Is signature scent overrated? This is a question I found myself asking when I was lucky enough to bring forth all my burning, scent-focused questions bella hadidSupermodel and founder ‘Orbella. The brand has released three new hair and body mists along with its editor-approved perfume—that’s reason for our Q&A. After learning how she uses them, I’ve officially accepted my long-standing perfume preferences. IMO, I’d prefer to maintain a wardrobe of multifaceted fragrances rather than a single signature scent.
in truth ‘Orbella The fashion, new hair and body mists feature a skin-first, two-step formula. They’re hydrating, alcohol-free, and designed to elevate your aura with a blend of fine fragrance notes and essential oils. However, unlike the brand’s perfumes, they are lighter, “effortless” and designed for a “fluid” scent ritual. Hadid often creates and experiments with her scents by placing them in different combinations. Ahead, read our exclusive interview and get Hadid’s guide to finding the right scent for every situation.
(Image credit: Orabella)
What inspired you to move beyond perfume and create hair and body mists?
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I’ve always seen fragrance as a personal thing; It’s not just about how you smell, but how you feel in your body. With perfume, they’re very intentional, a grounding ritual. But I wanted something that could stay with you in a more fluid, effortless way, something that you could reach for throughout the day for an instant refresh. Actually this is where the fog came from.
I like the idea of creating a format that is lighter, more comfortable, and made to be used on your hair, on your skin, in layers as you wish. Plus, it was really important to me to make them alcohol-free (since that’s what ‘Orbella’ stands for!), so they feel hydrating and nourishing instead of drying. It becomes less about “putting on perfume” and more about this constant, joyful sensory ritual that you can return to, something that’s expressive, freeing, and that actually follows you through your everyday life.
There are three fragrances. Let’s start with Gardenia Whisper. How does it make you feel, and what places, memories or contexts does it evoke?
Gardenia’s Whispers Very soft from the beginning; You get a touch of rhubarb, but it’s not spicy, it’s more like a gentle lift that immediately melts into something creamy. The jasmine and gardenia come through in a really calming, skin-closet way; It’s floral, but diffuse, like it’s part of you instead of sitting on top.
As it settles, the warmth of the vanilla and cashmere wood wraps everything together, giving it this cozy, almost nostalgic softness without any feeling of heaviness. This is a scent that doesn’t try to take up space; It attracts people towards itself. Very personal, very concise, and really about that closeness you feel when something is just for you.
What about the dew of nectar?
nectar dew It feels like stepping into a garden as the morning light falls, everything is still dewy, soft, and just beginning to bloom. It opens with this fresh, almost sparkling juice, pear and fig, slightly touched with citrus, like fruit gently warmed by the sun but still kissed by the coolness of the morning. Then it flows into peony and orange blossom, which feels really airy and petal-like, almost as if you’re walking through flowers that are still holding water droplets. As it settles, it becomes warmer and more grounding with soft musks and tonka, but it never loses that lightness. It really blends into your skin in a natural, glowing way. It’s that feeling of fresh skin, open air, and quiet moments in nature, like everything is new, and you’re just starting the day.
And golden brulee?
Golden Brulee The warmest of the three is the one with the most cover. It opens with this rich, spicy softness – there’s something immediately comforting about it, almost like warmth on the skin. Then the plum comes in, deep and slightly syrupy, blending into the tobacco and cashmere in a way that’s textural and slightly addictive.
As it dries down, it becomes all about creamy warmth, tonka and vanilla, but not too sweet. It’s like a slow, glowing sweetness that lingers and wraps around you. It feels pleasant, but still spontaneous, like golden light at the end of the day, when everything becomes soft and slow.
These body mists are made for layering. Do you have any signature combos you’ve been loving lately?
I’m loving Nectar Dew as a base and then adding a little Gardenia Whisper on top. It gives you a refreshing glow with a beautiful floral blend, so it lasts all day long. I don’t really stick to one combo, although it always depends on my mood. Plus, I love layering them on top of my skin perfumes. Start with the perfume applied directly to the skin for all-day moisture and radiance, and then let that scent bloom all day long with the freshness of the mist!
What scent would you wear to Sunday brunch?
I would go with Nectar Dew. It has that soft glow that feels really effortless, the pear and fig give it this fresh, bright quality, and the florals keep it light and easy. It feels like having clear skin, natural light, and just being present with the people you love.
What about a farmers market?
Also Nectar Dew, but a little more generously layered – really getting drenched in it! There’s something about the juiciness and light green freshness that really connects to that moment, everything ripe, colorful, vibrant. It feels very “in the moment” and sensory.
beach?
I would wear Golden Brulee to the beach. On warm skin, the vanilla and tonka become this soft, sun-warmed glow, not heavy, just comfortable. It blends with the salt and air in an almost beautiful way.
What if you’re attending a summer wedding?
This is definitely Gardenia Whisper. It is romantic and sublime, but still restrained. The jasmine and gardenia feel timeless, and the soft woods and vanilla keep it from feeling too formal; It is absolutely quietly beautiful.
And, finally, date-night dinner and drinks?
Definitely the Golden Brulee. It’s got that depth and warmth that draws people in, plum, soft spice, vanilla… it’s built around in a way that feels really intimate and a little addictive. This makes them think about you and maybe want something more.
Last but not least, these hair and body mists are great for use on the go. Are there any other low-effort, high-impact beauty products you use on busy days?
I’m always attracted to things that feel effortless but still make you feel like you, just a little more elevated. For me, it’s anything that enhances rather than covers. What’s really essential is a good lip oil or balm, something that gives you natural shine and hydration without the need for a mirror. Skin color is another, just a light, breathable layer that lets your skin in, but heals everything in a matter of seconds.
I also love a cream blush that you can dab with your fingers, on your cheeks, even a little on your lips, it instantly brings your face to life. And brushing your eyebrows every once in a while can completely change how you feel. But honestly, scent is always part of that ritual for me. Being able to wet your hair and body throughout the day, especially something hydrating and lightweight, is such an easy reset. It’s not just about how you smell, but how you come back to yourself for a moment, no matter where you are.
Buy all three Orebella Body and Hair Mists
‘Orbella
Gardenia’s Whispers
Fragrance Notes: Rhubarb, nectarine, bergamot, apple, jasmine, muguet, davana, gardenia, patchouli, cashmere wood, white amber, cedar wood, vanilla
Whisper of Gardenia evokes “the feeling of walking into a garden in fresh bloom.” It’s a romantic, fresh floral scent infused with rose water for hydrating and toning properties.
top: Bergamot, Cassis, Pear Citron, Lemon, Fig, Orange Blossom, Princess Peony, Pink Pepper, Freesia, Tonka, Musk, Sandalwood, Sweet Praline, Vetiver
Nectar Dew is an aquatic, fruity-floral scent bursting with fig, pear and peony. It also has orange blossom water added for its hydrating and brightening properties.
‘Orbella
Golden Brulee
Fragrance Notes: Warm Spices, Frosted Sage, Plum, Tobacco Leaf, Cashmere, Tonka Bean, Cedar Wood, Vanilla Bean
Golden Brulee is a warm, amber-gourd ale that smells like golden hour when bottled. It is infused with coconut water, which is known for its hydrating and softening properties.
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