, light your candles and incense and let’s brew up your new favorite witchy scent!
Featured Experts
- Isaac Lekach is co-founder and CEO of Flower Shop Perfumes
- Kara Kowalski is head of product development for Snif
- Alina Gliwinska is a perfumer at Lush
What is a Witchy Perfume?
There’s a notable dedication to scent in the witchy aesthetic. Modern witchcraft is one of many groups to adopt the ancient indigenous practice of “smudging,” where ritual smoke is wafted through a space with the intent to cleanse the environment. Then there are the candles, potions and stove-top potpourri, creating a haze of herbal, fresh and floral scents, offset by tinges of smoke and earth. Combined with these real-world influences, pop culture has had a huge impact on how we view witches, leading to additional scent associations like foggy nights, graveyards and crisp fall leaves.
For scent experts, that means there are dozens of ways a fragrance can capture a witchy vibe.
“I like to think of the scent notes that a witch might use when mixing a potion or spell,” says head of product development for Snif, Kara Kowalski. “Love potions might take you to an enchanted forest, where jewel-toned fruits or blood-red berries can be the perfect starting point. Moss notes take you to the forest floor, and florals like night-blooming jasmine and moonflowers are most fragrant at night, providing a moonlit feeling.”
And as Halloween approaches, a witchy scent may lean deeper and darker.
“A witchy Halloween perfume works best with dark, resinous notes,” explains Lush perfumer Alina Gliwinska. “Smoky myrrh, labdanum, earthy patchouli, damp moss, black pepper and a hint of incense create the Halloween atmosphere. To add a twist, spice notes like anise and clove can be layered with green herbs such as sage or rosemary.”
How Do Witchy Scents Feel?
“A witchy scent suited to Halloween…leans into the eerie side of the holiday,” says co-founder and CEO of Flower Shop Perfumes, Isaac Lekach. “It ought to feel otherworldly, arcane and mysterious to the wearer.”
Other portrayals of witches emphasize the sensual, addictive power that magic provides. The effect is confidence-boosting, but with a gothic twist.”When I think of a scent with a witchy vibe, I think of something dark, mysterious and alluring,” Kowalski says. “Something that’s intoxicating, addicting and bold.”
What Notes Make a Scent Feel Witchy?
Spice and Smoke
“To capture a true witchy feel, dark resins and spices are the ideal starting point,” explains Gliwinska. “Myrrh, clove, benzoin and cinnamon build a rich, atmospheric base. Earthy roots and herbs such as patchouli, vetiver, sage and thyme add depth and a natural, slightly mysterious edge.”
Dark Fruits
With a base of spice and smoke, Lekach suggests looking for “an unexpected fruit to play the foil, offsetting those more resinous notes.” And Kowalski names raspberries, blackberries, cherries and plums as excellent additions to a witchy scent.
Seasonal Favorites
“Since it’s autumn, sweet-and-spice combinations also work well,” Gliwinska adds. “Notes like tonka, vanilla or benzoin layered with cardamom, cinnamon or anise add warmth and comfort while keeping the scent seasonal.”
Our Favorite Witchy Perfumes to Welcome Fall
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Pepper, Patchouli, Vanilla
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Clary Sage, Frankincense, Patchouli, Sandalwood
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Chamomile, Musk, Cedarwood, Sandalwood
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Oud Infusion, Leather Accord, Black Pepper
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Green Grass, Vetiver, Patchouli, Vanilla
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Cedarwood, Incense, Honey, Vanilla Absolute
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Fig, Iris, Jasmine Dew, Sandalwood, Patchouli
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Orchid, Vines, Cypress Root, Vanilla Absolute, Dark Patchouli
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Cedarwood, Vanilla Infusion, Vanilla Absolute, Vanilla CO2 Extract
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Juniper, Bushman’s Candle, Patchouli
