The 10 Best Tea Perfumes to Fill Your Cup—And Vanity
No, I won’t spill the tea—that would be a waste of a good fragrance.


Besides "I love you" and "Have you seen my lip gloss?", the most commonly uttered phrase in my house is probably "Will you please turn the tea water on?" I have to say it's a genuinely nice place to live, with lots of affirmation, glossy lips, and cup after cup of chamomile.
When I'm away from home, I miss it. Fortunately, I can easily transport myself there with a spritz of one of the best tea perfumes. "Tea's enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of naturalness and well-being, qualities that resonate deeply with many perfume consumers," explains Amandine Pallez, Bulgari's Global Creative Director. "As the world's second most consumed beverage, tea provides a comforting sense of home and groundedness."
Tea fragrances aren't straight cup-of-Lipton scented, either—although there is something extremely cozy about that. As anyone who's ever stepped into a tea shop can confirm, there are many, many types to choose from.
"This versatility allows perfumers to create scents that feel both comforting and sophisticated, aligning with today’s preference for subtle, elegant, and genderless fragrances," adds Gabriela Chelariu, DSM-Firmenich's principal perfumer. "Beyond scent, tea fragrances evoke mindfulness and well-being—qualities modern consumers increasingly seek in everyday rituals."
Keep reading to fill your cup and vanity with the best tea perfumes on the market, tested by yours truly and backed by Marie Claire editors.
The Best Tea Perfumes
- The Best Tea Fragrance Overall: Vilhelm Parfumerie Dear Polly Eau de Parfum
- The Best Luxury Tea Fragrance: Memo Paris Winter Palace Eau de Parfum
- The Best True Cup-of-Tea Fragrance: Etat Libre d'Orange Above the Waves
- The Most Iconic Tea Fragrance: Bulgari Eau Parfumée Thé Vert Eau De Toilette
- The Best Fruity Tea Fragrance: Nest Indigo Eau de Parfum
When I think of Dear Polly from Vilhelm, I envision a love letter, and the story behind it reinforces this idea. The perfumer wanted a scent that smelled exactly like the tea his wife brewed every morning, serving as a reminder via Ceylon black tea, musk, and familiar top notes of apple and bergamot that "distance is nothing to the heart." How romantic is that? And, trust me, it smells just as charming as it sounds.
Tea Showcased: Black tea
Fragrance Family: Floral
Key Notes: Bergamot; Amber; Apple; Black tea
Size: 1.7 fl oz.
What I Love: Offers the exact (strongly steeped) cup of tea scent you might be searching for; Thoughtful formulation; Fun to layer
What I Don’t: Nothing
Review for MC: "Dear, dear Polly. I don't know you personally, but if this is what a morning with you smells like, I like you very much. Despite the brightness of the yellow bottle, Dear Polly is all comfort and ease. Its Ceylon black tea heart lends the realistic cup of tea scent that I was searching for with this theme (it's fun to play around, but sometimes you want a classic), and there's a gentle sweetness to it that's so appreciated. It reminds me of home, but a sexier version—like I did put all my dishes away the night before, and I have a slow morning to lounge, stare out the window, and sip. It also lasts long enough for me to enjoy it well past the time the caffeine from my actual tea kicks in. I can step out in the world, but return to that place of comfort with a simple sniff of the wrist." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Doesn't the Dear Polly bottle look like it should be constantly bathed in light?
The story of Memo Paris's Winter Palace feels like a fairy tale: it revolves around an imperial dragon—a symbol of strength and authority in Chinese culture—awakened from its sleep with icy fire in its eyes. At the top of this scent, you'll find notes of bergamot essence, clove essence, and lemon essence. The heart features maté accord, orange blossom accord, and red tea accord, while the base includes vanilla bourbon extract, benzoin resinoid, and ciste labdanum absolute. It's incredibly comfortable, and—though I'm sure spritzing it in winter inside a palace would be lovely—it's suitable for all seasons and occasions.
Tea Showcased: Red
Fragrance Family: Aromatic
Key Notes: Amber wood accord; Oil of bergamot; Red tea accord
Size: 2.5 fl oz.
