Going Gaga Over Gourmand Perfumes in 2024
Grab your favourite snack and settle in, because we're about to dive nose-first into the delicious world of gourmand perfumes. If you've been smelling more people who remind you of your favourite desserts lately, you're not going crazy – gourmand fragrances are having a major moment, and in 2024, they're sweeter than ever!
2023: The Year Gourmand Went Gourmet
Remember when we used to just eat our favourite treats? That was so last season. Now we're wearing them too! 2023 was actually dubbed "The Year of Gourmand" by fragrance aficionados, and it looks like this wasn't just a quick swipe of a solid or spritz of a spray—this trend is definitely here to stay!
According to Spate, a machine intelligence platform that tracked over 20 billion search signals and 60 million beauty-related Tiktok videos, gourmand fragrances are predicted to dominate all other fragrance growth trends in 2024.
In April this year, Spate gave us all an update announcing that 'caramel fragrances' were leading the gourmand pack with a whopping 4.3K search volume and +78.2% growth. The general search term 'gourmand fragrance' was coming a close second with 4.2K volume and +77.5% growth. Talk about a sugar rush!
But why are we searching for, and presumably, craving these sweet scents now? And not 20 or 50 years ago?
The TikTok Effect: Perfume Goes Viral
If you've been living under a rock (or maybe had your head in a jar of cookies), you might have missed the explosion of fragrance content on TikTok. According to another Spate report in May 2023, perfume-related content on the platform increased by a mind-boggling 449% from 2019 to 2020. That's not just growth; that's a full-on fragrance frenzy!
But it's not just about watching pretty bottles on a screen. Oh no, TikTok is driving real purchases. The report found that 45% of social media-driven fragrance purchases in the United States are generated by TikTok. That's right, almost half! And guess who's leading the charge? Zoomers, of course.
These savvy sniffers are three times more likely to buy a fragrance based on the emotional attributes described in TikTok video content. It's like they're not just buying a scent; they're buying a whole vibe. And let's be honest, who doesn't want to smell like their best life?
The COVID Connection: Comfort in a Bottle
Now, let's address the elephant in the room – or should we say, the virus in the air. COVID-19 might have kept us apart, but it brought us closer to our favourite comfort foods. And what's more comforting than smelling like a warm hug in a bottle?
When the world feels uncertain, we tend to seek out familiar, comforting scents. And what's more comforting than the smell of freshly baked cookies, warm vanilla or juicy fruit? Plus, with many of us spending more time at home, our kitchens became our new favourite hangout spots. Is it any wonder we wanted to smell like our culinary creations even when we weren't cooking?
The Psychology of Smell: Why We're Sweet on Gourmands
Now, you might be wondering, "Why do we love smelling like a walking dessert cart?" Well, my fragrant friend, it's all about the brain.
Our sense of smell is directly connected to the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for emotions and memories. When we smell something sweet and delicious, it can trigger happy memories and boost our mood. Like a sugar rush for your soul, minus the calories!
Scientists have studied the effects of scent on behaviour and mood and found that certain sweet smells can reduce stress and anxiety. So when you're wearing a gourmand fragrance, you're not just smelling good – you're potentially feeling good too!
The Biggest Gourmand Hits of 2023
What were the most talked-about gourmand scents of 2023?
1. Sabrina Carpenter's Sweet Tooth: This Disney star turned pop sensation released her debut fragrance, and it was a caramel lover's dream. The Spate report mentioned "Sabrina Carpenter perfume caramel" as a top search result, showing that celebrity influence is still strong in the fragrance game.
2. Ariana Grande's Cloud Pink: Building on the success of her original Cloud fragrance, Grande released this gourmand dream with notes of vanilla, praline, and whipped cream.
3. Kayali Yum Pistachio Gelato 33: This nutty, creamy concoction had fragrance lovers screaming for ice cream (or at least to smell like it).
4. Maison Margiela 'REPLICA' Coffee Break: For those who prefer their gourmands with a caffeine kick, this cozy scent gave them the kick they craved.
