Plot Twist: Chai Isn't Just for Fall, and This Chic New Fragrance Is Proof

Key notes: Nutmeg, cinnamon, green cardamom, lavender, cistus, violet, vanilla bean, cypriol, cedarwood, vanilla

I have to start off this review by saying that I don't consider chai a basic flavor in the slightest—not when it comes to lattes and especially not in the fragrance department. It was love at first spritz when I tried Belnu's Rose Steady because it was unique and rich—Chai Fleur is no different. It's layered and complex but inviting all the same. The notes of vanilla bean are most prominent, making it a super-sweet gourmand scent, but then on the dry-down, you continue to get a whiff of all the layers, asking what else could be giving it such beautiful and subtle complexity. For me, the notes of violet and cedarwood give it so much extra depth on my skin. That's what really caught my attention—it isn't your average gourmand with classic notes.

Belnu dared to do something different, much like it did with its other scents. Each is truly unique and Chai Fleur is definitely my new favorite from the brand. The top notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom are warm and comforting, but the air of mystery comes from the heart notes of lavender and violet. They really ground the scent and give it a fresh, floral undertone. Overall, the scent is creamy, long-lasting, and whenever I wear it, I can't stop sniffing my wrists.

If you like gourmands but crave something a little different than the average one, this is your ticket. As a beauty editor with years of experience at this point, I now tend to look for offerings that aren't afraid to be bold and try out a new scent profile.

Belnu really does this while staying true to its clean ethos. The brand's founder, Darcy Moore, started Belnu after her skin cancer diagnosis. She then realized how many irritating ingredients most fragrances contain, and she wanted to create something better. Chai Fleur and the brand's other offerings are proof that clean fragrances can have longevity and be special without containing harmful ingredients.

You can check out a few of my other favorites from the brand below.

Key notes: Black pepper, cardamom, honeyed lemon, tobacco leaf, cistus, guaiac wood, amber, incense

Moody and smoky are the perfect ways to describe this other new fragrance from the brand. It definitely packs a punch and is perfect for anyone who likes a headier, woodier scent. The notes of tobacco leaf, black pepper, and guaiac wood are so rich, but the lighter notes of honeyed lemon and amber give it a truly unisex feel.

Key notes: Frankincense, cashmere wood, bay leaf, rose, sandalwood, fig leaf, patchouli, cedarwood, musk

I literally said "Ooh" the first time I tried this scent because it was so interesting and unique. When I first sniffed it out of the bottle, I honestly wasn't sure how it was going to smell on my skin. But once I did spray it on my wrists, I completely fell in love. It's so rich, earthy, and rose-heavy without smelling "old." I now consider it one of the most beautiful scents I own. Normally, I tend to go for gourmand scents, but this one is floral and earthy with notes of frankincense, rose, and fig leaf.

Key notes: Bergamot, pink pepper, orange blossom, lavender, verbena, jasmine, patchouli, vetiver, sage, amber

This fragrance surprised me because I don't normally like bergamot as a fragrance note. It definitely depends on the surrounding notes, and this formula just works. It's a tad spicy with notes of pink pepper, but the notes of orange blossom, lavender, and jasmine really soften it up and make it a bit sweeter. One reviewer even said, "My doorman asked me what I was wearing and asked for the link so he could get it from his wife. That's a New York equivalent to a gold medal."

Key notes: Guava juice, banana, vanilla

This newer offering from Ellis Brooklyn is summer in a bottle. I'd never tried a fragrance with notes of guava juice before, and this one is so juicy and delicious. The notes of banana and vanilla paired with it instantly transport you to the Bahamas or some other warm, sunny destination.

Key notes: Cinnamon, rum, bitter chocolate, night-blooming jasmine, labdanum, tobacco leaf, tonka bean, sandalwood, musk

I've already waxed poetic about this scent recently, but it's worth another shout. It's so warm, spicy, and delicious. It's also a viral hit on TikTok as of late, and I can definitely say it's worth the hype.

Key notes: Amber, pink carnation, vanilla

The 7 Virtues is another one of my favorite clean fragrance brands on the market right now. This scent is just so pretty, especially if you love sweet, floral scents. It also has a lot of lasting power, something that's nonnegotiable in a scent for me now.

Key notes: Vanilla orchids, tonka absolute, amber woods

This is one of my all-time favorite vanilla scents. Every Kayali scent is gorgeous—the brand can do no wrong in my eyes, but this one is my most complimented to date.

Key notes: Lavender, orange blossom, musk accord

This YSL scent is a longtime favorite of mine because it's sweet, floral, and delicious. Every time I wear it, someone asks what I'm wearing without fail. It's just incredibly inviting and makes you smell like such a cool girl and isn't too loud.