From Cosmopolitan · Catharine Malzahn · · 2m
Nail Polish Perfumes: 3 Fragrances to Try
Nail polish perfumes blend sharp salon scents with fruity florals for a nostalgic twist.
In brief
Nail polish perfumes blend sharp salon scents with fruity florals for a nostalgic twist. Fragrance brands like Snif created nail polish-inspired perfumes that evoke manicure memories without actual nail polish. Originally reported by Cosmopolitan.
Nail Polish Perfumes Are Trending
Fragrance brands have started taking the smell of nail polish and turning it into actual perfume.
“Yes, nail polish perfume exists. Surprised? I know I was.”
Snif Launches Lychee Lacquer
Snif's Lychee Lacquer pairs nail polish accord with lychee, rose, jasmine, and vanilla for a fruity floral scent.
“To me, Lychee Lacquer smells very fruity at first.”
What Nail Polish Perfume Smells Like
After a sharp acetone note, the scent dries down with floral notes and vanilla musk for a nostalgic effect.
“You get this immediate hit of juicy lychee mixed with florals, but neither one overpowers the other.”
Why Nail Polish Perfumes Are Trending
Fragrance trends now focus on unique scents that evoke real-life memories rather than aspirational personas.
“Fragrance used to be so much about aspiration like wearing a scent to embody a certain persona or fantasy.”
Nail Polish Perfume Benefits
These perfumes create a familiar scent without actual nail polish, making them wearable and nostalgic.
“It’s essentially a blend of fruity acetate notes that give this immediate high impact with a distinct, sharp, fruity flash.”
Snif Lychee Lacquer Details
Snif Lychee Lacquer Eau de Parfum costs $68 and pairs a sharp polish accord with lychee, rose, and jasmine.
“Snif’s fruity floral pairs a sharp, fresh-polish accord with juicy lychee, rose, and jasmine absolute before vanilla and musk soften everything.”
BORNTOSTANDOUT Angel’s Powder
BORNTOSTANDOUT Angel’s Powder Eau de Parfum opens with a sharp lacquer accord and pink pepper for a sweet, spicy scent.
“It opens with a deliberately sharp lacquer accord alongside pink pepper and icing sugar.”
Comme des Garçons Parfum Odeur 53
Comme des Garçons Parfum Odeur 53 Eau de Toilette was launched in 1998 and includes nail polish in its unconventional scent profile.
“This EDT was doing nail-polish perfume long before it became a buzzy fragrance concept.”
Expert Insight
Kara Kowalski, Snif's director of fragrance and formula development, explains how nail polish scents work in perfumes.
“Our perfumer channeled the many solvents and acetone scents of [a nail salon] in the nail polish accord.”
Why Nail Polish Perfumes Work
The sharp nail polish scent cuts through sweeter notes and creates a nostalgic, wearable experience.
“Ingredients that are completely familiar in perfumery can take on an entirely different personality depending on how they’re balanced and used together.”
Nail Polish Perfume Trend
Nail polish perfumes are trending as fragrance lovers seek scents that evoke real-life memories.
“Fragrance used to be so much about aspiration like wearing a scent to embody a certain persona or fantasy.”
What Makes Nail Polish Perfumes Unique
These perfumes blend familiar scents with a sharp nail polish note for a nostalgic yet wearable effect.
“What I find so interesting about the fragrance is that if we never told people it was inspired by nail polish they might not immediately think, ‘This smells like nail polish.’”
The Future of Nail Polish Perfumes
Fragrance brands will continue to create unique scents that evoke real-life memories without actual nail polish.
“It's less about photorealism for the sake of novelty and more about scent as transportation and turning a moment into something you can wear.”
Why Nail Polish Perfumes Are Popular
People are drawn to nail polish perfumes because they evoke nostalgic memories of nail salons and manicures.
“One whiff can conjure up manicures with your mom, sleepovers, or your first time getting your nails done.”
In short
Fragrance brands like Snif created nail polish-inspired perfumes that evoke manicure memories without actual nail polish.
