Naomi Jamieson
You'd be forgiven for thinking that the answer to "what perfume does Rihanna wear?" would be kept under lock and key by the singer-slash-beauty-mogul. But Rihanna's favorite perfume—known for its heavenly aroma—is actually not a secret at all. Better yet, it's readily available to buy, as is her similar-smelling Fenty perfume.
The star has a reputation for smelling incredible, something several celebs have commented on publicly over the years, so it comes as no surprise that it's down to one of the best perfumes for women. Below is what you need to know about her elusive favorite fragrance, as well as her own brand's offering, plus some alternative options with smaller price tags.
What perfume does Rihanna wear?
First reported by Harper's Bazaar back in 2016, after her friend @StylishGent shared a video of the star on Instagram in which she revealed her go-to scent, Rihanna wears Killian Love, Don't Be Shy.
RRP: $265 / £185 for 1.7oz/50ml
The eau de parfum features perfume notes of neroli, orange blossom, marshmallow, and amber. It is on the pricier side, but it's not every day that a product gets the seal of approval from an icon, so a worthy investment in our eyes!
RRP: $310 / $230 for 1.7oz/50ml
More extreme? Yes, please! This version is the more intense edition of the original RiRi-fave perfume, along with notes of Bulgarian rose, for a punchier, more seductive, long-lasting scent.
What does Rihanna's favorite perfume smell like?
The scent features notes of marshmallow, caramel and vanilla—i.e. one of the best vanilla perfumes around. The top and middle notes are citrus and white florals (great for floral perfume fans) on a sugary, gourmand base. An Extreme version is also available for a more intense fragrance—a great option if you're looking for one of the best long-lasting perfumes.
As well as the initial video, in 2015, Ryan Seacrest tweeted: "I smell everyone on the red carpet and Rihanna was the best-smelling celeb at the Grammys."
I smell everyone on the red carpet and @rihanna was the best smelling celeb at the grammys. #nowyouknowFebruary 9, 2015
This was also reaffirmed by British chef and writer Nigella Lawson when the two stars appeared on The Graham Norton Show together back in 2007. Upon meeting her, she told Rihanna: "You smell lovely," before promptly telling Graham to get a whiff—who of course, agreed that she smelt great.
The list keeps on growing, as Lil Nas X revealed in a YouTube video for Q4 music that Rihanna was his favorite smell when asked, adding that she "smells like heaven." Now, that's a good reputation to have.
Alternatives to Kilian Love Don't Be Shy
The most obvious note-for-note comparison to Rihanna's favorite Love Don't Be Shy is her very own Fenty Perfume (but more on that later). However, there are a few others with similar notes that might take your fancy—which we've listed below.
RRP: $395 for 50ml
This opulent fragrance is centered around notes of sour cherry, plum and cedar. It's sweet and a little bit spicy, with long-lasting notes of Tonka Bean, Peru Balsam, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Cedar, Benzoin and Cinnamon. Ideal if you've been on the hunt for a sweet scent with a deeper and sensual undertone.
RRP: $160 for 100ml
This fragrance is one of the best Jo Malone perfumes with a warm and rich blend of Namibian myrrh, almond, and tonka bean. It's irresistibly sweet and a great swap for Rihanna's signature scents.
RRP: $39 for 50ml
This perfume is inspired by Kilian Love, Don't Be Shy specifically, with those tell-tale notes of marshmallow, orange blossom, musk and amber, all bottled together with a much lower price tag.
RRP: $22.90 for 40ml
With notes of marshmallow, rose, vanilla and blood orange, this is one that TikTok users have touted as a similar vibe to Love Don't Be Shy, albeit lighter.
At the time of writing, the only way to get hold of it is as part of a discovery set, but we're hoping it'll be restocked soon.
RRP: $49.95 for for 1.01oz/30ml
One that's a popular dupe with TikTokers, Sweet Addict pairs those gourmand notes of vanilla, marshmallow and caramel with white musk pink pepper for an uplifting, comforting scent.
RRP: $89 for 50ml
Another sweet cherry-centred scent that's also laden with woody notes and rich spices, shoppers say this scent from the Huda Beauty empire is very long-lasting.
What is Rihanna's Fenty perfume?
Rihanna has also launched her own scent under her Fenty label, giving us another chance to smell just like her. So if you're hoping to build up a reporter of RiRi-approved scents, be sure to check this one out too!
When the fragrance was first released, the star described it as: "[Exuding] everything I feel, everything I am and everything I want to be". Given this glowing description, we imagine there's a good chance she's switched from her famous old faithful perfume to her very own creation.
The fragrance is described as "deep, full-bodied and sensual" with "warm floral" notes of magnolia, musk, tangerine, and Bulgarian rose. This spicy scent will set you back around $140/£145—which, although still pricey, is nearly half the price of the Kilian perfume, making it a good option for those on more of a budget.
