Fragrance evokes emotions, awakens memories, influences moods—radiant, bold, sophisticated, flirty, sensual. Coco Chanel said “No elegance is possible without perfume. It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory.”

These glamorous scents are worth every indulgence for yourself and everyone you love. A little warning though… prepare for loads of compliments.

Cheers to love, and leaving a subtle trail of undeniable allure.

Parfums de Marly

Inspired by both old world (18th century French splendor) and new (a modern vision for celebration), Parfums de Marly delivers an extraordinary collection to suit your desires.

“To me, perfume represents the power and the magic of the invisible,” says Yvan Jaqueline, Parfums de Marly President of the Americas. “Perfume also represents freedom—the freedom to highlight any part of your personality and become the person you truly are or the person you want to be. You can wear perfume as a statement to feel confident, as a vector of seduction, or simply to feel at peace with yourself.”

Althaïr, the brand’s latest launch, is captivating with sensuous notes of citrus, spices, and bourbon vanilla from Madagascar (a direct descendent of the variety used in King Louis XV’s reign). It is luxuriant, velvety, and aromatic. Other favorites: Delina’s romantic bouquet of Turkish rose, bergamot, and cedarwood is beloved; Percival is distinguished with pink pepper, geranium, and balsam fir; Cassili’s plumeria, sandalwood, and currant are an enchanted garden; be refreshed by Greenley's notes of cashmere wood, violet, and oakmoss. Found in chic shops worldwide, Parfums de Marly opened their first California boutique in Beverly Hills, around the corner from Rodeo Drive.

With a valiant commitment to reforestation, Parfums de Marly partners with Reforest’Action to preserve forests in France and the Amazon. Merci beaucoup, Marly!

EX NIHILO PARIS

Another French phenomenon, EX NIHILO, creates bespoke eau de parfums with serious savoir faire. The brand’s philosophy is energized by both the creative avant-garde and the French spirit of pure refinement. Ingeniously blended with sustainably sourced ingredients, a collection of transcendent scents is rocking the haute perfumery world. Prepare to be flattered.

Foxy Hailey Bieber is a devotee of bestseller FLEUR NARCOTIQUE, vibrant with notes of lychee, peony, and moss. Lover boy Drake is a fan of spicy OUD VENDOME infused with saffron and ginger. There are a bevy of other aromas to adore, and an option to personalize your signature essence.

EX NIHILO celebrated its 10th anniversary with a knockout fragrance launch. BLUE TALISMAN charms with ambrosial notes of pear, bergamot, orange blossom, and amber. The woody lusciousness is designed by perfumer Jordi Fernandez who dreams up olfactory experiences based on well-being and happiness. I am swooning over this bewitching blend and have never smelled anything similar…it is bottled bliss. Made for layering and subtle variations, BLUE TALISMAN can be accented with EXALT (white tea and musk) and MUSC (cloves and freesia).

Dolce & Gabbana

Masters of la dolce vita, Dolce & Gabbana embodies vivacious luxury. Devotion Eau de Parfum is noble proof. This gourmand creation blends candied citrus, orange blossom, and vanilla into an artful and oh so swoon-worthy perfume that is potentially lifechanging.

Katy Perry is a devoted fan (and celebrity face of the fragrance)…catch a glimpse in this video. Appropriately adorned with a sacred silver D&G heart, Devotion’s beautiful bottle is perfect for Valentine’s Day and any day to recall the power of love.

Balmain Paris Hair Couture

Synonymous with the epitome of glamour, Balmain Hair Couture has reigned as the most luxurious haircare brand for 50 years.  A go-to for celebrity hair stylists, the sleek collection encompasses hair care products, hair accessories, tools, and, yes, hair fragrance - a category that has exploded in the last few years.  And, it’s Balmain Hair Couture’s fragrances that have lead the way. In celebration of their 50th golden anniversary, they have just debuted three mesmerizing new unisex scents certain to cast a spell. Housed in a wildly elegant glass heavyweight bottle (ideal for placing on the powder room counter), the scents were crafted by the revered Cécile Zarokian and are designed to nourish and protect the hair thanks to argan oil and silk. 

