"No elegance is possible without perfume. It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory," so said the inimitable Coco Chanel of the power of perfume. It's true. Perfume can inexplicably reveal someone's persona, or even tell the world the traits you wish to possess, be that a a luxury aroma that lends an air of sophistication or a juicy gourmand that feels youthful and fresh.
"Perfume is such a powerful emotional tool as it’s tied to memory, identity and to how we want to be perceived. In uncertain times, people may gravitate toward fragrances that feel grounding, sophisticated, and expressive," explains Natalie Guselli, Head of Beauty at Liberty.
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It's one among a number of reasons why "expensive-smelling" scents are gaining popularity. "They communicate confidence and presence, but they also offer comfort, because their richness and structure feel dependable. Ultimately, I think this trend has taken hold because people want their perfume to speak for them in a more assured, emotional, and lasting way,'" notes Guselli.
These scents will often use refined or unique ingredients and higher concentrations to create depth, longevity, and presence. As Guselli explains, they often feature raw materials like orris or rose essential oil, which add to their allure. Whatever the aroma, it comes down to the quality of the scent, the sillage and dry down. Ahead, the best expensive-smelling scents that get the seal of approval us.
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1
BEST NEWCOMER
COS Auburn Perfume
Exclusively available only at COS ION Orchard and The Shoppe at Marina Bay Sands boutiques.
Cos does perfume much like it does clothes: with an air of sophistication and luxury. Whether it's the viral Cos cashmere jumper or its wear-with-everything tapered trousers, the brand has a knack for creating elevate everyday essentials. Which is exactly what Auburn is: This coffee and clove scent is attention-grabbing, cool and the kind of wear-everyday perfume you never tire of.
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BEST CLEAN PERFUME
Byredo Alto Astral Eau de Parfum
Coconut water might call to mind a more saccharine base note, but Byredo's Alto Astral is anything but sickly. An elevated skin scent, the clean aroma comes to life with floral jasmine, smoky incense, and milky musks as its initial undertones. If you veer more towards musks and prefer a minimalist yet elegant day perfume, this one's for you.
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BEST LONG-LASTING MIST
Beach Skin Body Mist
Phlur became a viral sensation after the release of Missing Person, a perfume that somehow strikes the balance of being instantly recognisable yet completely unique on every wearer. This fragrance mist hits the same mark; with bergamot as its key ingredient, it lends an expensive feel from the offset, combined with notes of warming vanilla and creamy sandalwood. The dry down for a mist is impressive too.
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BEST FOR LONGEVITY
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
A perfume I wear year-round, for day and evening, no matter the occasion: No scent has guaranteed as many compliments as Le Labo's Santal 33. I get stopped in the street on a weekly basis, and while iterations claim to replicate the finish, I'm convinced that nothing can mimic the warm, woody and slightly spicy perfume.
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BEST FLORAL PERFUME
Diptyque Fleur de Peau Eau de Toilette
There are classic floral perfumes and then there's Diptyue's unique interpretation, which fuses delicate Ambrette seed, fresh mandarin and powdery iris—an ingredient knowns for its intricate trail. Think of this as a more elevated take on a skin scent that lends itself as well to the summer months as it does peak-winter.
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BEST FLORAL PERFUME
Victoria Beckham Suite 302 Eau de Parfum
Victoria Beckham concocted this perfume on a trip to Paris; for the business mogul it conjures the feeling of being in a Parisian hotel and the romance for which the City of Lights is synonymous. And that's exactly it: With smoky florals, warm woods and spiced fruit, a spritz of this perfume feels instantly luxurious.
This article was first seen on ELLE UK.