In 2024, our noses had a field day. The rise of Fragrance TikTok made people dive into niche scents and rediscover old gems. More fashion brands and celebrities have launched extensions of themselves, a.k.a. perfume lines. Gen Zs are “smellmaxxing,” or layering fragrances all in effort to improve one’s personal scent.
Suffice to say, there’s value in scent—after all, it starts with how people present themselves everyday. From attempting small talk in new places to keeping yourself feeling great despite a bad day, you can’t underestimate how a good-quality whiff can make a difference. Smelling good can have effects in the long run, too, like amping up a sacred currency called self-confidence.
The new year is here, and while an Instagram Reels-approved personal rebranding may sound like a tall order, you can at least reward yourself with fine fragrances—and you don’t need a bank-breaking perfume to pull it off.
Whether you’re yearning for an uplifting atmosphere, a zesty vibe, or yummy moments, you’re in for a treat. Don’t know where to start? Here’s a guide on the most sought-after scents this 2025:
Let Mood-Boosting Accords Make Your Day
You’ve heard about oxytocin. There are many ways to produce these happy hormones—think exercising, listening to your favorite playlist, or doing a random act of kindness. If your love language is physical touch, it’s also likely you produce oxytocin frequently.
But did you know that certain scents can boost your mood as well? Mood-boosting scents are expected to make more hits this year. Lavender, for one, is a popular go-to for stress and anxiety relief, perfect for days when you want to wind down. It can also improve sleep quality, which makes sense for the existence of it in essential oils. Mint also makes for a great choice when you want that invigorating and refreshing feeling. After all, not all of us aren’t exactly looking for a time for relaxation; oftentimes, feeling energetic, inspired, and prepared are important in bracing for daily activities.
Bathe in Zesty Notes
In the mood for something citrusy with a twist? The scent of bergamot, which is a captivating mix of fruity and spicy, has been receiving love from fragrance enthusiasts. The bergamot orange, despite being a small and bitter fruit, has become flexible in the scent department—take Le Labo’s Bergamote 22 and MALIN+GOETZ Bergamot perfumes as examples. Nothing like a scent that motivates you to get up in the morning, just because you’re feeling good.
Expect Scents that Smell So Delicious, You’ll Want to Eat Them
Who knew people would get so excited about smelling like food? Gourmand whiffs drove massive attention in 2024, and it’s bound to get even bigger this year. Spate’s trend report reveals that the keyword “foodie fragrances” received a 139.6% rise in searches year-on-year until December 2023, while “gourmand fragrances” garnered a 77.5% increase. Meanwhile, Business of Fashion notes the boom may be linked to people’s nostalgia, especially for the ’90s and 2000s. It may also indicate what today’s consumers crave in general. Whatever it is, there is an obvious interplay between taste and scent. D.S. & Durga, which met a lot of hype in 2024, knows this game all too well—their roster includes the sweet and nutty Pistachio and the toasted Deep Dark Vanilla.
Get Dreamy with Floral Fragrances
Fragrance experts are gearing up for a comeback of floral scents, including more exploration and experimentation. Come to think of it, nothing beats the classic—many grew up playing around with scents that paint a fun, imaginative, and vibrant garden, almost like a comfort zone smell. There’s a reason why the saying, “Stop and smell the roses” exists. Examples of floral fragrances include Hermes Equipage Geranium, Dior Homme Intense and Dior Sauvage Elixir.
Hop on the Trend This 2025
Found a fragrance trend you resonate with? Good news is all four accords are present in the AXE Fine Fragrance Collection. Each variant doesn’t just smell good, but also is a catalyst for feeling good—thanks to its invigorating and refreshing scents.
Designed by legendary fragrance industry phenom Ann Gottlieb, who was also the nose behind the world’s best perfumes from Calvin Klein, Christian Dior, Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, and Estee Lauder, AXE fragrances are curated for every vibe. There’s Blue lavender which not only has lavender and mint fragrance notes but also gelato and vanilla accords; Aqua Bergamot which has notes of bergamot orange, a citrus fruit enticing both in taste and smell; and Emerald Sage with Geranium notes, boasting a crisp, green scent.
This 2025, #RepTheScent with the AXE Fine Fragrance Collection, infused with essential oils and with up to 72-hr odor busting protection of a deo, all crafted to answer the hottest scent trends.
Ready to #RepTheScent? For more information, head over to #AXEPH’s Instagram (@axe_philippines), Facebook (@AXEPhilippines), and TikTok (@axe_ph). Call dibs on Blue Lavender, Emerald Sage, or Aqua Bergamot—available at Watsons stores nationwide and online through Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
Love the brand? You can also visit @AXE and @unileverpersonalcareph.
