5 days ago
If You're a Taurus, These Unexpected Perfumes Are Your Perfect Match
The best fragrances for Taurus run the gamut from woody and gourmand to floral and romantic—anything that settles the nervous system will fit the bill, too. After all, if there's one thing to know about a Taurus, it's that they love a delicious scent.
'Taurus is deeply tied to the sensorial body, to our connection with pleasure, and to anchoring in presence, which is something scent so often helps us do,' says astrology expert Amanda Barnett, founder of Barney + Flow. 'Taurus also rules the neck—where we instinctively apply fragrance—as well as the nose and our sense of smell itself.'
If we may stereotype by star chart, those born between April 20 and May 20 tend to gravitate toward rich, earthy scents that contain woody, smoky, musky, or ambery notes. Flowers are also quite Taurian—the more elegant the bloom, the better. Perfumer Sarah Horowitz-Thran, a Taurus herself, notes the ancient Greek connection. 'Taurus is ruled by the goddess Aphrodite. The flower connected to Aphrodite is the rose, the queen of all flowers, which is associated with love of the self and others.' For a true Taurean scent, Horowitz-Tran recommends going for a fragrance that's grounded in a rich base that reflects the warmth of Earth-ruled signs.
To play off the Taurus craving for a slow-burn, an astrologer and intuitive psychic, Solas, recommends adding fragrance oils to any Taurean fragrance wardrobe. 'A fragrance that doesn't 'rush' is best,' she notes, adding that oils sink slowly into the skin. But it's not all earthy scents and grounding oils—there's also plenty of room for dessert. 'Taurus is the zodiac's most indulgent it-girl, aka the zodiac's pleasure queen,' says Tiffany Marie Cohen, astrology expert and founder of Spirit + Soul Studio. 'Taurus energy is about comfort and indulgence. Notes of vanilla, honey, and caramel help tap into the desire for warmth and sensual pleasure.'
In short, there's no shortage of options when it comes to picking fragrances that will bring out the inner Taurus in all of us. Ahead, browse the scents that cater to the luxury-loving, elegant, and grounded Taurus.
Main notes: Rose, blackcurrant, raspberry, cinnamon, patchouli, amber, sandalwood
'Taurus thrives on natural elegance, so florals like rose, violet, jasmine, and gardenia paired with vetiver or sandalwood create a harmonious blend that resonates with Taurus's grounded yet romantic nature,' Cohen says. She adds that scents with cinnamon and patchouli create the grounding, cozy vibe that we all tend to crave come Taurus season, while bringing out the sign's innate stability and inner strength. Want a fragrance that has it all? This bold French classic melds notes of rose with sandalwood, cinnamon, and patchouli that translate to a spicy, earthy, and refined finish.
Nordstrom rating: 4.1/5 stars
Our expert says: 'This smells expensive, and it has a megawatt sillage that refuses to be ignored. Quiet luxury it is not, so it makes sense that it comes in a glossy, lipstick-red bottle that stands out as the headline act of any vanity display. Don't get me wrong: While this is bold and luxurious, it's not flashy. It's sophisticated and polished—more Paris Ritz than glitzy hotel on the Vegas strip.' —Jenny Berg, beauty contributor
Main notes: Tonka bean, vanilla, cedarwood
According to astrologist Julia Topaz, founder of Look Up at the Stars Astrology, there's an archetypally masculine side to the Taurus personality that leans toward scents laced with musk, tobacco, sandalwood, and oud. 'These scents wrap around you slowly, like a blanket, reflecting Tauruses' need for rootedness and warmth,' she says. Victoria Beckham's genderless scent checks all the boxes. Infused with notes of tonka bean, vanilla, and cedarwood, this scent invites you to lean a little closer. The fragrance was inspired by a romantic date night in Java with Victoria and her Taurus husband, David Beckham.
Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars
A Victoria Beckham reviewer says: 'I would bathe in this delectable fragrance, if possible! It's a deep, smoky, sensual vanilla with tones of warm spice, and more—it lasts many hours on the skin. My signature scent!'
