Smell amazing all the time with these new fragrances and perfume hacks.
Smell amazing all the time with these new fragrances and perfume hacks.
A State of Zen
It has the same fresh, water-based DNA as the earlier EDP version, but Issey Miyake’s L’Eau d’Issey Pure EDT ($164) has an extra-citrusy zest, courtesy of the addition of neroli and mandarin. Rose and lily of the valley make up its delicate floral heart, while ambergris and a special note called Cashmeran give it a lightly musky finish with a salty tinge. Think spring blossoms, sea spray and sun-warmed skin.
Life’s a Peach
Expressing the happiness of life and new beginnings, Dior J’Adore In Joy EDT ($134-$194) is a floral-fruity blend of jasmine sambac, neroli, tuberose and peach. Sea salt gives it a unique salty gourmand twist.
Delicate Florals
If you prefer a sweet, floral scent, reach for Abercrombie & Fitch’s First Instinct for Women EDP ($67-$114), which has notes of grapefruit, orchid, passion fruit, orange blossom and tonka beans.
Cultured Youth
Jimmy Choo L’Eau EDT ($69-$149) is a fruity-floral scent that opens with notes of hibiscus and bergamot before nectarine and peony come to the fore. Sweet without being sugary, the scent stays fresh and airy despite the sensual base notes of musk and cedarwood.
Fresh Oud
Built around agarwood, Atelier Cologne’s Emeraude Agar Cologne Absolue ($390) is an earthy-sweet, bold unisex fragrance that manages to also smell clean and crisp. Bergamot, angelica and zingy black pepper lighten it and lend an invigorating vibe, while geranium rounds off the scent so it doesn’t come across as overly sharp.
Bright Young Thing
If you could bottle the scent of a fruit garden on a breezy summer’s day, it might well smell like the limited-edition Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Kiss EDT ($115). A sweet, luscious concoction of blackcurrant, grapefruit, pineapple and fresh florals such as white freesia and jasmine, it has a cedarwood base that gives it a sexy finish that lingers.
One For All
Calvin Klein CK All EDT ($88-$121) retains the original CK One’s citrusy green-tea signature, with the addition of amber, musk and paradisone (a radiant floral molecule) for a warm, woody aspect.
An Amalfi Summer
Tom Ford’s Sole di Positano EDP ($330-$850) is a classed-up version of the ubiquitous floral-citrus scent. While it has notes of bergamot, bitter orange, lemon and mandarin, there’s a verdant freshness to it, with notes of ylang-ylang, jasmine and lily of the valley adding depth.
Fresh and Light
The unisex Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Bergamote Calabria EDT ($143) is a zesty bergamot fragrance with a green twist, thanks to notes of coriander and ginger. It dries down to reveal warm, musky and vanilla notes. Perfect for everyday wear.
Subtle Edge
With notes of iris, ginger and cedar, Berdoues Arz El-rab Cologne Grand Cru (price unavailable) is a classy, creamy and comforting unisex scent. The lightly spicy ginger and woody cedar not only balance the sweetness of iris but also lend the scent a masculine vibe.
Fresh Out of the Shower
There is pleasure to be had in little moments and simple things, like that first sip of freshly brewed tea. Running with this idea, Elizabeth Arden has come up with White Tea EDT ($24-$49), a soft musky-woody floral that’s very easy on the nose. Opening with zingy Italian mandarin and a fresh sea-breeze note, it develops into the soothing, tranquil scent of white tea. Madras wood, ambrette seed and a trio of musks round things off gently.
Return to Innocence
Spring is the season of joy and fresh beginnings – notions Miu Miu wants to evoke with its L’Eau Bleue EDP ($103-$176). A fresher version of the brand’s eponymous signature perfume, it opens with the delicate, somewhat sappy scent of lily of the valley, then bolsters it with crisp, refreshing green notes, white florals and the scent of morning dew. Akigalawood – a sweet, peppery accord that smells like patchouli but without the muskiness – lends it a surprising kick.
Impression of a Rose
Izia EDP ($130-$280) is inspired by a rose from the family estate of Isabelle d’Ornano – who was the wife of Sisley’s late founder – and named after the Polish short form of her name. It’s a modern rose fragrance which, though bright and dewy, is also too sophisticated to be casual. The sweetness of white bergamot, freesia and tea is balanced by pink peppercorn. Rose, freesia, angelica and peony intensify the scent, while cedar and musk round it off in a clean and powdery way.
Soft Power
Say “oriental fragrance” and those with milder tastes will probably run in the opposite direction. This should not be the case with Guerlain’s Mon Guerlain EDP ($98), a lighter take on conventional orientals with its freshness and soft warmth. Balancing opulent notes such as jasmine, rose and sandalwood with clean-smelling, herby carla lavender and sweet gourmand vanilla, it’s sensual and uber-feminine – like its muse and face Angelina Jolie.
From left to right.
Floral Glamour
Paying homage to both the house’s glittering history and iconic flowers are Bulgari’s Splendida Rose Rose EDP and Iris d’Or EDP ($111-$229 each).
Based on the damask rose, Splendida Rose Rose is ultra-feminine, and starts off fruity and sparkling, with notes of blackberry and mandarin. It then dries down to a soft, powdery finish with patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver and musk.
Iris d’Or, on the other hand, is a warm, radiant creation that’s like bottled golden light. Fresh, green notes of violet and mimosa lead in to a heart of sensual iris. Sandalwood and tonka bean base notes round off a posh, creamy scent.
Energy Elixir
Translating the beauty of light into perfume, Kenzo has created Flower By Kenzo Eau de Lumiere ($83- $156), which aims to evoke the energy and positive emotions of this life-giving force. Various points of the light spectrum are represented: bergamot captures the freshness of white light; the richness of Bulgarian rose and jasmine sambac express the strength and vitality of daylight; and white musk embodies soft light, lending the fragrance warmth and a sexy vibe.
