PHLUR’s Cherry Stem: Your New Fall Fragrance

Confession time: if you love a good cherry scent, you might already have a collection rivaling a perfumery. From Tom Ford’s iconic Lost Cherry to various other sweet and spicy interpretations, the allure of cherry notes is undeniable. But just when you thought you had enough, PHLUR drops Cherry Stem, and suddenly, your collection feels incomplete.

A Sultry Twist on a Classic Note

PHLUR’s latest eau de parfum, Cherry Stem, is poised to become your go-to fragrance for the fall season. Unlike other cherry scents that lean heavily into sweetness or boozy notes, Cherry Stem strikes a captivating balance between juicy fruitiness and dark, sultry allure. Perfumer Clément Gavarry has crafted a scent that feels sophisticated and a little mysterious, like ‘trouble’ in the best possible way.

Priced at $99 for a 50ml bottle, it feels like a worthy investment for a fragrance that offers such depth. The initial spray hits you with a vibrant burst of black cherry and orange brandy, immediately signaling its cherry-forward identity. But don’t worry, this isn’t your average candy-sweet cherry; there’s a sophisticated tartness that keeps it intriguing.

The Dry Down: Sophistication Unveiled

As Cherry Stem settles onto your skin, the fragrance evolves beautifully. Notes of plum nectar and sugared jasmine emerge, adding a delicate sweetness that complements the initial fruitiness. The dry down is where the real magic happens, with grounding notes of ebony woods and soft leather creating a surprisingly sophisticated and complex base.

PHLUR’s founder Chriselle Lim calls it ‘enticing, dark, and a little mysterious,’ and honestly, she nailed it. — Kimberly Wilson

While it might evoke a fleeting memory of brighter, nostalgic scents like Escada Cherry in the Air, Cherry Stem carves its own path with a moodier, darker profile. It’s this unique blend that makes it stand out from other cherry-centric fragrances that often aim to mimic popular scents.

Performance and Versatility

In terms of performance, Cherry Stem offers a solid wear time of about four to five hours before settling closer to the skin. The first couple of hours provide a noticeable presence without being overpowering, striking that perfect balance where people notice your scent as you pass by. And like the rest of the PHLUR lineup, the bottle design is chic, complete with a convenient magnetic cap – a small detail that adds to the overall luxurious experience.

What’s truly surprising is its versatility. While it’s perfect for evening wear or special occasions, it also works wonderfully for casual outings. Reaching for it on a random Tuesday to run errands feels just as appropriate, proving its adaptability.

Layering Potential for a Custom Scent

Cherry Stem is also an excellent candidate for fragrance layering. Want to enhance its cozy side? Try pairing it with a vanilla scent like Kayali Vanilla 28 to bring out caramel notes and add creaminess. For a woodier, sexier vibe, layer it with Le Labo Santal 33 to emphasize the ebony woods and create a more unisex profile. If you’re leaning into the dark fruit theme, Byredo Bal d’Afrique offers a gorgeous fruity-floral-woody combination that complements the opening notes.

Even cleaner scents work well. Layering with Glossier You or PHLUR’s own Missing Person creates a soft, skin-like base with Cherry Stem adding its unique mysterious charm on top.