I've spritzed hundreds of perfumes – these are the best for Christmas gifting
The power of fragrance is everlasting. It has the ability to change your mood, take you back to your childhood home, remind you of a special someone, or simply make you feel utterly irresistible.
You may already know the specific notes you like, or it could be that you’re drawn to the mood a perfume puts you in – be that calm, confident or energised.
Of course, fragrance is an entirely subjective experience. But gifting someone a fine luxe can show them just how much they mean to you, making perfume a thoughtful choice for Christmas. Pair a luxurious flacon with a handwritten note and you're bound to raise smiles, so consider this your ultimate guide to buying the perfect present for a loved one, as well as yourself.
For a delicate, everyday spritz, opt for an eau de toilette: these perfumes are lower in concentration and scent beautifully when applied to your pulse points (think behind your ears, the base of your neck and your wrists). If you prefer light and airy aromas, consider fragrances that are characterised by florals and citruses. Just note: because these compositions have a much smaller molecule size, they don't tend to last as long so they'll require spritzing throughout the day.
For a richer, longer-lasting fragrance, it's eau de parfum that you're after. Ideal for date night wear or evening outfits, heady amber and woody oud evoke a more sensual and sophisticated feel.
But before you rush to grab a handful of free samples or buy a perfume just because the bottle looks pretty (hey, we've all been there), let me help you do your research and find 'the one'. From the iconic classics that have stood the test of the time to the more recent scents that everyone seems to be snapping up, here's my guide to the best perfume you can buy now.
The best perfumes for women
Suite 302 eau de Parfum
Each perfume in Victoria Beckham's fragrance wardrobe was inspired by a memory she experienced with her husband, David.
Suite 302 is the heaviest aroma of the three, and is described by Victoria as a mysterious and sexy fragrance. With heady notes of black cherry, tobacco, and rose, it was designed to evoke the memory of her vow renewal in 2004.
It offers a sophisticated throw, making it the sort of fragrance you'd pair with an evening outfit or to wear on date night.
£170.00 at victoriabeckhambeauty.com
Retrospect
Merit Beauty may have mastered the art of simplicity through its chic and pared-back cosmetics, but when it comes to fragrance, this beauty delivers elegant complexity.
On the first spritz, you're met with airy and fruity notes of bergamot and pear, which are balanced by the delicate florals of jasmine, rose and violet. Then, to add depth to the composition, vanilla and musk round it off beautifully.
As complex as it may be, I love that this fragrance has the versatility to be worn during the day and in the evening.
Portraits Changing Constance Eau de Parfum
The caramel goodness of Penhaligon's Constance is utterly delicious. Without smelling sickly, the base notes consist of vanilla, tobacco, and cashmeran (a synthetic musk with subtle fruity notes), to embody a warm and cosy feeling – like throwing on a cashmere jumper and curling up in front of a crackling fire. It's where masculinity meets femininity, with a timeless refinement.
If you'd prefer an in-person shopping experience, you can head into Penhaligon's stores to explore its olfactive families – fresh, floral, woody, & ambery – and discover your perfume pairing.
L’Eau de Parfum Intense
Chloé's new L’Eau de Parfum Intense is the ultimate date night fragrance. It opens with the juicy notes of raspberry and settles on the skin with rose and ambrox to introduce a sensual and warm moment to its composition. It's neither too musky nor too sweet; it's the perfect balance of both, making it a fragrance that can be worn for any occasion – but for cocktails, it will never fail you.
Mémoire de Roses Eau de Parfum
A moment to appreciate the rose, L'Artisan Parfumeur's Mémoire de Roses is the definition of a feminine fragrance. Alongside the traditional, powdery scent of the flower, the perfume is brought to life with zingy hints of bergamot, introducing a modern take to the humble rose. It's a stunning every day choice or something to be reserved for sunny soirees.
Paradoxe Eau de Parfum
Prada’s Paradox EDP lives up to everything its name connotes: it's equally as shy as it is bold.
