CHICYEE

Fairies. Dragons. Unicorns. Ballerinas. Kitten fur? BookTok’s ongoing obsession with all things romantasy (that’s romance + fantasy, just FYI) has trickled into the perfume world, infusing scents with notes that conjure up visions of enchanted kingdoms and faraway lands: fluffy vanilla, dreamy musk, cupcake sweetness, and enchanting, powdery concoctions.

Of course, this isn’t altogether surprising, given that perfume’s entire purpose is to transport the senses. So why not take yourself on a trip to Fantasia with your morning spritz? It sure beats whatever reality we’re currently living in. On TikTok, perfume lovers are gathering up fragrances inspired not just by the romantasy books taking over the shelves of your local bookstores, but classic fantasy films—Fantasia included!—and an overall otherworldly vibe befitting a fairytale princess. When the world feels dark and overwhelming, a little escapism via fragrance can help lift your spirits, even just for a day.

Ahead, discover some of the best fantasy-inspired fragrances with notes inspired by unicorns, fairies, princesses, ballerinas, and fluffy kittens.

Unicorns Galore

Let’s start with one of the prettiest, most over-the-top fanciful bottles on the list: Anna Sui’s Fantasia, a cupcake-shaped bottle with a golden unicorn figurine cap. It’s a very “pink” scent, with notes of pink pepper, pink pomelo, and raspberry praline. (Seriously, how cute would this look on your dresser?) Another unicorn scent, spotlighted by TikTok user Virgofaery, is Arcana Wildcraft’s Unicorn Horn, which takes inspiration from the powdered “unicorn horns” of the past, which were thought to possess special powers. The scent itself is a dreamy, powdery vanilla, which I imagine floating through the air as the unicorn gallops past. Narcotica’s Happy Dust is another fantasy-inspired vanilla, this one with a few types of vanilla—black, Bourbon, and Madagascar—plus brown sugar sweetness, sandalwood, amber, and jasmine.

Rainbows and Roses

Much like the doll scent trend, fueled by plasticky, strawberry-tinged notes inspired old-school Strawberry Shortcake dolls or fresh-out-of-the-box Bratz, fantasy perfumes often include a synthetic, almost surrealist element—like D.S. and Durga’s humid, earthy, light floral Steamed Rainbows. If you’re a fan of ‘80s fantasy movies like The Neverending Story, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, or The Last Unicorn, you might vibe with Lush’s over-the-top sweet, fruity Rose Jam, as TikTok user @missjazzluvr suggests. Boy Smells x Bratz Doll Skin mist is perfect for anyone who never really grew out of playing fantasy kingdom with their dolls.

Pretty Little Kitties

Kittens may not appear as main characters in ACOTAR or Fourth Wing, but cat fur-inspired fragrances have also become popular as perfume experiments with more whimsical inspirations and textures. What’s sweeter and more precious than a cute little kitten? Just thinking about them brings up feelings of joy and delight, which is why kitten fur-inspired accords have made their way into perfumery—typically to add a soft, delicate fluffiness to a scent. Calico by new fragrance brand Nostos was inspired by a quiet, cuddly morning in bed with your purring pet, with delicate notes of rice, warm milk, vanilla, and a kitten fur accord. Another “pretty kitty” perfume reminiscent of Duchess from Disney’s The Aristocats is Odette Parfum Co.’s Pas de Chat, a satiny mix of musk, madeleines, amber, vanilla bean, and kitten fur. And of course we can’t forget the original, Demeter’s light, warm, and snuggly Kitten Fur cologne.

Prima Ballerinas

Ballerinas and ballet motifs, too, are popping up in perfumery, including Odette’s Grande Battement, named after the sweeping ballet kick and formulated with equally dramatic notes of amber, musk, and patchouli. If you were enchanted by the milkweed ballerinas in Fantasia as a child (guilty!), TikTok user Catherine Dewar rounded up a handful of scents that fit their floating, fluffy vibe, like Commodity’s Milk Expressive Eau de Parfum, a musky, woody marshmallow milk scent. Powdery, soft notes like violet, musk, iris, and heliotrope will help convey the floating, ethereal grace of a ballerina, as does Gumamina’s Odette (a.k.a. the White Swan), a cheekily elegant blend of orris, musk, grapefruit, rose, and tonka.

Pretty Princesses

For a more traditional “fairy princess” moment, go floral or go home! One of my all-time favorite major florals is Cartier’s Baiser Volé, which smells like plunging face-first into a field full of hothouse lilies in full bloom. Marissa Zappas’s Violette Hay is a lovely violet with sunny hay notes to convey a magical day spent exploring the castle grounds. Now spritz your scent of choice, wave your magic wand, twirl those gossamer petticoats, and float away on a cloud of enchantment!