But every so often, one pops up that makes us pause mid–hot chocolate and ask: wait… what? This year, it’s the perfume industry’s curious obsession with making us smell like the dessert course.
My wife was trying a new perfume and she said: "I smell like a cake!"
Because there’s something in the air this Christmas, and it’s not just cinnamon and mulled wine. No, it’s you. Or rather, it’s your perfume.
Because according to the perfume industry, 2025’s festive scent trend is… dessert?
Apparently, perfumers have decided that what we all really want this Christmas is to smell like the snack table. Pistachio, chocolate, vanilla, caramel, marshmallow, “sugar cookie accord” (yes, that’s genuinely a thing)… the list goes on. Forget “notes of cedarwood and musk”... this year, it’s “top notes of Bakewell tart with a lingering hint of biscuit tin.”
Eau de Patisserie
One recent launch described itself as “a gourmand experience that envelops the wearer in warmth.” Translation: you’ll smell like you’ve been working the late shift at Greggs.
Another claimed to be “as comforting as vanilla frosting.” Wonderful. Because nothing says “sophisticated evening scent” like being mistaken for a Victoria sponge.
You can imagine the confusion in crowded Christmas markets across Britain this year. “What’s that smell? Is someone baking?”
“No, that’s just Carol from accounts, she’s wearing Crème Brûlée No. 7.”
When Did Perfume Become a Buffet?
Once upon a time, perfume was all about elegance and mystery. A little jasmine, a touch of rose, a whisper of sandalwood. You smelled like a well-travelled socialite with secrets.
Now, you smell like the dessert trolley at a Harvester.
To be fair, it’s not all bad. Vanilla is universally flattering, it’s warm, cosy, and nostalgic. And a hint of cocoa can feel decadent. But somewhere along the line, the balance tipped. We’ve gone from “subtle sweetness” to “walking Bake Off.”
The Real Culprit: Christmas Nostalgia
Of course, perfumers know exactly what they’re doing. They’ve tapped into that deep, Christmassy craving for comfort. When it’s cold, dark, and the heating bill looks like a ransom note, smelling like pudding feels oddly reassuring.
You’re not just spritzing perfume, you’re spritzing serotonin.
Besides, nothing says “I’ve given up” like smelling of pine disinfectant. At least smelling like shortbread sounds vaguely festive.
What’s Next?
If the current trend continues, next year’s fragrances might get even bolder:
Eau de Mince Pie: a complex blend of dried fruit and regret.
Sprout Essence: crisp, green, and socially divisive.
Gravy No. 5: for the gourmand who truly commits.
Roast Turkey: for the Christmas traditionalist
Until then, enjoy smelling delicious,even if the family dog follows you around all day wondering where you’ve hidden the biscuits.
Merry Christmas, you glorious human Bakewell!