They say wealth whispers, but some of the chicest fragrances I’ve worn over the last several weeks practically screech their intensity. Like choosing a loud, leopard-print coat over a neutral trench, entering a room with a cloud of amber or vanilla in your wake makes a statement—for better or for worse. TikTok would argue the former, as powerful, attention-stealing perfumes (otherwise known as “beast mode fragrances”) have taken the thriving #PerfumeTok community by storm. Call it a clapback to soft, “clean girl” scents, but beauty lovers are craving something with a little more juice—so ahead, I’m crowning the strongest, most captivating elixirs worth investing in.
What is a beast mode perfume?
“The concept of a ‘beast mode’ perfume was primarily born of social media,” shares Vince Spinnato, cosmetic chemist, perfumer, certified nose, and CEO of Turnkey Beauty. “It’s any fragrance with intense sillage, longevity, and projection.” You might have heard the term “beast mode” in reference to someone’s aggressive, hardcore nature—most commonly in sports. Fragranceheads—first men’s fragrance reviewers on YouTube, followed by the larger #PerfumeTok community—have adopted this same idea for elixirs with a powerful presence.
“It’s a pop culture phrase definitely loaded with testosterone, but it’s taken on new life in the world of fragrance,” adds Daniel Patrick Giles, fragrance expert and founder of Perfumehead. Whereas “beast mode” in the context of athletes has a bro-y, somewhat obnoxious (I said what I said) connotation, a “loud” perfume has more of a low-key head-turning ability. It’s quiet confidence in a bottle, if you will. “People will stop you [and] ask what you’re wearing. It becomes a conversation starter. It can even lead to a date, or two, or three,” adds Giles. “A true beast mode fragrance commands the room without saying a word.
The term may be buzzy, but make no mistake: Powerful, long-lasting perfumes are nothing new. “Beast mode perfumes have been around since the 1920s,” says Spinnato. Now, they have simply gained a TikTok-friendly moniker.
Why are beast mode perfumes popular right now?
Beauty trends ebb and flow, as you’re likely aware. What’s old news becomes reborn—sometimes in a matter of months, thanks to TikTok. So while soft, intimate, “quiet luxury” skin scents reigned supreme for quite a while, the tides are turning towards aromas that dominate a room. The fashion space has already seen an anti-minimalist approach with chic neutrals making way for extravagant silhouettes and loud patterns; the beauty space, it seems, is quickly following suit.
Of course, I’d be remiss not to mention the geopolitical forces also at play. As U.S.-imposed economic tariffs take effect, beauty products (fragrances included) are only predicted to become more expensive, and beast mode perfumes do tend to have a much better cost per wear. They’re highly concentrated with an intense sillage (aka, scent trail), so you typically only need one spritz to smell incredible all day.
Now this all being said, demure, delicate fragrances won’t ever truly be “out.” As Bobby Hammer, perfumer at Orchidia Fragrances, shares, “There’s a time and a place for both! You might avoid putting on a ‘beast mode’ fragrance for a quiet Sunday afternoon at home. Please (please, please) prevent application of a ‘beast mode’ fragrance before getting on a flight. Your fellow passengers will thank you!” Think of skin scents and beast mode perfumes not as competitors but peers for different purposes. Frank Voelkl, principal perfumer at dsm-firmenich, agrees: “I believe that there are different consumer archetypes,” he says. “Many of those still enjoy the fragrance as a more intimate personal experience rather than making an impression on their social environment.”
What to Look for in a Beast Mode Perfume
First thing’s first: Look for perfumes with a high concentration of fragrance oil. “Your fragrances labeled ‘parfum’ or ‘extrait de parfum’ would have a higher fragrance-to-alcohol volume and offer a bigger punch than an ‘eau de cologne’ or ‘eau de parfum,” says Spinnato. Absolus also fit the bill, as well as anything labeled “intense.” That’s not to say you can’t extend the life of an eau de toilette or body mist (more on that in a moment), but generally, the higher the fragrance concentration the better.