What I Love: Offers a feeling of quiet luxury; Gorgeous bottle and packaging; Well-thought-out scent story and formulation; Transportive
What I Don’t: Expensive
Review for MC: "While this beautiful tea fragrance certainly has the warmth you'd expect from a scent of its sort, it's its iciness that really draws you in. There's so much character to explore here, from the citrusy start to the warm and spicy dry down. It's interesting but still easy to wear, long-lasting, and most of all so, so cozy. If only I could find a perfect loose leaf that offered the same flood of warm tidings. Any suggestions? I know it's out there." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
A bottle of Memo Paris's gorgeous Winter Palace fragrance. If only this photo was a video, so you could see how the gold label catches the light.
Back in 1992, Jean-Claude Ellena popularized tea in fragrance with Bulgari's Eau Parfumée au Thé Vert. This year, that original fragrance made a grand return with a slightly updated (and dare I say improved?) formula, and—this is a good thing!—a scent that fans of the original find identical to its predecessor. "This very first, innovative and daring scent was initially crafted around a tea accord. Today, advancements allow for the inclusion of genuine green tea extract, obtained through distillation, which adds to the fragrance a real tea facet," explains Pallez. "Eau Parfumée au Thé Vert is timeless, yet unique. It is the type of fragrance you always go back to for a season or more, or even a special moment in your life."
Tea Showcased: Green
Fragrance Family: Citrus
Key Notes: Green tea SFE extract; Neroli petals accord
Size: 2.5 fl oz.
What I Love: Time-tested scent; MC 2025 Fragrance Award winner; Bright and refreshing, with an almost spa-like feel; Big bottle
What I Don’t: Nothing
Review for MC: "Originally launched in 1992, this iconic perfume has returned with natural tea and a deeper concentration for an especially long-lasting scent. A luminous floral grounded by grassy, vegetal notes like green tea and neroli petals, it only takes a few spritzes to discover that this fragrance is the essence of nature, bottled." — Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director
Bulgari's Thé Vert comes in a classic bottle that looks so regal on your vanity.
Instead of curling up with a comforter by the fireplace, Nest's Indigo takes you to the Mediterranean, specifically to some wild fig groves in the South of France. During your imaginative journey, you'll also notice hints of Italian lemon, orange bergamot, Moroccan tea, cashmere woods, and wild figs. What a trip. The best part is that the distinctive scent is never overwhelming; this go-to fig-and-tea fragrance is designed to last and be repurchased.
Tea Showcased: Moroccan
Fragrance Family: Warm and spicy
Key Notes: Moroccan tea; Bergamot; Wild fig
Size: 1.7 fl oz.
What I Love: Unique; Not overly sweet; Fig fragrances are in, so you're doubling up on cool-girl scent energy; Nice price; Versatile
What I Don’t: Tea note comes through, but isn't too bold
Review for MC: "If Indigo didn't have its tea note, it would become something else entirely—ultra juicy and sweet like candy, or the perfect piece of fruit that's basically candy. That would be delicious, but it's also something we see all the time. This isn't. It's very unique and never heady. I have friends who've gone through bottle after bottle, and don't plan on slowing down any time soon. Luckily, it's affordable for how special it is—and wayyyyy cheaper than a trip to the South of France." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
To be fair, I would buy a box of tea on sight if it had the same illustration as Indigo's bottle.
Above the Waves is Etat Libre d'Orange's first tea-inspired composition, and they went all the way with it. The scent, which features a blend of ceylon, oolong, and maté teas, pays homage to the sea goddess Mazu, revered in China and Taiwan as a protector from storms. Along with the tea, the scent is brightened with bergamot, softened with rose to avoid being overly floral, and grounded with notes of patchouli, cedar, and vetiver.
Tea Showcased: Ceylon, oolong, and maté
Fragrance Family: Woody
Key Notes: Bergamot; Cardamom; Incense, Ceylon black tea; Oolong tea; Green maté tea; Rose; Tonka bean; Patchouli; Cedar; Vetiver
Size: 3.4 fl oz.
