Words: Lauren Carbran
Flower power is back. Yep, you guessed it – floral perfumes are in this season, and this could just be the best news for fragrance buffs. ‘When the world is waking up and renewing, and flowers begin to bloom, what else are we going to wear?’ says fragrance expert and historian Roja Dove. ‘We love to be in synergy with our environment, and it makes perfect sense that we lean towards the natural beauty of floral notes.’ So here are the floral perfumes that are stealing the spotlight right now, whether you’re schmoozing at a garden party or jetting off on a beach vacay…
DOLCE & GABBANA PEONY FOR HER
Dolce & Gabbana Peony has really upped its floral game. We’re talking luscious, sweet accords of peony blended with freesia. This one is perfect for those special occasions in the diary, like weddings and black-tie shindigs. ‘Peony can be a truly gorgeous note to use in perfumery and especially one to put you centre stage,’ says Roja. ‘It’s soft, gentle and sweet – and it’s the epitome of beauty. The peony is also the most Instagrammed flower – this big, bold bloom makes a statement, and an elegant one, too.’ Time to spritz it all over yourself…
KENZO FLOWER BY KENZO POPPY BOUQUET FOR HER
We’ve all smelt the sparkling, fresh hints of rose in fragrance, but have you tried Bulgarian rose? The name of this perfume may not sound as if it contains rose (fun fact: there aren’t any poppies in it), but it heroes Bulgarian rose. ‘There are various types of rose available to the perfumer. Each one has its own specific olfactory quality,’ says Roja. ‘Bulgarian rose is sweet with peppery undertones, while rose de mai (grown in Grasse, France) is warmer.’ We’re all giddy over this new launch *buys 10 bottles*.
YSL LIBRE FOR HER
The dancing duo of orange blossom and lavender results in an ultra-feminine scent you’ve probably never experienced before. But it’s the lavender that really takes the limelight in this floral perfume. ‘Lavender essential oil is highly distinctive, offering a fresh, sweet naturalness to a fragrance,’ says Roja. ‘The beauty of smelling lavender is that it’s bright and fresh and sits high up in the nose once inhaled. It adds vivacity to a perfume composition.’ We can’t get enough of lavender in fragrance – it’s a mix between floral, herby and aromatic, so choose YSL Libre if you’re looking for a floral scent with depth.
GUCCI MEMOIRE D’UNE ODEUR FOR HER AND FOR HIM
Through our fragrance binoculars, we spy the launch of heaps of floral perfumes featuring jasmine. And, even better, more perfumers are opting for different types of jasmine as a rich addition to a scent. Take Gucci Memoire d'Une Odeur for example, which combines jasmine petals, coral jasmine and chamomile for an intense, refreshing aroma. ‘Jasmine is one of the most important ingredients used in perfumery,’ says Roja. ‘Whether it’s in petal or full form, jasmine is sensual, fruity, warm and ultra-flowery. The finest and most highly prized jasmine comes from Grasse, where it was introduced in the mid-16th century and known simply as “the flower”.’ Right, we’re off to buy our next jasmine scent…
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