Everyone is on the hunt for the perfect presents so don’t be
surprised if you’re walking through the mall and get spritzed with a random
mist of perfume (someone needs to stop those people). The fragrance sales reps tucked
into every nook and cranny of department stores are annoying but perfume is
still one of the most popular gifts during the holiday season. It may seem personal and a
bit risky since the perception of aroma is very subjective but some
brands are experts at crafting amazing blends that satisfy even the pickiest recipients
on your list.
I have an extensive fragrance collection (seriously, it’s
bursting out of cabinets and buckling drawers) but smelling as good as you look is important. To
help narrow your search this Christmas I’ve rounded-up some of my top picks of
the year with a vast range of ingredients and intensities. This guide is for women (sorry guys, I’ll get to you later)
and the list I’ve compiled can also be used for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s
Day and any other special occasion since many of these perfumes will be available for years.
Giorgio Armani
Because It’s You ($115.00 for 50 ml)
Whenever I wear this perfume I get a lot of compliments (that's how you know it's good) and the scent
is absolutely intoxicating with notes of warm vanilla, musk, ripe raspberry,
sensual rose and neroli. The sophisticated sweetness of juicy fruit contrasts nicely with the deep, scintillating musk to create an amazing combination that I can’t
get enough of! (Available at Sephora,
Hudson’s Bay, department store counters and online at beautyboutique.ca)
Clean Warm Cashmere
($54.00) and Cool Cotton ($95.00)
I love the soft, simple ingredients in Clean fragrances and Warm
Cashmere reminds me of cozy fall days and eggnog by the tree. The spicy
aroma is laden with bergamot, orris, ceadarwood and musk creating a sweet
nostalgic scent that is simple yet modern. If you love the freshness of sun-dried
linens, clear blue skies and sunshine, then Cool Cotton may be more your style. This
invigorating perfume is bursting with bergamot, sparking mandarin, crisp green
apple, lemon zest, mint and peach - very airy, pure and soothing.
Miss Dior Eau De
Parfum ($165.00 for 100 ml)
Miss Dior is described as “the scent of love” – a mix
of seduction, style, high-fashion and refinement. Honeyed damask rose, sparking
blood orange, mandarin and bergamot contrast beautifully with pink peppercorn
and Guyanese rosewood creating complexity and intrigue. (Available
at Sephora, The Bay and Dior Counters nationwide)
Dior Poison Girl
($72.00 for 30 ml)
I'm willing to bet that Poison Girl will be an instant hit with all the ladies on
your holiday list. The luxurious scent is a bit more playful than Miss Dior
with bitter-sweet ambiance that tantalizes the senses. Notes include: sweet Sicilian
orange, neroli, rose and vanilla for a creamy, delicious composition that is
perfect for an evening out. (Available at Sephora, The Bay and Dior
Counters nationwide)
Lancome La Vie Est
Belle L’Eclat ($85.00 for 50 ml)
This elegant bottle is a masterpiece in itself featuring 221
twinkling facets designed by the best French glass maker. The liquid seems to
be encased in crystal and the scent is radiant, bold and feminine with notes of
delicate rose iris, sweet pear, ripe blackberry, luminous orange blossom, fresh
jasmine and patchouli essence.
(Available
at The Bay, Sephora , Shoppers Drug Mart, Lancome Counters and online at
beautyboutique.ca)
Jason Wu Eau De
Parfum Spray ($145.00 for 90 ml)
Beautifully crafted from the inside out this heavy glass bottle
is simple and sleek while the perfume is infused with rare jasmine, sensual
woods, pink pepper, fig and iris for an extravagant floral bouquet. The fragrance
is sexy, robust and light with a subtle fade – perfect for daily wear. (Available at The Bay)
Alien Eau Sublime by
Mulger ($82.00 for 60 ml)
Usually fragrances have familiar accords that are quickly
distinguishable but this composition rises to a higher level of complexity. Eau
Sublime is a new interpretation of the original, inspired by the solar Goddess
and infused with mandarin, bitter orange, jasmine, tiare flower and heliotrope.
The powerful scent is very similar to its predecessor with a sweet,
luminous aroma and perhaps a little more zest.
Mugler Angel Étoile
Des Reves Eau De Parfum ($146.00 for 100 ml) and Angel Perfuming Body Cream
($120.00) by Mulger
This year Mugler celebrated its 25th anniversary and
released a collectible new fragrance and body cream to commemorate the occasion.
This intimate blend is a night time representation of Angel – delicious,
tender, captivating and silky. The
facets include: bergamot, praline, hedione, patchouli, vanilla and musk which form a sweet, intriguing essence that is long lasting and powerful.
