When it comes to the holidays, we’re so used to smelling peppermint, cinnamon or chestnut in the air. But if this year taught us anything is that sweet *and* savory fruits continue to dominate our senses. It’s a big reason why Fragrance Expert Paul Fino predicts pomegranate is going to be everywhere for the festive season. And as someone who gave tomatoes a chance, I’m glad to open my nose to this seasonal shrub come December.
Pomegranate Is Finally Having Its Season
Cranberry’s older, sophisticated sister is the scent of the holidays
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Published Oct 27, 2025
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“It’s time for pomegranates to finally have its full moment. We’ve seen it as an accent in perfumes for years, but it’s never really had its own spotlight,” shares Fino. “It’s the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness and that rich bitterness that makes it feel festive without being predictable. It gives the same cozy holiday warmth as cranberry or cherry, but feels more sophisticated and modern.”
While the scent has always been around (do you remember Bath & Body Works ‘Forever Red’ line?), I’ve recently seen it bubbling up again on #fragrancetok. Even Editorial Assistant Courtney Mason forecasted darker fruit fragrances will be a hit in the next couple of months.
Brands like Jo Malone, Dove and EOS have been paving the way for this distinct fragrance, though Fino says he’s still waiting for brands to fully lean into the pomegranate craze. “It’s such an underrated winter fruit that deserves its own iconic fragrance moment,” he adds.
I’m also considering it in my signature scent simply for how well it layers with other fragrances. According to Fino, it pairs well with both sweet and warm notes. He adds, “If you want to make it cozier, layer it with vanilla, amber or tonka bean since it brings out the creamy side of the fruit. But if you want it to feel more elevated and fresh, mix it with rose, cashmere or musk.”
Look, I’m just as excited as you all are and ready to expand my large fragrance collection with the prize shrub note. To prepare my holiday wishlist, I compiled six perfumes, body lotions and candles to jumpstart the festive season.
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1. Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir
Jo Malone
This royal-approved brand already has a few favorites under its belt, but nothing quite like their ‘Pomegranate Noir’ scent. The top note is pomegranate, which is described as juicy and refreshing. You’ll also find a mix of smoky and floral notes such as casablanca lily and guaiacwood. As Fino explains, “It’s dark, spicy and slightly smoky with raspberry and plum undertones. It’s sophisticated, mysterious and very evening-appropriate.”
2. Boy Smells Rosy Cheeks Perfume
Boy Smells
This fragrance was inspired by the early aughts, featuring fruity floral notes like cassis, rose and sandalwood. But the pomegranate at its core is what reels us in. The brand describes it as “a bite of a perfectly ripe fruit” and shoppers agree, sharing how juicy and fresh it is on the skin. Plus, the two-toned glass bottle is enough to display on our vanity.
3. Versace Bright Crystal Parfum
Versace
When you spray on this Versace perfume you’re hit with a bunch of floral notes such as peony, lotus and magnolia. Once it settles, you’ll be welcomed with hints of pomegranate, musk and amber. Overall, fans say it is long-lasting and not at all overpowering.
Dove has an entire line filled with the pomegranate scent (even deodorants, folks!), but my favorite is the body scrub. The creamy texture glides nicely on skin and smells wonderful. It exfoliates and removes any dead skin cells, leaving softer and hydrated skin in its wake. It’s also infused with shea butter, making for a lasting scent that I can take in after stepping out of the shower.
If you’re looking for a layering product, I suggest adding this body lotion to your rotation. It has a blend of pomegranate, tart raspberries and lotus blossom that smells like a sweet (but not too sweet) treat. Scent aside, it’s formulated with oils and butters that softens and smoothes the skin. It also absorbs quickly and it’s super lightweight, making it a great addition for the colder season ahead.
6. Mrs. Claus’ Cocktail 3-Wick Candle
Bath & Body Works
Bath & Body Works might’ve cracked the code on the scent of the season. The ‘Mrs. Claus’ Cocktail’ line has notes of sparkling cranberry, pomegranate juice and citrus. It’s sweet, strong and what one shopper describes as a “fizzy party punch.” The candle is made of a soy wax blend that can fill a room with its sweet fragrance for up to 45 hours.
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