These Cowboy-Inspired Perfumes Smell Like the Wild West in a Bottle
'To me, there's a ruggedness about cowboy fragrances,' says ELLE's resident perfume expert and beauty editor Medina Azaldin. 'It's not about specific notes but rather a composition that makes you think of sunsets, soft leather saddles, and hot, dry weather. It's a devil-may-care attitude and a fearless spirit, in a bottle.'
Her spritz of choice? 'Saddle by Perfumer H captures the essence of a cowboy perfume, but does it in the most refined, elegant manner. It's soft, worn-in leather that wears buttery smooth on skin thanks to the addition of amber and vanilla.'
From smoky woods aromas fit for dust storms and dive bars to soft suede notes for high-fashion outlaws, these are the best cowboy-inspired perfumes for a seamless cool-girl scent. Keep reading for nine of the best cowboy-inspired perfumes for a cool, late summer scent.
This cool-girl-approved brand draws inspiration from some of the world's most iconic nightlife scenes, from Ibiza in the '80s to New York in the '90s. Heathens, Cowboys and the Santa Ana Winds is the ultimate evening scent. Think cowboy perfume notes after dark: palm trees, wild breeze, and a glowing amber base.
Fans of D.S. & Durga's original Cowboy Grass will love this limited-edition sibling scent. While the New York brand's original is aromatic and earthy, with notes of Haitian vetiver, white sage, and clary sage, this more feminine iteration leans fresh and floral. Picture peonies, blooming plains, wild grass, and soft musk.
Housed in a crystal-like tumbler, this rich, liquor-inspired scent is the ultimate nighttime statement and a must-try for fans of dramatic gourmand fragrances. Inspired by cognac aging in oak barrels, this evening tipple in perfume form has a nomadic allure that effortlessly captures the wild, cowboy aesthetic.
You'll struggle to find a scent more coveted than Le Labo's most iconic fragrance, Santal 33. Inspired by the wide plains of the American West, this cowboy-worthy perfume has long been It girl–approved, boasting notes of Australian sandalwood, cedar, cardamom, iris, and leather. The best part? It's a true crowd-pleaser and an effortless blind buy for leather lovers.
While the name of this fragrance alone gives it undeniable cowboy appeal, its powdery saddle scent is just as fitting. With notes of leather, violet, and suede, the balanced aroma is perfectly unisex, offering a soft, smoky sillage that suits any occasion. It's also been widely hailed as the ultimate new layering scent by fans.
If you came here for an atmospheric cowboy scent that evokes dusty saddles, worn-in boots, and that iconic Stetson hat, this refined yet gentle amber-leather fragrance is your perfume. With a buttery softness, its blend of bright bergamot, orange flower, and jasmine absolute top notes, heart of earthy patchouli and benzoin resin, and a creamy vanilla base creates a bold yet balanced leather that is captivating from the very first spritz.
Few A-listers are more in tune with the appeal of cowboy-inspired notes than horse lover and frequent Texas visitor Bella Hadid. 'My partner personally loves Nightcap—both on himself and on me,' the model recently told ELLE UK, following the debut of her signature scent collection at Selfridges. With a sultry aroma of ginger, guaiac wood, vanilla, and sandalwood, if it's good enough for a real-life cowboy, it's good enough for us.
Looking for a straight-talking leather perfume? This delicately sweet yet realistic scent has a cozy, woody dry-down that wears effortlessly year-round. Also available in candle form (perfect for bringing a cool, rugged edge into your space), this fragrance is a true crowd-pleaser and effortlessly wearable for both evenings and the office.
While cowboy-inspired perfumes are often edgy and raw, they don't have to be. After all, what captures a free spirit better than a Texan golden-hour sunset? Picture sweet, green rhubarb, strawberry leaf, and honeydew melon, paired with spicy pink pepper, galbanum, white peonies, and ambrette musk. Yes, this scent is breezier than the aforementioned cowboy fragrances, but its lively floral bouquet doesn't compromise on that spirited, cool-girl energy.
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