Main notes: White rose, pink pepper, adelhyde, violet, neroli, peony, blonde woods, sandalwood, musk
According to Topaz, the Taurus personality also has a soft, delicate side, a side that takes great pleasure in relaxing. Perfect for such a scenario, this Byredo scent smells like a leisurely day of stopping to smell the roses—literally and metaphorically. Layering notes of white rose, violet, and peony over a cozy, creamy base of sandalwood and musk, the fragrance is a beautiful blend of indulgence and serenity.
Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars
Our expert says: 'Every time I spritz this on, I feel like I've just stepped out of a lavish soaking tub. It smells like fresh, soapy skin and a deliciously lazy day with nothing on the agenda—besides, perhaps, another spritz.'—Jenny Berg
Main notes: Creamy milk accord, frangipani, peony, rose, bourbon vanilla bean, Madagascar vanilla bean, cocoa shell, amyris, sandalwood, musk
ELLE's resident astrologers, Tali and Ophira Edut (aka the AstroTwins), have some thoughts on the best scents for Tauruses. 'We would recommend something both woodsy and sweet,' Tali says. 'Taurus is an earth sign, but they also are ruled by enchanting Venus, which brings a more coquettish vibe.' Ellis Brooklyn's musky take on vanilla fits the bill, mixing notes of creamy milk accord with two types of vanilla beans and cocoa shell. The gourmand mix is laced with Taurian-friendly wafts of sandalwood, musk, and rose.
Ulta rating: 3.9/5 stars
Our expert says: 'Vanilla scents that smell like birthday cake are not my vibe—nor are they an earthy, sophisticated Taurus's cup of tea. However, this vanilla-bean-laced concoction from Brooklyn Ellis is clean, fresh, and cozy, rather than cloyingly sweet. I recommend layering the perfume with the matching body oil. Not only does the body-oil application cater to Tauruses' love of slowing down for a moment of self-care; the product also leaves a subtle shimmer behind that winks at the sign's indulgent nature.' —Jenny Berg
Main notes: Clary sage, sandalwood, rose, ylang ylang
'Since it's ruled by Venus, Taurus energy is all about beauty with substance,' says Cohen. 'Think rich textures, cozy routines, and anything that makes your nervous system say ahh.' UMA's Pure Bliss Wellness Oil is just the thing for an olfactory unwind; it's laced with aromatherapeutic notes of clary sage to soothe tension, sandalwood for comfort, and rose and ylang ylang to balance the emotions and bring on the sensual vibes.
Revolve rating: 5/5 stars
Our expert says: 'I love the ritual that comes with applying this spa-scented oil. Instead of a spritz-and-go type of product, this one requires a pause. I like to rub it into my hands, then pat any excess into my hair. Its sillage lingers for hours—very apropos for the stubborn Taurus spirit—and it reminds me of the way I smell when I'm wrapped in a cozy, plush robe after a splurge-y massage.' —Jenny Berg
Taurus season is technically April 20 to May 20, but Taurus-approved scents are always in season. Since they represent a range of fragrance types—from calming oils to indulgent gourmands and bold floral perfumes—the best fragrances for Taurus are perfect for spritzing year-round, and for any astrological sign.
'Earthy, grounded fragrances with a touch of sensuality would be especially suited for Taurus, since these types of fragrances are in harmony with the sensual and earthy profile of Taurus,' says Kalliope Amorphous is the owner of Amorphous Perfume. 'Think patchouli, oak moss, vetiver, and deep greens like galbanum and sage.' She adds that warm notes like amber, warm vanilla, benzoin, and tonka are also great choices to lean into that warm, sensual profile. 'Honey and rich chocolate would also fall into this category, as well as deep, rich florals,' she says.
According to Barnett, 'Taurus loves ritual and slowness. Oils slow you down. They ask you to apply with intention. They warm with your body heat—oh-so Taurus.' For any Taurus, she also recommends considering perfume balms or any type of fragrance that calls for a moment of self-care. 'Let scent become part of your morning ritual,' she encourages Tauruses. 'Make it a pause. A presence. A return to your body.'
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, an contributor consulted several astrologers to determine the best perfumes for Tauruses.
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