What I Love: Realistic tea scent; Rose is a welcome addition; Interesting but still easy to wear
What I Don’t: This feels like a daytime scent, so you might want to skip it if you're going out
Review for MC: "There's a sense of familiarity in Above the Waves that comes through right away. Of all the fragrances on this list, it offers the most realistic 'I'm smelling a freshly brewed cup of tea' experience. Or maybe it's a whole tea party? There's a touch of femininity here when the rose taps in, which is nicely balanced by bergamot. I can't differentiate the tea notes, but they work well enough together that I don't have to. And I like that they're included! Have you smelled the mint-forward You Or Someone Like You? Etat Libre d'Orange knows how to lean in." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Above the Wave's bottle doesn't reveal much about the true-tea scent inside. Maybe that's part of its charm.
Le Labo excels at tea—its Thé Noir 29 was a strong contender for this list as well—but to me, Thé Matcha 26 will always be my top pick. The brand describes their green tea scent as "a moment of introspection, a moment of self that offers a quiet inner celebration of grace and soulful beauty." I live for the milkiness, the touch of sesame, the close-to-your-heart sillage, and the nostalgia you get even if it's your first time sniffing.
Tea Showcased: Matcha
Fragrance Family: Clean
Key Notes: Fig; Bergamot, Bitter orange, Sesame; Cedarwood, Vetiver; Matcha tea accord
Size: 1.7 fl oz.
What I Love: A soft scent that's super easy to wear; Nostalgic; Purchase can be justified with the basic realization that the price-to-spritz ratio is way cheaper than a daily matcha latte habit
What I Don’t: This is a skin scent, so don't expect major projection
Review for MC: "I will never forget the summer I romped around the city with a vial of this (I couldn't afford anything more) in my purse. When I smelled it again recently, I legitimately smiled. The memories were great, but the grin was mostly because it's just so nice. Now, who wants to grab an actual iced almond milk matcha and pretend they're 24 in NYC with me?" — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Established in 2023 by a pair of childhood friends (hello, perfumer Laura Oberwetter and designer Caleb Vanden Boom), Clue is an independent perfumery that finds "delight in unexpected places." (They're also the It perfumery of the moment, in my opinion.) Remember when Dandelion Butter was released and immediately sold out? That one is amazing, but this one might be my favorite. The Point is a special fragrance that captures "a cup of jasmine tea, brewed with ocean water."
Tea Showcased: Jasmine tea
Fragrance Family: Floral
Key Notes: "A cartoon drawing of Jasmine tea; Crushed porcelain; Honey-soaked patchouli; Ocean water; Ambergris; Wet sand" — Clue
Size: 1 fl oz.
What I Love: Unique; Gorgeous branding; Cartoon drawings should have a bigger role in the fragrance world
What I Don’t: Hard to get your hands on
Review for MC: "There have been days, multiple days, where I've thought about hopping in my car and driving straight to Chicago so I could sniff a new Clue scent in real life. Seeing 'sold out' on their website is such a tragedy, but I get it—they're a small operation serving a hot commodity. If you do happen to visit The Point's landing page on a restock day, though? Don't think twice before adding to the cart. You can buy blind—it's worth it. My favorite part is the crushed porcelain; you'll know what I mean when you smell it." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
It wouldn't be a tea fragrance party without an Elizabeth Arden invite. While the brand has multiple iconic offerings (you should snag White Tea, too), their zesty Green Tea is special—it's one of my favorite citrus fragrances as well. This launched in 1999 after the Bulgari green tea fragrance wave had taken off. Still, it had a vision and the legendary Francis Kurkdjian as its nose, so it became prolific on its own accord with notes of lemon, bergamot, mint, orange, peel, and rhubarb.
Tea Showcased: Green
Fragrance Family: Fresh
Key Notes: Bergamot; Lemon; Green Tea; Musk
Size: 3.3 fl oz.
What I Love: Recognizable; Affordable; Refreshing
What I Don’t: Nothing
Review for MC: "Green Tea is famous enough that we're all destined to stumble across it at some point. Nevertheless, I was lucky enough to be introduced by the genius beauty writer Kara Nesvig, who described it as 'zingy, like McDonald's Sprite.' That's the perfect description for the perfect refreshing, affordable fragrance." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Named the Best New Luxury Fragrance in Marie Claire's 2025 Fragrance Awards, this spicy scent features warm osmanthus sourced from China, upcycled Cinnamon from Sri Lanka, and black tea CO₂ that was extracted to "obtain a pitch as close as possible to its natural note." It feels extremely modern in a world of tea notes that, although not very old in the grand scheme of things, often diligently provide a sense of nostalgia.
