2025 was a very long year. The colour of the year was “Cloud Dancer,” basically white… The styles were minimalistic, and almost everything was a sign of recession. From big purses to the return of conservatism, and everything in between.
It’s time to put all that behind us and look forward to what we hope will be a better year. 2026 is knocking on our doors, and it’s about that time of the year when we all come together and celebrate the fact that we survived. We don’t know what 2026 holds, but we’re here, and thankfully, we’ll be able to see for ourselves.
So let’s pull out our party dresses, put on our favourite shoes, and pick out the perfect perfume to wear as we welcome the new year!
1. Guerlain Shalimar EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Guerlain |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Spicy |
| Notes | Top: Citruses, Bergamot, Lemon, Cedar, and Mandarin Orange Middle: Iris, Patchouli, Vetiver, Jasmine, and Rose Base: Vanilla, Incense, Leather, Opoponax, Civet, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, and Musk |
| Release year | 1990 |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Jacques Guerlain |
Shalimar is a fragrance that tells a story of eternal love and sensuality, drawing inspiration from the love story between Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, for whom the Taj Mahal was built. Shalimar’s very essence is about passion and grand gestures.
This is the perfect scent to leave behind the muted tones of the past year and step into a future filled with boldness and vibrancy. Its overall aroma is a complex blend of powdery, smoky, and sweet notes, making it suitable for a glamorous New Year’s Eve party, such as a black-tie event or a cocktail party.
2. Cartier La Panthere EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Cartier |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Chypre Floral |
| Notes | Top: Dried Fruits, Rhubarb, Big Strawberry, Anise, and Bergamot Middle: Gardenia, Rose, Ylang-Ylang, Pear, and Orange Blossom Base: Oakmoss, Musk, Patchouli, and Leather |
| Release year | 2014 |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Mathilde Laurent |
Cartier La Panthère is less passionate and more elegant. A fragrance that evokes the image of a strong and mighty pantheress. Its chypre floral composition, with a prominent gardenia note, is elegant and symbolizes independance.
La Panthère embodies freedom and self-expression and is an excellent choice for a chic and stylish New Year’s Eve celebration, such as a lounge party or an art gallery opening.
3. Amouage Interlude 53 EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Amouage |
| Best for | Men |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Woody |
| Notes | Top: Oregano, Pimento, and Bergamot Middle: Incense, Amber, Opoponax, and Labdanum Base: Smoke, Agarwood (Oud), Leather, Patchouli, and Sandalwood |
| Release year | 2020 |
| Projection | Low – Moderate |
| Perfumer | Pierre Negrin |
Amouage Interlude 53 is perfect for an unconventional New Year’s Eve gathering. This could be a refined dinner party, an evening at a jazz club, or any event where intellectual conversation is appreciated.
This fragrance is rich, complex, and unapologetically opulent in character. It has a dominant aroma of incense, smoke, and woods, making it a warm scent that is quite unique in its own way.
4. Kilian Black Phantom Memento Mori EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Kilian |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Vanilla |
| Notes | Top: Rum Middle: Dark Chocolate, Coffee, Almond and Heliotrope Base: Caramel, Sugar Cane, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Tonka and Vetiver |
| Release year | 2017 |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Sidonie Lancesseur |
Kilian Black Phantom Memento Mori throws a wrench into the minimalist aesthetic of 2025. Its gourmand composition, dominated bydark chocolate, rum, and coffee, is an exercise in indulgence.
This fragrance is a reminder to seize the moment and enjoy life’s pleasures to the fullest. Black Phantom encourages you to embrace the richness and sweetness of life as you step into the new year, leaving behind any past austerity.
5. Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Maison Margiela |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Woody |
| Notes | Top: Cloves, Pink Pepper, and Orange Blossom Middle: Chestnut, Guaiac Wood, and Juniper Base: Vanilla, Peru Balsam, and Cashmeran |
| Release year | 2015 |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Marie Salamagne |
Finally, Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace is a warm woody fragrance that creates a sense of cosy indulgence. The fragrance is reminiscent of relaxing by a crackling fireplace, reminding you that sometimes, you need to slow down.
This fragrance is perfect for a relaxed and intimate New Year’s Eve gathering. Something like a cosy house party, a ski lodge celebration, or a quiet night in with loved ones. It’s a smoky, woody and slightly sweet scent. Perfect for moments of closeness.
Find all these fragrances and more at V Perfumes, your go-to perfume shop in Dubai. Shop at the best prices in the UAE and Gulf region and don’t miss out on exclusive offers online and in-store.
Disclaimer: This article contains external links, including links to Amazon affiliates and V Perfumes’ main site. If you make a purchase through these suggestions, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our disclaimer to learn more here.
