It’s a week before Christmas, when all round the house, every creatures was panicking, I mean who wants a blouse?! No. Seriously. Stop buying whatever you think will make a good last minute Christmas present and listen up. The best gifts given are the ones that you wouldn’t buy yourself, and I don’t know about you but fragrance is that weird expensive thing that you don’t normally ‘treat yo self’ with. But here lies the problem: what one do you choose?! Perfume is one of the most personal gifts you can give, so it’s about knowing your customer (you know, the gift receiver) and paying attention to what she likes. To help you along the way, here’s a list of my all time favourite scents that I wear (or covet) on rotation.
Guerlain – La Petite Robe Noire
Otherwise known as my signature scent, La Petite Robe Noire is one of my all time favourite smells since its launch back in 2012. Guerlain have always been one of my favourite perfume houses, specialising in rich, warm and extravagant scents and this one is no exception. Think black cherries, almonds, black tea, aniseed and vanilla, completely embodying the concept of the LBD: flattering and easy to wear, a safe choice for when you are clueless of what to put on. It’ll never let you down! From £38
Juliette Has a Gun – Lady Vengeance
Finding this fragrence at the back of the bus (true story) was how we came together, smelling it was how I got hooked. Suave, luxurious and deeply sensual, Lady Vengeance by Juliette Has a Gun comprises an elegant trail of mystery starting from the name and following up with bergamot and lavender. With Bulgarian and Moroccan roses, patchouli and geranium ending in a base rich in musk with vanilla, I think it’s safe to say I have a type, right?! From £60
Penhaligon’s – Empressa
If you are looking for something extra romantic, look no further than Penhaligons. With a wonderful tale behind each scent, it really is the perfect brand to surprise the one you love with. When my fella wandered into the store a while back, I was more than impressed when he walked back out with the incredible fragrance of Empressa. Here’s how Penhaligons describe her: “she travels in style: all abundant pearls, mirrors and fine silks. Like her scent, she leaves a seductive and lasting impression but her noble airs are clothed elegantly in grace. Florals and fruits are exquisitely combined, tamed, because whilst she is sweet she is anything but clingy”. Yup. Think he made the perfect choice for me then! From £89.
Charlotte Tilbury – Scent of a Dream
We’ve all wanted to look like Kate Moss at some point in our fashion loving lives but now we can smell like her too. Ms Moss is the face of Charlotte Tilbury’s new sultry, woody but light fragrance, Scent of a Dream, and its as sexy and delicious as you might expect. From £68.
Reek Perfume – Damn Rebel Bitches
The indie kid on the block, Damn Rebel Bitches is the very first perfume from cruelty free brand Reek Perfume. Celebrating the strong, the rebellious and the unapologetic, Damn Rebel Bitches is a sassy scent with notes of blood orange, hazelnut and pink peppercorns,. Who needs compliments when you can just love every inch of yourself eh? £75
Molton Brown – Oudh Accord & Gold
So she wants Tom Ford, huh? Already splurged on those shoes, huh? Look no further than Molton Brown’s dupe for Oud Wood. It’s one of those fragrances I chased someone around Marrakech for (again, true story) and it’s been in my handbag ever since. From £36
Prada – Prada (Amber) Eau de Parfum
Prada by, well, Prada is an oriental fragrance based around amber and surrounded by four main essential oils: Indian sandalwood, Indonesian patchouli, French labdanum resin, and Siam benzoin. The first (of many) scents from the fashion house, this is for those who love something classy but love to turn heads. Plus, fancy bottle alert!! From £35
Tom Ford – Tobacco Vanille
One for him or her, Tobacco Vanilla is one of Tom Fords most classic scents. A part of the Private Blend collection, a smooth, oriental Tobacco Vanille opens with notes of tobacco leaf and aromatic spices, a complex but oh so smooth scent, it would make a very, very lovely gift for someone special. From £148.
Stella McCartney – Stella
It seems pretty clear that I am a woody, ambery, rosey, kind of girl and that doesn’t stop with this Stella fragrance. With top notes of rose, peony and mandarin essence; middle notes of rose and bases of amber, this is a sensual fragrance and an old favourite of mine. From £47.
Helmut Lang – Eau de Parfum
Another scent which I have yet to wear (unless mid-isle bathing in it) and found by chasing a woman down Buchanan Street, Helmut Lang’s Eau de Parfum is powdery, musky, yet with this incredible soul of woods, amber (well, obvs). Oh so sexy, oh so mysterious. From £120.
Atkinsons 1799 – 24 Old Bond Street
If you are looking something special with extras, this limited edition Atkinsons 1799 collaboration with Silken Favours is all you need. Limited edition and comes complete with an adorable bear themed silk scarf, this grapefruiy scent is perfect for a Mr or Mrs. £140
Need it Cruelty Free? Eden Perfumes
Has your girl made a commitment to a cruelty free make up bag? Show her you’ve been listening with a cruelty free scent from Eden. Not sure what she’d like? Don’t worry, Eden take the best selling scents in the world and recreates them in a cruelty free fashion. What’s more is it’s the perfect size for a handbag and really affordable! From £18.
OK so I know you may have been expecting a range of scents instead of a love affair to amber scents but this is basically my fragrance back catalogue and shopping list all in one. Most people are really loyal to their scents but there’s something so romantic about someone giving the gift of smelling beautiful. Dontcha think? What’s your favourite scents?