Tea Showcased: Black tea
Fragrance Family: Ambery spicy
Key Notes: Cinnamon; Osmanthus; Aldehydes; Black tea CO₂
Size: 3.4 fl oz.
What I Love: Chic; Gorgeous bottle design that'll look so cool on your nightstand; There's a spiciness to it that many tea scents (surprisingly) lack; Refillable
What I Don’t: Nothing
Review for MC: "Tea scents are all the rage for fall 2025, and there are few that feel as elevated and fashion-forward as this unisex Jil Sander fragrance. Spicy yet balanced, the cinnamon, osmanthus, and black tea blend has a stunning smokey tonality that demands another whiff. The two-part packaging also feels like you’re unearthing a secret treasure every time you reach for your perfume."— Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director
Okay, there are both black and white tea notes at work in this scent—but I personally like to focus on the bright side sometimes. According to Liis, Ethereal Wave is "a fragrance inspired by opposites." It has an angelic allure (that would be the white tea) and also an emotional depth (the black). You'll also find bergamot, cardamom, blonde woods, and velvet musk.
Tea Showcased: White
Fragrance Family: Fresh
Key Notes: Bergamot; Cardamom; White Tea; Black tea absolute; Blonde woods; Velvet musk
Size: 1.7 fl oz.
What I Love: Checks multiple boxes; Reminds me of springtime; "Ethereal" is a great adjective, and it absolutely applies
What I Don’t: The bergamot note is strong (which may be a great thing if you love bergamot!)
Review for MC: "I'm good enough at a slick-back bun to accept the title of 'clean girl,' but I also appreciate some frizz every once in a while. This fragrance has a similar duality that I fully respect. It's office appropriate but a little bit funky. If you smell it while closing your eyes, you can pretend it's a perfect spring day and the sunshine streaming through your window is doing its part to help your tea leaves steep. The first word that popped into my head when I smelled it was 'yummy.'" — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Editor
What Should I Look For in a Tea Perfume?
- Tea Type
According to Chelraiu, a "tea note," from a perfumery standpoint, is an accord that evokes the essence of brewed tea or its leaves. You can go green, black, white, oolong, or otherwise—whatever fills your cup.
These accords are then "blended with nuances of citrus, florals, woods, or musks to mirror the natural complexity of tea itself," she adds. "The result is a scent that feels both familiar and modern, bringing a sense of clarity, calm, and quiet sophistication."
So, just like when you're presented with a menu at the café, choosing your tea type is really about personal preference. "Each tea variety brings its own personality: white tea is soft and calming with a citrus-musk profile, green tea is crisp and energizing, and black tea is rich and woody," says Chelraiu.
- Other Notes
Marisa Auciello, Europerfumes Senior Vice President, says the best tea fragrances will offer "something old, something new, or something exotic" in their olfactory profiles.
Just like the teas in your cabinet, these notes work exceptionally well with other spices and fruits. You might have noticed that bergamot is a common addition to the above fragrances. Which makes sense, right? It's giving Earl Grey.
"I think there is a tendency to think that tea fragrances are light, fresh, clean, but there is a lot of hidden richness and boldness in a tea scent, matching the wide variety of tea and their unique character related to the way of treating the leaves and their terroir," adds Chelariu. "So we should not be surprised to find fragrances that have rich, leathery, tobacco, smoky, woody effects. These notes occur naturally in teas in the process of transformation from green tea through fermentation or oxidation."
- Mood
When I think "cup of tea," I usually think "bedtime." (Shoutout to the Sleepytime Bear.)
But what about iced herbal tea on a hot summer evening? A fancy high tea date in the afternoon? An iced matcha to kickstart a perfect morning? The truth is, it's always time for tea. You just need to find a scent that matches the mood you're in at any given moment.
"The world of tea fragrances is remarkably diverse—there truly is something for everyone. Green tea notes tend to feel crisp, fresh, and slightly citrusy; black tea leans rich, woody, and occasionally smoky; and white tea stands out for its airy softness and citrus-musk warmth, often elevated by delicate floral nuances. White tea, in particular, embodies a 'quiet luxury' feel—it’s fresh yet comforting, subtle yet memorable," says Chelriau. "With so many tonalities to explore, tea-based fragrances can appeal across seasons, styles, and moods, making them universally wearable and deeply personal."
