To say I love perfume feels like quite the understatement. I've travelled to see perfume museums in France and Italy, I spent hundreds of pounds to visit the perfume capital of the world, Grasse, to make my own unique scent there and I spend more time than I'm proud to admit staying in the loop with new scents and trying them on for size.
I would be lying if I said I didn't have an extensive perfume collection already but every year when it comes to Christmas the top of my list is always perfumes I've been hearing about but haven't had the chance to get my hands on yet. My brother is no doubt bored of being forwarded posts on Instagram being told 'if you speak to Santa please let him know this is on my list...'.
This year has been an exciting time for new perfume releases and there are some old classics that I've been dying to try but haven't had the chance to yet - so I've curated a list of the scents that I'm particularly eager to see under the tree this Christmas. I would always recommend starting with a 10ml bottle when trying a new scent so you can get a proper idea of if you like it on your skin and how much you'll actually reach for it.
Eden Sparkling Lychee
Kayali has been on the ball with new releases this year, the Oudgasm range seemed to have just dropped when it was announced that Eden was being revamped. Eden Juicy Apple has been out for years and up until now could be recognised just as Eden but this new scent has overlapping notes and has already kicked up a storm online with the perfume community even though it's only been released to buy on December 1st.
Kayali is a brand that I find myself reaching for weekly, Yum Pistachio Gelato, Vanilla 28 and the original Eden Juicy Apple all being in a regular rotation. As someone who is a big fan of gourmand scents I'm particularly excited about this and Santa has been hearing all about it since the new release was announced.
Top notes: Black Currant, Italian Lemon, Red Apple and Lychee
Heart notes: Jasmine Sambac, Violet and Rose
Base notes: Vanilla Absolute, Sandalwood, Cedar, Musk, Sugar and Amber
Price: £25 (10ml), £73 (50ml), £98 (100ml)
Vanilla Milk
I've been hearing about Ellis Brooklyn all year long. The first thing I noticed on looking was that the 50ml bottles actually reminded me a little of Kayali. On closer inspection there are so many scents that have my interest piqued and they appear to be a fast favourite for so many shoppers that it's skyrocketed up my wish list.
It's praised for being a delicious gourmand but having a maturity to it while smelling like ice cream. Based on the notes it sounds like it's going to be a comforting sweet scent that works all year round, I find myself reaching for vanilla based scents most days and it seems that this one is a must have in any collection.
Top notes: Creamy Milk Accord, Frangipani, Peony Rose
Heart notes: Bourbon Vanilla Bean, Madagascar Vanilla Bean Extract, Upcycled Cocoa Shell Extract
Base notes: Benzoin Resinoid, Amyris, Sandalwood, Musk
Price: £32 (10ml), £110 (50ml)
Book
I've been hearing about Commodity for quite some time - they've got interesting fragrances but more interestingly you can choose how far a throw you want. Whether you want someone to smell you only when pulled into a hug or as soon as you walk into a room you can decide that.
I love that as a concept, especially as you can have the same fragrance in three different expressions and decide on which one you'd like based on your mood.
Top notes: Black Tea
Heart notes: Eucalyptus, Sandalwood
Base notes: Cederwood, Vetiver, Amber
Price: £24 (10ml) £130 (100ml)
Vanilla Nue
Beauty Pie makes incredible perfumes and candles alike. They're typically made in France which is where so many quality scents come from and in their newest range is a 'clean, naked, sophisticated' vanilla. It's got comforting vanilla bean, musk and cocoa butter but also floral touches and rum which adds an adult touch.
Top notes: Bergamot Essential Oil , Almond, Rum Absolute
Heart notes: Jasmine Absolute, Heliotrope, Cocoa Butter
Base notes: Vanilla Bean, Benzoin, Musk
Price: £28 (member price), £120 (non-member price)