14 enchanting fragrances to gift the women in your life
Whether you’re after a one-of-a-kind, signature fragrance or a timeless classic, we’ve found the delicious scents the special women in your life will adore.
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Legendary fashion designer and fragrance maven Coco Chanel is said to have once declared that “a woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.”
While we beg to differ there, one thing we can agree on is that the future certainly feels brighter when accompanied by a spritz of beautiful, mood-boosting fragrance.
Whether you’re after a tried-and-tested scent that’s stood the test of time, a signature, unique fragrance or a celebrity perfume with legions of dedicated fans - Michael BubleÌ’s By Invitation Signature Eau De Parfum, we’re looking at you - we’ve found something for every kind of woman.
We spoke to Duane Caddy, Armani Education Manager, about how to choose the right fragrance family, and therefore perfume, whether buying for a loved one or yourself.
BEST WOODY PERFUMES FOR WOMEN
When it comes to woody scents, Duane suggests you look to the woman’s relationship with nature. “A lover of outdoors, the woody fragrance lover enjoys the warmth and sensuality of the woody fragrance family and its lingering trail.”
Goldfield & Banks White Sandalwood Perfume Concentrate 100ml, Adore Beauty, $235
Fragrance family: Woody, floral.
An Australian brand that’s burst onto the market gaining a loyal following, Goldfield & Banks’ White Sandalwood is a fragrance to behold. A gender-neutral scent inspired by the heady, fascinating Kununurra region of Western Australia, the scent begins with spicy top notes of Moroccan thyme and pepper before subtle heart notes of Turkish rose and Spanish saffron delight emerge, followed by base notes of Aussie white sandalwood. Decadent? You bet.
Who Is Elijah Haze Eau De Parfum 100ml, THE ICONIC, $159
Fragrance family: Woody, floral, spicy.
Inspired by the glamour of the ‘70s, this fragrance from Sydney-based brand Who Is Elijah oozes warmth and spice like no other. This gender-neutral fragrance is charged with punchy top notes of pink pepper, clove and orange blossom, warming heart notes of juniper, chestnut and Gaiac wood and rounded off with base notes of sweet vanilla, cedarwood and cashmeran.
Armani Prive Figuier Eden Eau De Toilette 50ml, Giorgio Armani Beauty, $215
Inspired by Ischia, Giorgio Armani’s Mediterranean Eden, this captivating woody scent showcases the essence of fig trees. The suppleness of the fruit’s skin and sugary sap is placed alongside the raw, citrusy and woody freshness of its leaves and bark, transporting wearers to warm Italian summer nights - just as the master designer intended it.
Wearers swear by its intoxicating power, one five-star review saying, “after being at work for about 6 hours and a colleague said that I smelt great”; another exclaiming, “This is my favourite scent ...takes my breath away a present from my husband 2 years ago desperate to be able to buy this again ....it’s beautiful.”
BEST FLORAL PERFUMES FOR WOMEN
“Traditional and quintessentially feminine, floral fragrances can be bold yet elegant,” Duane explains. “This wearer leans more towards a softer and gentle style fragrance.”
“Make no mistakes though, she knows who she is!”
Giorgio Armani Sì 100ml, Amazon Australia, from $169.95 (RRP $230)
Fragrance family: Fruity, floral.
A subtle, elegant fragrance, Giorgio Armani Sì ticks all the boxes as a scent you can wear every single day. A fruity, floral and sparkling scent, Sì begins with a pop of blackcurrant before rose of May, patchouli and freesia emerge with base notes of musky blond wood following closely. Of Sì, one reviewer wrote: “This perfume has an amazing scent. It has a very light feminine and flowery scent to it. It’s perfect for every occasion. I recommend this to anyone who wants a perfume with a light scent to it.”
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense Eau De Parfum 50ml, Myer, $135
Fragrance Family: Floral, fruity, woody.
It may have been launched around two decades ago, but time hasn’t dimmed the appeal of the Italian fashion house’s award-winning fragrance, Light Blue. A decidedly sensual and summery fragrance, Light Blue’s refreshing scent will transport you to azure waters and dazzling sunshine. A blend of juicy lemon and apple with succulent marigold, jasmine, musk and amber, this is one fragrance that’s earned its place on any dresser.
Versace Yellow Diamond Eau De Toilette 30ml, THE ICONIC, $95
Fragrance family: Floral, fruity, woody.
One of the Italian luxury fashion house’s most iconic fragrances, Yellow Diamond has been spritzed the world over since 2011. It’s a vibrant scent that positively sparkles - like a yellow diamond, no less. You’ll be won over by the striking Amalfi lemon, pear, bergamot and neroli top notes, heart notes of mimosa, African orange flower, freesia and water lily and warming base notes of amber, musk and Guaiac wood.
Christian Dior Miss Dior Eau De Parfum 50ml, Sephora, $190
Fragrance family: floral, citrus, fruity.
If you’re after a sweet, juicy fragrance that never ever errs on the sickly, overpowering side, this classic Christian Dior fragrance is perfect. Lovers of rose will be captivated by the heart notes of Grasse and Damascus rose accompanied by top notes of Calabrian bergamot and base notes of rosewood, pink pepper.
