I have been a “fragrance lover” ever since I was a child. Growing up in an Arab family in a West African country meant that I grew up in an environment obsessed with always smelling good at all times.
As a pre-teen, I collected Malizia’s Bon Bons religiously. I still get a warm fuzzy feeling inside anytime I catch a whiff of these iconic scents that basically shaped my identity growing up. After that, I entered my teenage years and decided I had become a “woman,” too grown to wear Bon Bons. It was time to pick a “grown-up perfume,” which I decided must be Chanel No 5. While I didn’t end up getting that one (I opted for Chanel Chance), No. 5 still holds a dear place in my heart. You can read more about that story in The Power of Fragrance on Memory, alongside many other stories shared about fragrances that hold a special place in people’s hearts and memories.
Over the years, my taste in perfumes has changed. Every other year, I’d have a different favorite. Yet, one thing remained constant: my love for gourmands and rich, warm fragrances. I always gravitate to scents that give me comfort, scents that are the equivalent of having a cup of hot chocolate wrapped up in a soft blanket as I enjoy my favorite book.
I also found myself loving fruitier scents, which isn’t surprising considering my love for gourmands.
I did discover a new love for notes I would have never chosen when I was younger, though. My partner got me a bouquet of flowers that had lavender in it. This made me love lavender and made me seek out fragrances, scented candles, and even laundry detergent that smelled like lavender. Another note that I have grown to love is oud. When I was younger, I thought it was too deep and heavy of a note for my taste, but now, I can’t get enough of it.
This past year, I have been loving the following fragrances. Some I have worn myself and switched between, and others I have gotten as gifts because I love them so much.
For Her:
1. Burberry Her Elixir EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Burberry |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Fruity Gourmand |
| Notes | Top notes: Strawberry and Blackberry Middle notes: Jasmine Base notes: Vanilla, Amber, and Sandalwood |
| Release year | 2022 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Jérôme di Marino and Maïa Lernout. |
I’m a Taurus sun, and if you’ve ever met a Taurus, you will know that there is a love affair between us and everything vanilla. Burberry Her is no exception with its fruity, sweet, vanilla accords. I love this perfume’s elixir version because it is more long-lasting and stronger than the original scent.
My friend asked me what I wanted as a gift for my birthday two years back, and I told her that perfume would be nice. She got me Her Elixir by Burberry, and it was honestly one of the best fragrances I’ve ever tried. I usually wear it around spring/summertime for both day and nighttime, and it lasts all day.
2. Gucci Flora Gorgeous Magnolia EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Gucci |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Chypre Floral |
| Notes | Top notes: Dewberry and Coconut Middle notes: Magnolia, Jasmine Sambac, and Clary Sage Base notes: Musk, Patchouli, and Blonde Woods |
| Release year | 2023 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Daphné Bugey and Marie Salamagne |
I was introduced to this scent by accident when shopping and have loved it since. Gorgeous Magnolia Gucci is my favorite out of the Flora Collection. I recommend it to nearly anyone looking for a floral perfume.
What I love most about this scent is that it is versatile. Unlike most florals, this magnolia perfume can be worn all year round and is suitable for any occasion. It is the perfect balance of soft and sensual, allowing you to wear it whether you’re feeling playful or sophisticated.
For Him:
1. Versace Eros EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Versace |
| Best for | Men |
| Fragrance Family | Aromatic Fougere |
| Notes | Top notes: Mint, Green Apple, and Lemon Middle notes: Tonka Bean, Ambroxan, and Geranium Base notes: Madagascar Vanilla, Virginian Cedar, Atlas Cedar, Vetiver, and Oakmoss |
| Release year | 2012 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Aurélien Guichard |
I got this scent as a gift for my partner, and he loved it. I know this scent doesn’t have the best rep, but who cares? It’s a good perfume.
What attracted me to Eros by Versace wasn’t the opening. Sure, the opening is nice with citrus notes that feel fresh and fun, but the dry down is what got to me. It is sweet and irresistible! This long-lasting men’s fragrance is a must-have, in my opinion.
2. Emporio Armani Stronger With You Intensely EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Giorgio Armani |
| Best for | Men |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Fougere |
| Notes | Top notes: Pink Pepper, Juniper, and Violet Middle notes: Toffee, Cinnamon, Lavender, and Sage Base notes: Vanilla, Amber, Tonka Bean, and Suede |
| Release year | 2019 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Giorgio Armani |
Stronger With You Intensely is a better, more potent version of the original Stronger With You by Armani. I know you must be wondering, but NO, I didn’t get this for my partner. I actually got it for myself.
As I said before, I am a lover of gourmand fragrances. This one is no exception. I had just gone through one bottle of this and am already looking to buy another soon!
Unisex:
1. Tom Ford Ombre Leather EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tom Ford |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Leather |
| Notes | Top notes: Cardamom Middle notes: Leather and Jasmine Sambac Base notes: Amber, Moss, and Patchouli |
| Release year | 2018 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Sonia Constant |
Ombre Leather by Tom Ford is the ultimate office/business scent. This luxury fragrance is elegant and sophisticated, and quite frankly, I can’t help but take anyone who is wearing it seriously.
I first tried this perfume after I was told about it by a friend. I wasn’t into leather fragrances and never thought to try it before. Boy, was I missing out!
If you want a similar, more affordable option, I highly recommend Faiz Niche Leather F9990 Extrait De Parfum.
2. Mancera Aoud Vanille EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Mancera |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Vanilla |
| Notes | Top notes: Agarwood (Oud), Saffron, Black Pepper, and Cardamom Middle notes: Floral Notes Base notes: Madagascar Vanilla, Guaiac Wood, and Sandalwood |
| Release year | 2015 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Pierre Montale |
Last but definitely not least. Aoud Vanille by Mancera focuses on two things I love most: vanilla and oud notes. This amber vanilla unisex fragrance is so unique and captivating.
I was out with a friend for coffee, and I couldn’t help but notice how good she smelled! I asked her right away what perfume she was wearing, and she showed me the bottle. Not only did I try it on, but I also saved the name in my notes app so I could try it at a store later. I did that, and I loved it just as much. This has been one of my favorite perfumes since.
You can find all these fragrances and many more at V Perfumes at the best prices in the UAE.
