Like fashion, scents go in and out of style with each changing year. After a difficult 2020, we’re all looking forward to the bright new sights, sounds, and smells of 2021. From fragrances to candles, here are the scents we expect to dominate in the sparkly new year:

Cedarwood

Similar to sandalwood (minus the sweetness), cedarwood is a perky, wonderfully woodsy scent that is perfect for the fresh start of 2021. In fact, cedarwood scents are such a hot commodity that Anecdote Candles released cedarwood (in combination with luxurious oud) as a main scent in their limited edition 2021 candle! 

Vanilla

Forever comforting and sweet, vanilla is popping up all over the planned fragrance launches of 2021. Check out Vanilla Vibes by Juliette Has a Gun from Adore Beauty, one of Elle Magazine’s recommended new year faves. Of course, we love this scent in a candle or air diffuser, too. 

Mandarin

Like vanilla, we’ve spotted mandarin in a host of perfumes and body sprays launching in the new year. This delightfully refreshing, citrus scent is considered a symbol of good luck, making it an ideal choice for a new year fragrance. Looking for mandarin perfumes? Check out Tobacco Manderin by Byredo, a heady, trendy launch of this year that will undoubtedly still be a favorite in 2021. 

Jasmine

This sweet, fragrant scent has long been a favorite, but it’s absolutely dominating the perfumes of 2021. Some of our most loved selections for the new year include Paris Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian, as well as Coco Mademoiselle l’eau privee by Chanel. 

Red Currant

You’re going to be smelling a lot of this uniquely rich berry scent in 2021. Warm and tarty, red currant is the scent of choice for many “candle of the year” selections in the upcoming year. Check out the 2021 candle by Tumbleweed & Dandelion or the winter currant candle from Banana Republic to enjoy this magical smell at home while watching the ball drop. 

Happy New Year!