The body cream comes in a magical, interstellar glass jar
that resembles a space ship surrounded in dazzling glitter. The formula is
enriched with shea butter and smells exactly like the perfume with the
same intensity. It is very strong for a cream so I wouldn’t layer it with fragrance.
(Avialable
at The Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart, Jean Coutu, Sephora and Nordstrom)
You might also want to check out Angel Eau Sucrée ($82.00) – another deliciously
sweet twist.
Roger & Gallet
Extrait De Cologne – Cassis Frénésie ($40.00)
This fresh fragrance reminds me of a French garden in spring
with notes of honeyed blackcurrant, pepper essence and rose. If you like
energetic, floral scents, this blend is very mature, crisp and natural. The
classic cologne bottle is representative of the Victorian era to complement the pure, sophisticated ingredients within.
(Available at The Bay and online at roger-gallet.com)
My Burberry Blush
($130.00 for 90 ml)
The original My Burberry and its predecessors are my favorite
perfumes (along with Azzaro Pour Elle of course). I reach for Burberry when I
have a big event to attend because the fragrances smell distinctive, expensive
and vibrant. The Blush version is composed of geranium, glazed pomegranate,
crisp apple, rose petal, jasmine and wisteria for a softer, lighter rendition. It
is perfect for day wear or date night with a sparkling fruity-floral essence
that is feminine and flirty. (Available at The
Bay, Sephora and department store counters)
La Femme Prada
($165.00 for 100 ml)
Prada is another brand that has a great track record with
fragrances. This glamorous scent is classic, bold, summery and bright with
a dreamy floral base and sweet nuisances. The notes include: spices, beeswax,
frangipani flower, tuberose, iris, ylang-ylang, vanilla and vetvier while the curve
of the bottle is wrapped in white Saffiano Leather for a luxurious look.
Viva La Juicy Glace
($110.00 for 100 ml)
Just in time for winter Viva La Juicy has launched an icy
new scent that combines sparkling freshness bursting with mandarin, sweet pear,
white jasmine petals, sumptuous vanilla and milky sandalwood for a little
warmth. I’ve never encountered a Juicy perfume that I didn’t like – they are
very appealing to women of all ages and the sweet, youthful notes are suitable for
daily wear. Glace is enchanting, fruity and covered
in glitter! When you rotate the bottle, the pearly snowflake shade
transforms to iridescent pink and the playful princess bow is adorable.
(Available at Sephora, Jean Coutu,
beautyboutique.ca, London Drugs and department store counters)
L’Occitane Terre De
Lumiere – the gold edition ($89.00 for 50 ml)
L’Occitane never ceases to amaze me with their use of
luxurious ingredients that capture the beauty of France. Terre De Lumiere
– meaning “land of light” is inspired by the golden hour – the peaceful moment at
dusk when the sun sets and the sky fills with spectacular light. This elegant
gourmand is fresh, warm and sweet, showcasing robust notes of lavender, honey
and almond – suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
(Available at L’Occitane boutiques and online at loccitane.ca)
Givenchy Dahlia Divin
($112.00 for 50 ml)
Dahlia Divin launched last year but the classic notes of
sweet mimosa, creamy vanilla, jasmine, rose and woody sandalwood is still one
of my favorite blends. The warm, comforting ingredients are perfect for
fall/winter and you only need 1-2 spritzes since the facets are potent and long lasting.
(Available at Sephora, The Bay and beautyboutique.ca)
Jimmy Choo L’eau Eau
De Toilette ($107.00 for 90 ml)
Jimmy Choo is a master when it comes to creating incredible
fragrances and L’eau is elegant, adventurous and alluring – great for date
night or an evening out with the girls. The harmonized notes are whimsical,
sweet and youthful featuring bergamot, hibiscus, peony, nectarine, musk and cedarwood
for a delectable balance of woody sweetness. (Available at The Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart and Nordstrom)
Lancome La Nuit
Tresor ($108.00)
This has to be one of the most beautiful fragrances Lancome
has ever released and each time I spray it there are delicious waves of dreamy
passion fruit and warm vanilla-caramel. This magical elixir also brings forth
the seductive side of the rose to embellish provocative power and femininity.
Patchouli, lychee, praline and strawberry are also present without being too sugary.
(Available at department store counters and
lancome.ca)
Admittedly, these are just a few of the fragrances I’ve received
and tested over the last year or so. There are many other wonderful scents that
would have made the list if I hadn’t condensed this article into something more
readable. If you have any suggestions or faves please comment below and have a wonderful holiday season!