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau De Toilette 50ml, Myer, $119
Fragrance family: Floral, musk, woody.
When Marc Jacobs’ debut fragrance Daisy burst onto the scene in 2007 we initially loved it for that unique floral packaging but it transformed into love at first spray. The epitome of femininity, the heart notes of jasmine and violet are beautifully accompanied by fruity top notes and sandalwood, vanilla and musk base notes. Delicious.
Chloé Signature Eau De Parfum 50ml, Sephora, $180
Fragrance family: Floral, fruity, woody.
An iconic fragrance for lovers of scents with rose and bursts of fruit, Chloé Signature Eau De Parfum has stood the test of time. With one spray, you’ll be immersed in subtle notes of freesia, lychee and peony that make way to rose heart notes and the rich base notes of cedar and amber.
Juliette Has A Gun Lady Vengeance Eau De Parfum 50ml, Adore Beauty, $169
Fragrance family: Floral.
An up and coming fragrance brand that aims to modernise and recreate the romance of Shakespeare’s Juliet in a decidedly modern setting, Juliette Has A Gun’s Lady Vengeance is for any woman who likes a powerful edge to their perfume. It may possess heart notes of Moroccan rose and Bulgarian rose but this scent isn’t all sweet femininity, top notes of bergamot and lavender and base notes of ambroxan and white musk add intoxicating oomph and personality.
BEST FRUITY PERFUMES FOR WOMEN
Women who choose fruity fragrances are easily idenitified - “She has a playful flair to her personality,” Duane says. “Zesty, verdant and sweet”
Most importantly? “Someone who is ‘no fuss’ and knows what she wants.”
Mihan Aromatics Sienna Brume Oil Parfum, 30ml, THE ICONIC, $150
Fragrance family: Fruity, woody.
Handmade Australian fragrance brand Mihan Aromatics offer decadent parfum oils – a brilliant option for anyone who wants serious staying power from their scent. Sienna Brume is reminiscent of salty, dreamy summer beach days with fresh top notes of white pepper, juniper berry and cucumber, heart notes of green palm and coconut and warm, comforting base notes of greenwood and cedarwood. Plus, the bottle will fit easily in your handbag for applications on-the-go.
BEST ORIENTAL PERFUMES FOR WOMEN
“Rich and seductive,” Duane describes the woman who wears oriental fragrances. “This fragrance lover tends to be more daring and assertive, oozing confidence with every spritz.”
“Bold and unafraid to make a statement with her fragrance when she enters the room.”
Tom Ford Black Orchid 30ml, Myer, $165
Fragrance family: Oriental, floral.
There’s no doubt about it, this is not a fragrance for anyone wanting to fade into the background. An incredibly glamorous and downright seductive scent from lauded designer Tom Ford, Black Orchid is a fragrance for anyone looking to make a bold statement. A heady concoction of black orchid, black plum, black truffle, bergamot, patchouli and noir gourmand accord, expect to be stopped and asked what you’re wearing when you spritz this on.
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum, 35ml, Myer, from $134
Fragrance family: Oriental, floral, fruity.
An olfactory recreation of the free, innovative and intriguing woman that was Gabrielle Chanel, this iconic fragrance is perfect for anyone coveting a luxurious scent. A fresh and heady mix of rose, jasmine, patchouli, vetiver and bold orange, its sillage will last long after you spray it on. Expect compliments.
Calvin Klein Euphoria Eau De Parfum 100ml, Amazon Australia, $49.99 (down from $120)
Fragrance family: Oriental, floral, fruity.
One of the most enchanting scents by fashion house Calvin Klein, Euphoria is perfect for anyone who prefers their fragrance less subtle, more powerful. A rich blend of exotic florals (orchid, lotus and champaca) and punchy fruits (pomegranate, raspberry and passionfruit) are followed by warm, sensual base notes of mahogany and amber.
What is the difference between an eau de parfum and an eau de toilette?
According to Chloe Walsh, Parfums Christian Dior National Training Manager for Australia and New Zealand, an eau de parfum is a fuller, more intense option as it contains more perfume oil than an eau de toilette. “An eau de toilette is easy to wear every day and offers elegant and impeccable hold, while remaining light and discreet,” Walsh tells news.com.au.
What are the fragrance notes considered the most romantic?
Hardly surprising, fragrances containing florals can exude the most romantic feel. “You cannot go past flowers,” says Walsh. “Roses are a romantic scent. We gift roses to those we love on special occasions - and this has been done for centuries. Roses are a classic smell and instantly bring to mind love. There are many types of roses. At Dior one variety you cannot go past is the Grasse rose, this rose is fresh and sparkling.”
What should you consider when buying fragrance as a gift for someone?
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It’s important to really hone in on the personality traits of the person you’re buying for before diving in and purchasing them a fragrance. “If they are an outgoing person, they will like their scent to be smelt and known,” advises Walsh. “It’s important to take into account what type of style they like as well. Is it sweet, oriental, fresh or floral? You may know this from the types of scents they have worn in the past or simply knowing what drinks or foods they enjoy.”
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