Sticky, bright, and a little dangerous: The 7 Virtues STRAWBERRY JAM

If you think strawberry in perfume means bubblegum and glitter, think again. The 7 Virtues STRAWBERRY JAM arrives with stained fingertips and a wicked grin, pitching ripe fruit with actual texture and a not-so-innocent sheen. It is the kind of gourmand that flirts then lingers, more farmer’s market jar than mall kiosk spritz.

The story tracks back to Barb Stegemann, who has never been afraid of a feel-good brief with some backbone. Teaming up with Angela Stavrevska, a perfumer who knows how to shape volume without sugar bomb fatigue, she’s leaning into strawberry the way it wants to be worn now. Less pink frosting, more sun-warmed fruit, the little pop of seeds, the gloss of a spoon licked clean.

What to expect on skin: a bright, mouthwatering opening that actually smells like fruit, not soda syrup. Picture a wild-strawberry shimmer cut with a touch of tartness that keeps you reaching for another sniff. The heart reads plush and petal-lit, the kind of rosy nuance that gives lift instead of lipstick. The base settles creamy and clean, a soft-focus blend of musk and vanilla with a gentle woodiness that hugs rather than hollers. The overall effect is jammy, yes, but air-kissed and wearable from brunch to midnight.

Performance will matter for a scent like this. Gourmands can overstay their welcome, but this one feels smartly tuned. I’m betting on medium sillage with a cocooning drydown that lasts through an afternoon, and that is exactly where a strawberry should live if you plan to actually wear it.

Why it works right now: Galentine’s sets the mood for friendly mischief, and The 7 Virtues STRAWBERRY JAM hits that sweet spot. It is playful without tipping juvenile, polished without going prim. If you already love berry-forward fragrances, this will feel like a grown-up upgrade. If you usually avoid sugary florals, this might be your gateway, thanks to its breezy structure and clean finish.

File it under modern gourmand, strawberry done right, and a timely reminder that joy belongs on skin. I’ll be reaching for it when I want to smell like I got away with something.