The Heritage Collection of hair fragrances is comprised of Vetiver 1974, a sophisticated blend of grapefruit, vetiver, florals and cedar wood. Cardamom 1974 is soft and sensual and features subtle notes of vanilla, blackcurrant, lemon and cardamom. And Ginger 1974 is warm and inviting with ginger, fir balsam, suede and white musk. Each aromatic scent is long-lasting and certain to arouse the senses.  It’s a tough decision, so don’t be surprised if you take the plunge for all three. Prepare for non-stop compliments and soft, silky hair. 

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Celebrity loved Baccarat Rouge 540 is decadent and expressive. Aficionados of this divine scent include Rihanna (before her own fabulous Fenty creation) and fellow Grammy winner Olivia Rodrigo who says an angel might smell like this (she burns the candle at home as well).

Created by master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian to honor French crystal Baccarat’s 250th anniversary, this social media sensation (and fragrance flattering for any gender) is now as timeless as it is praiseworthy. “Baccarat Rouge 540 embodies the alchemy of the senses,” says Kurkdjian.

Another stunner is OUD satin mood with honeyed notes of violet, leather, rose, and wood. Maison Francis Kurkdjian recently introduced a new megastar, Aqua Media Cologne forte—a total positive vibe. Verdant verbena, Italian bergamot, sweet fennel, and patchouli unveils deep breaths of dew-kissed air in a pristine meadow. “Aqua Media Cologne forte smells like happiness and caring, vitality and energy, reassuring in its apparent simplicity. It puts me in a good mood,” says Kurkdjian.

DedCool

Hip, clean, impressively ethical, and genderless—DedCool is the perfect gift for you and your lover to share. Launched in Los Angeles by creative powerhouse Carina Chaz, DedCool makes fragrance fun. Each scent is designed for layering to express your individuality; build a custom sample tin from a dozen choices. And all are blended sans water for longer lasting loveliness.

Sunlit Blooms is flirtatious and warm with delicious notes of orange blossom, white floral, salty vanilla, and it feels like a dreamy summer day. The essence of Xtra Milk is lustrous and cozy courtesy of handsome bergamot, white musk, and amber…it is attractive and addictive in the best way. Also available in laundry detergent, candles, linen spray, body wash and lotion, car fresheners, and even pet shampoo, DedCool can positively perfume every area of your life.

BluAtlas

As a premium skincare brand focused on products for men, BluAtlas is distinctive and distinguished. Their signature eau de parfum Atlantis is a tribute to anyone who desires a bright, adventurous, masculine allure—in any season and for any occasion.

Heady notes of bergamot, lemon, and blackcurrant are complemented by serene notes of sage, lavender, oakmoss, apricot, and musk. This lush blend is inspired by the coastal jungles of Bali, inviting wanderlust to magical lands. Truly remarkable in composition (made clean without harmful chemicals), Atlantis was named #1 Best Men’s Cologne by Forbes.

Juliette has a gun

Genius runs in the family. Romano Ricci, great grandson of Nina Ricci (of L'Air du Temps fame), created Juliette has a gun as an ode to women who make stylish statements. Named for Shakespeare’s leading lady, this French line has amorous moxie. An extensive collection of perfumes is sure to ignite olfactory pleasures and the playful names are a thrill.

Sunny Side Up is touted as “happy therapy” to enlighten moods; shimmery in sandalwood, vanilla, and jasmine, this scent is all smiles. Moscow Mule is zesty and hypnotic with a relishable mix of ginger, lime, bergamot, and apple, cheers! Be seduced by Lipstick Fever, this bon vivant blend is infused with iris, violet, cedarwood, and raspberry. And for the sensitive types, opt for Not A Perfume made clean and fresh with Cétalox and without allergens.

Pacifica Beauty

Admirable trailblazers in conscious beauty, Pacifica Beauty has created good for you and our planet formulas since 1996—high performance, 100% vegan, cruelty-free, sustainable. Naturally delightful perfumes feel ethical, smell of nature’s grandeur, and are an affordable joy. Essential oils blend in sprays, roll-ons, sticks, and mists from woody, citrus, and fresh to delicate, floral, and earthy.

