While we’re more than happy to bid winter adieu, it’s still too early to bust out the splashy coconut and tropical scents. And that’s where fig comes to the rescue. This ancient superfood not only boasts nutritive benefits like vitamin B6 and copper for both body and skin, it also has a universal scent that makes it ideal as a transitional fragrance.
“Fig is a great choice for winter-to-spring because compositions tend to be both earthy and fresh, and not too sweet or heavy—so they’re easy to wear and work excellent in both professional and casual environments,” explains Franco Wright, co-owner of LA’s niche fragrance boutique Scent Bar.
Naturally understated, fig is also a unisex scent that you can share with your beau—though the ripe picks in this gallery are so delicious, you’ll likely want to stockpile for yourself! Here’s how to incorporate the subtle aroma into your beauty routine.
1Balmy Fig
“Io Capri is an Italian fig, interpreted as if the tree is grown on the coast. It’s quite unique, with ocean notes,” says Wright, of the most popular fig scent in his shop. The blend incorporates tea leaves for a more sophisticated tone. Cool tip: If you’d like to try before you buy, samples of any scent on the site are $3 each.
2Country Fig
Kiehl’s Fig Leaf & Sage Fragrance, Skin-Softening Body Lotion & Cleanser, $24-$55 each
Inspired by the spring fields of the French village of Provence, this rendition by Kiehl’s captures the air beneath fig trees that mixes with the fresh herbs of the countryside. The figs native to this region are greener and crisper than sweeter variations, and make for a refreshing burst.
3Rich Fig
Korres Body Butter in Fig, $29
Fortified with quince and shea butter to moisturize skin, this fig-scented body balm also rejuvenates with sunflower, almond and avocado oils. Use all over for an indulgent treat, or save for stubborn areas like the elbows, knees and heels to get the most benefit out of the tube.
4Bordeaux Fig
Caudalie Figue De Vigne Fragrance, $39
Caudalie founder Mathilde Thomas drew inspiration for this fragrance from a small private island off her family’s vineyard in Bordeaux, where a 100-year-old fig tree scents the land. Citrus notes of green, mandarin and bergamot add lightness, while Bulgarian rose and peach add a sense of femininity.
5Blue Fig
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Dove’s classic beauty bar and body wash now come in a blue fig fragrance that’s combined with invigorating floral orange blossom. Mild cleansers in both products are combined with up to a quarter of moisturizing cream to leave skin supple, and gently scented.
6African Fig
Nyakio Giant Fig Collection, $25-$29 each
Nyakio Kamoche Grieco looked to her cultural Kenyan heritage (her grandfather was a medicine man) to infuse the healing bounty of African fruits, nuts and plants into a beauty line. The Giant Fig collection is scented with the exotic essence of the Gabon fig, and enriched with moisturizing Namibian, marula and kalahari melon oils.
7Mediterranean Fig
Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Fico Di Amalfi, $94
The birthplace of this energizing blend is the Amalfi Coast of Southern Italy, where fig and citrus trees fragrance the air. Top notes of bergamot, lemon, grapefruit and citron unite with a heart of fig nectar and pink pepper. The sultry base of fig wood and cedar wood lends a sultry finish.
8Fresh Fig
Nourish Organic Clean & Fresh Organic Deodorant in Fresh Fig, $10
Nourish Organic infuses a certified organic deodorant stick with fig to help you feel and smell fresh all day. A hardy blend of cornstarch and plant enzymes prevents odoriferous bacteria from forming, and the formula is entirely natural.
9Fig & Honey
Laura Mercier Fresh Fig Honey Bath, $40
Laura Mercier recreates the mouth-watering aroma of the pâtisserie by blending fresh Celeste figs (known in the South as sugar figs) with apricot nectar and sensual ylang ylang. The result is a luxurious foaming bath treat that hydrates skin with honey and sweet almond.
10Clean Fig
Aveeno Positively Nourishing Hydrating Body Wash, $7
If you’ve been plagued by dry skin, try this nourishing body wash that bathes skin in shea butter and a light natural fig scent for hydration that the brand claims lasts for 24 hours after your shower. Safflower seed oil helps comfort skin.