In terms of specific notes, Hammer says fragrances with heavy base notes—think amber, musk, oud, patchouli, vanilla, tonka, and tree moss—typically have intense sillage. Giles agrees on the oud front, dubbing it “rich, intense, and polarizing,” yet adds some more unexpected players to the mix. “White florals can also be incredibly powerful,” he shares. “Spices like cardamom, saffron, and schinus molle bring heat and complexity. I love resins—labdanum, myrrh, amber—that create depth and longevity.”
It’s also no secret that dessert-inspired perfumes have skyrocketed in popularity, many of which naturally fall into “beast mode” territory. “Sugary-sweet gourmand notes are quite potent, and vanilla, which has been trending quite a bit lately, is a strong ingredient,” says Voelkl. “Imagine combining the woody, ambery [notes] with the sugary and vanilla notes, and you will obtain a very potent concoction.”
How to Improve the Power of Your Perfume
While beast mode perfumes do offer optimal longevity, you can also enhance the staying power of an elixir you already have. Here, find some expert-approved ways to give your daily spritz some “beast mode” energy.
- Hydrate your skin: Both Spinnato and Giles agree: Healthy, moisturized skin clings onto fragrance better. Applying fragrance right after body lotion (and ideally post-shower while your skin is still warm) is the ticket to 12-hour wear.
- Layer scented products: “You can always try layering your favorite fragrance with your favorite body lotion,” says Spinnato. “If that lotion is fragranced as well, you could discover a combination that accentuates your perfume AND creates a scent profile that is uniquely you.”
- Layer your perfumes: Pairing different perfumes will not only result in a unique, compliment-collecting scent but also incredible long-wear. “Start with a base like a strong musk—Cosmic Cowboy is a great foundation—and build from there,” says Giles.
- Apply (and reapply) on your pulse points: “Applying perfume to pulse points (neck, wrists) where [there’s] warmth helps diffuse the scent [and] can also make it more noticeable,” notes Voelkl. “Reapply your fragrance several times throughout the day and favor the neck and chest when applying it.”
The Best Beast Mode Perfumes to Shop
Perfumehead
Canadian Tuxedo Extrait De Parfum
Perfumehead
Xanaboud Extrait De Parfum
Giles tells me that when he Googled the term “beast mode,” this dark, mysterious fragrance of his popped up (along with Cosmic Cowboy, another gorgeous best-seller). “How cool is that?” he says. “I’ll gladly take that association.”
Chloé
Chloé L’eau De Parfum Intense
This Chloé fragrance makes you feel just plain rich. It’s infused with the brand’s signature sophisticated rose, just more powerful and refined than ever. Truly, it lasts all day long on my skin and multiple weeks on clothing.
HERMÈS
Terre Dhermès Eau De Parfum Intense
I’m an Earth sign, and this is exactly what I imagine “cool, Taurus energy” would smell like. The blend of bergamot, smoky wood, lava stone, coffee bean, and licorice is not only grounding but addicting.
Byredo
Mojave Ghost Absolu De Parfum
I didn’t think I could love Mojave Ghost any more than I already do, but then Byredo decided to enhance the violet notes for something akin to scent magic. If you’re a fan of the original eau de parfum, you’ll fall head over heels, I swear.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Oud Satin Mood Eau De Parfum
Look up “beast mode perfume” on TikTok, and you’ll find this shimmering violet, Damascena rose, oud, and amber number in multiple videos. Giles also considers it a top pick, FWIW.
Parfums de Marly
Valaya Exclusif Parfum
Valaya superfans (self very much included) adore its floral-musky-woody makeup, but the Exclusif version just might be even more intoxicating. With an even bigger emphasis on almond, it adds an extra creamy element to the warm, powdery blend.
Valentino
Born in Roma Donna Extradose Parfum
I recently gave this new Valentino fragrance a spritz when it came across my desk, and I’ve been wearing it every day since. It’s juicy, bright, and sweet thanks to blackcurrant, vanilla, and rum, while amber gives it an irresistible edge.
Amouage
Guidance 46 Extrait
Amouage Guidance is one of my favorite fragrances of all time, although some beauty editors swear the Extrait version smells even better. My take? You really can’t go wrong with either blend, but there’s no doubt the latter is more concentrated. I can also guarantee that it will last you well over 12 hours.
