The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
The best fragrances: Hit the jackpot this Christmas with these stand-out scents
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fragrance can be a tricky gift to give. Unless you have access to their dressing table, or they've been dropping weighty hints, you might not be able to single your loved one's signature scent from the endless perfumery permutations at the beauty hall.
Going off-list is a gamble – scent is subjective after all – but when you catch a whiff of them wearing your choice well into the spring, you'll know you've hit the jackpot. Go with your gut, but here are a few that can be relied upon to elicit coos of "Ooh, you smell lovely".
Mon Patchouly by Ramon Monegal
£130, harrods.com
An exotic blend of Indonesian patchouli, vegetal amber, incense and Egyptian jasmine. Holm oak moss washed in the Ibizan sea adds an invigorating splash of surf.
Portrait of a Lady by Dominique Ropion, Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle
£145, lessenteurs.com
This is a grown-up, feminine and sensuous proposition – Turkish rose is blended with dark berries, cinnamon, patchouli and amber.
Eau des Merveilles
£97, Hermès, houseoffraser.co.uk
Sweet and musky without being cloying thanks to a spritz of citrus, this has amber woody accords, a slightly salty tang and a deliciously powdery finish.
Rose Velours, Van Cleef & Arpels
£126, houseoffraser.co.uk
A simple, elegant bottle houses a tactile take on rose that has softer edges than more traditionally floral fragrances. Warm and velvety thanks to golden honey and iris.
Molecule 01, escentric molecules
£66, liberty.co.uk
On first sniff this has almost no aroma, but as Iso E Super, the titular molecule, reacts to pheromones it can cause a surprisingly seductive reaction that is unique to the wearer.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments