Oh so Scentual!

When it comes to purchasing a new perfume, following the trends isn’t the way to go. I bet most of us would be lying if we said that a particular scent hadn’t brought back a flash back of a long-lost moment in time. It’s a scientific fact that fragrance is capable of evoking these powerful, nostalgic memories and therefore, choosing the right combination of botanicals and essential oils is simply vital!

With thousands of delicious fragrances on the market, surely trying to find your perfect match is like looking for a needle in a haystack? Not so! Whether oriental based perfumes are your thing or you prefer something a little fruitier, simply read on and you’ll be basking in the aroma of your signature scent before you can say ‘mmm’!

Home Baking Scents

Adore the smell of home baking?

A sweet, oriental/gourmand fragrance is what you’re after. Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise Cologne (£38.00 for 30ml) is a softly spicy, enveloping scent with a heart of frangipani and vanilla bourbon while the top notes sparkle with star anise, bergamot and neroli… Captivating! A slightly more seductive perfume is Christina Aguilera By Night Eau de Parfum (£19.90 for 30ml). The base exudes warmth through black vanilla notes yet the top and middle notes comprise of fruity-florals along with good-enough-to-eat almond.

Scents of Holidays

Want that holiday feeling?

Opt for a scent that’s fruity, tropical and just screams ‘summer’! 2012 has seen Escada re-release three past-favourite perfumes, the most beach-worthy of which is the heady ‘Island Kiss’ (£22.00 for 30ml), which bursts with juicy peach and passion flower but contains base notes of sensual musk. Romance Summer Blossom Eau de Toilette (£49.12 for 100ml) is a playful scent comprised of guava and coconut water with fresh, citrusy shades of mandarin! Hmm, you can almost smell that sweet, summer air!

Can’t resist a beautiful, floral bouquet?

Floural Bouquet Scents

A floral fragrance is just the thing for you! Perfumes in this scent family are usually delicate and extremely feminine, with notes such as gardenia and jasmine. Balenciaga Paris Eau de Parfum (£44.00 for 30ml) is a light, classic scent made up of violet notes and fresh leaves… It simply oozes sophistication! With top notes of lilac and linden blossom, Elizabeth Arden 5^th Avenue Eau de Parfum (£25.50 for 125ml) is the perfect white floral. A heart of pink violet, ylang-ylang and Indian tuberose ensure that this elegant fragrance is fabulously long-lasting.

Enjoy having an air of mystery about you?

Woody fragrances that are dominated by outdoor, earthy notes such as patchouli are bound to be your cup of tea. Dsquared She Wood Eau de Parfum (£73.00 for 100ml) is the ideal mossy scent for her. Built up beautifully with deep cedar, vetiver and amber notes. Another favourite is the ever-famous Yves Saint Laurent Opium Eau de Toilette (£40.00 for 30ml). It has a seductively aromatic scent that’s made up of orris root and sandalwood middle notes but possesses a myrrh rich base – not one for the faint hearted!

Wood Scents

If you enjoy experimenting with new and exciting fragrances, it’s always a good idea to head over to a department store and take home a couple of samples rather than making a purchase right away.

Alternatively, Jo Malone offers an impressive collection of Colognes, which can be layered and combined to create your own fragrant fusion. Whether you choose to mix Blue Agava & Cacao with English Pear & Freesia or something slightly more intense, you’re bound to find your perfect match!

Looking for something lighter? The Body Shop have launched a delightful Body Mist range this summer that’s comprised of scents from mouth-watering coconut to oh-so-fresh moringa (£7.00 for 100ml).