You know scent is seductive. The olfactory system has a direct line to our emotions – fragrance has the capacity to make and change a mood, and cast a filter over our experience.
Take control.
Whether you’re making memories with your love, out hunting with cupid’s bow or looking for some sensory indulgence all your own, fragrance is the kind of Valentine we are absolutely on board with. Hope you find your match…
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge Extrait
Inspired by Baccarat’s legendary crystal, which is heated to 540 degrees so that the minerals become fiery red, this is a fragrance that radiates luxury. Warmth and sweetness envelop the wearer from the moment of application, with elements of spice, smoothness, floralcy and brightness. But it’s not really possible to even discern particular notes except to say, this seems like floating within a fairy sparkle, like the first sip of champagne from a fine crystal flute, like a celebration in a bottle. Exquisite, empowering and timeless.
Chanel No5 L’eau Red
The lighter, bubblier younger sister of the absolute classic, Chanel’s limited edition red suits No5 L’eau very nicely indeed. The original juice has been repackaged in a colour bound to seduce, the deep ruby red facets of that iconic bottle give a new dimension to the bright, soapy fresh aldehydes of L’eau’s opening. It somehow makes those cottony musks that appear as the scent relaxes so much sexier. Yes it’s an illusion but really, restocking a favourite in a new colourway has always been smart shopping. File this in the self care catagory.
Eight & Bob Annicke #2
So we have tuberose, creamy, fleshy. We have immortelle, like a sweet roll in the hay. Add ylang-ylang, the flower of tropical fantasies, and over it all, there’s a creamy fig. It’s all very unexpected but this release from niche house Eight & Bob is one of those fragrances that just works. Absolutely made to wear in the heat of a lazy Sunday, Annicke #2 (she has a few sisters worthy of attention too), manages all this olfactory indulgence with restraint, never overwhelming the wearer. You will receive compliments on this one, without doubt.
Givenchy L’Interdit
Bearing the name of Audrey Hepburn’s signature scent, but nothing of the original formulation, what this new iteration of L’Interdit does seem to evoke is a certain kind of seductive elegance and a little of the forbidden fruit (wrapped in velvet). This is an evening scent, and skilfully composed in the post-fruitchouli landscape of mainstream fragrances. Mouthwatering, almost tart fruity notes – pear and cherry, perhaps – surprise in the opening, which falls into a well-executed blend of white flowers. A little vetiver in the dry down prevents the perfume from becoming too cloying (although it’s still deliciously like dessert in a bottle).
Narciso Rodriguez Narciso Rouge
Few brands do that delicate, powdery character as well as Narsico. Here, that soft talc-y feeling, the shimmy of a white silk shift, gets a velvety slash of red lipstick to set it on a course to something much racier. It’s a combination of red rose and orris that gives that lipstick vibe. Tonka bean and vanilla add a naughty, deep sweetness, almost boozy, and definite warmth where often musk-powder scents feel cool. Cedar and sandalwood in the base continue to support those legendary Narciso notes in a new way. This is a must-have for fans of the franchise and definitely worth seeking out for a scent that’s sexy, without smelling like fruit salad.
Still wanna smell like roses? Check out our romantic rose round up here…