Fail-safe Valentine’s fragrances for him and her

Fragrance group shot
Cassie Steer,-Beauty Editor At Large

The world of fragrance can feel baffling, but these crowd-pleasers are guaranteed to make hearts flutter

Fragrance used to be the default gift you bought everyone – from your aunt to your sister. But in a world of personalisation, finding a gift that feels unique is becoming ever more pressurised.

But here’s the thing; the reason perfume is so difficult to buy is also the reason that makes it the ultimate gift. It's tricky, but get it right and you’ve scored brownie points for life.

Luckily, we’ve procured a treasure trove of seductive scents guaranteed to hit that olfactory sweet spot. And with more of us than ever developing a nose for scents that eschew traditional notions of masculinity or femininity, many new releases seamlessly tap into the trend for gender neutral fragrances so that everyone can enjoy a whiff of romance this Valentine’s Day

How to engineer a perfect match? Simply think about what style tribe they align themselves with and we’ve done the rest for you…

The Minimalist

Subscribing to the ‘less is more’ school of thought, these pared-back clutter shirkers err towards contemporary classics and simple, streamlined aesthetics. Just like their clothing and décor they prefer bare essentials that offer maximum impact and this translates as fuss-free fragrances with crisp, zesty notes and single scents.

Take Maison Crivelli’s Papyrus Moléculaire Eau de Parfum: a woody, gender-free fragrance based around papyrus. Or, if the man in your life leans more towards traditionally masculine notes, Acqua di Parma’s Colonia Futura Eau de Cologne balances a mouthwatering burst of lively citrus with aromatic lavender and grounding vetiver for a touch of woody warmth.

If gender neutral plimsolls and a crisp white tee are more in keeping with their sartorial style, opt for Parle Moi de Parfum Tomboy Neroli, a chic orange blossom floral that’s the perfume equivalent of the perfect boyfriend jeans. And for nature-lovers, Laboratory Perfume’s unisex Gorse is like a brisk stroll along a gorse-strewn coastline where crisp citrusy notes jostle with hints of creamy coconut and a suggestion of spicy cardamom.

The Maximalist

‘Subtle’ is not something you’ll find in the vocabulary of a maximalist. Eclectic, flamboyant and bold (preferably with a touch of eccentricity), these energetic extroverts gravitate to the luxurious (think regency-style antiques and plush, sumptuous fabrics). In fragrance terms they love big, blousy florals and exotic amber scents that suit their extravagant personalities and sensual tastes.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum is one such fragrance which offers a decadent blend of saffron, amber, jasmine and wood that will appeal to either sex. Frederick Malle’s Carnal Flower is another unisex feat based around the intoxicating scent of tuberose muddled with green notes of citrus leaves, bergamot and musk.

For ‘her’ there’s Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum, an opulent floral which boasts a hedonistic heart of sambac jasmine, cattleya orchid and centifolia rose swathed in a base of musk and patchouli. Or, for a floral with a gourmand twist, Carolina Herrera’s GOOD GIRL Eau De Parfum combines a tuberose jasmine heart with addictive notes of almond, tonka bean and cocoa. Wallflowers need not apply.

The Bohemian

These optimistic free-spirits are renowned for their carefree attitude and laissez-faire style sensibilities, opting for clashing patterns and textures for an objet trouvé charm. When it comes to fragrance they look for a touch of the wanderlust with notes that hark back to sunnier climes.

Case in point – Floral Street’s Arizona Bloom which alludes to the remote romanticism of the desert landscape thanks to whispers of Balinese coconut and Madagascan black pepper enveloping salted musks, jasmine petals and cashmere woods. Narciso Rodriguez’s Narciso Ambree Eau de Parfum is another ode to the heat of summer thanks to a magnetic melding of its signature musc heart with exotic frangipani, ylang-ylang and amber reminiscent of sultry, sun-burnished skin.

Creed’s much-lauded Aventus Eau De Parfum is one for gents who appreciate a rich, fruity chypre. Bursting with crisp blackcurrant and smoky pineapple it settles down to a heady base of oak moss with hidden depths. The intoxicating heat of Hermes’ Elixir des Merveilles, meanwhile, offers a swirl of candied orange and aromatic spices wrapped around a warm woody amber accord grounded by smoky resins.

The Industrialist

Bold textural statements that draw on natural materials with a contemporary urban edge are the Industrialist’s calling card. They like clean, simple, lines with utilitarian twists which makes them the perfect recipients of modern chypres – a refined group of fragrances based on woods and mosses as well as gender-neutral scents.

Maison Crivelli’s Santal Volcanique Eau de Parfum is one such unisex scent based around scorched sandalwood that will appeal to spice-loving coffee connoisseurs. Or maybe rose is their olfactive Achilles heel? Then introduce them to the oh-so-modern charms of Tom Ford’s Rose Prick – another spicy gender-neutral scent designed to hook you in, thorns and all.

Then there’s Le Labo’s Santal 33, a niche classic that may have been conceived with an old Marlboro advert in mind (and all the brooding masculinity it implies) but is not just for the (cow) boys. Dry, aromatic and woody with top notes of cardamom lassoing cedarwood, papyrus and Australian sandalwood, there’s a reason it has achieved cult status among fashionistas.

And for another woody fragrance that will seduce both sexes Comme Des Garcons’ Concrete Eau De Parfum is a lot softer than it sounds. Based around sensual sandalwood with spicy notes of cumin, ginger and cardamom as well as a ‘disruptive’ rose oxide accord, it’s an architectural masterpiece.

The Coastal Style Connoisseur

Think Hamptons chic with a side of freshly cut flowers. This beach-loving crew has an eye for natural materials like driftwood and stone and lap up the colours of the coast. Nautical nudes, sun-bleached whites and marine blues in an assortment of easy, breezy fabrics inspired by the shoreline are their preferred palette and when it comes to fragrance they resonate with aquatic notes and fresh florals.

Opt for Diptyque’s Do Son Eau De Toilette, an olfactory flashback to a childhood spent by Along Bay where the sea breeze whips up the heady scent of tuberoses. Another white floral based around velvety tuberose is Giorgio Armani’s My Way, a contemporary fragrance with top notes of orange blossom and bergamot rounded off with white musk, Madagascan vanilla and Virginian cedar.

Spring-lovers will appreciate Marc Jacobs’ Perfect Eau de Parfum, a bright floral which opens with tart rhubarb, sunny daffodil and a glug of creamy almond milk before succumbing to the softness of cashmeran and cedar. Tiffany & Co’s Tiffany & Love For Her Eau de Parfum, on the other hand, offers a bright, crisp aromatic floral which contains the majestic blue sequoia in the base notes.

Image: Getty Images

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