The History of Tea Fragrances
Though the tea note is a relatively recent addition to the perfumer's palette, it has evolved significantly since its introduction.
"Initially, lacking real tea essences, perfumers skillfully combined various ingredients to capture the desired tea nuances. This versatility is now showcased in the spectrum of real tea essences available today, from the smoky depths of black tea to the refreshing brightness of green tea," explains Pallez.
Actually, Bulgari is an interesting case study in how tea fragrances have developed over time: "Tea, alongside musk, has become integral to Bulgari's olfactory DNA. Following the very distinctive Eau Parfumée au Thé Vert in the '90s, a true essence of Darjeeling tea was introduced, inspiring perfumer Jacques Cavallier to create our iconic signature Pour Homme in 1996 and further solidifying tea's place within Bulgari's perfumery heritage," the expert explains. "Then, Jacques Cavallier crafted Eau Parfumée au Thé Blanc in 2003, which today features a new white tea extract found only in Bulgari fragrances…and the tea story was on its way."
Why Is Tea Fragrance Trending?
It's no secret that tea fragrances are trending. But why now? Auciello thinks it might be our current hyperfixation with all things wellness. It's common knowledge that the sense of smell significantly impacts how the world is experienced, so it's natural to search for comfort via perfume. (I also don't know a single person who is not trying to plan a trip to Japan.)
"Coffee fragrances have had their moment. I think tea is going to be 2026’s coffee replacement," she says. "Sometimes you want a mood booster, and sometimes you just want zen. Tea has a strong scent association. You're going to immediately feel a sense of calm."
How We Tested
Marie Claire is a perfume authority, having tested over 500 fragrances for the Marie Claire 2025 Fragrance Awards. We have reviewed every fragrance family, reported on fragrance trends, and are constantly staying up to date on emerging notes and innovations.
To compile this list of the best tea fragrances, contributing beauty writer Sophia Vilensky revisited her favorite tea perfumes and asked the Marie Claire team and other fragrance experts to share their favorites as well. Then, she got to testing, spritzing each perfume repeatedly in various settings, alongside many different cups of actual tea. For each perfume she tested, she assessed the fragrance's notes, longevity, sillage, and overall scent as the day (and night) went on.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
Meet the Experts

Amandine Pallez, a 46-year-old Frenchwoman, earned a master’s degree from IPAG Paris business school before she began her career in the beauty business in 1996. With more than 20 years’ professional experience, she has specialised in both make-up and luxury fragrances. She has held ever-increasing responsibilities in Marketing, growing the business sector she was responsible for. Amandine began her career working for the German group Wella in its Prestige branch, Cosmopolitan Cosmetics, in Paris, in the make up marketing department, and was then assigned in 2002, the mission of growing their masculine fragrances segment. She joined Procter and Gamble in 2003 after the Wella take-over, and continued working as a marketing manager both in make-up and fragrances until 2005. In 2006, she joined Bulgari Parfums in Switzerland as Strategic Marketing Manager in charge of half of the portfolio, leading to a 42% growth in 4 years the brands she was responsible for. In January 2010, she was given responsibility for the creative department, leading the perfume product creative process as well as the olfactory design, closely collaborating with the master perfumers. In August 2013, she was appointed Creative Marketing Director and developed the high-end perfume segment of the brand. In May 2014 until October 2015, she added strategic marketing management to her creative responsibilities, leading a global marketing team and building a long-term brand vision to grow the business. Since November 2015, she is the Bulgari Parfums Creative and Heritage Director, in charge of defining and implementing a daring creative vision for the brand, enhancing its unique DNA.

Gabriela Chelariu is a renowned perfumer currently associated with Firmenich, one of the leading fragrance and flavor companies in the world. She was born and raised in a small town in Romania, where the changing seasons and the scents of nature inspired her to pursue a career in perfumery. As she recalls, "Spring was a mixture of the freshness of the lingering snow, with new shoots of vegetation and the humid earth. In June, the linden flower would bloom; I knew summer was approaching. And in winter, I remember my mother’s scent when she came in from the cold – musky and cool."

With over a decade of experience, Marisa Auciello serves as Senior Vice President of Europerfumes, developing and scaling luxury perfume brands across North America.
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Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.