Clove perfume: buying guide and best fragrances 2026
Clove is a warm spicy note derived from the dried flower bud of the clove tree, grown mainly in Madagascar and Indonesia. In perfumery, it brings a piquant, slightly woody warmth, distinct from cinnamon, which enriches both orientals and woody fragrances. This guide, built on our catalogue of 6 references priced between 45 € and 140 €, will help you find the clove perfume made for you, whether you're shopping for women's or men's fragrances.
The clove note in perfumery: what is it?
Clove is the dried flower bud of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), a tree native to the Moluccas Islands in Indonesia, now grown mainly in Madagascar, Indonesia and Zanzibar. In perfumery, the note is obtained by steam distillation of the flower buds, leaves or stems, each part giving a slightly different olfactory profile.
Its olfactory facets. The clove note is characterised by a piquant, almost biting warmth, accompanied by a woody and slightly floral undertone. It differs from cinnamon, which is sweeter and powdery, and from black pepper, which is drier and more mineral. It also has a slightly camphoraceous dimension and a depth that lingers on the skin.
Its place in the fragrance pyramid. Clove is most often placed as a heart note, where it unfolds its spicy warmth once the top notes have evaporated. It can also appear as a base note in very oriental compositions, where it contributes to the drying effect and extends the longevity of the sillage.
Its natural accords. Clove pairs particularly well with:
- Woody notes (cedar, vetiver, sandalwood): it reinforces their earthy warmth;
- Vanilla and balsamic notes (vanilla, benzoin, tonka bean): the result becomes amber-like and enveloping;
- Fruity notes (peach, citrus, apple): the contrast softens the spice's piquancy;
- Floral notes (rose, geranium, carnation — whose English name recalls clove's own etymology): a classic association in so-called "carnation" fragrances.
A composite note that is both spicy and floral, clove runs through all the major fragrance families — orientals, woody fragrances, spicy florals — and suits feminine as well as masculine creations alike.
What are the best clove perfumes?
Our selection brings together 6 clove perfumes, available at Tendance Parfums between 45,50 EUR and 140 EUR. It has been built using two objective criteria: customer ratings from verified reviews, and real sales recorded on our site over the past twelve months. Whether you need a deep spicy oriental, a fresh woody fragrance or a powdery floral, you'll find a reference below suited to your budget and your style.
Our favourites reviewed
Hugo Boss Boss Bottled Tonic — With 21 sales over twelve months and a perfect rating of 5/5, this is the most popular reference in our selection. Clove doesn't appear here as the main note but within the spicy accord that warms the cinnamon and vetiver, over a fresh apple base. One customer sums up the mood well: "a very pleasant fresh scent, in the Boss tradition". Ideal for a man looking for an accessible, everyday spicy fragrance.
Narciso Rodriguez Narciso Radiante — This musky woody floral is the best-selling reference in our selection over twelve months (25 sales). Carnation, a natural cousin of clove, brings a soft floral spicy dimension, reinforced by muguet and a Virginia cedar base. A luminous, light feminine proposition, suited to women drawn to soft spices without wanting a heavy composition.
Annayake Miyabi Man — Rated 5/5 by its two verified buyers, this Japanese spicy oriental perfume combines clove with tonka bean, citrus and vanilla in a discreet, refined oriental harmony. One customer highlights the quality of the packaging and the product's conformity. Aimed at men who love warm orientals worn with restraint.
Serge Lutens Féminité du Bois — With 21 sales over twelve months, this iconic Serge Lutens creation remains one of the most sought-after in our catalogue. Clove works here in the background, sharpening the cedar-peach-vanilla accord that made the fragrance famous. A feminine woody oriental fragrance with character, which will appeal to lovers of sculptural compositions with a strong personality.
Clove for women, for men: how to choose?
The clove note is inherently unisex: its character, at once spicy, woody and slightly floral, allows it to blend naturally into feminine as well as masculine compositions.
For women, clove is most often expressed softened by creamy woody notes (cedar, benzoin), fruity notes (peach, apple) or floral notes (violet, carnation, muguet). The result is a warm spicy fragrance without harshness, ideal for autumn and winter evenings, or for cold days that call for an enveloping sillage. It also suits a woman who wants to move beyond pure florals without tipping into a heavy oriental.
For men, the note is often paired with dry woods (vetiver, ambrette), citrus or musks, which gives it dynamism and longevity. It can appear in fresh spicy compositions worn daily, as well as in more assertive orientals reserved for special occasions.
Seasons and occasions. Clove is a late-season and cold-season note par excellence. The warmth of the eugenol molecule (the main aromatic component of clove) unfolds better when the ambient temperature is low. Autumn and winter are its seasons of choice, although a well-balanced clove accord in a fresh composition can also be considered in spring.
Practical testing tips. Apply the perfume to your inner wrist and wait five to ten minutes before judging it: clove can seem aggressive on opening, then blend harmoniously into the heart note. If the note feels too intense on dry skin, try it on slightly moisturised skin, which diffuses the spices in a rounder way.
Tendance Parfums figures
What our own online perfumery data tells us about the clove note — figures you won't find anywhere else:
- 6 perfumes featuring the clove note available in our catalogue, from 46 € to 140 € (core range 56-140 €).
- The best-seller among our customers over the past 12 months: Narciso Rodriguez Narciso Radiante (25 sales).
- Average rating of our selection: 4.5/5 across 6 verified customer reviews.
- Prices and stock updated continuously; free delivery from 59 € of purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is the "parfum 23" with a clove note? The search term parfum 23 and clove refers to compositions named or numbered "23" that include clove among their notes. In our catalogue, the clove note is present in six references ranging from 45 € to 140 €. If you're looking for a specific reference, our team can guide you via chat or through detailed product pages.
Which clove perfume should a woman choose? For a woman, clove is best expressed in a spicy floral or a soft oriental. Narciso Rodriguez Narciso Radiante (45,50 EUR) offers a light interpretation via the carnation-musk accord, while Serge Lutens Féminité du Bois (105,50 EUR) offers a more architectural, woody version. Both are available with an assertive feminine sillage.
Does clove have good longevity in a perfume? The clove note has fair to good longevity, especially as a heart or base note. Its main molecule, eugenol, is not very volatile, which gives it greater persistence than citrus notes. In eau de parfum form, you can expect 6 to 8 hours of longevity on skin, and longer on fabric.
In which season should you wear a clove perfume? Clove is above all an autumn and winter note: its spicy warmth unfolds better in cool weather. It can, however, be considered in spring within well-balanced fruity or floral accords. Generally avoid intense summer heat, which can amplify the piquant character and make the sillage heavier.
What is the difference between clove and cinnamon in perfumery? Clove is piquant, slightly woody and floral, with a characteristic biting edge due to eugenol. Cinnamon is sweeter, powdery and warm, due to cinnamaldehyde. In practice, clove adds definition and precision where cinnamon envelops and softens. The two are often paired together in spicy orientals.