THE JOURNAL
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Seven Fragrances To Inspire Romance This Valentine’s Day
Words by Ms Roni Omikorede
11 February 2022
It might seem like only yesterday when you were fretting over which Christmas gifts to buy and now Valentine’s Day is upon us. But worry not. Perfume is an infallibly romantic gesture. It can boost the wearer’s mood and always conveys intimacy. Plus, it’ll last much longer than a box of chocolates. Below, we’ve selected seven delightful fragrances that will make the perfect gift for someone special (or yourself) this Valentine’s Day.
01.
Slow Dance by Byredo
Smell is the sense most strongly linked to memory. This aptly named scent that evokes an intimate smooch is the perfect gift. Byredo’s Slow Dance is a rich, intoxicating distillation of sweet opopanax and soft florals on a base of warm patchouli and vanilla. It’s a familiar scent that sets the tone for a romantic evening.
02.
La Habana by 19-69
19-69’s La Habana eau de parfum was inspired by Havana in the 20th century and 19-69 founder Mr Johan Bergelin’s uncle’s experiences as a sailor before the Cuban Revolution. The smoky blend of saffron, incense, Laotian oud and amber balsam captures the allure of the tropical island and its vibrant past.
03.
Gentle Fluidity by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Valentine’s gifts can veer into cliché, so if you’re after something unexpected, Gentle Fluidity from Maison Francis Kurkdjian is it. One of two versions made with the same notes but with different fragrances, this silver edition is a balanced composition of juniper berries, nutmeg oil, amber woods and vanilla accord for a sensual and calming scent that transcends gender identities. In other words, it smells good on everyone.
04.
Leather by MALIN+GOETZ
The perfume equivalent of brand new shoes, this scent by MALIN+GOETZ captures the ancient artisanal practice of finishing leather goods with individual blends of essential oils. Using top notes of lotus flower, pepper and clove on a foundation of cedarwood and sandalwood, it’s a luxurious, nostalgia-inducing formula that, just like vintage leather, only gets better with time.
05.
Tam Dao by Diptyque
Complex scents are nothing new for Diptyque, but Tam Dao is special. It was inspired by one of the brand’s founders, Mr Yves Coueslant, and his childhood spent in Indochina around incense-burning temples and holy forests. The fragrance itself is a combination of sandalwood sourced from east India, cedar and cypress with rich floral notes. The result is a velvety scent that is strong, sweet and sophisticated.
06.
Tobacco Vanille by TOM FORD
Its components may read more like the ingredients for an indulgent dessert, but TOM FORD’s Tobacco Vanille is a modern take on a classic fragrance that transports you to an old-school gentleman’s club. Tonka bean, vanilla, cocoa, dry fruits and notes of ginger all come together to make a spicy, heady scent that’s both masculine and warming. Spray sparingly: its intense, highly concentrated fragrance will last all day.
07.
No. 003 Samphire by Laboratory Perfumes
Choosing a scent for a nature lover? Laboratory Perfumes makes its fragrances from environmentally friendly and cruelty-free natural ingredients. Named after the plant that grows beside the sea, Samphire is an aromatic blend of juniper berries, citrus oil, lavender, rosemary and basil with base notes of white amber and oak moss that evokes a romantic stroll by the sea.