Find Your Scent: What Does Fig Smell Like?

There’s a whole world of scents to explore when it comes to fragrances, and one scent that definitely has our attention (and deserves yours, too) is fig. Its warm, sweet, and green scent makes it a standout option, and it’s no wonder fig is becoming so sought-after as a fragrance. 

Figs are popular for their universal appeal and versatility — if you're trying to find your own signature scent, we have a few reasons why a fig fragrance might be your perfect match.

Why Is the Fig Scent Gaining Popularity? 

Just like that one friend who gets along with… well, everyone, the fig fruit has a scent that seriously plays well with others. Whether you're a fan of fruity notes, woody undertones, or something in between, fig has something to offer you.

Versatility and Universal Appeal

Fig fragrances have a natural ability to adapt and blend seamlessly with various different scent profiles. Fig can work as a dominating, supporting, or grounding smell in a fragrance, pretty much making it the MVP when it comes to signature scents. This all-star versatility allows fragrance-makers to create a wide range of scents using fig, ranging from fresh and vibrant to deep and mysterious.

It's not just the versatility, though — fig also has a truly universal appeal that makes it a popular choice for unisex fragrances. 

That's why Vow Factor is one of Snif's best-selling fragrances of 2023. This unique fragrance features the captivating scent of fig and perfectly embodies feelings of charm and allure. With Vow Factor, you can find your perfect match, then bottle the feeling.

What Are the Origins of the Fig Scent? 

The smell of figs has deep roots, both geographically and culturally. Here’s a quick history lesson on where the fig scent came from.

Mediterranean Origins

Fig's journey into the world of fragrances began in the Mediterranean, where it was cultivated and used in ancient Greece and Rome. Wild fig trees flourish in a warm climate, so the Mediterranean is an ideal place for them to thrive. 

The fig tree, known scientifically as Ficus carica, is native to this region. The fruit was an essential part of Mediterranean diets, and in the Middle Ages, figs were traded as valuable commodities. In addition to being a food source, though, the fragrant green leaves and fruits of the fig tree became highly valued thanks to their aromatic properties. 

Cultural Significance

Fig holds a special place in folklore and cultural history. Figs are traditionally associated with abundance, fertility, and temptation in various mythologies and stories. One of the most famous references to figs is in the biblical story of Adam and Eve, where fig leaves were used as a covering for the pair. 

In Greek and Roman mythology, figs are associated with Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and pleasure, and Priapus, a satyr symbolizing sexual desire. This association with elements of innocence and sensuality has added a layer of romance and mystique to the fig scent, and we’re on board. 

What Does Fig Smell Like? 

Describing a fragrance is basically like trying to capture the essence of a moment in words – it's a delicate and subjective task, but we’ll do our best. 

The smell of figs can generally be characterized using three main descriptors:

• Warm: A fig scent offers a comforting warmth that envelops your senses — think of a sun-ripened fruit basking in the heat of the Mediterranean sun.

• Sweet: Fig scents have an element of sweetness similar to the natural sugars found in the ripe fruit. It's a subtle and inviting sweetness that reels you in, not an overwhelming one. 

• Earthy: Fig’s sweetness is often balanced out through the incorporation of earthy smells that ground a fragrance. These earthy undertones help add a level of depth and complexity to a fragrance, creating the perfect fig scent with extra layers of character. (Character development, anyone?)

What Scents Pair Well With Fig?

Fig is easy to be friends with — it’s super compatible with plenty of other scents, and when paired with the right ones, the end result is nothing short of amazing. 

Here are just a few scents that harmonize well with fig: 

• Mandarin: Mandarin has a zesty and vibrant smell that helps complement the sweetness of figs, creating a refreshing and invigorating experience.

• Cedarwood: Cedarwood pairs amazingly with fig by creating woody tones and a grounding scent experience. This combination is like the feeling of walking through a sun-drenched Mediterranean path.

• Rose: With its delicate and romantic scent, rose helps balance out the warmer side of fig and adds a light touch of elegance to the fragrance.

• Tonka Bean: Tonka bean has creamy and slightly spicy smells that play well with fig’s sweetness, resulting in a gourmand, luxurious scent.

When these different scents are combined, they create completely unique and unforgettable smells that’s sure to turn heads. 

What Makes Vow Factor’s Fig Scent Unique?

With the fig fragrance trend on the rise, we’re putting the spotlight on a standout creation in this aromatic landscape. 

Enter "Vow Factor," a fig-forward fragrance that showcases all the best qualities of figs… and elevates them to new heights.

The Vow Factor Fragrance

Vow Factor, one of Snif's best-selling fragrances of the year, highlights the essence of a fig scent in a truly unique way. Vow Factor takes the warmth, sweetness, and freshness of green figs and weaves it together with vibrant galbanum, setting the stage for a modern, sophisticated fragrance. 

As the heart of the fragrance unfolds, you'll be greeted by the ripe, fruity notes of fig, enhanced by a subtle sweetness from cassis and a woody depth from cedarwood. Tonka bean and ambrette add a sensual and lasting dimension to the fragrance, ensuring it lingers on your skin and in your memory.

All Snif fragrances are made for long-lasting wear without being overwhelming. If you typically spray 2-3 times a day, one Snif 30 ml bottle can last three to six months, meaning you can have this romantic fig-forward scent in your hands for nearly half a year before needing to restock. 

Make Fig Your New Fave

The fig scent is a captivating and versatile fragrance that has stolen our hearts and our noses. Its origins in the Mediterranean, cultural significance, and warm, sweet, and earthy scent make it a truly timeless and irresistible choice.

Figs can be seamlessly incorporated into your fragrance journey, whether you're drawn to fruity, woody, or gourmand scents. Plus, when you pair it with elements of mandarin, orange blossom, sandalwood, cedarwood, or tonka bean, you can create a personalized scent that reflects your individual style and preferences.

When it comes to experiencing the magic of fig, look no further than "Vow Factor" by Snif — a fragrance that not only celebrates the allure of fig, but also elevates it so you can leave a lasting impression wherever you go. 

Sources:

Fig | Description, History, Cultivation, & Types | Britannica

​​Food in the Roman World | World History

Fruit in Mythology | Myth Encyclopedia 

Dionysus/Bacchus - Subjects - Rijksstudio | Rijksmuseum