You know your best friend’s fears, fantasies and favourite foods. But, we’re going to guess you’ve never had a conversation discussing the merits of fresh v floral fragrances … However, if you’re keen to present a pal with a luxury perfume gift this Christmas (the kind that retails for the price of a small electrical appliance!), here is some expert guidance inspired by Michael Edwards – the renowned creator of the Fragrance Wheel.
Start with the fragrance wheel
Edwards suggests starting by discovering your recipient’s top picks. “Ask for the names of their three or four favourite fragrances. You’ll usually find that at least two of them fall into the same fragrance family,” he advises. The Fragrance Wheel can be a great tool to pinpoint their preferences.
The Fragrance Wheel divides fragrances into four main families, each representing a distinct olfactory experience. Floral scents are soft and romantic, dominated by flowers like rose, jasmine, and peony, making them ideal for those who adore classic, feminine fragrances. Fresh fragrances, on the other hand, are crisp and clean, featuring citrus, green, or aquatic notes. The kind that evoke images of breezy oceans or zesty lemons. Oriental fragrances are rich, exotic, and often sensual, with warm and spicy notes such as vanilla, amber, and cinnamon. Finally, woody fragrances are earthy and grounded, showcasing notes like sandalwood, cedar wood, and patchouli, which exude natural elegance.
Each of these families branches into subcategories, to allow for more nuanced preferences. For example, floral scents can be further refined into soft florals, which are powdery and sweet, or floral orientals, which combine floral notes with a hint of spice. The wheel helps uncover these subtle variations, offering a detailed map to navigate the vast world of perfumes.
Knowing someone’s favourite perfumes allows you to pinpoint their preferred fragrance family. And, If your recipient doesn’t have a go-to fragrance, you can use their personality and style as a guide.
Someone romantic and feminine might lean towards floral fragrances, while a sporty and energetic individual may prefer fresh, citrusy options. Oriental scents perfectly suit those with a mysterious and bold vibe, while woody fragrances resonate more with sophisticated and understated individuals
Luxury fragrance gift ideas for Christmas
Here’s a curated selection of luxury fragrances that are sure to impress
- Dries Van Noten Santal Greenery EDP, $485 at Mecca
Perfect for nature lovers, this fresh woody fragrance combines sandalwood with fig leaf for a perfectly balanced green vibe.
- Amouage Lineage EDP, $599 at Libertine
Stars of this scent include tangy Sichuan Pepper, radiant ginger, golden myrrh and frankincense, and a whiff of maple sweet fenugreek – to create a combination equal parts oriental and aquatic.
- Perfumer H Rain Cloud EDP, $315 at Mecca
With notes of bergamot, mandarin, and orange flower, this sultry floral fragrance brings the refreshing aroma of a garden after rain.
- Trudon Isla Parfum, from $350
Created to evoke a golden-hued horizon this luxe citrusy fragrance is based on bergamot – renowned as a revered ingredient in Haute-Parfumerie.
- Maison Crivelli Hibiscus Mahajad Extrait, from $360 at Mecca
This intoxicating fragrance features hibiscus, rose, cinnamon and vanilla for an unforgettable floral-gourmand fusion.
- Memo Paris Sintra EDP, $460 at Libertine
As pretty as Portugal’s streetscapes, this perfume spotlights bergamot, red fruits, neroli orange jasmine, milk, cinnamon bark oil, rose absolut, vanilla Madagascar, caramel, cedarwood and musks. The result is glorious floral amber.
- Calm Bliss, $265, by Charlotte Tilbury
This refreshing floral aquatic features sweet neroli and a crisp water accord to enhance feelings of blissful Summer days.
For signature scent devotees
Some people are loyal to their signature scent, and that devotion should be celebrated. Instead of introducing a new fragrance, consider gifting their favourite in a different form, such as a candle, body oil, or hair perfume.
Some excellent options include: Byredo Rose of No Man’s Land Hair Perfume; Le Labo Santal 26 Candle; Diptyque Do Son Solid Perfume and Maison Francis Kurkdjian A La Rose Shower Gel – all available at Mecca.
