There’s something about Khloé Kardashian’s cookie jars that just sparks joy. I grew up watching Keeping Up With the Kardashians, and I’ve watched each family member navigate countless life changes. Yet one thing remains delightfully consistent: Khloe’s impeccably organized pantry, lined with neatly stacked Oreo jars and custom-labeled snack baskets. Whether she’s arranging her pantry or conceptualizing new launches for Good American, Kardashian’s attention to detail is unmatched. So it’s no surprise that her latest endeavor is centered around the fine details—she’s dropping a fragrance.
Previously, Kardashian has released a fragrance collection in partnership with her then-husband Lamar Odom and a KKW fragrance collection with her sister Kim, but this is her first solo venture into the perfume game. XO Khloé launched at Ulta Beauty on December 1, with prices ranging from $58 to $78. The fragrance features notes of crystallized rose petals, praline, and tonka bean, and was created in partnership with Firmenich perfumers Alberto Morillas and Clement Gavarry. In anticipation of XO Khloé’s launch, Byrdie spoke to Khloé Kardashian about her fragrance journey, and all about the new perfume.
Khloé Kardashian
What was the inspiration behind XO Khloé?
It’s just so me. Doing a fragrance is so personal and it’s very vulnerable. I wanted this to be something that I’m wearing all the time, that, if you run into me and smell me, you know this is my signature scent. I’ve done fragrance collabs with my sister and my ex-husband, but this is my turn to have it really be all about me.
How would you describe your fragrance wardrobe over the years?
When I was younger, I loved Mugler Angel. When I smell it, it takes me back to junior high. I felt mature and sexy, but now when I smell it, I’m like, that was such a different version of me. These days, I’m definitely a lighter fragrance type of gal. Orange blossoms, florals, woody or musky undertones—there’s a great balance to it. You used to be able to smell me coming before I came into the room, and I don’t think that’s what we’re going for when we get a little older. You become wiser and more refined.
@khloekardashian/Instagram
What is your earliest fragrance memory?
My grandmother on my dad’s side always collected tons of fragrance bottles, the old school kinds. I loved going into her bathroom and playing with those. Her smell is such a grandmother’s smell—it was so comforting. I was enamored by these ornate, beautifully detailed perfume bottles that people spend so much time and effort and energy into, and seeing all that was so captivating and beautiful.
What was your first ever fragrance?
Bed bath and… what was it called? [Laughs]. Bath & Body Works! Their body sprays. I don’t remember the exact scent, but man, we smelled crazy back in the day. So overpowering.
How does wearing XO Khloé make you feel?
Confident. I feel so me. I almost feel naked if I’m not wearing it. I love that it’s my signature scent, that it is identifiably me. It just finishes off my outfit.
Khloé Kardashian
If XO Khloé was an outfit, what would it be?
Glamour. Sparkles. Diamonds. The bottle is crystal-inspired and it looks so beautiful in the light. But it’s not a fragrance that you have to be in a gown for. I just feel very polished when I’m wearing it.
What fragrance notes bring you comfort?
Orange blossom, gardenia, jasmine. But also cookies. And weirdly, I’m so clean that I love a little bleach scent too. Not as a perfume, but if I walk into a room and I smell bleach, I know it’s disinefected and clean, and I love it.
Do you have any special application tips?
One of my sisters only sprays fragrance on her clothes. But I really feel that fragrance reads better on your natural body oils, so I I love doing the wrists and the neck, because that’s where people hug you and kiss you. I also love spraying it in the air and just walking through it.