We all love a perfume or aftershave gift, but it can be an expensive purchase to get wrong. Beauty editor, Tara Ledden, tells us how to get it right, every time...
Every year until I was about 15, my dad gave my mum identical Christmas presents: a dressing gown and the same bottle of perfume. Reliable? Yes. Thoughtful? Not really.
In fact, by the time I was old enough to intervene, my mum had a drawer full of unopened bottles that she’d hidden from my dad to spare his feelings – the opposite of a good present. To save you from the same fate, here’s how to pick something new for a loved one that they’re guaranteed to use to the last drop…
Suss out their favourite fragrance family
If you’re someone who wears a signature scent, you might not know that perfumes are grouped into families, depending on their ingredients – such as floral, gourmand, citrus and spicy. Working out which fragrance family a loved one likes best can narrow down your search.
“Buying within the same family is the safest way to start, or you run the risk of getting something they’re never going to wear,” explains perfume critic, Persolaise.
And don’t worry if you can’t identify the family. “Take photos of perfumes they already have and show them to a fragrance consultant in store,” advises perfume expert, Alice du Parq. “They’ll help decipher something that’s similar but different enough to make it an exciting new perfume for their collection,” she adds.
If you’re shopping online, try the Boots Fragrance Finder to narrow down the search, or visit websites such as Basenotes, Parfumo and Persolaise.
Find a fragrance that matches their personality
Not sure what types of scents they love and have no way of finding out? Look for clues elsewhere – often the smells we like are reflected in our hobbies and personality. “Think of the lifestyle they have and the choices they make.
For instance, they may be vegan, a sustainability activist or perhaps a charity volunteer – look for a perfume that adheres to those principles,” explains Alice.
Other clues can be found in the foods they enjoy. Do they have a sweet tooth or a favourite cocktail you could match a perfume to? Do they love a certain celebrity or brand? Ariana Grande Cloud Pink Eau de Parfum, will be a winner with teens or anyone who loves her music, thanks to the gorgeous berry and vanilla notes. While luxury brand fans will love the new YSL Myslf. Made for men, it’s an elegant woody-floral fragrance that’s easy to wear.
“Another tool is to separate fragrances into seasons,” explains Roja Dove, perfumer and chairman of the Fragrance Foundation UK. For those who prefer springtime, opt for something fresh, such as Karl Lagerfeld Bois de Yuzu Eau de Toilette for him, and Pure & Co Cedrat and Orange Blossom Eau de Toilette, for her.
For summer, consider a sensual suncream scent, such asLaura Mercier Eau de Parfum Almond Coconut. “A Chypré (warm, woody notes) scent is perfect for those who thrive in autumn time,” such as Ralph Lauren Polo Cologne Intense, and Gucci Flora Gorgeous Magnolia.
“While a spicy Ambrée scent is just the ticket for anyone who loves the winter months,” he adds. You can’t go wrong with the unisex Tom Ford Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum, or try the beautiful Ghost Deep Night, a sensual amber-vanilla fragrance made for cosy date nights.
A memory in a scent
As well as considering the personality of your loved one, take cues from shared experiences, then every time they spray they’ll think of you. “Think of a perfume named after a significant city or country, or a scent first encountered during a memorable event,” suggests Persolaise.
“Perhaps look for scents with a meaningful name or those released in a significant year.” Brides will love a nod to their wedding day. Pick out a flower from the bouquet with something like Tom Ford Café Rose. If you’ve shared a special holiday, pick something to take them back there.
Layering their favourite fragrance
If you know your loved one has a signature scent, you can buy other products in the same collection.
“Multipurpose perfume products enhance the fragrance – offering another level of luxury. A body lotion with the same scent as your perfume will make the fragrance last,” explains Roja. And if they don’t use lotion? “Hair perfumes are an affordable alternative and are applied in a similar way,” explains Alice.
The same goes for deodorants and body sprays. If they’re a true one-fragrance person, grab a portable version of their favourite, such as Marc Jacobs Daisy Drops Signature for Women.
Scent swap shop
If they like Mugler Alien Eau de Parfum
They'll love: Mugler Alien Goddess Supra Florale
Fun and fruity – the perfume equivalent of sipping a piña colada at golden hour.
If they like Giorgio Armani Sì Eau de Parfum
They'll love: Giorgio Armani Sì Intense
A rich and exquisite experience of patchouli, blackcurrant and rose.
If they like YSL Libre
They'll love: YSL Libre L’absolu Platine
It’s more masculine than the original, with cool metallic notes that mimic the new silver bottle and make it wearable for men and women.
If they like Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum
They'll love: Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Elixir
Ideal for cooler temps, it’s smoky, nutty and a guaranteed compliment magnet. A date night go-to!
If they like Paco Rabanne Phantom Eau de Toilette
They'll love: Paco Rabanne Phantom Parfum
Spicy, smooth and sophisticated — if James Bond was a fragrance, it would be this.