Indian Coconut Nectar vitalizes the senses with tropical vanilla and tantalizing vetiver. French Lilac is classy with magnolia leaves, ylang-ylang, hyacinth, and a kiss of nectarine. I am drawn to the Moon Collection, each with a unique aroma, moon meaning, and moon mood—Dream, Flower, Silver, Sunrise, and my choice, Neon Moon (moon meaning is “full, mysterious, alluring, and breathtaking”; mood is “fluidity, energetic sandalwood, luscious jasmine, covetable smoky cardamom”).

Acqua di Parma

Italian style is molto bello. In concert with luxe fashion, famed houses from Prada and Valentino to Gucci and Bulgari present fashionable perfumes all worthy of this list. One acclaimed brand focuses solely on scent: Acqua di Parma. Born in 1916, attractive fragrances have long been revered by Hollywood elite and European royalty.

Rosa Nobile is an evening go-to…soft, spirited, and slightly spicy. My husband is heavenly in Colonia Essenza. As a couple, we share Blu Mediterraneo Fico di Amalfi (a recipe of figs and herbs enlivens our memories of Italian Riviera escapades). Actress and producer Gemma Arterton also wears Colonia Essenza, she says "I love it because it's really fresh and citrusy, but not sharp or heavy. It reminds me of fresh laundry.”

Recent additions to Acqua di Parma’s collection are Lily of the Valley (the graceful bouquet reminds me of my mother) and zesty, warm Zafferano (Italian for saffron, the most expensive spice in the world and worth more per ounce than gold

5 SENS

5 SENS is purpose driven, eco-conscious, and female, BIPOC founded. Launching in February 2024, In Too Deep is right on time for Valentine’s. The brand’s newest addition of self-expression is delicate, enticing, and otherworldly—Tahitian vanilla, Australian sandalwood, and Italian bergamot are a sweet and musky medley to cherish; the fragrance lingers cloudlike.

“5 SENS breaks free from the traditional seduction narrative,” says founder Divya Gugnani. "With In Too Deep, we crafted a fragrance that empowers self-affirmation rather than chasing external validation. Its delectable warmth and sensual woods celebrate the exquisite power of embracing your deepest desires, starting with loving yourself first.”

Other standouts in accord with 5 SENS mission “imagine your aura, emboldened and your current mood, bottled”: Burn for You is aflame with cedarwood, amber, clove, cashmere, and takes me away to mountain cabin reverie. Twin Flame is cool and earthy with sandalwood, cardamom, and cucumber leaves. Herbaceous and woody, Lit ignites with sacred sage, Sicilian blood orange, bergamot, and hemp leaf. All my five senses are elevated.

House of Krigler

The House of Krigler’s first fragrance, Pleasure Gardenia 79, was made in 1879 as a gift from a German chemist to his French fiancée (this lovable elixir is still in vogue). In 1904, Albert Krigler opened his haute perfumery and the collection has since blossomed exceeding 750 scent creations to date.

Originally created in 1915, Mediterranean Peach 15 was favorably relaunched. This succulent perfume embodies French Riviera finesse. “The floral bouquet envelops you with notes of vineyard peach lovingly uplifted by jasmine,” says Ben Krigler, head of Krigler and the founder’s great-great grandson. “It imparts an unexpected burst of lively sweetness that captures your heart while invigorating your senses.”

Krigler’s latest offering is Opus Bronze Sierra Vista 2142, a candle perfumed by Ben Krigler’s favored scent influenced by the state of Arizona’s wild magnetism. “The sultry, yet fresh scent boasts rich notes of sandalwood, bergamot, jasmine, and lavender carefully interwoven with sublime notes of cedarwood, amber, and tonka bean,” says Krigler.

Hollywood stars (Cynthia Erivo) and princesses across the pond (Catherine, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlene of Monaco) are Krigler enthusiasts. And it’s been a perennial choice. Grace Kelly (Chateau Krigler 12), Audrey Hepburn (Promenade 19), Jackie O. (Lovely Patchouli 55), JFK, Picasso, and Hemingway all donned Krigler. Once a classic, always a classic.

Le Labo

Le Labo's aura is passionate and soulful. Made with only the finest, ethically sourced ingredients, every unisex and handcrafted fragrance feels gracious. Thé Noir 29 is fresh, woody, and handsome with notes of vetiver, fig, and bay leaves. Lys 41 is a floral fusion of tuberose, jasmine, and lily. Baie 19 is smooth and earthy.

