Some Fragrances Are "Slow-Burn Scents" That Grow on Us—7 We've Officially Warmed Up To

Notes: Fig, bergamot, bitter orange, sesame, cedar wood, vetiver, matcha tea accord

"When it comes to fragrances, I usually know by first whiff whether I love it, like it but not for me, or hate it. That being said, sometimes things like price and decision fatigue can cloud my judgment when shopping for a new scent. That was the case when I tested a number of cult-favorite fragrances at Le Labo last Christmas and tentatively decided that Thé Matcha 26 was my favorite of the bunch. Then came buying the tester and another tester and another. Finally, in September of this year, I caved and bought the full size. It's creamy and skin-like and never feels overpowering." — Emma Hughes, Associate Social Media Editor, Beauty

Notes: Mandarin, lavender, bergamot, fig, lemon tree leaves, orange blossom, ambergris, musk, cedar wood

"I'll be honest. When I first smelled this fragrance, I made a face like I was disgusted. The fresh top notes, fruity heart notes, and traditionally masculine base notes weren't in my wheelhouse. I didn't know what to think. I put it down and went about my business. Cut to five minutes later, and I picked it up again to give it a sniff. Again, I wasn't so sure about it. Another few minutes later, I came back again. This cycle repeated itself until I realized something. I didn't dislike it at all; it was just a complex scent, and I had to get accustomed to it to truly appreciate it. These days, it's one of my all-time favorite fragrances. I love how fresh, unique, and androgynous it is. I wear it three times a week, minimum." — Kaitlyn McLintock, Associate Beauty Editor

Notes: Lush fig, jasmine dew, sandalwood

"I might be Phlur's biggest fan, but that doesn't mean I think every Phlur fragrance is an instant hit. When this scent debuted, I heard so many good things about it. Who What Wear's beauty director, Erin Jahns, waxed poetic about it, and I saw countless positive reviews on TikTok. However, the green, herby scent threw me off at first. It smells traditionally masculine to me, and as someone who loves warm, sophisticated fragrances, I thought I just didn't like it. Over time, though, I came to appreciate it for what it is—the ultimate cool-girl scent. Now, I can't stop spritzing it. I love how fresh it makes me smell." — McLintock

Notes: Cinnamon, cardamom, carrot, orris butter, ginger, patchouli, papyrus

"I love a warm, inviting fragrance, but I'm not one for overly spicy scents. That's why I initially shunned this unique Byredo scent. Well, here's my personal apology to it because it's so, so good. What starts out as biting and spicy thanks to cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger notes rounds down to something warmer, creamier, and very alluring. While it's a season-less scent, I tend to wear it most often in fall and winter because it makes me feel cozy and sophisticated." — McLintock

Notes: Fig leaves, fig tree sap, black pepper

"If the aforementioned Byredo fragrance is my fall-and-winter slow-burn scent, then this is my spring-and-summer one. It's fresh, slightly androgynous, and designed to pay homage to the fig tree. It took me a while to appreciate it, but I've come to love this fragrance. It transports me to a sunny fig tree orchard on the Greek coast." — McLintock

Notes: Jasmine, saffron, cedar wood, ambergris

"This might be a hot take, but the first time I gave this a sniff, I did not understand the hype. Granted, I only smelled it out of the bottle and not on skin, so that was my first mistake. The second time I tried it, though, I completely fell in love and haven't stopped wearing it since. I especially love the extrait version of the fragrance. It's rich and warm and gives you such an It-girl aura." — Shawna Hudson, Associate Beauty Editor

Notes: Sichuan pepper, ambrette seeds, Damascena rose, orris, musk, ambroxan

"Initially, I thought this smelled like every other rose fragrance on the market when I first sprayed it, but once it dried down, my opinion completely changed. Much like Byredo's other most-coveted scents, it's actually very layered and complex with complementary notes that give it such an edge. Sure, rose is a focal point, but notes of orris, pepper, and ambrette seeds give it an unexpected, spicy twist that I now can't get enough of." — Hudson

Notes: Green tea, suede, moss, cedar wood, amber

This fragrance brand is new to me, but I'm in love. Not only are the scents unique and complex (they have signature scent energy), but they come in the chicest little gold-glass bottles. I'm particularly obsessed with their playful, non-basic names.

Notes: Lemon, fig, ambrette seed, white wood

Another Maison Millais perfume I love, this one is fresh, light, and slightly fruity.

Notes: Blackcurrant, jasmine grandiflorum, bourbon vanilla

Warm and sophisticated, this fragrance is a modern-day classic.

Notes: Lavender, orange blossom, musk accord

If you love warm, floral fragrances, you'll love this elegant scent.

Notes: Sweet violet, palo santo, ambrox

One of Glossier's new perfumes, this one smells soft, earthy, and woody.

Notes: Buttercream, plum butter, ambrox

Meanwhile, Glossier's Rêve is warmer, sweeter, and spicier.

Notes: Vanilla tincture, vanilla absolute, sandalwood

The Who What Wear team loves this sultry vanilla scent.

Notes: Sugar crystals, cashmere wood, vanilla

Remember how I said I love Phlur fragrances? This sweet gourmand is no exception.

Notes: Coconut, frangipani, salted amber

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention this sheer, my-skin-but-better coconut scent.

Notes: Vanilla infusion, vanilla caviar, vanilla absolute

A trio of vanilla notes lead this strong and sophisticated fragrance.