These are my favourite unisex fragrances — including the scent of the moment

Irish Examiner

24-04-2025

Forget packaging, marketing and colour. Scents can only do one thing, and it is project a fragrance. So, what makes a scent unisex? Well, in short, hormones. For example, estrogen nourishes the nasal tissue when it fluctuates, allowing women to pick up on florals or sweetness – olfactory notes we attribute to feminine scents.
As such, the absence of this gender coding is what makes scents unisex. For example, a perfumer might take fruity notes and add them to a masculine scent, or oud and add it to a feminine one.
Making something that bit more complex to the nose, and encouraging all genders to take a try.
As the idea of gender fluidity becomes more mainstream, it's not surprising that unisex scents are on the rise. But where to begin in this new, huge market? We've singled out some of the best for you to try.
1. Memo Paris, Irish Leather
(RRP €235, memoparis.com)
Memo Paris, Irish Leather (RRP €235, memoparis.com)
Prepare, if you're wearing this fragrance, to be asked by everybody what you're wearing. I didn't expect to like this as much as I do – former leather-centric fragrances I've tried have hinted at old boots – but this, in contrast, is sumptuous, fresh and sexy. In short, you smell rich. And while it is on the more expensive side, I can confirm from both mine and my partner's regular use that two spritzes last all day long.
2. e11even Fragrance Oil
(€92, Brown Thomas)
e11even Fragrance Oil (€92, Brown Thomas)
Another fragrance that will have people begging you for more information. And another scent that only needs one swipe. Compact, aromatic and powerful, this is a sensual oil that both invigorates and relaxes. With notes of geranium, patchouli and amber, it is totally unique.
3. La Bougie Cedar Atlas
(€60, labougie.com)
La Bougie Cedar Atlas (€60, labougie.com)
The unisex fragrance of the moment – just ask Conor Murray and Bundee Aki – is perfumer Lucy Hagerty's La Bougie Cedar Atlas, a bold unisex fragrance with opening notes of thyme, heartnotes of cedarwood and base notes of oud. Earthy and strong, Cedar Atlas evolves throughout the day, leaving an impression of freshness and luxury.
4. Creed Green Irish Tweed
(€215, Brown Thomas)
Creed Green Irish Tweed (€215, Brown Thomas)
A Creed fragrance is a special thing, and Green Irish Tweed is no exception. A surprisingly simple opening scent with bursts of lemon and herbs, this mellows down to sandalwood and ambergris, giving a musky feel. Suave, sophisticated, and ready for a black-tie affair, this is a scent that anyone would love to receive.
5. Voya Tempest Eau de Toilette
(€66, voya.ie)
Voya Tempest Eau de Toilette (€66, voya.ie)
Now, I'm cheating here. Irish brand Voya's recently released Tempest is actually a male scent.
However, after purchasing this for my partner, I've found myself stealing it because of its utter freshness. Featuring bergamot, pepper, white florals, and a breathtaking hit of the salty, Atlantic coastline, Tempest offers a smooth, spicy aroma that could be worn by anyone. A great price, Irish-made and utterly wearable. Full marks.
6. Victoria Beckham 21:50 Rêverie
(€200, Brown Thomas)
Victoria Beckham 21:50 Rêverie (€200, Brown Thomas)
Inspired by the 'luxuriant ambience of Java nights,' 21:50 Rêverie harks back to an important trip in 2001 for Victoria and David Backham. Boasting a grassy scent of tobacco leaves as well as a hint of vanilla, it aims to create a catharsis from everyday life.
Created in collaboration with master parfumier Jérôme Epinette, the genderless fragrance has come to embody everything about the Beckham brand, in that it is both breathtakingly simple and totally luxurious.
7. Calvin Klein CK One
(€38.45, lookfantastic.ie)
Calvin Klein CK One (€38.45, lookfantastic.ie)
Was this the world's first gender inclusive fragrance? CK One is an icon for a reason. Many call it an 'anti-perfume' because of its youthful scent and groundbreaking real people campaign. My take? It's simply a scent for the ages. Top notes of Italian bergamot melt into heart notes of green tea, while the base is headed up by a specific musk upcycled from the paper industry, adding a rich and sensual warmth complemented by a woody, creamy sandalwood accord.
Think fresh, but sensual.
8. Coty x Adidas Vibes collection
(€33, Boots)
Coty x Adidas Vibes collection (€33, Boots)
Adidas' Vibes collection, created with Coty, dared to provide a slew of not just fragrances, but attitudes.
Crafted in collaboration with world-class perfumers, the olfactory collection is inspired by the heritage of Adidas, with six eau de parfums crafted to elevate mood and well-being.
The range caters to those looking to power up, relax or escape with all eau de parfums scientifically proven to elicit positive emotions. Super affordable, too.