Fragrance files: Zoliswa Mbadu's signature scent edit

Model, beauty muse, and fashion influencer Zoliswa Mbadu is that girl! Effortlessly commanding attention wherever she goes and a familiar face on the social scene, she’s known for her cool, directional style and a distinctive approach to beauty that blends creativity with edge.

From bold makeup moments to an ever-evolving fragrance wardrobe, Zoliswa doesn’t just follow trends, she defines them. She invites us into her world of scent, sharing the perfumes currently on her radar and the notes that capture her mood, style, and signature allure.

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Maison Crivelli: Oud Maracujá Extrait de Parfum

I was never drawn to oud until Oud Maracujá. It completely shifted my perspective. Easily one of the most compelling oud fragrances I’ve experienced, with remarkable longevity that lingers well into the next day. It opens with a rich, commanding oud, then evolves into an unexpectedly vibrant blend of juicy passionfruit, soft musk, and rose. The contrast is striking, yet beautifully controlled. The brightness of the fruit lifts the depth of the oud in a way that feels both bold and refined. This is for someone who prefers their presence to be felt before a word is spoken. Confident, expressive, and undeniably unisex, it thrives in the evening and in cooler weather, leaving a lasting impression without ever feeling excessive.

Parfums de Marly: Delina Exclusif Eau de Parfum

Delina Exclusif has lingered in my mind since the very first wear. If I had to choose one fragrance to live in, this would sit firmly at the top of the list. It opens with a luminous burst of pear, litchi, and bergamot, before melting into a velvety, powdery heart where Turkish rose, soft musk, and a delicate trace of incense unfold. The evolution is seamless, fresh and radiant at first, then gradually deepening into something smoother, warmer, and more enveloping. This is a refined, rose-led composition that feels effortlessly sensual and captivating in a way that whispers rather than demands attention. Feminine, polished, and subtly playful, it transitions beautifully across seasons and occasions, always leaving behind a graceful, unforgettable impression.

By Kilian: Love, Don’t Be Shy Eau de Parfum

I first reached for Love, Don’t Be Shy after hearing it’s one of Rihanna’s signature scents…and it quickly became a standout in my gourmand rotation. There’s something instantly uplifting about it, with a soft nostalgia that feels like stepping into the most elegant candy store. It opens with a delicate rush of marshmallow sweetness, before melting into a luminous heart of orange blossom, layered with hints of rose and jasmine, and finished with a creamy touch of vanilla. The balance is beautifully done, rich and indulgent, yet airy enough to feel refined rather than overwhelming. Playful and decadent, this is for someone who embraces a sweeter signature with confidence. It’s light enough for daytime wear, yet warm enough to transition seamlessly into the evening, especially in spring and summer…leaving behind a soft, irresistible trail.

Nishane Hundred Silent Ways Extrait De Parfum

Hundred Silent Ways is one of those fragrances I find myself returning to instinctively, effortless, familiar, and quietly captivating. On my skin, it opens with a soft touch of peach, offering a gentle fruitiness before melting into creamy white florals that feel smooth, almost cocooning. As it settles, notes of vanilla and sandalwood unfold, adding a warm, slightly sweet depth that’s incredibly easy to wear. What stands out most is its restraint and it doesn’t demand attention, yet it lingers in a refined, understated way. There’s a polished intimacy to it, the kind of scent that’s noticed up close rather than announced from across the room. Clean, elegant, and subtly addictive, it’s a fragrance that simply works—no eff ort, no excess, just quiet confidence.

Jo Malone London: Peony & Blush Suede Cologne

Peony & Blush Suede is my ultimate grab-and-go, effortless, polished, and always just right when I don’t have time to overthink it. It opens with a crisp, playful bite of red apple, lending a fresh, slightly flirty edge before softening into delicate peony that feels clean, airy, and beautifully understated. In the background, the suede adds a smooth, refined finish and never loud, just quietly pulled together. It’s the kind of scent that sits close to the skin, easy to wear and endlessly reliable, like that go-to outfit that somehow always works. Simple, elegant, and effortlessly chic, it’s a fragrance that makes feeling put-together second nature.

Vilhelm Parfumerie: Morning Chess Eau de Parfum

Morning Chess is my “out the door, but make it luxury” scent, effortless, elevated, and instantly put-together. It opens with a crisp burst of citrus, before settling into a green, polished heart, underscored by a smooth touch of leather that feels quietly expensive without ever trying too hard. What I love most is its balance. It sits perfectly between fresh and grounded, clean and vibrant, yet confi dent and composed. Neither overtly masculine nor feminine, it exists entirely in its own lane. Sharp, modern, and subtly powerful, it’s the kind of fragrance that moves with you, leaving behind a trace of intention wherever you go.