What Is Fougère Perfume?

What Is Fougère?

Fougère (pronounced ‘Foo-jair’) is one of the main fragrance families. It is defined by the dominant notes of lavender, oakmoss and coumarin. This fragrance type also tends to include vetiver, geranium, bergamot and galbanum notes.

The name, which means ‘fern’ in French, is used to represent the fresh, earthy attributes of this fragrance family. Fougère perfumes are considered to be masculine and can be described as typical ‘barber shop’ scents.

The Origin of Fougère

Paul Parquet

Perfume of this type first appeared in 1882 with the creation of Houbigant’s Fougère Royale. The perfumer responsible was Paul Parquet. In creating Fougère Royale he pioneered extracting isolated, synthetic molecules from natural, raw materials. Although the perfume was created with women in mind, this type of scent has become a staple within men’s perfume.

5 Men’s Fougère Perfumes to Try

Sartorial - Penhaligon’s

Type: eau de toilette
Released: 2010

By pairing cardamom and patchouli with oakmoss and lavender, Sartorial from Penhaligon’s adds contemporary character to the Fougère formula. This perfume aims to evoke the atmosphere of Norton & Sons tailors at No. 16 Savile Row, London.

Perfume Notes

cardamom
lavender
patchouli

Learn more about Sartorial by Penhaligon's

Beau de Jour - Tom Ford

Type: eau de parfum
Released: 2019

Beau de Jour from Tom Ford opens with a commanding note of lavender which transitions into a floral green geranium middle. The base features leathery oakmoss, musky patchouli and amber. Earthy and woody, yet also cool and sharp, this Fougère is full of complexities.

Perfume Notes

lavender, African rosemary, geranium, oakmoss, patchouli, basil, amber

Learn more about Beau de Jour by Tom Ford

L’Insoumis - Lalique

L'Insoumis Lalique

Type: eau de toilette
Released: 2016

Thanks to the trio of basil, bergamot and rum, L’Insoumis by Lalique establishes an assertive smell from the outset. A complex middle consists of black pepper, clary sage and lavender. At the base moss and patchouli feature, enriched by the contemporary note of clearwood. The fragrance is a harmonious blend of aromatic freshness and ambery wood.

Perfume Notes

cardamom, green apple, lemon
lavender, rosemary, violet leaves
amber wood, cashmere wood

Learn more about L'Insoumis by Lalique

Vert Fougère - Floris

Type: eau de parfum
Released: 2019

In Vert Fougère by Floris, grapefruit, neroli and bergamot come together with ginger and lavender for a mix of freshness and spice. The perfume’s base meanwhile brings earthy elements such as patchouli and sandalwood into play. Fresh, warm and mossy, Vert Fougère is a refreshing take on the classic Fougère interplay.

Perfume Notes

galbanum, grapefruit, bergamot
neroli, lavender, ginger
cashmere & cedarwood, amber, patchouli, smoke accord

Learn more about Vert Fougère by Floris

Viking - Creed

VIking Creed

Type: eau de parfum
Released: 2017

Calabrian bergamot and Sicilian lemon give Viking by Creed an initial citrus liveliness. The perfume then introduces a spicy and floral mix featuring pink peppercorn and Bulgarian rose. Anchoring the fragrance are base notes such as Indian sandalwood, Haitian vetiver, tonka bean and white musk. This scent offers the freshness expected of Fougère but with a warm, zesty twist.

Perfume Notes