A flirty fragrance makes the perfect gift on Valentine’s Day. Claire Spreadbury sniffs out the best
Flowers and chocolates are all very well, but receiving a beautiful bottle of perfume or cologne on February 14 (ideally paired with underwear) is always better. So why not opt for a different sort of bouquet this year, and frolic with fragrance instead?
MASCULINE MODE
:: Hugo Boss The Scent, £45 for 50ml (www.theperfumeshop.com)
This isn’t your average Boss fragrance, thanks to a distinctive twist of ginger, leather and maninka fruit. The bottle has a fresh, urban design too and purchases of 50ml or more come with a free washbag and mini 8ml scent, while stocks last.
:: Help For Heroes Xtreme, £30 for 100ml (www.debenhams.com)
A traditional masculine scent with a slight fruity edge, this fragrance was created by five injured veterans to help raise money for British servicemen and women wounded in the line of duty. Comes in a great hip flask bottle and at least £3 from every sale goes to Help For Heroes.
:: Eisenberg J’ose For Men, £44 for 30ml (www.boots.com)
Seductive notes of mint and armoise, beneath a base of amber and patchouli, make this scent a light, understated and classy fragrance for men.
:: Jo Malone Orris & Sandalwood Cologne Intense, £105 for 100ml (www.jomalone.co.uk)
Woody yet floral, powdery yet deep, creamy yet sensual, this new Jo Malone cologne is definitely a keeper.
:: Parfums de Marly Akaster, £215 for 125ml (www.harrods.com)
If you’re pushing the boat out and fancy a really different scent, this new blend contains strong aromas that are synonymous with Parfums de Marly. Sicilian lemon, Bulgarian rose and African geranium all come together in a fragrance that smells of an earthy log fire and a tumbler of whisky.
:: Carven L’eau Intense, £70 for 100ml (www.selfridges.com)
This is a new scent for men, which is heady and fresh. Pop into Selfridges and have artist Sarah Smart sketch you a complimentary illustration and personal message on the striking white bottle to make it a total one-off. Service available from February 12 in London Oxford Street; February 18 in The Bullring, Birmingham; February 19 in Manchester’s Exchange Square, and February 20 at the Manchester Trafford Centre.
FRESH & FEMININE
:: Chloe Love Story, £46.50 for 30ml (www.johnlewis.com)
Chloe’s latest fragrance is a fresher, more sensual scent, with dreamy notes of orange blossom, nasturtium and prunus flower.
:: Amore by Vince Camuto, £55 for 100ml (www.debenhams.com)
New launch Amore, by fashion designer Vince Camuto, comes in a decadent bottle containing a floral scent with fruity back notes. And it has the perfect name for Valentine’s Day.
:: Liz Earle Botanical Essence No.20, £49 for 50ml (lizearle.com)
This beautifully packaged pink parcel contains a heavenly floral scent – with a spicy twist – that was made to celebrate Liz Earle’s 20th anniversary towards the end of last year. A perfect daytime perfume.
:: Molton Brown Fiery Pink Pepper, £39 for 50ml (www.moltonbrown.co.uk)
Packaged to pink perfection, this scent has an edge of cologne to it, making it musky and sultry, yet still feminine.
:: Miss Dior, £49.50 for 30ml (www.houseoffraser.co.uk)
The citrus top note keeps this fragrance fresh, while the jasmine, patchouli and sandalwood add a sweet woody finish.
:: Barbour For Her, £40 for 50ml (www.selfridges.com)
This brand new fragrance contains fresh fruity notes, contrasted with spicy pink pepper and even a dash of vanilla – a treat for any valentine.
