BAZAAR Beauty Awards 2023: Best Perfumes and Fragrances

Fragrances possess an unparalleled magic, weaving together notes and nuances to tell stories that captivate the soul. As we unveil the 2023 edition of Harper's BAZAAR Singapore's Beauty Awards, the fragrance category emerges as a testament to olfactory excellence. From enduring favourites to avant-garde compositions, the best fragrances of 2023 embody elegance, innovation, and passion. Ahead, we celebrate the scents that have left an indelible mark on our memories and defined the fragrance landscape of the year.

Fragrance of the Year (Women)

Winner: Libre EDP, $192 for 50ml, YSL Beauty

YSL Beauty's Libre Eau de Parfum embodies the essence of uninhibited freedom, tailored for those unafraid to embrace their true selves. This trailblazing floral-lavender fragrance, masterfully crafted in a collaboration between Paris and New York by renowned perfumers Anne Flipo and Carlos Benaim, balances the bold masculinity of French lavender with the sultry femininity of French orange blossom absolute. Each spray unveils the raw emotion evoked by these sustainably-sourced, exceptional ingredients, encapsulating the very spirit of freedom.

Related Article: The 10 Fragrances Master Perfumers Wish They’d Created

Editor's Choice: Chloé Signature Rose Naturalle EDP, $280 for 100ml, Chloé

The Chloé Eau de Parfum Naturelle is a modern interpretation of a woody rose, exuding an eco-conscious charm—vegan, 100 percent naturally originated, and devoid of filters or artificial hues. Crafted by the esteemed Michel Almairac, the signature Chloé rose takes centrestage, harmoniously entwined with velvety neroli and underscored by zesty citron and blackcurrant buds. The sensuous embrace of mimosa absolute melds seamlessly with robust cedar base notes, crafting a memorable woody trail. Echoing its commitment to sustainability, the iconic bottle champions eco-friendly design, utilising 25 percent recycled glass, while its packaging boasts 40 percent recycled cardboard and a 100 percent recycled polyester ribbon.

[Editor's note] This fragrance stands out not just for its captivating scent, but also for its dedication to sustainability—a true embodiment of luxury with a conscience, making it deserving of recognition.

Fragrance of the Year (Men)

Winner: Guilty Pour Homme Eau De Parfum, $225 for 90ml, Gucci Beauty

Gucci Guilty Pour Homme Eau de Parfum is a fearless expression of modern masculinity, embodying the liberating ethos of #ForeverGuilty. This woody spicy fragrance is crafted to captivate, taking inspiration from the boldness of the '70s. It opens with an exhilarating blend of fresh rose accord and hot chili pepper, mingling warm spiciness with aromatic freshness, and punctuated by unexpected hints of vinegar and salt. The heart reveals a potent mix of orange blossom absolute, neroli, and French lavender, lending depth and intensity. As it settles, the base unveils a sensual dance of patchouli and cedarwood, evoking an air of mystery and allure.

Editor's Choice: Bleu De Chanel Eau De Parfum, $212 for 100ml, Chanel

This aromatic-woody elixir from Chanel captivates with its trail, striking a balance between strength and elegance. Reflective of the man who refuses to be confined by norms, its deep blue bottle houses a scent that epitomizes determination and independence. At its heart, Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum boasts the nobility of New Caledonian sandalwood, harmoniously blended with ambery cedar notes and the warmth of tonka bean, culminating in a trail that is irresistibly warm and sensual.

[Editor's Note]: When you trail behind a man who wears Bleu de Chanel, you're enveloped in an aura of assertive confidence and timeless elegance. It's a scent that lingers, telling a tale of ambition, independence, and the unyielding spirit of the modern man.

Related Article: Glenn Yong, Robin Tiang and Gavin Teo Give Their Take On Chanel’s Bleu De Chanel Fragrance

Best Women's Scent - Citrus

Winner: La Collection Privée Christian Dior Gris Dior, $435 for 125ml, Dior

Gris Dior stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Dior's illustrious history, encapsulating the iconic Dior grey that Christian Dior held dear—from the couture creations to the sentimental hues of his family home in Granville, Normandy, and the distinguished Avenue Montaigne storefront. This fragrance, rooted in the floral family, begins with vibrant citrus notes that gracefully transition into a heart of blooming florals, all set against the warm embrace of ambery moss. And just like the colour grey, Gris Dior is a seamless blend, an indivisible chypre that defies deconstruction, epitomising the very essence of sophistication and legacy.

Best Women's Scent - Green

Winner: Highgrove Bouquet EDP, $310 for 100ml, Penhaligon's

Highgrove Bouquet EDP by Penhaligon's is a fragrant ode to the enchanting Highgrove Gardens, the royal residence of Their Majesties King Charles III and The Queen Consort. This scent encapsulates the ethereal summers of the estate, when the air is rich with the fragrance of blossoming weeping silver lime trees—Tilla Petiolaris. Their majestic branches, adorned with silver-lined heart-shaped leaves and sprinkled with radiant yellow flowers, not only grace the outdoor expanses but also waft their sun-soaked aroma into the rooms of the House, painting an olfactory picture of 'earthly sunshine'. A harmonious dance of vibrant lavender and geranium ushers in the fragrance, followed by a gentle embrace of powdery notes, mimosa, and the deep warmth of tuberose. The culmination is a serene base of cedar woods and orris, exuding sophistication.

