From Drew Barrymore’s $10 Patchouli Oil to Martha Stewart’s Must-Have Luxury Scent: The Fragrances Loved by the Rich and Famous”
A few years ago, a friend attended an exclusive Oscars party, filled with stars, and the next day couldn’t wait to share all the juicy details—who spoke to whom, what the A-listers wore, and, most intriguingly, how they smelled. While this might sound odd, anyone who’s spent time around celebrities knows their personal aromas are often remarkably pleasant. Just ask Emma Stone, who, upon running into Jennifer Aniston at the Golden Globes, couldn’t help but exclaim, “Jesus! You smell really good!” After a quick sniff, she asked, “Is that what you always smell like?” Aniston, unaware of her captivating scent, simply replied, “Yeah.”
The obsession with what famous people smell like has been long-standing. In 1952, Marilyn Monroe’s admission that she wore nothing but Chanel No. 5 to bed sparked a surge in the perfume’s sales. By the 1960s, high-end perfumers began courting celebrities to promote their fragrances. Audrey Hepburn even had a custom fragrance, L’Interdit, which she loved so much that she persuaded Givenchy to keep it exclusive—though he eventually released it, and she modeled for the campaign.
By the 1980s, stars began launching their own fragrance lines. By the 2000s, almost every major celebrity had their own signature scent. Yet Elizabeth Taylor’s fragrance empire remains the most profitable, earning her estate more than $75 million annually from White Diamonds alone.
While celebrity-endorsed perfumes are tempting, there’s something especially exciting about discovering a star’s personal favorite scent—one they aren’t paid to promote. Perfume is a luxury item, making these intimate fragrance choices all the more aspirational. So, if money were no object, how would you choose to smell?
Here are some of our favorite celebrity fragrance picks:
Drew Barrymore: Triloka Patchouli Perfume Oil
Once associated with the ’90s grunge scene, Drew Barrymore now embraces this affordable yet luxurious patchouli oil. According to her website, Drew feels her best with a drop of this fragrance on her wrists and neck, as it transports her to a lush, serene place with every scent.
Jennifer Garner: Byredo Gypsy Water
Known for her wholesome image, it’s surprising (and delightful) to discover that Jennifer Garner loves the smoky, sensual scent of Byredo Gypsy Water. This vanilla-sandalwood fragrance has earned a cult following among celebrities like Rihanna and Sienna Miller. Garner shared with Vogue that she’s been wearing it “forever.”
Oprah Winfrey: Kai Fragrance Oil
Oprah’s signature scent, Kai, is a floral, gardenia-based oil beloved by many famous faces. After falling in love with it, Oprah added it to her 2007 Favorite Things list, even having the oil made into a customized body butter, which she raved about on her talk show. More than a decade later, the fragrance remains a top pick, with reviewers still praising it as “heaven in a bottle” and “amazing
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