Sultry Santal 33 is nearly everywhere. Coined a cult favorite, the intoxicating aroma perfumes plush hotels and jet set celebrities (Ryan Reynolds, Alexa Chung). A visionary blend of sandalwood, cardamom, iris, violet, and musk is a compliment magnet; when misted in this serenity, I am always asked “What perfume are you wearing?” or “Are you wearing Le Labo?”. Santal 33 is a loyal friend.

Bonus: Le Labo cares, the brand’s refill program is admirably eco-conscious and labels may be personalized for special people and occasions.

House of Creed

Creed perfumes are refined artistry. More than 260 years in the business and 200+ scents are esteemed experience; an illustrious seventh generation is now at the helm. “Our creations are a journey through time, like a bridge between generations, because the past is the strength of our future,” says Erwin Creed.

Honoring a vintage infusion technique, every Creed fragrance is filtered, bottled, and labeled by hand in Fontainebleau near Paris. The perfumery’s newest arrival is Carmina, a gorgeous blend of rose, pink pepper, cashmere wood, black cherries, and frankincense. Love in White is ultra feminine with Florentine iris, magnolia, and a gentle powdery essence. Unisex Millésime Impérial (named for the French wine term ‘best of the crop’) is sprightly with violet leaves, marine accord, and balanced with cedarwood. David Bowie rocked Silver Mountain Water, a crisp scent sparked by winter in the Swiss Alps. Creed’s entire line is sterling; Michelle Obama and George Clooney are notable connoisseurs.

Plus, smell lovely and feel virtuous…anytime you purchase Creed online, one tree is planted thanks to the brand’s partnership with One Tree Planted. Très chic!

Váhy

100% natural goodness, Váhy is love at first sight and smell—French glass bottles are crafted in savvy black to protect precious ingredients. This boutique fragrance house is based in Australia where all their perfumes, candles, and diffusers are made. The unisex scents are wildy commendable (with worthy fairtrade and sustainability practices) and purely enjoyable (organic sugarcane alcohol is the base, synthetic nasties not included).

Award-winning Ember Haze envelops in smoky woods and firelight with notes of cardamom, almond bitter, clove, patchouli, and glowing ember. Isle of Blanc is a day at the beach; surf’s up with sparkling pomelo, fresh mint, ginger, lemon zest, cypress, coconut, and mineral salt. Cool and earthy with a burst of white flower, Neon Neroli bedazzles.

Tom Ford

Tom Ford has the Midas touch. He is impeccably suave and never ceases to cast a spell—his fragrance collection proves this true. Although he is no longer the brand’s Creative Director, his panache is evident in every scent.

Seductive Black Orchid was Ford’s pioneer perfume. Azure Lime has a citrus appeal. Mr. Ford is rumored to wear Beau de Jour and the description sounds like him: classic, sharp, maverick. Taylor Swift and Harry Styles are admirers of Tobacco Vanille. “Tobacco Vanille is opulent, warm, and iconic. Reminiscent of an English Gentleman’s Club and blended with rich spices, vanilla, and tobacco, it leaves a powerful impression,” says Ford. And indeed, it does. Vanilla Sex, with its vanilla tincture India, nuanced florals, bitter almond and is one of the latest additions to the collection and instantly captivates.

Future Society

The past is present with biotech innovation. A collaboration between genius minds at Harvard’s Herbarium and illustrious perfumers make Future Society’s Scent Surrection Collection a reality. Harnessing science to recreate extinct flower nuances, six groundbreaking perfumes are genuinely unprecedented.

Exhilarating and enduring—with stellar names to boot—are Floating Forest that emanates ‘Shorea cuspidata’ (last recorded in Borneo in 1998) with notes of Madagascar black pepper, freesia, waterlily, and Indian papyrus; Grassland Opera (‘Orbexilum stipulatum’ was last recorded on North American Plains in 1812) is highlighted by fig tree leaves, mimosa, and akigalawood; Solar Canopy, ELLE magazine’s Future of Beauty Winner 2023, illuminates with ‘Hibiscadelphus wilderianus’ (last recorded in Hawaii, 1912), red currant, bergamot, pistachio, and pink sugar. Take the scent quiz to find a selection of restorative aromas.

The beauty market is dripping in fine fragrances. Whatever your favorites are (please let us know!), wear them often and treat yourself and those you love well.