Our Perfume Picks: Top 5 Favourite Feminine Fragrances to Give this Christmas

A new fragrance for Christmas? It just makes scents!

I rarely choose a scent for myself; I tend to wait for a birthday or a business trip before I am gifted a fragrance from my love (he normally does extremely well). I would like to point out though that I am quite capable of choosing a fragrance for myself – and thought I better prove it! So mamas, if you’re in need of a perfume pick-me-up, or want to send a hint during Christmas, here are some new scents this season that are worth having a nose at. From fresh florals to DIY designer perfumes; here is my hit list that smells so good.

Italian luxury in a box. From it’s hand crafted fine paper signature yellow box to the well-chosen florals, Acqua di Parma pulls out all the stops when it comes to introducing his fifth floral fragrance to the Le Nobili collection. As the names suggests, Le Nobili collection of feminine fragrances is dedicated to precious flowers found in the aristocratic gardens of Italy. Existing floral fragrances from the collection include Iris, Magnolia, Jasmine and Rose; the collection has recently been enriched by peony, a sumptuous scent with an alluring, instantly captivating power.

Peonia Nobile is available in an Eau de Parfum  (100ml: HK$1,775, 50ml: HK$1,230) and a complementary Luxurious Body Cream (150g: HK$ 795), which can now be found at the Acqua di Parma counter at Lane Crawford.

The Signorina collection by Salvatorre Ferragamo adds a third character to its sassy scents. With its latest fragrance, Signorina Misteriosa, Ferragamo accompanies you on a (rare, for some!) night out. Its packaging as well as its fragrance evokes the mysterious side to the Signorina inside us all. The unexpected and playful scent of Wild Blackberry with Neroli, creates a distinctive allure. The modernly chic silky nuances of Orange Blossom melt with the opulent sensuality of Tuberose, casting a subtle seductive spell. An irresistibly sweet Black Vanilla Mousse accord signs the dry down while the Patchouli provides an elegantly stylish touch. Signorina Misteriosa: definitely perfect for date night.

Ferragamo Signorina Misteriosa 50ml Eau de Parfum Spray (HK$850) and Ferragamo Signorina Misteriosa 100ml Eau de Parfum Spray Ferragamo is available at Facess.

Penhaligon’s tributes the blue blood of British society with its new portraits collection. A tribute to the English spirit between establishment, humour and provocation, the Portraits of Penhaligon’s bring a smile to your face. There are four personalities to the range; two male and two female fragrances however I have opted for The Coveted Duchess Rose. A sucker for a rose, her fragrance is supposed to be as pure as the first rain; as crisp and sparkling as chilled Rosé… Now, I’m craving a glass! Joking aside the delicate woody rose appeals a lot to the nose.

To create the bespoke Portraits packaging, Penhaligon’s collaborated with award winning illustrator, Kristjana Williams. By interweaving fragments of Victorian engravings with contemporary illustration and colouring, Kristjana creates magical landscapes filled with impossible, exotic creatures. These creatures adorn the perfume cap, which makes for yet another reason to adore. It looks so good on the dressing table.

The Penhaligon’s “Portraits Collection” is sold separately, each bottle retails at $2,300 (75ml) and is available at Penhaligon’s at ifc and Harbour City.

I have heard of creating your own fragrance but not actually naming it. Well hello, BYREDO. To celebrate its tenth anniversary the brand introduces its unisex “Unnamed” fragrance, allowing you to own the brand.

Nestled in the white case, a set of letters printed in the unique BYREDO typography provides endless possibilities of the perfect name for this fragrance. Initials, a child’s name, a dream destination, a lucky number, a special moment, a time of day or night or even an emblem.

I’m not going to tell you what it smells like, after all that decision has been firmly placed in your hands!

BYREDO “Unnamed” retails at $980 (50ml) or $1,500 (100ml) and is available at  BYREDO Lane Crawford at ifc and Times Square.

Jo Malone introduces a new cocktail of fragrance that complements the new autumnal season, enter the Orange Bitters Cologne. Two dashes of citrus brightness, juicy sweet orange and a burst of fresh mandarin, a zesty splash of bitter orange revealing luscious prune and a sensual base of rich sandalwood and amber. Smells good enough to eat!

Jo Malone London Orange Bitters Collection Cologne 100ml HK$1,250 is available exclusively to Sogo Boutique from November 2016.