Perfumes with star anise

Star anise smells sweet, warm and licorice-like with a gentle spice; it resembles anise but is perceived as sharper and spicier, with a slightly woody warmth.

The dried star-shaped fruits of Illicium verum, a tree grown in China and Vietnam, are steam-distilled into an essential oil dominated by anethole. The scent recalls licorice sweets and warm spice. Star anise is used mostly in the top of a fragrance and often in the heart. It pairs with cinnamon, clove, lavender, tonka, vanilla, cardamom and woods.

star anise appears in 921 perfumes in the Fisfis catalogue and is used mostly as a top note.

Popular perfumes with star anise

• Penhaligon s Fortuitous Finley Penhaligon's (2025)
• The Different Company Jasmin de Nuit (2005)
• Maison Martin Margiela Funfair Evening (2012)
• Lush All Good Things (2014)
• Nishane Deziro (2024)
• Oriflame Divine Sensual (2007)
• Lorenzo Villoresi Piper Nigrum (1999)
• Angel Schlesser Homme (2001)
• Carner Barcelona Ibiza Nights (2020)
• Mugler Cuir Impertinent (2015)
• Maison Alhambra Salvo Intense (2022)
• Mariah Carey Dreams (2013)
• Atelier Cologne Mistral Patchouli (2013)
• Pierre Guillaume Paris Un Crime Exotique 12.1 (2006)
• O Boticário Quasar Fire O Boticário (2005)
• Dior Hypnotic Poison Elixir (2008)
• Avon Tomorrow (2005)
• Trussardi Walking in Porta Venezia (2022)
• Parfum d Empire Eau de Gloire Parfum d'Empire (2003)
• M. Micallef Glamour M. Micallef (2016)
• Halle Berry Halle Pure Orchid (2010)
• Adidas Moves (1999)
• Giorgio Armani Emporio Remix for Her (2006)
• Kerosene Black Vines (2014)

Notes most often paired with star anise

• Patchouli
• Bergamot
• Vanilla
• Musk
• Sandalwood
• Amber
• Cedar
• Jasmine
• Vetiver
• Rose
• Mandarin Orange
• Tonka Bean