Searching for a new fragrance? Editor Trudi Brewer has taken the leg work out of finding that new season scent, and with Christmas only five weeks away we have one for you and one for someone you love.
Here’s the latest, and why we like them.
“The feminine contrast between oriental vanilla and white musk brings exotic holiday feelings into everyday life.”
Image Montbanc
With almost 200 new scents on offer in 2020, (and in a COVID year, that's impressive), this summer's new scents are a fusion of science and nature. From natural and lab-made ingredients, this combination adds body and longevity to fragrance and can mimic those ingredients that are no longer sustainable to harvest. This summer, fruit-based scents reign supreme and not just citrus; think exotic fruits, including berries, peach, granny smith apple - and even rhubarb.
Marc Jacobs Perfect EDP, $199.
Fruity, creamy woody floral
Tart rhubarb, with delicate spring narcissus (from the daffodil and jonquil family of spring flowers), almond milk, and cedarwood are all heightened by a synthetic ingredient known as Cashmeran. This fruity, creamy scent is summed up in one word - delicious.
Marc Jacobs Perfect EDP, $199
If we are guilty of wearing the same perfume year in and year out, we have some ideas for getting out of a fragrance rut. There are four prominent olfactive families (or basic scent categories) citrus, floral, spicy, and woody. Consider what family your favourite belongs to those ingredients to find a new signature scent. When shopping or a newbie, only try three at once; otherwise, you will become overwhelmed. Finally, you don't have to buy a fragrance; buy the body lotion instead. You will get a lower concentration of the scent, and it's an excellent way to try something new and see if you like it.
Montblanc Women Signature EDP, $150.
Montblanc Women Signature, EDP, $150.
Creamy, floral-oriental
Delicate peony, and crisp citrusy clementine, are given longevity thanks to the voluptuous vanilla. Then the sunny blend of magnolia, Ylang-Ylang, and amber makes this newbie a very sensual scent.
If fragrance is on your Christmas shopping list, consider these rules: First, who are you shopping for, consider your relationship, if it's your partner or a close family member, make sure you like the scent because you will smell it daily. Next, consider the person you are shopping for; if they have a bold personality, they will love a full-bodied scent. Also, consider their taste in food, a spice lover will be thrilled to receive an Oriental-style fragrance. And finally, consider their style, if they're into designer accessories - this season, with the number of designer scents on the market, you will be spoilt for choice.
Gucci Bloom Profumo Di Fiori, 50ml $174.
Woody, sweet floral
The blend of Sambac jasmine and Rangoon creeper (which is in all the Gucci Bloom scents) gives this new fragrance a sweet heady floral burst the moment you spray it on. Next, the blend of tuberose, jasmine and Ylang-Ylang, musk, sandalwood, benzoin, and orris give it lasting appeal, much like a luxe-y Gucci accessory.
Gucci Bloom Profumo Di Fiori, 50ml $174.
Designer fragrances just keep on coming. By far the most popular fragrance trend, this summer there's something to suit any fragrance taste. Why I hear you ask? Wearing a fashionable fragrance is the most cost-effective way to buy into a luxury brand.
Karl Lagerfeld Karl Paris 21 Rue Saint-Guillaume, 100ml $85.
Karl Lagerfeld Karl Paris 21 Rue Saint-Guillaume, 100ml $85.
Citrus, floral
Fresh is an understatement with this newbie. The blend of mandarin and grapefruit hits you when you spritz it on, followed by the mix of crushed violet leaves, then rose, jasmine and gardenia. Together these ingredients make this a popular choice if you like to wear those fresh, zesty summery florals.
A floral fragrance is typically light and fresh and ideal for wearing any time of the day, especially at work. Also, a midday spritz, is a great pick-me-up and will boost your motivation and act as a stress-buster for you and those around you.
Dolce & Gabanna Light Blue Love is Love, 50ml, $110.
Sweet, citrus floral
The blend of Italian lemon, granny smith apple, raspberry gelato jasmine, and creamy musk, if that hasn't piqued your interest, the sweet Chantilly accord ( a sweet synthetic), makes this scent - almost edible.
Dolce & Gabanna Light Blue Love is Love, 50ml, $110.