There's something about rainy days that makes certain fragrances irresistible. Fresh citrus notes that blend with humid air, green accords reminiscent of rain-soaked grass, aquatic scents that drift through raindrops—these are perfumes you can wear comfortably on damp days while lifting your mood. The term "rain perfume" might sound unfamiliar, but it simply refers to fragrances that pair exceptionally well with rainy weather. In this guide, I'll walk you through practical information on purchasable products from Diptyque to Aesop and Hermès, comparing their scent profiles, longevity, and price points.
Diptyque L'Ombre Dans L'Eau – The Original Rain Scent, Loved Since 1983
When discussing rain perfumes, Diptyque L'Ombre Dans L'Eau is absolutely essential. This bestseller has captivated Parisians for over 40 years since its 1983 launch. True to its name meaning "shadow in the water," it captures the dewy atmosphere of a rose garden after rain. It's available in two versions: EDP (Eau de Parfum, 15-20% concentration) in 75ml and EDT (Eau de Toilette, 5-15% concentration) in 100ml. Prices range from $163-185 for the EDP and $88-159 for the EDT, depending on the retailer.
The fragrance is built on rose, blackcurrant, blackcurrant leaf, bergamot, mandarin orange, ambergris, and musk. The top notes deliver a crushed, slightly bitter grass scent that's quite strong, then about five minutes in, a subtle fresh rose emerges. Thanks to Diptyque's unique composition style, the top, middle, and base notes don't transition distinctly—they flow together as one continuous experience. The EDP emphasizes the green notes more heavily and lasts 5-7 hours, while the EDT brings out the rose faster and maintains for 3-4 hours. You can find it at major department stores like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and Neiman Marcus, as well as through authorized online retailers like FragranceNet and Jomashop. When buying, check for sealed cellophane wrapping and authentic batch codes to ensure you're getting genuine product.
Aesop Virere – A Fresh Encounter of Fig Leaf and Bergamot
Aesop's Virere is the latest addition to their fragrance range, launched in 2024. Inspired by memories beneath Mediterranean fig trees, it harmonizes citrus notes of bergamot, galbanum, and petitgrain with the green freshness of green tea and fig leaf. It's available only as an EDP in 50ml, priced at $135-177 depending on the retailer. You can purchase it at major department stores, specialty beauty retailers like Bluemercury and Dermstore, or through Aesop's official online store, which offers complimentary shipping and gift wrapping.
Virere focuses more on fresh air and green notes than earthy tones. It's particularly effective at cutting through the stuffiness of rainy season humidity. As a unisex fragrance, it works beautifully for anyone regardless of gender. Here in Seoul, I've noticed how Korea's fast-paced beauty market has quickly embraced Aesop's minimalist aesthetic—the brand's skincare line dominates premium department stores, and their fragrances are gaining similar traction. Aesop fragrances typically last 4-6 hours, so on rainy days it's best to apply lightly in the morning and refresh once in the afternoon. The brand maintains a philosophy of no animal testing and vegan formulas, making it popular among value-conscious consumers who care about ethical sourcing.
Hermès Un Jardin Sur Le Toit – The Freshness of a Parisian Rooftop Garden
Hermès Un Jardin Sur Le Toit draws inspiration from the garden atop the Hermès headquarters building in Paris. As its name "A Garden on the Roof" suggests, it captures the refreshing quality of urban green space. Available in EDT format in three sizes—30ml, 50ml, and 100ml—the 100ml typically runs $124-168 at authorized retailers. You can purchase it at Hermès boutiques, department stores like Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue, or through the official Hermès online store. Discount retailers like Costco occasionally carry parallel imports at lower prices.
The composition features grass, red apple, rose, pear, rosemary, and magnolia. It balances three main accords—fresh, fruity, and green—with the juicy burst of apple and pear trees being particularly distinctive. Being an EDT concentration, longevity sits at 3-4 hours, which is on the shorter side, but the light, undemanding character makes it easy to reapply throughout the day. The Hermès Jardin collection expresses various garden scents across different editions, and for rainy days, Sur Le Toit or Sur Le Nil work especially well. Seoul's luxury market has an interesting relationship with Hermès—while the bags command waitlists of years, their fragrances remain surprisingly accessible, making them a popular entry point for younger consumers discovering the brand.
Jo Malone Rain & Angelica – London Drizzle's Transparent Scent
Jo Malone London's Rain & Angelica was the standout piece from the 2014 London Rain Collection. Expressing the transparent drizzle falling on London's downtown parks at dawn, it's composed of vetiver (a root material that gives earthy notes), angelica (herbal scent), and lime. Originally released as a 100ml cologne priced around $120-125, it's now discontinued and only available through archive collections or resale markets.
Jo Malone fragrances are known for their Scent Layering capability—you can combine two or more scents to create your own signature. Being a cologne concentration, longevity is very short at 2-3 hours, but the light, fresh character makes it perfect for worry-free wearing on rainy days. Jo Malone has boutiques in major cities worldwide, including New York, Los Angeles, London, and Sydney, with purchases also available through their official online boutique. Costco sometimes carries parallel imports at lower prices, though you won't get access to the personalized engraving service. In Seoul's Gangnam district, I've watched Jo Malone become a status symbol among young professionals—the distinctive cream and black packaging has become instantly recognizable, and their portable 30ml sizes make perfect gifts in Korea's gift-giving culture.
Key Considerations When Buying Rain Perfumes
When choosing fragrances for rainy days, there are several points worth considering. First, EDT or cologne concentrations work better than EDP. Since scents diffuse more easily in humid weather, lighter concentrations actually feel more natural. Second, citrus, green, and aquatic families pair beautifully with rainy day moods. Powdery or oriental families with heavy notes can feel stifling in muggy weather. Third, prices range from $100 to $300+ depending on brand and volume. Niche fragrances (independently produced by smaller brands) generally cost more, but they offer unique scents and stories.
Purchasing channels divide into department stores, official brand websites, and parallel import retailers. Department stores guarantee authenticity and after-sales service but charge premium prices, while parallel imports run 20-30% cheaper though require authentication verification. Since perfumes can't be returned once opened, if you're trying a scent for the first time, I'd recommend testing in-store or purchasing samples first. Fragrances develop differently based on individual skin type and body temperature, so it's wise to spray on your wrist or neck and observe the scent evolution for at least 30 minutes.
How to Wear Perfume on Rainy Days
Since fragrance lingers longer in the air on rainy days, use less than your usual amount. From about 12 inches away, spray once or twice onto pulse points (wrists, back of neck, behind ears, inner elbows) where body heat will diffuse the scent naturally. Avoid spraying on collars or coats, as the fragrance can cling to fabric and overwhelm those around you—direct skin application works best. Applying perfume after moisturizing increases longevity, and using body lotion or oil beforehand helps too. Store perfume away from direct sunlight and high temperatures, and it's recommended to use within three years of opening. Living in Seoul, where monsoon season brings weeks of continuous rain and high humidity, I've learned that strategic perfume placement matters even more—a single spray on the back of the neck often suffices when subway cars and office buildings are packed with people trying to escape the downpour.
Disclaimer: This article is informational content created without compensation from any specific brands or companies. Perfume prices, values, and characteristics may vary depending on market conditions, release timing, and individual usage environments. The information provided here is for reference purposes only, and all decisions regarding actual purchase, use, and storage remain the reader's personal responsibility.