Rihanna’s perfume is inspired by a French dessert.

Rihanna's perfume is inspired by a French dessert.

Rihanna’s Signature Scent: Love, Don’t Be Shy

Rihanna is a force to be reckoned with. Not only does she have a legion of dedicated fans and admirers, but even fellow celebrities like Billie Eilish can’t help but gush about her. And while Rihanna’s style choices and designs, beauty statements, and personal life may all contribute to her magnetic charm, it’s her scent that seems to elicit the most intense reactions.

If you need proof, just take a look at compilations on YouTube where celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Lil Nas X, Cardi B, and Ryan Seacrest can’t stop raving about how amazing Rihanna smells. Some even compare it to heaven itself. But here’s the twist: Rihanna’s signature scent is not her own Fenty Eau de Perfume, but rather Love, Don’t Be Shy from KILIAN Paris. And believe it or not, it’s inspired by a chic dessert.

The Delicious Inspiration: Guimauves

Love, Don’t Be Shy was created by perfumer Calice Becker as part of a collection of scents centered around falling in love. For this particular fragrance, Becker drew inspiration from Guimauves, a classic Parisian candy that resembles a high-end marshmallow. It’s a treat defined by confectionary sugar and orange flower water.

“The recipe my grandmother used to make this candy fascinated me. It was both simple and extremely complex,” says Becker. “Creating something truly refined requires a meticulous attention to detail. That’s the beauty of luxury—it’s not just about expense, but about caring passionately for each element.”

In addition to sugar and orange blossom, Becker incorporated floral notes like peony, rose, and honeysuckle to create a delicate, airy scent, with a touch of amber for sophistication. This fragrance aligns perfectly with current trends, as the July 2023 consumer trend report from Spate highlights an increased interest in floral and amber top notes.

According to senior perfumer Nicole Mancini from Givaudan, many cult-favorite fragrances have formulas that emphasize back-driven notes. These avant-garde scents derive their power and identity from the base notes. Mancini explains, “They’re different from the typical perfume construction, and their simplicity is intriguing. People are drawn to the comforting and well-being feelings these aromas evoke—imagine warm, long-lasting, musky, gourmand, woody, or amber notes blended with floral undertones like orange blossom or violet.”

The Enigmatic Allure of Rihanna’s Scent

Love, Don’t Be Shy is the perfect fragrance for Rihanna, embodying her effortless and mysterious persona. As Mancini explains, “It’s interesting—she’s not the only one who wears this perfume, but she’s the one we always hear about. Love, Don’t Be Shy is an addictive gourmand fragrance with beautiful floral notes and a touch of freshness. It’s the perfect combination for Rihanna.”

But there’s more to it than just personal preference. Mancini highlights the scientific aspect of fragrances: “Love, Don’t Be Shy complements Rihanna’s body chemistry exceptionally well, which is why it smells so divine. Each person has a unique body chemistry that influences how a perfume reacts with their skin. Factors such as diet, skin type, and pH levels can affect the way a fragrance wears.”

The irresistible factor of Love, Don’t Be Shy also lies in its sweetness, especially when worn as expertly as Rihanna does. She knows how to make it work, and that’s just another reason why everyone is so obsessed with how she smells.

Rihanna-Approved Alternatives

If you’re looking for a similarly sweet scent, Mancini recommends trying Prada Paradoxe, I Want Choo Forever from Jimmy Choo, Tom Ford’s Soleil de Feu, or Miu Miu Fleur De Lait. For a more budget-friendly option that captures a similar vibe, Bath & Body Works Fall in Bloom is worth a try.

And of course, if you want a fragrance that is fully endorsed by Rihanna herself, look no further than Fenty Eau de Parfum. This warm, musky floral scent features notes of magnolia, tangerine, and Bulgarian rose. What sets it apart is that it consists entirely of middle or “heart” notes, creating a bold and long-lasting fragrance. Given that RiRi designed it with herself in mind, you can be confident that she fully supports the spritz.

So, if you’ve ever wondered why everyone is so obsessed with how Rihanna smells, now you know. It’s the perfect combination of a captivating scent, impeccable personal style, and a touch of mystery that keeps us all intrigued. Rihanna has truly mastered the art of not only being the hottest person to exist, but also the best-smelling.

Rihanna’s perfume is inspired by a French dessert.