Upon first spritz, the top notes of neroli and jasmine create a floral-forward moment, but once the fragrance mellows, the brand’s signature base notes of ambrofix and serenolide leave a sensual and alluring trail.
It has that envious quality about it, leading people to stop you and ask: "What fragrance are you wearing?"
Red Hibiscus
Leaving the sweet smell of vanilla on your skin and the sparkling zest of mandarin in the air, Jo Malone's Red Hibiscus is divine. The scent's sillage strikes the perfect balance between being rich and warm, without overcoming the senses.
It's instantly zingy on first spritz, with top notes of ginger, mandarin and black cardamom, but then it softly mellows with the warming aromas of vanilla, amber and incense.
The cherry-red flacon will look especially chic placed on your dressing table, too.
Levant eau de parfum
Ormonde Jayne's Levant sings with the flirtatious and invigorating notes of peony, lily, orange blossom and jasmine. Composed for all floral lovers, each spritz denotes a fresh, sweet and exotic aroma that's bound to lift the mood of anyone who catches a whiff.
The orange flacon beautifully mimics the scent inside too: it's vibrant, zesty and perfect for days spent in the sun.
English Pear & Sweet Pea Cologne
Jo Malone's English Pear and Sweet Pea is beautiful inside and out. The top note of pear gives the scent a crisp throw upon its first spritz, but once it mellows, sweet pea and white musk linger for a softer, comforting trail. It’s sweet, sophisticated and utterly addictive.
Wild Mint & Lavandin Eau de Parfum
A bracing blend, Molton Brown’s Wild Mint and Lavandin EDP is inspired by the verdant woods of Provence, where perfumer Nathalie Koobus grew up.
The wild mint and basil bring about a lively aroma that dries down into something heady and herbaceous. Edged by nutmeg and lavandin (a potent iteration of lavender), the scent feels rich and grounding, which is equally appropriate for day-time brunches or evening drinks.
£130.00 at www.lookfantastic.com
For Her Musc Noir Rose Eau de Parfum
This sensual masterpiece is a modern adaption of the original For Her. While the well-loved OG has a muskier, more amber aroma at its heart, Musc Noir Rose is a fresh take with a sweeter, fruity twist.
The top notes of bergamot and tuberose, combined with warm vanilla, make it a go-to that feels perfectly suited for everything from cashmere jumpers to floral dresses.
You Eau De Parfum
One of the most fascinating things about fragrance is that the same scent can smell slightly different on everybody.
Glossier’s "You" pays homage to this; it’s designed to adjust its scent depending on who wears it. With its complex blend of pink pepper (a spicy top note) followed closely by a cosy aroma from ambrette seeds, this is a perfume that’s open to all possibilities.
Crafted to complement your own natural scent, it never fails to please.
Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum
I could easily devour Byredo’s beautiful, and extensive, collection of eau de parfum, but one Red must-have is Gypsy Water.
On first spritz, you’re hit with a beautiful woody aroma of pine needles that instantly perks up your senses. But soon, notes of citrus and juniper settle in and the scent is transformed.
It doesn't end there. Once the fragrance has dried down, the base notes of amber and sandalwood linger for a softer finish. Divine.
Miss Dior Eau De Parfum (50ml)
The classic Miss Dior fragrance has undergone many rebirths (a highlight is the Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming which has a richer, more floral aroma in comparison to the original).
The intricate bouquet of lily-of-the-valley, peony and iris lights up your senses for a sensational wave of freshness. It has a very peaceful scent that most people love, so it makes a reliable gift.
L'Interdit Eau de Parfum
Hubert de Givenchy created this fragrance in 1957 and aren’t I glad that he did. Since the days of Audrey Hepburn, the legendary designer’s original muse, it’s gone through a variety of adaptations.
The most recent addition is this complex concoction of white florals and earthy notes. It's arguably one of the most alluring fragrances you can get your hands on.
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