Contents
Katie Holmes has long been known as a fashion chameleon with an uncanny ability to look chic in anything from her signature white blouse and jeans combo to a viral cashmere crop top and matching cardigan or drop waist frock and kitten heels at London Fashion Week. Beyond her looks, the star has made it clear she links fashion and fragrance, and her carefully curated collection of perfumes is undeniably the best of the best. Read on as we reveal Holmes’s epic scent wardrobe.
Meet the expert
- Chris Salgardo is a beauty expert and CEO of ATWATER skin care. Nic Mastenbroek is a perfumer at Ruth Mastenbroek Perfumer London.
i Profumi di Firenze Vaniglia del Madagascar
When Holmes was in her Tom Cruise era and still on the heels of her Dawson’s Creek stardom, the actress was a fan of the ultra luxe fragrance i Profumi di Firenze’s Vaniglia del Madagascar ($128). “Katie Holmes famously got married in Italy to actor Tom Cruise, so it’s perhaps no surprise she loves this tribute to Italy’s Mediterranean coastline,” explains Nic Mastenbroek, perfumer at Ruth Mastenbroek Perfumer London. “With notes of cedar, grapefruit, honeysuckle, rosemary and wild rose, this is an aromatic citrus-cologne that markets itself as being genderless, yet evokes a spiritual closeness with nature which emulates Katie’s free spirit and down-to-earth aura.”
According to Chris Salgardo, a beauty expert and CEO of ATWATER skin care, this unique blend crafted in Florence, Italy, is the definition of quiet luxury as it stays true to the natural beauty of the Mediterranean and is rooted in a tradition of quality and simplicity. “Think cozy evenings wrapped in luxury,” he says. “The Madagascar vanilla brings a warmth that's undeniably comforting, while the balsamic and floral undertones keep it elevated and sophisticated—this is truly a scent that hugs you like a cashmere throw—inviting, refined, and effortlessly indulgent.”
Jo Malone London Orange Blossom
Always an A-lister’s fragrance go-to (Jennifer Aniston is also rumored to be a superfan), the British-based beauty brand is known for its unexpected ingredient and fragrance mashups. Holmes has voiced her love of the brand claiming the allure is because the scents are often light and don’t overpower. “Jo Malone is all about layering, making this a brilliant choice for creating a personalized scent profile that feels unique to you,” shares Salgardo. Case in point: Holme’s is said to consider Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom ($165) a signature scent.
“This is a notoriously clean and fresh floral fragrance,” says Mastenbroek. “The citrus notes provide freshness to the delicate floral petals in the heart and there is a gentleness to this fragrance which perhaps appeals to Katie’s softly spoken and demure personality.” Salgardo calls out this fresh fragrance’s notes of orange blossom, clementine flower and water lily that evokes “a sun-drenched garden in full bloom,” he says. “Bright and fresh, the orange blossom gives it energy and optimism, while the water lily adds a soft aquatic touch—of course it’s a go-to for someone who wants to keep things light and versatile, perfect for daytime or when you just need to feel uplifted.”
Le Labo Santal 33
Holmes once deemed Le Labo’s Santal 33 Eau de Parfum ($107) with notes of sandalwood, cardamom, leather, violet and musk as her go-to fragrance after smelling it on someone else and then cinching it as her own. “She also seems to lean towards less traditionally feminine fragrances, opting rather for unisex or slightly masculine-feminine fragrances,” says Mastenbrock. Salgardo says this particular scent is “the definition of bold and intriguing,” he explains. “The woody sandalwood and leather notes have an almost rebellious edge, bringing to mind open roads and untamed landscapes, while it’s grounded by the musk, but the violet gives it a touch of something unexpectedly soft.” According to Mastenbroek, “this cult classic is one of the top-selling fragrances in the world, renowned for its iconic green and fresh notes that pair perfectly with the strong sandalwood core of the fragrance,” he shares. “It’s clear that Katie likes fresh fragrances that are combined with flowers or woods to create more contemporary fragrances.”
Bvlgari Pour Femme
It’s been noted that Holmes’s all time favorite fragrance is Bvlgari’s Pour Femme ($368) which is now discontinued so we can only assume she has the scent stockpiled so she never runs out. Mastenbroek says this selection is clearly in her scent lane since “this fragrance plays into Katie’s softer, delicate and perhaps more nostalgic characteristics,” he explains. “A more traditional floral fragrance featuring notes of violet, iris, rose and heliotrope, this fragrance is notoriously powdery and sophisticated, so I’m not surprised that this was one of her fragrances.” Other key notes include jasmine, bergamot and mimosa. “This parfum is timeless, elegant and deeply feminine,” says Salgardo. “This scent is like stepping back into an era of classic Hollywood glamour—the florals—especially the jasmine and rose—make it romantic, while the bergamot adds a touch of sparkle.” Luckily, devotees, like Holmes, can still score bottles online at a hefty markup. “Even though it’s discontinued, this fragrance remains a coveted gem among collectors and those who appreciate classic floral compositions,” adds Salgardo.
Clive Christian No. 1 Feminine
It’s believed that Holmes wore the UK-based fragrance house Clive Christian’s No.1 Feminine ($790) for her 2006 wedding to the Mission Impossible actor in a 15-century castle in Bracciano, Italy. “Famously known as the World’s Most Expensive Perfume in the Guinness Book of Records, it is perhaps no surprise to see this fragrance on the list given Katie’s well-known love of London and the UK,” says Mastenbroek. The unique notes include fruity layers of lemon, mandarin, white peach and plum, plus florals like rose and jasmine followed by musk and Madagascar vanilla.
Salgardo calls this iconic scent pure luxury—not only for the price point but the scent payoff, too. “This scent is unapologetically opulent—the rich florals blend with the smooth vanilla, making it perfect for grand occasions—it's like wearing a couture gown in fragrance form—bold, dramatic, and impossible to ignore,” he says. “Known as one of the world's most luxurious perfumes, Clive Christian No. 1 lives up to its reputation—it's an investment piece, for sure.”