The power of fragrance can be transformative: uplifting, nostalgic, emotive; yet everyone’s journey meanders down a different path, unique to their own senses and experience.
With this in mind, we’re sharing some of the newest fragrance discoveries we’re more than a little obsessed with. It wasn’t easy, but we’ve honed down to try and distill the essence of our favourite offerings.
Ultimately though, the best way to decide if they’re for you is to experience them.
The Virtue Mary Mary I and Mary Mary II, 50ml Parfum, $198 each
To be honest, we’d never placed that much importance on the story behind the fragrances we choose. But this unique pairing, designed and made in New Zealand by The Virtue, truly does tell an arresting story through the power of fragrance. Mary Mary I interweaves a complex tale of sensual femininity (a delicate old world combination of cedarwood and sandalwood with a hint of incense), while Mary Mary II completes the windswept ocean journey (freshness water mint, a hint of bergamont citrus, and calone). Read the tale of Mary Mary at thevirtue.co.nz – it’s worth it.
Paco Rabanne Olympé Blossom, 80ml Eau de Parfum $213
Gloriously and unashamedly feminine, Olympé Blossom offers a mesmerising balance between sweet freshness and seductive depths. With top notes of damask rose and pink pepper, there’s a hypnotic layer of pear, sorbet, and blackcurrant before the base notes of vanilla, salt, cashmeran, and patchouli captivate the senses. This fruity floral is more than first appearances, with the layers slowly revealing themselves. It’s an alluring scent fit for a goddess and entirely befitting its majestic presentation.
Aesop Eidesis, 50ml Eau de Parfum, $265
There’s something wonderfully beguiling about this Aesop Eidesis offering. It’s seductively woody with hidden depths, but there’s also a ribbon of floral brightness intertwining through the smoky earthy base. Packaged in an amber glass bottle and encased in a carton featuring artwork by Belfast-based painter Jack Coulter, it’s delightfully mysterious and completely unisex. If you’re familiar with the Aesop brand, you’ll know that its fragrance offerings are uniquely and harmoniously original and distinctive to their own personality.
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Beau Le Parfum, 125ml Le Parfum $203
The unmistakable and iconic Gaultier fragrance tin can presentation has become something of a collector’s item by itself. And when paired with Le Beau, this sultry offering is a rich treat for the senses. Led by bergamont, layered with sweet coconut and vanilla, then addictive tonka bean and seductive amber, it’s fresh and more than a little seductive. The woody base is reminiscent of that alluring forestry smell in the still of the morning.
Who Is Elijah His | Her, 50ml Eau De Parfum $139.95
This clever offering from Who Is Elijah solves the quintessential argument around his and hers fragrances, by miraculously delivering a truly gender-neutral scent, with a deceptively effortless balance of sweet, spicy, and fresh. Head notes of bergamot, violet leaf, and cardamon are delicately tempered with soft florals, fresh greenery, and wood musky notes adding warmth and sensuality. No more arguing about stealing your partner’s fragrance – this one is a perfect pairing and covers all bases.
Paco Rabanne Phantom, 100ml Eau de Toilette $194
Even at first glance, it’s obvious that Phantom stands out from the crowd. The unique robot-shaped vessel is almost as desirable and covetable as the uplifting energising fragrance. Together, they’re a winning combination. Phantom truly defines its own new generation of fragrance – a green flash of lemon and vetiver with the merest hint of lavender and woody vanilla and also a tease of citrus and spice. Plus, for those who appreciate some tech play, the robot comes with an embedded NFC tag that syncs with your smartphone.
Glasshouse Fragrances Forever Florence, 50ml Eau De Parfum $109
Finding the perfect floral fragrance is one of those endless quests – along the lines of finding the perfect Little Black Dress. Forever Florence may just be the answer. It’s a mesmerising bouquet of pink and white peonies, lily and jasmine, and thanks to a hint of musk and sandalwood, the sweet floral is beautifully balanced with a soft undertone of fresh summer peach. It’s elegantly sophisticated and the perfect pairing for a pretty spring wardrobe.
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