‘Trend-Led Luxury’ is the name we’ve given to that special category of gift which has its finger on the pulse of what’s hot now, with an indulgent twist that seems all the more magical at this time of year. You know the ones: lust-worthy special editions and new releases that have a place reserved at the very top of your Christmas list. Cross your fingers and wish extra hard for these beauties in this Christmas gift guide…
Etat Libre d’Orange Collectors Gift Set
Etat Libre d’Orange is the darling of the niche perfume community, and rightfully so. Fusing exceptional artisanship from a range of talented perfumers with provocative themes, Etienne de Swardt’s portfolio of fantastical fragrances are as thought-provoking as they are enjoyable to wear. This Collector’s Gift Set showcases 16 of Etat Libre d’Orange’s bestselling scents in 10ml form, from the polarising Secretions Magnifiques to the much-praised Jasmin et Cigarette.
Marc Jacobs Dot Eau de Parfum Gift Set 100ml
We couldn’t compile a trend-led gift guide without including a Marc Jacobs fragrance. The kitsch bottles filled with universally-pleasing juice are ideal for gifting, especially if they’re being given to someone who dreams of vastly more expensive Marc Jacobs goodies (don’t we all?). A time-honoured favourite is the Marc Jacobs Dot fragrance, a happy-go-lucky floral fragrance composed of some seriously flirty notes. Or, if she really has her heart set on some Marc Jacobs finery, try the Marc Jacobs Dot Solid Perfume Necklace.
Acqua di Parma Fico di Amalfi Eau de Toilette Gift Set
The Blu Mediterraneo collection from Acqua di Parma is a beautiful range. Harnessing the raw natural ingredients found on Italy’s treasured coastlines, each unisex fragrance promotes a laidback, pampered feel. The bestselling Fico di Amalfi is available in a gift set this year, allowing you to recreate the scents and textures of a Mediterreanean spa with its matching shower gel, body lotion and large 150ml eau de toilette. If you’re a fan of fig notes (or creamy almond for that matter), you’ll want to eat this fragrance up.
Guerlain Crazy Paris Eye Palette
The neon inspiration of the Guerlain Crazy Paris Christmas make-up look makes it a little different to previous seasonal collections. No product shows this to better effect than the Crazy Paris Eye Palette, a sleek compact filled with exquisitely pigmented eyeshadows in an array of unexpected hues. Though the colours are a little brighter, there’s no compromise on the usual pigmentation, ultra-smoothness and long lasting formula for which Guerlain has become famed. See our swatches of the entire Crazy Paris collection here.
BVLGARI Man Extreme Eau de Toilette Gift Set
There were a lot of great woody fragrance launches this year (a trend that’s set to continue through to 2014), and one of our favourites is the magnetic Man Extreme fragrance from BVLGARI. Expertly balancing citrus notes with soft aromatic facets, this is a more uplifting version of the intense, woody fragrance. This gift set is an ideal way to enjoy the scent as it also contains a moisturising After Shave Balm and a miniature travel spray, which is something of a rarity in masculine gift sets.
Dior Diorific Perfumed Illuminating Powder Compact
This limited edition compact from Dior is something else. Upon first glance it looks like a straightforward powder, albeit in a seriously luxurious case. On closer inspection, you’ll see that it is in fact infused with a very fine micro-shimmer, which, when dusted over the skin, adds incredible luminosity. Aside from it’s breathtaking golden packaging and matching brush, the stand out quality of the palette is its scent: a subtle veil of J’Adore’s floral tones, which makes application feel so, so special. See our swatches of the entire Dior Golden Winter make-up look here.
Van Cleef & Arpels Reve Gift Set
Van Cleef & Arpels is a great place to start if you’re buying a fragrance for a luxury magpie. Known for their exquisite jewels (and for being the first jeweller to release a signature fragrance), Van Cleef & Arpels are particularly deft at creating intricate and whimsical bottles. Their latest fragrance, Reve, is inspired by the sweetness of dreams, with a soft floral juice that includes uplifting osmanthus and majestic lily. Layer the body lotion with the eau de parfum in this pretty gift set for deeper, longer lasting fragrance. Or, check out Feerie if you’re looking for something even more ethereal.
Michael Kors Glam Bronze Powder in Beam
This hefty 21g palette is pretty much the epitome of glamour, isn’t it? The multifaceted, deep amber-bronze shade – though buttery soft and of brilliant quality – seems almost incidental in comparison to that showstopping case. Weighty, golden and finished with an embossed logo and some rivet embellishment, it’s totally knocking the ball out of the park in terms of presentation. The perfect statement gift for lovers of luxury and fashion.
Discover more suggestions in our Trend-Led Luxe gift section
