It seems like every shelf you turn to, another perfume putting amber in the spotlight is staring right back at you. This note has syrupy and honey-like qualities, but its inherent sweetness is muted by a rich, earthy muskiness that instantly soothes your senses.
"We're seeing both the return of superclassic labdanum-and-vanilla creamy ambers like Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier Ambre Precieux — a bona fide niche classic — but also a surge in more dynamic, modern takes on amber that eschew the traditionally creamy labdanum and vanilla paradigm, like MPG's newer, more resinous Ambre Mythique," said Alex Gilman, fragrance expert at LuckyScent. "Amber is the widely liked but square straight-A student who's finally letting her hair down a bit."
By turning down the tonka and ramping up balsamic and smoky notes, these modern amber perfumes feel more mysterious, and perhaps even slightly masculine, Gilman says.
We recommend Ex Nihilo's Amber Sky ($525), which puts a crisp, cool spin on the warmness typically expected with amber, and Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier Ambre Mythique ($190).
