There’s a seriously beautiful array of newly launched fragrances available this spring. Forget your preconceptions about traditional springtime scents, though. Although there are indeed a fair few green and floral fragrances to be found here, the compositions are intriguing, the lasting powers are impressive, and there’s an emphasis upon new and little used notes. The fragrance houses are really freshening things up this season, in every sense of the term!
Which of these pastel toned eaus are catching your eye?
Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Eau de Parfum
Dolce by Dolce & Gabbana is something of a revelation given the voluptuous nature of the rest of their collection. It’s a story of elegance and restraint, showcasing an array of plush white flowers including the White Amaryllis, a flower never before used in perfumery.
Despite all of the of blossoms, there’s nothing nectarous about Dolce. It’s clean, soft and pure, simply petals and stems. It’s a Sicilian garden in the morning, when everything is covered in a fine veil of dew. Although it isn’t strictly a green fragrance, the floral composition is faithful to the colour of its juice: its character is clear and renewing, with a subtle crispness that is refreshing in such a mainstream release.
Perfect for: Those who like their scent understated yet well tailored. This sheer and elegant white floral is dewy up top, with a muskiness in the base to keep things grounded.
Elie Saab Le Parfum L’Eau Couture Eau de Toilette
The latest fragrance from Elie Saab is a sheerer rendition of the classic sartorial scent Le Parfum. Still based upon a signature orange blossom note, L’Eau Couture pairs the white flower with vanilla, magnolia, jasmine and almond. This isn’t a rich, thick frangipane almond, though – these are fresh green almonds coated in a sweet sugared shell. And the distinctive honeyed orange blossom of Le Parfum? That’s taken right back to its fresh and creamy roots, too, its sunnier aspects accentuated with magnolia.
L’Eau Couture is no wallflower. It’s delicious and radiant, with a faceted character that oscillates between sheer gourmand and bright flora. L’Eau Couture is a unique creation, and a completely fresh interpretation of the orange blossom.
Perfect for: The fash pack. This scent as delectable as sugared almonds and twice as irresistible, yet it steadfastly retains its stylish edge.
Thierry Mugler Alien Eau Extraordinaire Eau de Toilette
Another dramatically different interpretation of an icon is the Thierry Mugler Alien Eau Extraordinaire Eau de Toilette, a more lucid and uplifting chapter in the Alien saga. Eau Extraordinaire is a delightful re-imagining, utilising the core notes of the original as the architecture of the scent, and cladding them with newly sparkling notes. We’re not talking about a weak shimmer of citrus, though.
These new notes are tempting and serene: sharp Tunisian neroli, comforting bergamot tea, and exotic tiare flower bring a completely new dimension to the distinctive cashmeran-and-white-amber accord of the original. The same otherworldly beauty is very much there, but this time it’s more tenacious.
Perfect for: Those with a sunny disposition. This is no ordinary citrus – it’s sundrenched but it’s also fairly heady, with a hypnotic medley of tea and tiare.
Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Couture Eau de Parfum
La Petite Robe Noire Couture is a fragrance that doesn’t take itself too seriously and yet it never loses its poise, with an impeccable composition that unfurls masterfully on the skin. The quality of the fragrance is predictably wonderful – there is something truly special in the way that Thierry Wasser has crafted a girlish fragrance with such a fine and measured hand.
The initial burst of tart and crisp red berries is so cheeky. Soon after, the fragrance mellows, settling into its chypre categorisation nicely with a velvety, mossy rose heart supported by patchouli. For a more detailed breakdown of the fragrance, read our fragrance expert Thomas’ beautiful review here.
Perfect for: Instant gratification. One spray of La Petite Robe Noire Couture and you’re transported to somewhere altogether more playful.
Calvin Klein Endless Euphoria Eau de Parfum
Euphoria is the voluptuous, sensuous fragrance franchise in Calvin Klein’s scented universe. First introduced in 2005 in the midst of the creamy-fruity-floral heyday, the original Eau de Parfum hit all the right notes. For 2014, however, Calvin Klein is taking more ethereal approach to sultriness.
The new Endless Euphoria Eau de Toilette is a pastel-tinted fragrance that pays homage to the cherry blossom, airborne and carried on the breeze. The dreamy aspect of the scent is enhanced with a sheer veil of violet, while the deep and striking woody dry down of the original has been replaced by bamboo, sandalwood and musk.
Perfect for: Romantics. This delightful, ethereal floral composition presents a subtly sultry cherry blossom, and it’s just perfect for daytime wear.
Catch up on all of the latest fragrance launches at Escentual here.
