Wednesday 26 March 2014

The scent of a woman




Fragrances may come and go, but there are some that have stood the test of time and are just as alluring and sophisticated today as they were when they were launched.

Feeling nostalgic and fed up with those shouting the new must-have or celebrity, I wanted to envelope myself in real luxury and decided to revisit the some of the classics.





Chanel N°5 Eau de Parfum spray 100ml, £95
Arguably the world’s most iconic fragrance. Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel commissioned Ernest Beaux to come up with a perfume that reflected the modern woman, his creation, Chanel N°5 was revolutionary. And despite it having been around for over 90 years, this floral-aldehydic – the first of its kind – always smells divine and makes you feel all woman whatever your age. It is a wonderful comforting scent that is sexy and seductive and one that I always keep returning to as it always makes me feel so good.

Joy by Jean Patou, Eau de Parfum 50ml, £90
Launched in 1930, it is said to take approximately 10,600 jasmine flowers and 28 dozen May roses to make a single ounce of this elixir. This opulent floral dries down to a lovely rosy scent tempered with a hint of spice. It is like putting on an LBD that always makes you feel elegant.




Arpège by Lavin, Eau de Parfum 50ml, £50
Created in 1927, this gem was dedicated by Jeanne Lanvin to her daughter. A rich and complex masterpiece oozing character – although it probably has been tweaked over the years as ingredients may vary – it continues to woo women. If you like soft, warm powdery feminine florals with a bit of oomph, this one could be worth trying.

First by Van Cleef & Arpels, Eau de Parfum 60ml, £48
A scent for grown up women. This punchy aldehydic floral underpinned by a woody base became a favourite in the late 1970s and still has its following. Being quite a heady fragrance, it is best worn in the evening. It may be rather retro for some, but don’t dismiss it until you see how it reacts on your skin.



Vert Vert by Balmain, Eau de Toilette,75ml, £61
A ground-breaking scent when it hit the shelves in 1947 as it was the first fragrance created for Balmain and the first ever floral green for the world of perfumery. If you like fresh, fruity, floral, light fragrances that capture the essence of spring, check this one out.

By Daralyn Danns