Magnolia Perfumes & Fragrances

Magnolia fragrance note icon

Magnolia smells like lemon crossed with jasmine and a hint of cream, with a fresh green lift and a soft powdery finish. It is the most luminous of the white florals and a signature of southern gardens.

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Several species are used. Michelia alba (champaca magnolia) yields a fragrant absolute from hand-picked blossoms in China and Indonesia. Magnolia grandiflora, the Southern magnolia of the United States, is rarely extracted commercially and usually reconstructed. Magnolia champaca (champaca) gives a similar but more fruity-tea profile. Most commercial magnolia in perfumery is a carefully built accord that blends natural absolute with synthetic florals and citrus.

Magnolia is a heart note and an elegant one. Perfumers use it to add lemony brightness to white florals (Estee Lauder Beautiful Magnolia, Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud), to freshen rose and jasmine compositions, and to bring spring lightness to modern orientals. It pairs beautifully with lily, lemon, tea and musk.

Magnolia performs best in spring, summer and warm daywear.