The 7 Most Beautiful Fragrances To Scent Your Holiday Season
Segue into the festive period in a haze of some of our favorite fragrant finds – whether it’s for you or just someone you want to be around when they’re smelling fabulous, says GEORGIA DAY
Holiday season – and all the social invites that come with it – is fast approaching, and whether you see that as an opportunity to treat a loved one or yourself, there’s a plethora of party fragrances to set the right tone. We round up the best…
Best for a hit of holiday calm: Le Labo Thé Matcha 26
If ever a fragrance could invoke some much-needed tranquility, this gem from Le Labo is it. Although at first glance it reads as fruity, the heady combination of matcha tea, juicy fig, bitter orange, vetiver and cedarwood offer a gentle warmth that anchors the aroma to your skin with a serene, almost ceremonious quality. If you’re in for a busy festive period, this might just be the fragrant antidote you need.
Best for instilling comfort and joy: Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur Musk & Amber
Even if you’re not a huge fan of full-on festive fragrances, this eau de parfum is so evocative of seasonal cheer, you’ll be hard-pressed not to pour a mulled wine immediately. A chaotic blend of bergamot, tangerine and cinnamon is expertly rounded off with an intense base of vanilla, amber and musk, meaning it’s the perfect declaration of all things holiday – encased in a classically chic Frédéric Malle bottle, of course.
Best for understated elegance: Memo Paris African Leather
A subtle take on traditional leather scents, this beautifully balanced blend from Memo Paris leaves a long-lasting softness on skin that’s tinged with the sweetness of spice-market musks – think patchouli, cardamom and tonka. Far from being overkill, these earthy accents are brought to life with fresh geranium and nutty caraway, making it a sexy yet understated accessory for every party-season look.
Best for a winter-floral fragrance: Jo Malone London Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense
Rose doesn’t often feature in wintry scents, but if you don’t want to give it up for the festive season, Jo Malone London’s offering is a gorgeous option. Here, the flowery, sweet scent of damask rose is blended with resinous oud wood to give it some much-needed depth and oomph. It’s finished with subtle notes of praline and clove, which, despite preconceptions, doesn’t tip it over into sickly territory. Expect the perfect balance of smoky and sweet.
Best for a fresh take on festive: Tom Ford Beauty Bitter Peach
If you don’t want to smell too ‘holiday’ this season, take a sidestep outside the obvious with Tom Ford Beauty’s master provocateur. While it still feels opulent and winter-appropriate, thanks to a base of sandalwood, smoky patchouli and labdanum, the top note of blood orange adds a refreshing spike that cuts through any heaviness and keeps things on the lighter side.
Best for an indulgent gift: Cartier Perfumes L’Heure Diaphane
The festive season is the perfect time to bestow someone special with something special – and they don’t come much more decadent than this eau de parfum from the iconic house of Cartier. Blowzy peony and rose notes make up the heart of this pretty floral fragrance, but it’s the unexpected twist from juicy lychee and warm amber that creates such an unusual update. The powdery, sensual payoff is perfect for an evening out – cocktail dress optional.
Best for an invigorating spritz: Maya Njie Nordic Cedar
A bright, spicy scent, this eau de parfum has just enough festive flair, thanks to a few choice seasonal notes, and we love how the sparkling green cardamom contrasts with soft musk and amber to give it a vibrant edge. Don’t fret that it’s too whimsical, though: notes of patchouli and balsamic cedar wood help to ground and round it off with a creamy, suede-like finish that lingers long after you’ve applied it.