From Angel to Gucci Bloom, These 8 Perfumes Will Leave a Lasting Impression
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Build your fragrance collection or get a refill on your favorite scents with this detailed guide.
As a child, I didn’t particularly care for perfume, even though I enjoyed watching my dad spray on his favorite cologne. I was used to the Jean Naté eau de toilette bottle (every Haitian child will remember this) in our bathroom, but it wasn’t until I moved to New York that I developed a real taste for fragrance. Still, before this I had a “Victoria’s Secret fragrance mist” phase. Then one day for my sweet sixteen, I was gifted the Angel by Thierry Mugler perfume.
More than a conversation starter, a good perfume is a powerful way of asserting yourself in spaces.
It was then that I realized the power of smell. More than a conversation starter, a good perfume is a powerful way of asserting yourself in spaces. Similar to clothes, I like to wear the scent that matches my mood. Some days I crave something lively; other times, sexy or subtle. While I don’t have a signature scent, I swear by a small rotation for everyday wear, work meetings, hot dates, and everything in between. Maybe that's how I justify my growing collection, but I get uninspired when I wear the same perfume every day.
These days, consumers don’t have a shortage of bottles to choose from. The fragrance industry is booming, according to a recent BoF article, with designers dominating the market. In my job as a fashion content creator, I get to sample many different perfumes—both new and established, but I am loyal only to a select few.
Choosing the right perfume is highly personal, so don’t take my words as scriptures. But having tried a variety of bottles, I’ve come to develop my own standard. First, I ask myself if a perfume makes me feel something? You know when you go “Ouh!” after smelling a great bottle. Yeah, I look for that reaction every time! I also think about how long the perfume lasts on my skin (the higher the perfume oil concentration, the longer it lasts); whether or not it leaves a trail (the sillage); the top and subtle notes; and the overall quality of the smell.
If you’re looking to build a reliable assortment, here are the scents I’m currently loving. These perfumes work for every occasion.
Angel by Thierry Mugler
Ten years later, I still love Angel. That’s how timeless the scent is. Surprising that it was only designed in 1992, isn’t it? It was love at first smell when my then aunt-in-law gifted it to me as a teenager. Although it smelled a lot more mature than I could understand at the time, I knew there was something special about this bottle. No wonder because it features delicious notes of bergamot, red fruits and patchouli.
→ When to Wear: Anytime
→ Where to wear: Day to Day wear
→ How long does the scent last: Up to 4 hours
→ Describe it in 3 words: Timeless, Imposing, Subtle
Angel, Thierry Mugler
$95
Libre by Yves Saint Laurent
If there was one fragrance that captures what it means to be a woman, I would choose this one. Libre by Yves Saint Laurent is a cult favorite for a reason. Powerful yet soft and decidedly inviting, it’s everything you want in a fragrance. The combination of lavender, orange and vanilla will make a bold and refined statement at the next girl’s night out. You just might get stopped by strangers multiple times.
→ When to Wear: Late Afternoon to Early Evening
→ Where to wear: Girls Night Out
→ How long does the scent last: Up to 6 hours
→ Describe it in 3 words: Bold, Elegant, Delicate
Libre, Yves Saint Laurent
$155
Eau Capitale by Diptyque
Do you go for scents that leave a trail wherever you go? Eau Capitale is the one for you. Its delicious blend of berries, roses with a patchouli undertone sets the mood for a classy night out. Eau Capital has a powerful presence, making it ideal for business cocktails. A little bit goes a long way. Take a trip to a universe of berries, bergamot and pink pepper. Don’t be surprised if your date or business connection never wants to leave your side.
→ When to Wear: At Night
→ Where to wear: Formal Occasions
→ How long does the scent last: Up to 6 hours
→ Describe it in 3 words: Grown, Polished, Provocative
Eau Capitale, Diptyque
$220
L’homme à la rose by Maison Francis Kurdjian
Admittedly, I didn’t expect to like this perfume as much as I do, but it is a must for a sexy night out. I initially thought it would smell woody and musky without any feminine delicacy, but I was pleasantly surprised by it. L’homme à la rose takes a very sophisticated and polished approach to a floral scent. As you spray it on, the rose notes give it an initial sweetness that quickly settles into a sensual citrus and musky scent. This masterful combination of feminine and masculine aromas is the ultimate finishing touch to any look. Surprise your date with a scent he might even be familiar with. Who knows what might happen the rest of the night? ;)
→ When to Wear: Late Night & Special Occasions
→ Where to wear: Refined dining, Swanky bar
→ How long does the scent last: Up to 4 hours
→ Describe it in 3 words: Striking, Distinct, Sensual
L’homme à la rose, Maison Francis Kurdjian
$275
Bloom by Gucci
Spraying on Bloom is like buying yourself flowers. The notes of Jasmine and Tuberose make for a youthful yet elegant aroma. I find myself reaching for this fragrance every morning simply for the fact that it’s light and easy to wear. Floral fragrances tend to feel overpowering, but this one has an understated subtlety that will carry you through the day. It’s a classic and lovely floral scent.
→ When to Wear: Daytime
→ Where to wear: Daytime musings: Museums, Cultural Activity.
→ How long does the scent last: Up to 3 hours
→ Describe it in 3 words: Inviting, Crisp, Charming
Bloom, Gucci
$133
007 by Floris London
As the name suggests, this fragrance is multi-faceted. Its top notes of orange and bergamot are an ideal blend to transition from daytime to nighttime. Its undertones of sandalwood and cedarwood come alive after dark and add to the mystery of the aroma. If you want something elegant but approachable, look no further than the 007.
→ When to Wear: Day or Night
→ Where to wear: Day to Night musings
→ How long does the scent last: Up to 3 hours
→ Describe it in 3 words: Mature, Mysterious, Earthy
007, Floris London
$310
Do Son by Diptyque
Do Son, Diptyque
$165
Fresh and magnetic, Do Son is the perfect match for the office. The delicious mix of tuberose will have people stop you in the streets.
→ Where to wear: Office, Work, Day to Day
→ How long does the scent last: Up to 6 hours
→ Describe it in 3 words: Crisp, Raw, Earthy
Pivoine Suzhou by Armani Privé
Gentle yet assertive, Pivoine Suzhou is a delicious blend of rose, amber, musk and patchouli. This combination is bold and inspired, perfect for a cocktail hour or work celebration. It lasts about four hours, so you may want to bring a mini sample with for re-application, but the mature elegance of this scent makes it an excellent addition to any collection.
→ Where to wear: Cocktail Hours, Work Happy hours
→ How long does the scent last: Up to 4 hours
→ Describe it in 3 words: Gentle, Assertive, Regal
Pivoine Suzhou, Armani Privé
$195