As we head into the new season – and most significantly of all, the next stage of these uncertain times – we are looking to scent to bring us comfort.
It seems we are not alone: Space NK has reported a 99 per cent increase in online fragrance sales and has pegged it as its strongest performing category in-store since reopening in June.
Working from home may have replaced traditional office life, and we may have swapped our smart-casual apparel for loungewear and pyjamas, but we’re still looking to fragrance to bring a sense of normality amongst this uncertainty.
A simple spritz in the morning can have transformative effects, making us feel put together and ready to start the day – even if you’re WFB (working from bed). Our favourite Eau can transport us away even if we’ve been housebound for most of 2020. It can bring a touch of sunshine to the darkest days, and make us feel warm and cosy when the chill comes in.
Much like clothing, we also like to adjust our scent wardrobes with the season. While summer is all about light and fresh scents, in autumn, it’s time to mix things up. As the weather gets colder, our scent should do the opposite with more intense, complex aromas that bring warming comfort to the gloomiest of days.
We’ve gathered the best new launches to add to your ever-growing perfume collection.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian L’Homme À la rose
A rose unlike any other. When you first spray the latest fragrance from perfume house Maison Francis Kurkdjian, you will be treated to the light, elegant, fresh aroma of rose. This may lead you to question whether this is, in fact, a fragrance for men. But as L’Homme À la rose settles into your skin, the sensual masculine scent wafts in and transforms into a delectable woody iteration. The complex scent feels so unisex, you can be sure that this is the kind of fragrance your girlfriend will want to steal. The top notes of grapefruit accord and essence of Bulgarian Damask rose are combined with essence of citrus and sage, all supported beautifully on a woody amber base.
£180 | John Lewis
Ariana Grande R.E.M Eau de Parfum
The sixth in the line of fan-favourite fragrances from pop mogul Ariana Grande comes in the form of an intergalactic-style clear crystal bottle that deserves a place on your dressing table. The autumnal fragrance has a rich salted caramel note that will bring warmth to the coldest of days. The 60s sci-fi inspired R.E.M combines this key ingredient with pear, fig and a trail of lavender essence, musks, cashmere, tonka and sandalwood.
£27 | The Perfume Shop
Narciso Rodriguez Narciso Ambree Eau de Parfum
Legendary fashion designer Narciso Rodriguez has added this female fragrance to add to his ever-growing collection of signature sultry scents. Ambree puts intoxicating amber at the forefront of the aroma, blended with a sweet vanilla for a rich, warming effect. It combines this central note with exotic tiaré flower and ylang-ylang from Madagascar.
From £42 | John Lewis
Dior J’Adore Eau de Parfum Infinissime
For a burst of floral freshness that will brighten shorter days, put Dior’s latest fragrance J’Adore Eau de Parfum Infinissime on your radar. The bouquet of Centifolia rose, jasmine sambac, ylang-ylang and crasse tuberose blend seamlessly with woody and smooth sandalwood for an aroma that is sensual, intense and bold. This is the kind of scent that promises to turn heads as you waft past.
£84 | FeelUnique
Aesop Rōzu Eau de Parfum
Who can resist the charm of Aesop’s apothecary-style packaging, especially when the contents smell as gorgeous as the exterior? The brand’s Rozu Eau de Parfum offers a unique approach to a traditional rose fragrance. It’s been combined with guaiacwood, and shiso with green, herbaceous notes at the forefront. While it is a floral aroma, there are earthy undertones that bring an intensity that are designed to mimic the lifecycle of the key rose ingredient. This is a unisex fragrance.
£130 | Space NK
Tom Ford Soleil Neige
Floral fans may be reluctant to swap their favourites for a more woody version – but Tom Ford is on a mission to change minds with his take on this winter floral. It’s a persuasive argument: bright, light and citrusy, all the while ready for a day on freshly powdered slopes. It opens with notes of bergamot and carrot seed for a cool, frosty aroma that has the freshness of jasmine grandiflorum, orange flower, and white floral karmaflor with the warmth of Turkish rose. This settles with undertones of wood, honey, cistus labdanum and musk to form a dynamic aroma that will give you all the winter sun feels even if an end-of-the-year getaway isn’t on the cards this year.
From £147.60 | John Lewis
£80 | Space NK
Marc Jacobs Perfect Eau de Parfum
Marc Jacobs’ latest fragrance takes a playful and unconventional approach to the often serious world of scent. It’s designed to be a celebration; “of optimism, self-acceptance and originality”. This is a modern fragrance with a clash of juicy florals with a soft, dry finish that just works. It has opening notes of rhubarb and bright daffodil with a heart of almond milk. At the base cedarwood and cashmeran round it off to leave you feeling warm and comforted.
£69 | lookfantastic
Chloé Rose Tangerine Eau de Toilette
Chloé has put a whole new twist on its iconic EDT. Rose Tangerine dances in the shadow of the French fashion house’s bright and fresh fragrances, but with clear rose holding centre court. The unique take puts a fruity edge on the typically floral aroma that feels light and radiant. This is enhanced with blackcurrant and undertones of cedar and white amber to make this bolder and trans-seasonal.
£40.50 | John Lewis
Gucci Bloom Profumo Di Fiori
The Italian fashion house has added a new fragrance to the Gucci Bloom line with its Profumo Di Fiori. This fragrance puts tuberose essence at the forefront, blending with jasmine sambac closed buds and jasmine sambac absolute that results in a fresh, natural and very green aroma. It is warmed through a base of sandalwood accord, wood accord, orris concrete, benzoin and musks for a deeper and more intense floral scent.
From £54 | Selfridges
Björk & Berries September fragrance
The start of autumn offers the gift of a seasonal reset, and if you’re looking to shake things up in the fragrance department, September from Björk & Berries is ideal. The woody, aromatic scent is reminiscent of a fresh harvest, log fires, ripe fruits and golden fields. September is made up of top notes of pomelo, lavender, and kumquat, a heart of eucalyptus, apple blossom and jasmine and a base of vetiver smoke, papyrus, guaiac wood and and pink praline. It is also vegan.
£85 | Björk & Berries
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