When it comes to luxury, true elegance whispers — it never shouts. The same is true for fragrance. Upper-class women often choose perfumes that are not overly hyped or easily recognized, but instead carry an air of mystery, refinement, and exceptional quality. These scents tend to have deep, lasting power, complex compositions, and a discreet sophistication that aligns perfectly with old money aesthetics. Below are four such perfumes: niche, often under-the-radar, and incredibly long-lasting — the kind of fragrances that linger beautifully for hours and leave a lasting impression without ever overpowering.
1. MFK Amyris Femme – Maison Francis Kurkdjian
While MFK is known for the cult-favorite Baccarat Rouge 540, Amyris Femme is a lesser-known gem worn quietly by elegant women in-the-know. This scent blends Florentine iris with Jamaican amyris wood, offering a radiant, powdery floral heart resting on a warm woody base. It’s soft yet assertive, effortlessly feminine, and exudes quiet wealth.
Why the upper class loves it:
It’s a refined floral with a woody core that doesn’t scream luxury — it simply breathes it. The fragrance evolves subtly throughout the day, with a staying power of 8+ hours.
2. Chanel Coromandel – Les Exclusifs de Chanel
Inspired by Coco Chanel’s personal love for Chinese Coromandel screens, this is one of the best-kept secrets of the Les Exclusifs collection. It’s a warm, resinous oriental scent built on patchouli, benzoin, and white chocolate. Yes — white chocolate. The result is deep, sensual, and unexpectedly comforting.
Why the upper class loves it:
It’s complex, unconventional, and unlike anything else on the market. The sillage is moderate but persistent, and the scent lingers beautifully on clothes and skin for 10+ hours. Coromandel is timeless luxury in a bottle.
3. Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady
This is not a perfume for the faint of heart. It’s bold, opulent, and unapologetically feminine. Composed by master perfumer Dominique Ropion, it opens with a massive Turkish rose accord, blended with patchouli, blackcurrant, incense, and clove. This scent radiates presence and power — think velvet gowns, grand staircases, and generational estates.
Why the upper class loves it:
It has personality and presence — and it smells expensive. Portrait of a Lady can last over 12 hours and projects beautifully without being overwhelming. It’s often worn by women who don’t need to say much to command attention.
4. Amouage Lilac Love
A floral gourmand with extraordinary depth, Lilac Love from the prestigious Omani house Amouage is a hidden treasure. Notes include lilac, heliotrope, cacao, vanilla, and sandalwood. It’s romantic and powdery, but with a twist of rich, edible warmth that’s sensual without being sweet.
Why the upper class loves it:
It feels like a vintage love letter in scent form — nostalgic, rare, and sophisticated. With 10-12 hours of longevity and a creamy drydown that smells like luxury skin care, it’s ideal for women who like their perfumes to tell a story.
The world of fragrance is saturated with trends and TikTok-famous bottles — but upper-class women often seek something more discreet, complex, and enduring. These four perfumes are rarely discussed in mainstream circles but are treasured by those with cultivated taste and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. If you’re seeking a scent that lingers not just in the air but in memory, these under-the-radar elixirs might just become your signature.
