6 best earthy perfumes for when you need to feel grounded

As the soil very gradually warms here in Scotland, it starts to smell different. Earth that was, until very recently, gripped by the iron grasp of frost, is now slowly thawing and warming. Birds are scurrying around, pecking delicious little mini beasts from newly emerging leaves and from the fragrant softening ground.

What is an earthy smell?

Depending where you live in the world, the earth can smell very different, and changes depending on rainfall, temperature and time of year. Can you remember a time when you played in the mud as a child, maybe in a garden or at the park? Or kicked through piles of rustling leaves in the autumn? Perhaps you’ve been on a forest walk with a friend and stamped the muck off your boots afterwards.

All of these are earthy smells. And, if you’re indoors a lot, spraying a perfume that has an earthy smell can be very grounding; steadying you, and helping you feel connected to nature even when you can’t get outside. How does that sound?

What are earthy perfumes?

Earthy perfumes are often created and composed to mimic certain areas of the natural world. Sometimes earthy perfumes have a green element to them as well, calling to mind freshly unfurling leaves peeping through damp soil. And there are earthy perfumes with watery notes too, like standing next to a waterfall that’s splashing onto a woodland path. Woody and earthy perfumes are popular for reminding you of the peace and quiet of a tranquil wander through a forest.

What scents are grounding?

As with everything fragrance related, what scents you might find grounding is very personal, and will link directly to your own lived experiences. If you grew up in a desert city, your early scent memories will be very different from someone who grew up on a farm in Ireland. And the fun starts with experimenting. How about visiting an independent perfume shop to ask the staff what they might recommend for earthy perfumes to help you feel grounded? Or treat yourself to a discovery set from an artisan perfume brand, like some of the ones below?

As usual in my fragrance blog posts, I’ve written wee scent stories to give you the impression of a perfume. Wearing perfume is often about how it makes you feel, and what emotions and memories it might evoke. How do you want to feel today?

If you’re interested in the specific fragrance notes stated by a brand, feel free to click on the name of the perfume and that’ll take you to their website or a stockist’s website.

Fragrance notes are very subjective. So don’t worry if you smell things that a brand doesn’t mention—there are no right or wrong answers. And the same goes if you don’t smell what a brand lists as the notes. Your experience is as valid as anyone else’s.

So, here’s a list of 6 earthy perfumes to steady you in this turbulent world…

Fantome de Maules – forest earth

Deep green, dark green, darkest green that’s almost black, as you peer from a sunlit field. What stirs in the shadows of the woods? Crushed mint and a brave cluster of carnations lie within this liminal space.

But are you safe?

Bristling pine needles, felting the forest floor, soft under your feet as you cautiously enter the copse cavern. Are you wise, my child? Should you turn back?

A crackling. Some rustling. One wisp of burned sugar. 

Your head flicks round. Hands flexing and heart pounding. Is that breathing you can hear?

Copper leaves drift idly. Golden light finds you. Radiant beams twinkle and you gaze in awe.

What have you stumbled upon?

Root Of All Goodness – Parterre – spicy earth

A burst of dazzling ginger, a sprinkle of pepper and a crisp twist of bergamot peel open this stunning perfume from Parterre. Crushed herbs mingle with a smidgen of powdery violet as the real star starts to emerge. Dorset grown vetiver weaves a richly earthy thread through the bright and beguiling aromatics, offering a tranquil depth to this classical style cologne. 

Incredibly versatile, Root of All Goodness is a perfect easy reach perfume. Peek beneath the easy breezy top notes and you’ll find layers and layers of hidden intrigue. Very highly recommended. 

Particularly excellent on hot and sticky days.

Lonestar Memories – Tauer  – desert earth

An arid wind scours the prairie. Shredded clouds writhe across the fat disc of the moon, hanging low and peach like overhead. Your horse snickers contentedly, plucking sweet threads of hay from their net.

You sit cross legged in the flickering light of your campfire, sweaty chaps moulded to your legs. One hand holds a linen pouch of sweet spices, and the other gently crushes a bundle of eucalyptus. You breathe in – deep and slow –  tilt your head back and look at the stars.

Élan Vital – To The Fairest – garden earth

A rare calm day in early spring. Low light glinting off a silver birch, its papery bark battered from winter storms. Raindrops glitter on the icy petals of snowdrops from an overnight downpour.

Tiny sprigs of mint peek perkily up through the cool, wet earth. Rosemary’s slender needles are jewelled with dainty amethyst flowers, and a hungry bee comes bumbling along to eat its fill of precious nectar. Thyme bristles importantly nearby.

A shaft of sun suddenly intensifies. The air warms and fills with the spicy scent of the greenhouse’s weathered wood. You brush soil off your hands and head indoors to luxuriate in giving your nails a good scrub with very expensive soap.

Hexensalbe – Stora Skuggan –  rooty earth

Hubble twice, a cauldron of spice.

A spear of glossy dark liquorice. Two bundles of bay and a frond of fennel. Bitter sap, bubbling wild and free. Vetiver glooping. Crack—an old leather strap breaks and falls into the simmering juice. Five clove buds. A swift grating from an iris root. Three teaspoons of crossroad soil. Stir with a silver buttonhook.

Do you dare get to know this perfume?

Undergrowth – Rook – damp, herbal earth

An ancient stone jug filled with sweet, cool water sits on a battered table worn smooth over many years. Pale morning light filters through dusty glass and lies in lozenges on the beaten earth floor. Bundles of mint and thyme and fennel spill out of a wicker basket.

The creaking lid of a cedar lined chest. A sprinkling of black tea leaves muddled with scattered caraway seeds. Fresh spring soil under your nails.

When can you wear earthy perfumes?

You can wear earthy perfumes whenever you feel the need for grounding and being more connected to nature. On stressful days, a spritz of something that brings to mind shady woodland walks or damp spring soil can be very steadying. How about wearing an earthy perfume for a yoga or pilates class?

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