Twelve Wishlists of Christmas: Fragrance
What is the number one requested and bought present at Christmas? Fragrance of course! Even if I don’t have a scrap of make up on I always have a spray of something special, and even though you should never judge a book by its cover, it’s pretty hard not to judge one by its scent! If you’re looking to treat someone special, here’s a roundup of some classics.
1. I absolutely adore Crystal Noir by Versace, if only because outside of my work I’ve never smelt anyone else wearing it, which is always a major bonus for me. Beautiful top notes of Amber and insanely long lasting for a fragrance that doesn’t come from a specialist fragrance house, it’s a hit!
2. If you are looking for something from a specialist fragrance house but still want something a bit different, how about Miss Dior Le Parfam? If you find Miss Dior a little sweet, this is a great alternative. Almost leaves an oriental tobacco scent, which is perfect for a winter night out.
3. Now I’ve already spoken about my love for the candle, but Jo Malone’s Dark Amber and Ginger Lily fragrance is my current favourite scent! With notes of black cardamom, ginger and water lily, it’s an incredibly soothing and relaxing fragrance. Layer it on top of some Dry Body Oil for extra punch.
4. My heart breaks, but this next one is being discontinued. I'm hoping that if enough people buy it, they’ll change their mind! Jo Malone Vanilla and Anise is spicy, oaky and just all round perfect. Please please please, help me keep it going!
5. For the men in your life, Grey Vetiver by Tom Ford. My most favoured men’s fragrance is a woody yet citrusy vetiver and will literally turn my head whenever I smell it!
6. Perhaps the most famous fragrance of them all, Chanel No 5. But if like me, you love it but smell like a tarts handbag when you wear it, try the Eau Premier. Designed for those “with a bit more sparkle” (obviously like myself!) it’s much more airy than its predecessor, but equally glamorous.
7. An oldie but a goodie, Ralph Lauren Romance. No other fragrance makes me take a deeper lungful than this! With notes of ginger and patchouli, nothing is softer or more feminine.
8. Now this may be the most nana fragrance there is, but I always have at least one bottle of Cinema by YSL on the fragrance shelf, and nothing transports me back to my first year in uni quicker, when I used to utterly drown myself in the stuff! Another one with notes of Amber (I'm starting to realise this must be my favoured note!) it’s powdery and full-bodied and again, perfect for scarves and chunky knits of winter!
9. Clean, fresh and modern, you won’t find anything else like Bath by Bobbi Brown out there. Designed to smell like the scent of when you just get out of the bath, this suits everyone and probably the safest option here.
10. Another vetiver on the list for you, this time from the really easy to say Ermenegildo Zenda, Haitian Vetiver. A vetiver with a trace of neroli, not for those who like subtlety.
11. If you’re looking for something a bit fresher but not keen on that lemon jiff scent of most summer fragrances, Acqua Di Parma Mandorlo Di Sicilia balances orange with star anise and bergamot and is an olfactory wonder.
12. Back in the day I was a huge Babydoll by YSL fan, sickly sweet with a ridiculous bottle that wouldn’t sit anywhere; I didn’t leave the house without it. Now, I'm more of an Elle devotee, which is an incredibly grown up version of Babydoll. Notes of mandarin, raspberry and patchouli, and the most sensible bottle you can get your hands on!