Taking Notes - Scents And Sensibilities

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Spritzing on fragrance after putting on clothes is like adding a full-stop to the end of a sentence. It signifies the end of a ritual, the finale of a performance, or an impactful impression. As Coco Chanel famously said, “No elegance is possible without perfume. It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory.”

For those who have a signature scent, know this: when you use the same fragrance for several months, or even, years, your brain tends to block out smells that surround you gradually every day. With the year coming to an end, it is perhaps time to reflect on your fragrance choices and edit your current perfume collection. Here’s how you can start curating a new fragrance wardrobe.
 
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Scents and Sensibilities

Different moods and occasions call for different scents. Here’s what you need to know about amassing the right variety for a definitive fragrance wardrobe

Wearing perfumes is not merely about masking body odours. The fragrance you choose creates an olfactory impression that associates you with that particular scent. It reflects your emotions, personality and attitude. It can even take you from ordinary to extraordinary.

A scent can transform your outlook and energy. It can elevate your mood and set you up for success – be it in the boardroom or on a romantic date.

When you like the way you smell, you would naturally feel good. And feeling good goes a long way to boosting your confidence. That way, you can tackle any situation life throws at you with that extra spring in your step.

What’s In Your Fragrance Wardrobe?

Whether you feel rambunctious or reserved, the right fragrance can help accurately project the aura that is befitting the occasion. If you are in a flirtatious mood, something light and fruity can inject the right energy for fun. If you are raring for romance, a headier and richer floral fragrance can heighten senses and take you to the next level.

Having a plethora of perfumes matters as much as that collection of skirts and dresses in your wardrobe. A diverse collection of fragrances gives you the liberty to ensure you are wearing the scent fitting for any mood and occasion. Start building your fragrance cabinet with these essentials:

FOR A ROMANTIC DATE… GO FLORAL

A floral scent that exudes femininity while oozing sensuality is the choice companion. Be it rose, jasmine or lily, these pretty petals add an alluring dimension that is perfect for the celebration of love.

● Chloe L’eau Eau de Toilette, $185 (100 ml)

A variation of the iconic Chloe Rose created in 2008, the refreshing rendition features rose and is enhanced with magnolia and jasmine notes, while its tangy scent blends beautifully with the richness of oakmoss.

● Bvlgari Rose Goldea Blossom Delight Eau de Parfum, $189 (75 ml)

This floral rose musk scent opens with an energetic youthfulness of violet leaf, green papaya and jasmine notes, before revealing the freshness of the rosebud and rose petal infusion, and finally leaving hints of Bulgarian Rose Absolute, white musk and ambergris.

● Miss Dior Eau de Toilette, $196 (100 ml)

Like a melodic arrangement, this citrusy fragrance reflects the sweetness of blood orange and juicy mandarin while the subtle presence of patchouli binds these cheerful notes altogether. The scent of the Grasse rose is complemented by the freshness of jasmine and lily of the valley.

● Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Amyris Femme Extrait de Parfum, $465 (70 ml)

Featuring amyris from Jamaica and iris from Florence, this floral bouquet offers a sunny disposition that is further heightened by the infusion of mandarin blossom, pear, jasmine, orris butter and amber wood.
 
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● Giorgio Armani Sì Passione Eau de Parfum, $175 (100 ml)

For the empowered woman who is feminine and free, this vibrant scent features the blackcurrant Jungle Essence nectar combined with sparkling pear. Opening with notes of spicy pink pepper, rose blooms, heliotrope and jasmine are infused with vanilla to create a fruity floral scent flanked by cedarwood and Orcanox.

● Acqua di Parma Signatures of the Sun Yuzu Eau de Parfum $330 (100 ml)

Featuring yuzu as the key note, this Asian-inspired scent combines bergamot and Sichuan pepper with floral notes of mimosa, violet, jasmine and lotus flower for a fruity scent that’s elegant and not cloyingly sweet.

● Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Femme Eau de Parfum, $187 (90 ml)

This modern fragrance breaks the mould of typical fruity scents, as it has evolved from a classic chypre-floral into the first chypre-fruity fragrance. Its three key ingredients include blackberry, Bulgarian rose, and the woody warmth of goldenwood, which is a new natural extract of Nootka Cypress.

● Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Flora Cherrysia, $161 (125 ml)

This playful fragrance puts a new spin on spontaneity with its irresistible fruity-floral citrus scent that features the pink cherry blossom. Refreshed with bergamot, this scent has notes of nashi pear and watermelon while balanced with violet and white musk.

● Floraiku AO Eau de Parfum, $475 (50 ml + 10 ml refill)

A sparkling addition to the Forbidden Incense collection, AO means green and blue in Japanese, reflecting the colour of the sky, sea and forest. Fig adds green tones while mandarin injects zestiness. Myrrh oil creates a seductive mood that is softened by the vanilla-like scent of tonka bean absolute.

● Byredo Slow Dance Eau de Parfum, $332 (100 ml)

This unisex, smoky yet honeyed fragrance has a top note of sweet myrrh while labdanum adds a creamy softness and geranium provides sparkling freshness. For universal appeal, a veil of violet envelops it all upon a base of vanilla and patchouli.

● Memo Paris Oriental Leather Eau de Parfum, $355 (75 ml)

This rich and dizzying fragrance radiates with anise seed, cinnamon and vanilla intertwined with the fresh and floral scent of lavender, cinnamon and benzoin. Patchouli, coriander seed, pimento leaf and geranium help bring out its warmth.

● Nars Audacious Fragrance, $250 (50 ml)

In this composition of contrasts, light meets dark while sensuality meets individuality. Top notes of white frangipani and smoke of incense harmonise with the tiare flower, ylang-ylang and sandalwood offers a provocative experience, underlined with white cedar and white musk.

FOR A FUN AND CASUAL DAY OUT… GO FRUITY

A fruity fragrance is just the right touch for a relaxing get-together. Not too heady with refreshing and delicate tones, a fruit-scented perfume speaks right to the heart of fun and friendship.

FOR TAKING CHARGE… GO MUSKY

When you mean business, you need to make sure your fragrance helps, not hinders. Enter the strong and unwavering musky scents that exude confidence.

PHOTO: FLORIAN SOMMET / TRUNK ARCHIVE / SNAPPER IMAGES
TEXT: ANNABEL MIDDLETON