2024 was the year I really got into perfume.
I’ve always considered perfume to be an essential part of any outfit—like the finishing touch that ties it all together or the foundation on which the whole outfit is built around. But it wasn’t until last year that I started sharing my obsession with fragrance on A Considered Life.
As my collection of perfume samples grew, I began pairing each scent with the capsule wardrobes I put together. From minimalist looks to dark academia aesthetics, each outfit came with a fragrance to match—and it didn’t go unnoticed!
It was so rewarding to hear that people were finding my scent pairings helpful. So much so it inspired me to write an article about how to find your signature fragrance and where to shop indie perfumers, along with a few in-depth reviews.
But I had this whole spreadsheet of perfume thoughts just sitting there... until now.
Introducing Perfume Notes—a regular feature where I’ll be sharing round-ups and mini-reviews of the perfumes I’ve been testing. I’ll be sharing the perfumes I highly recommend, along with the ones I won't be repurchasing; starting with my absolute favourites from 2024.
My Favourite Perfumes of 2024
Imaginary Authors Slow Explosions
In 2024, there were only three perfumes that consistently earned compliments, and one of them was Slow Explosions. This blend of soft florals, leather, and oud is intoxicating. It’s not your typical fragrance—it’s unusual but still wearable, walking the fine line between weird and pretty. For me, it’s the ultimate date-night scent, a perfect balance of bold and romantic. Even after testing countless perfumes, this one still remains my favourite.
Xerjoff La Capitale
The first time I smelled La Capitale, I was obsessed—and I mean obsessed. My search for the perfect peach perfume (still undiscovered!) led me to this sweet, syrupy treasure. Over the summer, I spritzed through several samples. Now, many months later, I still fall for it all over again. With its rich, luxurious scent, La Capitale feels like a grown-up fruit fragrance, ideal for a sun-soaked afternoon at a wine bar with friends.
Imaginary Authors Yesterday Haze
This dreamy fragrance is impossible to pin down, and that’s what makes it so captivating. Is it the light, whipped cream note? The nutty richness? Or the soft, sweet florals? Whatever the magic is, Yesterday Haze strikes a balance between peculiar and familiar, delicate and powerful. For me, it’s the ideal skin scent—one that lingers for hours, gentle yet noticeable. Every time I wear it I love it even more.
Juliet Rose Perfumes Mochi
I was on the hunt for a clean, fresh perfume—something that smelled like crisp linen or a bubble bath—and found Mochi from a small Etsy perfumer. After trying several different options, this is the one I keep coming back to. It’s sweet, punchy, and smells like freshly laundered linens in the best way. I love it as an after-shower, before-bed fragrance or for lazy weekends at home spent lounging or completing chores.
Zoologist Bee
Bee was my first experience of Zoologist perfumes, and after sampling many others, it’s still my favourite. This scent embodies summer—the heady smell of wildflowers mixing with rich, sticky honey. Its potency is so strong it envelops you in a plume of sweet, golden fragrance that feels like you've stepped into a sun-drenched meadow at the height of summer.