If you think strolling through the perfume section with a terrifyingly enthusiastic sales executive following you around with testers is intimidating, you should have a look at my work-from-home desk. Thankfully, I love my job enough not to lose my marbles from periodically sniffing on coffee beans in an attempt to give you a comprehensive list of the finest in the market. I've reviewed and shared a list of perfumes (some of which I personally use) that qualify as great gifting options for the holiday season. Perfumes that might just be your giftees’ new signature scent. Ahead, everything you need to know.
1. Valentino Valentina Eau De Parfum For Her
First, there are notes of Bergamot Essence accords, and it settles down with hints of strawberry that give a floral, fruity fragrance. It finally settles into an Orange Blossom Absolute that leaves a discerning scent. I’ve been using this perfume for the past two years, and it’s a literal dream. Plus, the bottle looks so good on the dresser. Bonus: This is one of the most gifted perfumes of the season.
2. Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau De Parfum
Officially billed as the brand’s most successful launch since 2007, Good Girl is known for its signature amber floral scent with hints of tuberose and tonka. It’s more of a sensual perfume, great to gift a bride-to-be. I mean, let’s not forget that it's a midnight blue stiletto-shaped bottle. If this doesn’t qualify as the perfect gifting option, I don’t know what does.
3. Paco Rabanne Lady Million Eau De Parfum
Conceptually inspired by gold and wealth, expect to smell wafts of raspberry, neroli and Amalfi lemon from this gold diamond-shaped bottle. Great for gifting to family, this perfume is incredibly light and features a whisper of jasmine rather than a scream. The packaging is very compact too, without taking up too much space (which is important if you want to carry it in your work bag).
4. DIOR Miss DIOR Blooming Bouquet Eau De Toilette
If you plan on gifting someone who prefers to smell like fresh cut flowers (the good kind), I’d highly recommend going for this iconic perfume as a gifting option. The Sicilian mandarin and pink peony are the perfect way to ground the notes of peach, damask rose and white musk. To be honest, it’s a winner year-round.
5. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio Eau de Toilette for Him
Here’s a great option to gift a man. With the help of lime, lemon and bergamot, this perfume smells fresh and modern, along with a perfect blend of sweet and salty notes of sea water, as good as a dip in the Mediterranean sea. He will appreciate this, I can tell you that.
Parting thoughts
From Dior to Carolina Harerra, from Valentino to Giorgio Armani, these recommendations are great to gift this festive and holiday season. Some honorary mentions include Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum and GUESS Bella Vita Eau De Parfum. These perfumes are also really chic scents, bottled in collection-worthy containers, ideal for gifting.
FAQs
-
What to keep in mind while gifting perfume?
When gifting perfume, keep the recipient in mind. Perfumes reflect personalities, so make sure you look at the base notes. A woody base note will suit people with sporty, nature-related interests, and a fruit- or floral-scented note will suit individuals who love the beach, the great outdoors, and desserts.
-
How to make perfumes last?
To make your perfume last longer, apply moisturiser after taking a shower on your pulse points, before spritzing your perfume. Make sure your skin is well hydrated before you spray the perfume, so your skin doesn’t drink up the moisture.
-
What are some expensive-smelling fragrances?
Some expensive-smelling scents include leather, musk, amber, and orris.