Best Women's Scent - Fruity

Editor's Choice: FAME EDP, $224 for 80ml, Rabanne

FAME EDP by Rabanne is a symphony of avant-garde luxury, meticulously crafted to empower and captivate. At its heart lies an unprecedented blend of notes, each chosen for its uniqueness and harmony with the others. The fragrance opens with the lush and exotic aroma of succulent mango, setting the stage for a tropical, sun-kissed beginning. This vibrant note seamlessly intertwines with the delicate airiness of exceptionally pure jasmine, introducing a floral touch that's both tender and uplifting. As the fragrance unfolds, it reveals its sensual core, dominated by the creamy and addictive essence of incense—a note that adds depth, warmth, and a hint of mystique. This trio of mango, jasmine, and incense is a groundbreaking combination, marking Fame as a fragrance that's both audacious and sophisticated. Conceived by an ensemble of industry luminaries—Dora Baghriche, Marie Salamagne, Alberto Morillas, and Fabrice Pellegrin—the perfume is a testament to their collective genius.

[Editor's Note] I envision the woman who wears FAME EDP to be a radiant blend of timeless elegance and modern audacity. She will be the one you remember from secondary school, or at last night's party, simply because of her magnetic energy. Every room she enters seems to light up with her presence, her laughter echoing with authenticity, and her confidence drawing people to her effortlessly.

Related Article: The 10 Most Expensive, Splurge-Worthy Perfumes

Best Women's Scent - Floral

Winner: Baiser Vole Parfum, $215 for 100ml, Cartier

Baiser Volé Parfum by Cartier is a celebration of passion in its purest form, encapsulating the essence of a simple yet profound lily, complete in all its facets—flower, leaf, pistil, and stem. At its heart lies the pristine simplicity of the lily, painting a fragrant picture that's both profound and captivating. The scent unfolds with the fresh crispness of the lily's silky leaves, evoking images of morning dew settling upon delicate greenery. This initial freshness gradually gives way to the carnal softness of the petals—a floral embrace that's both tender and intoxicating. But what truly sets Baiser Volé apart is its base: the powdery, velvety touch of the stamens that lends an intimate, almost whispered sensuality to the fragrance. In its renewed iteration, conceived by Cartier's in-house perfumer Mathilde Laurent, this core composition is intensified, enveloped in a musky warmth that adds depth and tenacity.

Editor's Choice: The Alchemist Garden Where My Heart Beats, $570, Gucci Beauty

Celebrating nature's ethereal beauty, Gucci's The Alchemist Garden Where My Heart Beats is a mesmerising floral rose fragrance. At its core is the delicate white peony accord, complemented by the fresh, green tones of violet leaves accord. This blend evokes vibrant rose and lily of the valley, further elevated by the ethereal touch of white musk, crafted meticulously from high-grade molecules after decades of pioneering research.

[Editor's Note] When I wear this fragrance, it feels as though I'm transported to a serene garden where roses and lilies dance in the morning dew. There's an unspoken allure in every spritz that makes the wearer feel ethereal and otherworldly.

Best Women's Scent - Oriental

Winner: Atelier des Fleur Cedrus, $200 for 50ml, Chloé

Chloé's Atelier Des Fleurs Cedrus is a tribute to nature's aromatic depth, a smoky, woody Eau de Parfum that resonates with serene landscapes. Crafted within the woody musky olfactive family, it skillfully marries tender, woody, and musky notes, capturing the subtle nuances of nature's vast bouquet. Crafted by the esteemed perfumer Quentin Bisch, this fragrance draws inspiration from a cherished childhood memory—a symbolic bouquet of branches gifted by his father to his mother and tale of love and remembrance.

Best Women's Scent - Gourmand

Winner: Electric Cherry EDP, $575 for 50ml, Tom Ford Beauty

Tom Ford's Electric Cherry EDP is a tantalising dance of vibrant notes, encapsulating the thrill of a budding romance. The scent bursts forth with the lush tartness of Morello cherry, harmoniously intertwined with the zesty allure of shimoga ginger. As the heart unfolds, the captivating aroma of jasmine sambac absolute from India weaves its magic, drawing one deeper into its embrace. But it's the alluring warmth of Ambrettolide musk, combined with a hint of spicy pink peppercorn and the grounding essence of sandalwood accord, that truly sets this fragrance apart.

The selections made for the Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore Beauty Awards 2023 are the result of extensive and rigorous testing of over 500 entries. Over the course of six weeks, the BAZAAR team, alongside a panel of esteemed experts from the beauty industry, including makeup artist Larry Yeo, aesthetic doctor Dr Rachel Ho, makeup artist Dollei Seah, and beauty insider Michelle Sielman, each brought their unique expertise to the judging process and have meticulously evaluated each product.