The Best Mood-Lifting Perfumes For Christmas
Give the gift of scented self-care with fail-safe fragrances, currently at the top of our wish list
It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas… After a decidedly unglamourous year for most of us, what could be more thoughtful than the gift of a mood-boosting fragrance on the big day?
‘There’s no better way to lift your spirits, calm your mind or take you to a place that you love than the power of fragrance,’ explains Lori Woodhouse, UK Director of Education for Tom Ford Beauty, Kilian, Frederic Malle and Le Labo. ‘Scent is a great way to really alter the mood or impression you would like to create, whether that is in a room in your home or for yourself.’
‘This year more than ever we’ve variously required uplifting and enlivening, calming and grounding; sometimes several times a day,’ agrees Suzy Nightingale, Senior Writer for The Perfume Society. ‘Little wafts of a favourite scent throughout the day can be a perfumed treat for you, or a fragrant shield against the world in general. Plus if we’re feeling trapped, lonely or otherwise fed-up, spritzing a new scent can transport us somewhere else.’
Think of it as scented self-care that also brings a little luxury to your loved ones’ lives. The following fragrances will brighten their mood, energise or relax their minds, and make them feel like themselves again.
Tom Ford Black Orchid
The sort of elegant drama that immediately calls to mind the screen sirens of Hollywood’s Golden Age, this decadent scent is sensual and attention-seeking; perfect if the recipient has been feeling stuck at home all lockdown. Top notes of jasmine and blackcurrant mingle with orchid, sandalwood, chocolate and amber. It’s the perfume equivalent of a slick of red lipstick.
Tiffany & Co Eau de Parfum
If your loved one is missing the usual glamour and buzz of the big smoke, they’ll adore this sparkling floral musk that evokes the spirit of the world's most famous cities. Containing glorious iris butter, harvested through a distilling process unique to the brand, Eau de Parfum is a heady and thoroughly modern scent. The bottle recalls the iconic jewellery house’s signature yellow diamond cuts and the scent itself combines vibrant top notes of vert de mandarine with warm nuances of patchouli.
Jo Malone London Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense
Undeniably sexy, yes, but also a metaphysical breath of fresh air; this best-selling Jo Malone cologne transports you to far-flung places. A true winter scent, it combines the hand-harvested sap of the Namibian myrrh tree with vanilla and a gentle, warm almond. A hint of lavender adds floral vibes to an oriental fragrance.
Yves Saint Laurent LIBRE
It’s the French word for ‘free’ and who hasn’t been craving some more freedom this year? Give the gift of the open road with a grand floral perfume that pays tribute to YSL’s obsession with freedom, authenticity and a powerfully bold attitude. Think orange blossom, neroli, white musk and lavender – the latter is traditionally used to sharpen male perfumery, but here is given a unique, feminine twist.
Juliette has a Gun Not A Perfume
When is a perfume not a perfume? This classic modern fragrance is made from a single element called Cetalox. Usually used in perfumery as a base note, it takes centre stage here giving a long-lasting, naturally woody smell, with tones of musky amber.
On initial spray, the scent is pure and clean, bringing to mind clothes drying in the sun. It’s a proper dose of bright white sunshine for dark winter days. Not A Perfume is also completely allergen-free.
Chanel No.5
Possibly the most iconic fragrance on the planet, receiving a bottle of Chanel No.5 is like fast-tracking straight to the imaginary part of our life stories where we only wear cashmere or silk and take long, luxurious baths in the middle of the day. In other words, it’s a byword for luxury. A powdery floral with bright citrus top notes, it is immediately transportative.
Kilian Paris Moonlight in Heaven
‘When I am missing summer and the feel of summer sun and tropical islands, I reach for Kilian Paris Moonlight in Heaven,’ says Woodhouse. It’s shot through with the perfume of mango and powdered sambac jasmine mixed with coconut milk and rice – ‘The notes of a gorgeous sticky mango rice pudding,’ continues Woodhouse. Kilian Hennessy’s inspiration for this evocative fragrance was a dazzling beam of pearlised light dancing on the ocean, witnessed by two lovers from a balcony that almost touches the stars. It’s a heady concoction that will conjure up a little slice of paradise for the lucky recipient.
Narciso Rodriguez NARCISO Poudrée
Powdery and pretty, there’s something reassuringly traditional about NARCISO Poudrée’s version of femininity that makes us want to throw on a string of pearls. With white jasmine petals and Bulgarian rose top notes, the heart is a powdery musk with base notes of vetiver mixed with white and black cedars.
Givenchy L'Interdit
Looking for something a little different? You’re not alone. ‘So many people have told us that they don’t want to associate a single fragrance with this year, so are exploring new perfumes that they’d perhaps never experienced before,’ explains Nightingale. ‘We’re missing “newness” more than anything, I think, and fragrance can deliver that thrill whenever you want.’ Cue Givenchy L’Interdit. A white floral cut through with dark notes, it’s chic without being conformist. Think tuberose and orange blossom, jasmine, patchouli and vetiver. Ideal for someone on your gift list who is thoroughly elegant but an enormous amount of fun too.
