HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FRAGRANCE | PART II

Perfume and personality go together like Yoncé & Jay.

Sure, it can be a daunting task rummaging through hundreds of the latest fragrances but finding the right scent that says “you” is half the battle.

If after reading these shopping tips, you are still left scratching your head wondering, “What fragrance speaks to me?” then this list of new parfums has got you covered.

Erica Moore, fragrance evaluator at Fragrances of the World, weighs in on the winning scents – all you have to do is choose.

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(L to R):

Commes des Garcon Amazingreen Eau de Parfum

Commes de Garcon rebels against the mainstream. Because of this, it’s not necessarily considered a fragrance for the masses. What it is, however, is clever. At first, the scent of gunpowder explodes like smoke and flint but it then clashes with the green energy of the jungle and the effervescence of spices like green pepper and coriander seeds. “It’s green and it’s amazing,” says Moore. Enough said.

Shay & Blue Sicilian Limes Eau de Parfum

The heritage of Shay and Blue’s founders Dom De Vetta and Julie Massé (who happens to have created fragrances for the likes of Chanel and Jo Malone) is evident in their own line of fragrances. Moore calls it, “An effortless transition of a functional note (lime) into a refined sophisticated fragrance.” It’s ruthlessly risky and bursts like a sharp, tangy fizz of acidic citrus on the tongue.

Laura Mercier Verbena Infusion Eau de Toilette

Wake up feeling reinvigorated with fresh eau de cologne style. “It features a woody base, but fruity notes bring a feminine flavour to the composition,” explains Moore.

Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum

“Tom can do now wrong,” says Moore. “This is such an unforgettable interpretation of a classic eau de cologne.  Moore admits she’s not allowed to have favourites, but if she was, this would be one of them. Yeah, we’ll take that as gospel.

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(L to R):

Aesop Marrakech Intense Eau de Toilette
Venturing into fragrance this year, Aesop has unveiled its debut fragrance: Marrakeck Intense. And, in true Aesop fashion, it’s unisex. Moore calls it, “A linear interpretation of classic oud.  Very singular, and intensely smooth.” The Australian brand, whose foray in natural skincare is widely respected, collaborated with French perfumer Barnabé Fillion to come up with the juice. And together, they married innovation with tradition.

Valentino Valentina Oud Assoluto Eau de Parfum
Italian fashion house Valentino reveals its dark side with launch of its twentieth fragrance, Valentina Oud Assoluto. “The saffron and leather elements in the fragrance intensify the floral elements,” says Moore. It’s simple sophistication personified.

Tom Ford Oud Wood Eau de Parfum
Well, if you don’t pop Molly, you… Moore advises Tom Ford can do no wrong in most fragrances he puts his name to. She calls this is no exception. “It’s smooth, classic and utterly seamless.”

Narciso by Narciso Rodriguez Eau de Parfum
It’s not often woods can be woven delicately with florals but Narciso hits the nail on the head with its new parfum. “It’s quite clever, really.” Moore goes as far as to say, “It’s a modern classic.”

Yves Saint Laurent Splendid Wood Eau de Parfum
These dark rich woods aren’t designed for the fainthearted. Moore says of this luxury creation, “Cedarwood and spices add another dimension, making this an intense yet multi-faceted composition.”