10 Of Sexiest Fragrances To Wear On Valentine’s Day
Modern and timeless classics to keep on heavy rotation in this season of love
By Harper’s Bazaar Singapore Team - published
Our picks of modern and timeless classics to keep on heavy rotation in this season of love.
Imagined by Gucci’s Creative Director, Alessandro Michele, and Master Perfumer Alberto Morillas, Gucci’s The Alchemist Garden collection is the brand’s fine perfumery line. Using the finest raw ingredients, the fragrances and perfume oils under this range are designed to be layered depending on each individual’s preferences to create a truly unique scent. If you’re venturing into fine perfumery for the first time, try The Eye of a Tiger. With amber at the heart of the scent, it is modern, understated and sensual. Perfect for the minimalist, it is accompanied by a touch of resin, tonka beans and vanilla, for a second-skin effect that’s oh-so-sexy and sophisticated.
As part of Jo Malone London’s Cologne Intense range, this is perfect for those who prefer a heftier scent with enhanced sillage. At first whiff, a blend of juniper and grapefruit gives this scent a fresh and luminous facet. And as it settles, the warmth of woody vetiver and smooth leather start to surface, giving you a subtle and sultry finish.
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A timeless classic in every way, this masterpiece (although the formula has been tweaked over the years) still has that instantly recognisable profile. With fresh citrusy ingredients as the top notes, this oriental scent blooms with heady notes of jasmine and myrrh. Amber and balsamic-resins surface over time for a warm and opulent finish.
First introduced in 2001 to appeal to a younger Chanel audience, the original Coco Mademoiselle EDP (expertly created by Chanel’s perfume Jacques Polge), combined notes of orange, jasmine, rose and patchouli to capture a mischievous, luminous and provocative spirit. Reimagined last year, the Coco Mademoiselle EDP Intense amplifies the original’s femininity, as it overflows with patchouli and amber accord for a deeply addictive scent trail.
Inspired by Monsieur Christian Dior’s sister, the first Miss Dior scent (created in 1947), has become one of the French House’s most iconic scents, sparking several interpretations of the original. The latest update from the range is the new Miss Dior EDT, as Dior’s Perfumer-Creator, Francois Demachy, injects a new lease of life into the luminous eau. Highlighting the vibrancy of its feminine rose and jasmine notes, Demachy introduces Lily of the Valley for added freshness — perfect for those who have an outdoor date planned this Valentine’s Day.
Another time-tested icon, Guerlain’s Shalimar was inspired by the passionate love story between an Mughal emperor and his wife. In Sanskrit, Shalimar literally translated to “temple of love”, perfectly encapsulating the notion of eternal love as the emperor eventually commissioned the construction of Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for her. Passionate and tender at once, this spellbinding scent is a seamless blend of bergamot, iris, jasmine, rose, vanilla and tonka bean that lingers on for hours on end.
You know it’s an olfactory gem when it’s created by two of the most prolific perfumers of our time: Christine Nagel and Francis Kurkdjian. Despite being launched over 10 years ago, it’s still a perfect embodiment of modernity and sophistication, not to mention its millenial pink flacon. With musk accords at its heart, it is accompanied with iris, benzoin, amber and dry woods for a soft and delicate scent — that kind that requires one to lean in close enough to get a whiff.
Taking a step away from interpreting feminine sexuality, this scent focuses on celebrating the contrasts and complexities of womanhood. Composed of rich florals, fresh citrus, fiery spices and mysterious woods, it pays homage to women’s common desire to live life by their own rules. After all, what could be sexier and more attractive than the confidence and strength to take control of your destiny?
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Just like how an exquisite couture creation from the Lebanese designer is an ode to uninhibited femininity, its very first scent is an explosion of heady florals like orange blossom, jasmine interlaced with the richness of patchouli and woody accords. Opulent and intoxicating, it leaves a seductive trail that’s definitely not for the faint-hearted.
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If you love the original Tiffany EDP for everyday wear, you’ll love this EDP Intense for date nights and special occasions. Retaining the same elegance and sophistication one would expect from the New York jewelry house, this intense version sees a profusion of iris, with notes of amber and warm resins for a deeper intensity.