Fragrance is something a woman rarely buys for herself and for that reason, it makes a wonderful present. The tricky part, however, comes when you try to choose one. There are so many brands and fragrance families to consider that it can become overwhelming. That’s why, this year I’m here to help you make the perfect choice. Here are my top five perfume gift recommendations that I guarantee will impress no matter who you’re buying for…
#1 For The Individual…
KENZO WORLD POWER Eau de Parfum Spray
The Japanese fashion house, KENZO, spoilt us this year with a brand new interpretation of KENZO World: KENZO World Power. And, I have to say, it’s been one of my favourite launches of 2019 because of its unique qualities.
It steers away from the usual florals associated with female fragrances; with its more-ish salty crystal heart that blends perfectly with an intriguing creamy sweetness. KENZO World Power is understatedly sexy and empowering and has an almost buttery quality to it – but with an added hint of masculine cypress freshness in there, too. It’s different, and I love it for that.
World Power is the ideal fragrance for someone who doesn’t like to smell like everyone else. It’s made for the woman who dares to be a little bit different and seeks individuality.
Find out more about KENZO World Power with our fragrance review.
#2 For The Kind-Hearted…
Lancome Idole Eau de Parfum Spray
One of the biggest launches of 2019 so far, you’ve likely seen Lancome Idole in a magazine, on the TV, or on a billboard at your local shopping centre. It’s everywhere and with good reason; it’s a beautiful fragrance in an innovative slim bottle that is sure to impress on Christmas morning. In my opinion, it’s a fail-safe option for everyone and here’s why.
A perfume made by women for women, Idole centres itself around the idea of female equality and empowerment. A modern-chypre fragrance, the increasingly popular note of rose is the star of the show here and delicately infuses itself with jasmine in the heart. Floral perfection, this is an effortlessly pretty fragrance with fresh, clean facets and a creamy feminine dry-down – it is easy to wear and perfect for every day. Whether you’re buying for your Mum, sister, girlfriend or friend, this universally appealing Eau de Parfum is an ideal choice.
Discover the perfume notes and the inspiration behind Lancome Idole in our dedicated review.
#3 For The Sophisticate…
GIVENCHY L’Interdit Eau de Toilette
GIVENCHY L’Interdit will forever conjure up images of timeless elegance and sophistication for me. Originally a fragrance created for Audrey Hepburn in 1957, it represents a woman who has her life together, but who isn’t afraid to embrace her daring side and have a bit of fun from time to time!
In my opinion, L’Interdit Eau de Toilette is a fragrance lovers’ scent, if she has lots of perfumes, there’s a strong chance she’s going to adore this – it will be unlike anything else she owns thanks to its unique combination of notes. A lighter and fresher interpretation of the Eau de Parfum that launched in 2018. Its complex floral-woody aroma expertly combines light and dark facets of white florals, patchouli and vetiver with creamy musk to create an aroma that you’ll be able to smell every time you move. Its radiance lingers in the most beautiful and unforgettable way and it would make the ideal signature for a woman who radiates class and finesse but also knows how to have a good time!
#4 For The Fashion-Forward…
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum Spray
When I smell Libre, I instantly picture myself wearing it on a night out with a tuxedo-style jacket, cropped trousers, a pair of killer heels and a high ponytail. It is chic yet androgynous, powerful and liberating and doesn’t suffer fools gladly!
Made for the fashion-forward person in your life, YSL Libre has a personality that is hard to pin down. Is it floral? Is it fruity? To me, it’s a bit of everything, and that’s what makes it so appealing. It has a sparkling opening which settles into a heady white floral heart with an unexpected twist of aromatic lavender and oozes sophistication and intrigue at every level.
If you’re looking for a perfume with wow factor, you can’t go wrong with Libre; its bottle alone, inspired by Saint Laurent bags and shoes is going to get you in the good books this Christmas, that’s for sure!
Go into more detail about Libre’s fragrance composition and bottle inspiration in this edit.
#5 For The Impassioned…
Narciso Rodrigeuz Narciso Rouge Eau de Parfum Spray
Narciso Rouge Eau de Parfum is my pick for the sexy female in your life. The equivalent to a classic red lipstick in fragrance form, this alluring scent is guaranteed to set pulses racing.
There’s just something about the Narciso Rodrigeuz ‘Narciso’ fragrances that have a special place in my heart, I’ve worn most of them over the years and Rouge has to be one of my favourites for a night out or a date. Similar to the rest of the lineup, Rouge incorporates a signature heart of musc, but it’s much more tempting. It packs a feminine punch that simply doesn’t go unnoticed, while the black and white cedar and tonka bean gives it a sophisticated warmth and creaminess that lingers.
If you’re looking for a passion-filled fragrance that you can both enjoy this Christmas, Narciso Rouge is the way to go – and you can thank me later!
Get to know Narciso’s bold aroma and beautiful bottle in this review.
Discover More
• Want to know more? Check out my other favourite fragrances for women in my hand-picked gifting edit.
