Spoiler alert: I'm into perfume. I mean, you folks have seen my perfume cabinet, right? I love collecting scents because they can lift our mood or make us think of places and people we adore.
Penhaligon's Ellenisia? My trip to London. Chanel No.19? My mamma-in-law. Calvin Klein's CK One? The ninth grade. Malibu Musk and Exclamation? The fifth grade. The Body Shop White Musk? My mamma.
It's tough to weed through the thousands of choices available online and in stores, so I've rounded up five beauties you can wear through springtime and beyond. And one of you lucky readers is going to win a gorgeous designer scent!
1. CHANEL Nº5 L'Eau
How could I not start with CHANEL? CHANEL Nº5 L'Eau is a fresh interpretation of (arguably) the most famous fragrance in the world. If you find the original too strong (and that's okay, many do), don't give up hope. This new version meant to be a lighter, modern interpretation of that legendary powerhouse.
With top notes of lemon, mandarin and orange, you'll first get a whiff of citrus before the rose, jasmine, and ylang-ylang take over. Once the scent dries down, you'll sniff vetiver, cedar, and white musk. If you're still looking for *your* Nº5, be sure to try this one. Available in multiple sizes from $119.
2. My Burberry Black
Sun-drenched jasmine flower, peach nectar, and a touch of rose. OMG. If you found the original My Burberry a bit soapy, My Burberry Black is anything but. The floral and fruity notes are rounded out with rich amber patchouli for the perfect date night scent: soft and sultry as all get out! Available in multiple sizes from $38.
Now if only I could afford a classic Burberry trench...
3. Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Intense
Ah Guerlain. One of the most eminent fragrance houses in the world and creator of legends like Shalimar. In recent years Guerlain launched a collection called "La Petite Robe Noire" or "the little black dress", and my favourite from the collection is La Petite Robe Noire Intense.
It's a grown-up take on sweet scents: think candyfloss accord (that's a thing!), vanilla, and Bulgarian rose with a dash of bergamot and blueberry. Up front it's sweet and a little fruity then dries down to a base of soft white musk and sandalwood-patchouli accord for a grown-up finish. You'll smell like a decadent Parisian macaron. Dreamy! Available in multiple sizes from $86.
4. Tom Ford Velvet Orchid
Oh how I love TOM FORD Velvet Orchid. Personally I find the uber popular Black Orchid too spicy for my nose, but I adore this richer, creamier, slightly sweeter version.
Velvet Orchid is an oriental floral with notes of orange blossom, hyacinth, daffodil, orchid, suede accord, and vanilla. On cool spring days this is like wrapping yourself in pure cashmere. Available in multiple sizes from $55.
5. MUGLER Angel Muse
This was my first time trying a perfume by Theirry Mugler, makers of the incredibly popular Angel launched back in 1992. Even if you're like me and never wore the original Angel (a powerhouse of powder and vanilla), you simply MUST check out the new Angel Muse.
To my nose it's more sophisticated and layered than the original Angel with notes of hazelnut cream, patchouli, and vetiver. It's both rich and woody, making it borderline masculine and absolutely seductive. And that bottle, oh my. Available in multiple sizes from $29.
where to buy
These perfumes are available in-store and online at numerous retailers across Canada, including:
- Sephora (all but CHANEL)
- Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique (all but Tom Ford)
Now let's win you some perfume, shall we?
win angel muse by mugler
Wanna win a luxury perfume? I'm giving away a gorgeous bottle of MUGLER's Angel Muse! Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below (all entries are optional) and I'll announce a winner next week. Contest open across Canada!
