Violets have been around for centuries and used medicinally and for their aroma. 

Violets have been a symbol of innocence and femininity, as well as modesty and discreet love.

Their popularity was renewed in 18th century France, as Empress Josephine adored them for their heart-shaped leaves and their distinct scent.

It is said that Napoleon presented Jospehine with a Violet bouquet each year on their anniversary, scented himself with Violets for her, and even placed Violets on her grave after her passing. 

Being popular in fragrances during the 19th and 20th centuries, Violets have been viewed as old fashioned….but this is not the case.

Parma Violet is the variation usually used in fragrances, and mostly has a soft, sweet, dewy, powdery, and at times candy-like aroma, but can also lean toward a woody floral essence.

Violet Leaves are also a common note in fragrance, being used for its fresh, green, sometimes Cucumber-like aroma.

You can find Violet and/or Violet Leaves in a variety of fragrances.

Parfums de Marly Palatine is one of the newest Violet based fragrances on the market and fits the soft and sweet tones of this genre. Violet Petal is paired with creamy Orris and a blend of Citruses, Pear, and Vanilla to keep it light and airy. A touch of Musk adds depth while keeping things light.

Tumi Dusk is a masculine Violet based scent. Violet Leaves are paired with Citruses, Sea Notes, and the warmth of Musk and Amber. It is slightly dark and mysterious, with a refreshing side.

Bonbons A La Violette from New Notes is warmer and more sultry, with a sweet side. It has a candy-like quality to it, being inspired by Violet candies, which comes from citruses, Violet and Vanilla, but warms decadently with Jasmine, Mossy Notes and Amber.

Yves Saint Laurent Paris is a floral bouquet scent with Rose as the star of the show, but Violet plays a role in the soft brightness of this scent. Orris Root and Geranium play supporting roles to both the Rose and the Violet here as well. Even so, this is still a Rose lover’s scent.

Guerlain L’Heure Bleue is an elegant floral fragrance with subtle spicy and powdery nuances. A Violet Accord pairs nicely with Iris and Carnation, creating the heart of the powdery floral essence, while Aniseed and Benzoin spice things up. It feels classic and almost vintage, as well as distinct and powerful in a modern way.

Jean Patou 1000 has a vibe of light and dark entwined in an elegant dance. Violet Leaves pair with Osmanthus, which can be either spicy or soft. Jasmine adds a touch of its dark, almost dank, intense floral power, which lend both to the floral heart and the Patchouli base.

Brioni Eau de Parfum is another masculine based Violet scent, pairing Violet with Green Apple for a bright and invigorating opening. Ambroxan and Musk add a nice depth, while Tonka Bean keeps that subtle sweetness lingering throughout the dry down of this scent.

Violet notes can lay in the background of a fragrance, boosting all the other notes around it, and it can be the star of the show. 

You can try these fragrances at Parfumerie Nasreen, and discover for yourself the array of aromas that Violet can add to a scent.