Many of us are thinking about ways to be less wasteful and how we can make more sustainable choices when it comes to the things we consume. We know that resources are finite and that everything we buy has some form of ecological impact, so where possible we want to minimise the mark we make on the world. Going for a refillable perfume can be a good way of doing this – by purchasing one bottle you keep forever, topping up when needed, you’re reducing waste and perhaps saving some pennies in the process. Here are some of my go-to refillable scents.
1. Mugler Angel Nova
Let’s start with something new: Angel Nova by Mugler, but before we get to the newness, we must acknowledge that the idea of refillable perfume is not a fresh concept for Mugler; they’ve been doing it since the very beginning. One of the unique things about Mugler’s debut fragrance Angel, which launched in 1992, is the fact that the signature star flacon was refillable. Mugler wanted women to keep the bottle as a sentimental object – something they could refill time and time again, either at the Mugler source (in-store fountains filled with Angel – my dream) or with refill bottles. Who are we to blame him? It’s a beautiful bottle, after all! Every Mugler scent has followed suit and the new Nova, which is a delicate flush rose dripping in fruit syrup and pink sugar crystals, is no exception. A new Angel, yes, but one you can keep forever.
2. Acqua di Parma Colonia Club
Travel sprays are also a great way to experience refillable perfume, and they allow you to have a super-luxe vessel that can be refilled over time. I love the Acqua di Parma travel sprays because they are convenient, refillable and beautiful. Take Colonia Club, for example; it comes in leather shaded in the suavest, most sophisticated and the sportiest British Racing Green. It’s a perfect match for the herbaceous and refreshing scent that feels like a summer’s day spent playing polo or golf.
3. Cartier L’Envol
How about a statement piece? Cartier’s L’Envol is an intriguing masculine-inspired by the wonder of flight. The 100ml bottle takes cues from aviation with a golden capsule suspended in mid-air behind a glass cloche. Such a beautiful bottle is something to be treasured, and very quickly, a new perfume capsule can be twisted into the cloche to refill it. Which is good news because the gloriously soft and honeyed powder of L’Envol is a scent you won’t want to run out of!
4. Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey
You probably know that Issey Miyake’s abstract, aquatic floral is an icon of perfumery, but did you know you can buy it in a refillable bottle? 75ml refill bottles are available so that you can top up your beloved scent at any time, regardless of the size of your bottle. L’Eau D’Issey never goes out of style, so a refillable bottle is a worthwhile investment.
5. Dunhill Icon
Speaking of icons, how about Dunhill’s handsome Icon? This contemporary masculine, with notes of cardamom, black pepper, leather and lavender is one I always recommend to men looking for an accessible scent that is somewhat elevated above the mainstream. Now it comes in a handy refillable travel spray, which means it can be chucked into your gym bag and refilled whenever you run out.
5. Travalo
Can’t make your mind up? Travalo is your friend. Whenever I go away, I inevitably pack a few of these handy travel pumps in my luggage. They are endlessly refillable, and the best thing is, you can choose to fill them with any scent you like, allowing you to top up from your stash whenever you need.
