Discover the scents defining the season, curated by our editors
In preparation for autumn, our editors reviewed three bestselling premium perfumes. With notes from refined vanilla and rich amber to smoky woods and modern musks, these are the fragrances defining the season.
Better still, you can save up £10 when you spend £65, £20 when you spend £100, and £30 when you spend £150 on selected fragrances, so now’s the perfect time to gift yourself a new scent, or stock up on presents for others ahead of Christmas.
Kilian Paris Angels’ Share Eau de Parfum, from £130
Tested by Emma Ledger – Contributing Editor
As someone who has always eschewed anything too floral or citrusy, I was thrilled to try the hugely popular unisex woody, aromatic Angels’ Share scent from Kilian Paris – the perfumery of Kilian Hennessy, heir to France’s famous cognac-making family. This is the brand’s first collaboration with celebrated French perfumer Benoist Lapouza.
What are the notes in Kilian Paris’ Angels’ Share Eau de Parfum?
With key notes of cognac, tonka bean, oak and sandalwood, balanced with a layer of cinnamon, Angels’ Share is a fragrance with warmth and richness.
What does Kilian Paris’ Angels’ Share Eau de Parfum smell like?
Delicious and luxurious. It’s impossible not to notice this sultry, complex scent – yet it’s never overpowering. I sprayed Angels’ Share on both wrists first thing in the morning and, at lunch, a friend told me I smelt like caramel. I’m impressed that you only need the smallest spray and it lingers all day and into the evening.
The essence of the distilled liquor lends the fragrance a natural caramel colour and – housed as it is in an elegant glass bottle – it reminds me of the cut crystal that you might choose to serve a cognac. It catches the light beautifully on my dressing table.
Verdict: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Yes, it’s a splurge, but it’s a real mood-boost to spritz this on your wrists in the morning – I know it’ll give me an even bigger boost on dreary, dank January days. So, really, it’s an investment in my future happiness.
TOM FORD Black Orchid Eau de Parfum, from £42
Tested by Olivia Adams – Senior Editor
Did you know Black Orchid is TOM FORD’s first-ever fragrance? It launched in 2006 as a genderless amber-floral scent for men and women, and it has remained a true icon and a consistent bestseller ever since.
What are the notes in TOM FORD’s Black Orchid Eau de Parfum?
Unsurprisingly, the fragrance is powered by TOM FORD’s black orchid fragrance note. It is enhanced by a smoky, spicy amber blend of incense, black truffle and patchouli. Wow, this is a statement-making, bold beauty.
What does TOM FORD’s Black Orchid Eau de Parfum smell like?
In a word: expensive. And then my mind goes to modern and timeless, which rings true because it has stood the test of time. To me, the scent profile also feels like an elegant and sophisticated tribute to the Middle East. Bottled in fluted, black glass, Black Orchid looks stylish and glamorous, and the notes match. It also has a reputation for excellent longevity, which I can confirm. This is a real non-negotiable for me; I’ve tried many fragrances that simply fade within the hour. Not Black Orchid.
Verdict: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The customer reviews don’t lie; this is a real five-star fragrance. I have no doubt it will become your signature fragrance, and you will want to apply it every single day. I do.
Estée Lauder Glimmer Eau de Parfum, from £67
Tested by Lucy Scott – Senior Editorial Manager
I was delighted to test this perfume because I’m a huge fan of amber scents, and this one comes with a twist, thanks to the notes of macaron rose accord and shimmering patchouli.
What are the notes in Estée Lauder’s Glimmer Eau de Parfum?
The perfume falls in the rich floral category, with top notes of raspberry mousse accord, orange flower and mandarin oil. The middle notes are macaron rose accord, rose, vanilla bean and cashmeran, while the base notes feature shimmering patchouli, amber embrace accord, sandalwood, cedarwood and tonka bean. All of which combine for a really rich and deep scent.
What does Estée Lauder’s Glimmer Eau de Parfum Spray smell like?
Normally I’d be a little wary of a perfume with vanilla notes because I don’t like anything too sweet, but the woody scents of sandalwood and cedarwood really ground the vanilla scent, leaving you with a warming and rich fragrance.
One of the things I love the most about this perfume is that when you first spritz it, it smells bright and fresh, thanks to the mandarin, but as it develops on your skin it evolves and those deeper notes come into play. I love that hours later I could still smell the perfume on my skin. The shape of the bottle, which has sculpted semi-circles that catch and reflect the light, also looks pleasing when it’s on my dressing table.
Verdict: ★★★★
A delicious-smelling perfume that scores extra points for the chic bottle. This would make the ideal gift for someone who likes a floral scent – I’ll definitely buy it again.
