Top ten fragrances for her this Christmas

1. No.5 by Chanel

A timeless scent frequently outselling established brands and newcomers, Chanel No. 5 is synonymous with glamour and luxury. Coco Chanel instructed perfume designer Ernest Beaux to create a scent which “smells like a woman,” and so No. 5 was born. Launched in 1921 and famously worn by Marilyn Monroe; now advertised in a typically dazzling advertising campaign starring supermodel Gisele Bündchen, the perfume is a must-have fragrance for any woman.

Notes

Top: neroli, ylang-ylang, bergamot

Heart: rose, lily of the valley, iris

Base: vanilla, sandalwood, amber

 

2. Dior by Miss Dior

Miss Dior captures a vibrant and romantic scent, which develops with body temperature, moving from citrus fruit notes toward rose florals and finally musk. A gorgeously chic, feminine fragrance.

Notes

Top: gardenia, galbanum, bergamot, clary sage

Heart: rose, jasmine, lily of the valley

Base: labdanum, vetiver, sandalwood, oak moss

 

3. Daisy Dream by Marc Jacobs

Packaged in a beautiful blue bottle with white daisy edging, Daisy Dream is Marc Jacobs’ latest version of the now classic perfume. Fresh, fruity and with notes of jasmine and coconut water, it is delicate and feminine. Unveiled earlier this year, it has proved popular with both existing fans of the Daisy fragrances, and those new to the Marc Jacobs scent collection; now one of Escentuals’ best-selling products.

Notes

Top: blackberry, grapefruit, pear

Heart: jasmine, lychee, blue wisteria

Base: white woods, musk, coconut water

 

4. Lady Million by Paco Rabanne

Currently topping The Perfume Shop’s best-sellers list for female fragrances, Lady Million is a decadent, glamorous and youthful scent with floral tones. It was first launched in 2010 and has a consistently growing fan base. The multi-edged gold bottle is a strong, modern design partnering the 2008 men’s fragrance.

Notes

Top: bitter orange, fleshy raspberry

Heart: neroli, orange flower, arabian jasmine

Base: honey, vibrant patchouli

 

5. La Vie est Belle by Lancôme

Comprising of just 63 ingredients, La Vie est Belle is a light, simple yet striking perfume – 5521 versions were created during the development of this scent. Using the finest elements of floral, fruit and sweetness, each ingredient has been formulated to complement each other beautifully.

Notes

Top: iris, orange blossoms, jasmine

Heart: blackcurrant, pear

Base: tonka bean, praline, patchouli, vanilla

 

6. Jimmy Choo by Jimmy Choo

Launched in 2011, this signature perfume exploded on to the fragrance scene and is now firmly established as an extension of the brand. The rose-coloured glass bottle is shaped in a way that reflects light from all angles and is a gorgeous addition to any dressing table. Evoking glamour and sophistication with a fruity and exotic blend of mandarin and patchouli, Jimmy Choo regularly occupies the top 10 best-seller lists.

Notes

Top: mandarin orange

Heart: tiger orchid

Base: patchouli

 

7. Angel by Tierry Mugler

Tierry Mugler’s signature fragrance, Angel, was first unveiled in 1992. The dazzling star-shaped bottle is easily recognised as the brand has established itself as a leader in perfumes. The highly feminine and distinctive scent is layered with fruit and honey, blending with caramel, vanilla and chocolate tones.

Notes

Top notes: bergamot, helional

Heart notes: fruit, honey

Base notes: vanilla, chocolate, caramel, patchouli

 

8. My Burberry by Burberry

Inspired by legendary British design and craftsmanship, My Burberry eau de parfum evokes thoughts of London and fresh florals. This scent is classic but with a modern edge.

Notes

Top: sweet pea, bergamot

Heart: geranium, golden quince, freesia

Base: patchouli, rain tipped damask, centifolia roses

 

9. Le Classique by Jean Paul Gaultier

The partner fragrance to Gaultier’s iconic 1995 Le Male scent. Le Classique was released in 1993, rapidly building in its popularity. It is a beautifully blended women’s fragrance, combining fruit and floral with a base of vanilla. The corset and female form design of the bottle lends perfectly to what is a sweet, confident and glamorous eau de toilette.

Notes

Top: rose

Heart: orchid

Base: vanilla

 

10. Eau des Merveilles by Hermes

This gloriously sensual perfume is a bit of a dark horse in the fragrance world, but has steadily been building a following since 2004. Sparkling florals cut through with citric tones, a seductive middle and base notes provided by ambergris and pink pepper. Delightfully presented, it evokes thoughts of magic and marvel.

Notes

Top: vetiver, oak, cedar

Heart: ambergris

Base: lemon, orange, elemi, pink pepper

Emma Pugh