5. Sol de Janeiro '62 Brazilian Crush Cheirosa: While technically a body mist, this pistachio and salted caramel scent became a TikTok sensation.
Gourmands Right Now in 2024
So, what's cooking in the world of gourmand fragrances and for the rest of 2024? Based on all the data we've looked at, it seems our love affair with foodie scents is far from over.
1. Savoury Gourmands: While sweet scents are still reigning supreme, there's a growing interest in savoury gourmand notes. Think truffle, salt, and even bread-like accords. We would love to smell our way through a degustation menu!
2. Nostalgic Nibbles: With Y2K fashion making a comeback, we're seeing fragrances inspired by childhood treats. Cotton candy, bubble-gum, and even cereal-inspired scents are popping up. Perfect pink aesthetics and a throwback Thursday for our noses!
3. Boozy Blends: Alcohol-inspired gourmands are gaining popularity and giving gourmands a harder edge. Whiskey, rum, and even cocktail-inspired fragrances are adding a grown-up twist to the gourmand trend.
4. Fruity Fusions: The line between fruity and gourmand fragrances is blurring. Expect to see more scents that combine fruit notes with dessert accords, like apple pie or peach cobbler. YUMMO!
5. Eco-Friendly Edible Scents: As sustainability becomes more important in the beauty industry, we're seeing a rise in supply chain transparency and a commitment to less wastage in both production and packaging!
The Future of Gourmands Beyond 2024: Sweet (and Maybe a Little Savoury)
As we look ahead, it's clear that gourmand fragrances are here to stay. But like any good recipe, they're constantly evolving. Here are some long term predictions for the future of foodie fragrances:
1. Virtual Reality Scents: Imagine being able to smell your favourite dessert in virtual reality. As VR technology advances, don't be surprised if gourmand fragrances play a role in creating more immersive digital experiences.
2. Personalised Perfumes: With advancements in AI and machine learning, we might see more personalized gourmand fragrances based on individual taste preferences and body chemistry.
3. Functional Fragrances: As the lines between wellness and beauty blur, we might see more gourmand fragrances designed not just to smell good, but to enhance mood or cognitive function. Solid perfumes are right on trend here and come packed to the brim with skin-boosting ingredients like omegas, antioxidants and vitamins.
4. Cultural Fusions: As global cuisines continue to influence each other, expect to see more gourmand fragrances inspired by international flavours and desserts.
5. Seasonal Scents: Just like your favourite coffee shop, fragrance brands might start releasing limited edition seasonal gourmand scents. Magic coffee perfume, anyone?
A Little Aussie Influence
Now, you might be wondering, "What about us down under?" While gourmand fragrances are a global trend, we Aussies are putting our own spin on things. Our unique climate and laid-back lifestyle mean we often gravitate towards lighter, fresher gourmands that can stand up to the heat.
But we've also got our own flavour profile to draw inspiration from. Think fragrances inspired by pavlova, lamingtons, or even a cheeky Tim Tam. Drool! And let's not forget our amazing native ingredients – imagine a gourmand with notes of wattle seed or lemon myrtle. Bush tucker for your nose!
Plus, with our thriving cafe culture, don't be surprised if you start smelling more coffee-inspired fragrances wafting through the streets of Melbourne and Sydney. It's the perfect way to carry that barista-made flat white vibe with you all day long.
Sweet Dreams Are Made of This
As we wrap up our delicious deep dive into the world of gourmand fragrances, one thing is clear: our appetite for these sweet scents shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you're a caramel connoisseur, a vanilla virtuoso, or just dipping your toes (or should we say, nose) into the world of foodie fragrances, there's never been a better time to indulge your olfactory sweet tooth.
So go ahead, spritz on that gourmand goodness and smell like a snack. After all, in a world that can sometimes feel a bit sour, why not surround yourself with something sweet?
And remember, whether you're rocking a classic vanilla or experimenting with the latest truffle-infused concoction, the most important thing is that you smell like you. Because at the end of the day, confidence is the sweetest scent of all.
If you feel like a dose of vitamins and antioxidants with your perfume snack then check out our skin-friendly, binge-worthy collection.
Till next time, stay sweet!