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Beauty
THE SMELL OF SUCCESS
A signature scent isn't just for Christmas, it's for life. Here, we take a look at some of the fragrances set to become future classics.
Discovering your new signature scent is all very well, but what happens when it doesn't last the distance and you're left longing for more? We all want fragrances with a bit of staying power, the ability to linger on the skin as well as last the tests of time. After all a statement scent remains one of the chicest ways to make both a first and lasting impression. So what about the classics of today and tomorrow? Here are some of our predictions.
ESCENTRIC MOLECULES
Molecule 01
Escentric Molecules cult favourite Molecule 01 turned 15 this year, but as it was created 15 years prior to launch, this “fragrance for those who don't like fragrance”, as it is known, has already stood the test of time. A shapeshifting scent that adapts to your own pheromones, the reason for Molecule 01’s iconic status is exactly why it makes perfect sense as a suits-all fragrance.
JO MALONE LONDON
Myrrh & Tonka Cologne
Jo Malone’s Myrrh & Tonka Cologne, complete with a gold lid in Christmas limited-edition packaging, a Brown Thomas exclusive, has notes of lavender, along with the myrrh and tonka bean and smells sweet, woody and much like rich, baked goods in your favourite bakery - it's neither too sweet nor too intense, but the perfect balance. The intoxicating scent also lasts all day without needing to refresh, so expect an influx of compliments from morning to night.
CREED
Aventus Eau de Parfum
While traditionally a bestselling men’s fragrance in the history of the House of Creed, Aventus has been redefined of late as a unisex hit, celebrating strength, power, success and heritage – perfect for gifting this festive season. Sensual, audacious and contemporary, this rich and iconic Eau de Parfum combines tantalising fruity head notes of apple, blackcurrant, pink pepper and bergamot with a complementary fresh and fruity heart of jasmine, pineapple and patchouli. Rounding off this bold perfume is a rich, woody base of oakmoss, cedarwood, birch and Creed’s signature ingredient, ambergris, for the ultimate olfactive experience.
FREDERIC MALLE
Portrait Of A Lady 100ml
“If a perfume is a portrait of the woman who wears it, here is one that reveals her inherent sophistication,” said Frederic Malle when describing this contemporary classic. Magnetic and sensuous, Frédéric Malle’s Portrait of a Lady Eau de Parfum evokes modern classic beauty with a surprising twist. This oriental floral contains an unprecedented concentration of rose essence and patchouli heart. It’s based on an accord of benzoin, cinnamon and sandalwood, which are lifted by top notes of fresh ripe berries. A sure-fire hit for those with a sophisticated nose.
TOM FORD
Black Orchid Parfum 100ml
Black Orchid has been a cult classic since it was released back in 2006. This potent reinvention is a highly concentrated version of the original, with intensified notes of ylang-ylang, rum absolute, and black plum that make it even more intoxicating (even though few thought that was possible). A unisex scent that artfully toes the line between masculine musk and feminine florals means spritzes can be shared between you and your significant other. The fragrance is intense, bold and sexy—inspiring the wearer to put some big nights out in the diary.
BYREDO
Gypsy Water Eau De Parfum 100ml
Inspired by the roaming wanderlust of the Romani people to evoke freedom and a deeper connection to the earth, Byredo hints of vanilla and bergamot deepen the aroma and travel through to the heart of the perfume, defining an earthy scent reminiscent of the great outdoors and authentic exploration. Raw ingredients follow the theme of the fragrance and have seen this Eau de Parfum become the most popular of Byredo’s perfume range for good reason — the beautiful blend of the perfume combined with natural scents means that anyone can enjoy it.
DIOR
Sauvage Eau de Parfum 100ml
Sauvage is, without a doubt, a future classic. As the name suggests, it’s a wild fragrance representing freedom and celebrates a rugged sort of masculinity that feels most comfortable in nature. But it’s also a fragrance of contrasts, presenting this outdoorsy feel within a composition versatile and palatable enough to wear for any occasion. Sauvage is the type of scent that is as at home in your gym bag as it is in your briefcase. Will men still want to be wearing this in 20 years? Our guess is: Absolutely.
TOM FORD
Oud Wood Eau de Parfum 100ml
Tom Ford pioneered the oud note in contemporary Western perfumery way back in 2002 during his tenure as the artistic director of Yves Saint Laurent. Today, Oud Wood has become one of the brand's classics, spawning the “Oud Collection”, built around the original's core accord of oud, sandalwood and patchouli. This Eau de Parfum is a powerful blend of cool spices and smoky woods softened with a hint of vanilla and tonka bean. As chic, urbane and sharply-cut as one of Mr Ford's suits.
ACQUA DI PARMA
Colonia Natural Spray 50ml
Looks shouldn’t matter, but let’s face it, they do. And it’s hard to resist the uniquely-designed art deco-style bottle and handcrafted packaging, which has remained unchanged for many years. But more irresistible is this fresh, refined, and timeless fragrance which will appeal to a pragmatic and successful soul who loves tradition. The initial aromas are of bergamot with notes of orange and lemon, which are followed by hints of rosemary and lavender, before the warmth of rose, verbena and ylang-ylang, combined with the woody musk of sandalwood and cedar, create a sensual finish. This sunny composition born from Sicilian citrus fruits is like adding sunshine to the skin.
MORE TO READ
While you’re on an olfactory roll, think about gifting a luxury candle this Christmas. In What A Treat, we discover the best luxury candles you won’t want to give away.