The 12 Best Perfumes to Gift This Valentine’s Day
The 12 Best Perfumes to Gift This Valentine’s Day
Gifting perfume is risky business, for the simple reason that scent is personal. One person’s zingy citrus blend might be another’s headache; what someone might consider bright and floral, the next person could deem cloyingly sweet. On the flip side, that’s precisely what makes it such a thoughtful present. Picking the perfect spritz for someone shows how well you know them, and if you’ve yet to settle on the right Valentine’s Day gift, might we suggest going the fragrance route? From crisp linen scents to warm blends of amber and cedar, any one of these 12 perfumes is a real olfactory treat.
1) Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia
Gucci
gucci.com
Top notes: Blossom accord, Italian mandarin, red berries
Delicate and feminine, this perfume is built around the gardenia flower—though it includes traces of brown sugar and pear blossom for extra sweetness. Equally as striking? The packaging, which is a fresh take on Gucci's 1966-era Flora pattern.
2) Le Labo Fleur d'Oranger 27
Le Labo
saksfifthavenue.com
Top notes: Bergamot, lemon, petit grain
Skip the Santal 33 in favor of a lesser-known but just as delicious-smelling Le Labo option. A creation three years in the making, this orange blossom perfume is lightly floral with a hint of musk.
3) Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
saksfifthavenue.com
Top notes: Jasmine, saffron, cedar wood, ambergri
This opulent perfume may be particularly buzzy right now, but it's definitely timeless. Created to celebrate Baccarat's 250th birthday by celebrated perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, it features a predominantly woody scent that's bolstered by Virginia cedar and saffron.
4) Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Cologne
Jo Malone London
saksfifthavenue.com
Top notes: Red apple
With crisp notes of red apple balanced out by softer touches of suede and peony, Jo Malone's cologne is a perfect, complex option for anyone who loves fruity scents but doesn't want to smell like walking Juicy Fruit.
5) Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Passiflora Passion Fruit
Guerlain
saksfifthavenue.com
Top notes: Bergamot, passion fruit
Inspired by summer sunshine and taking a dip in crystal clear waters, this refreshing perfume is enough to get anyone excited for warmer weather. (Psst: The golden mesh top is a modern homage to the French house's iconic bee bottle.)
6) Frédéric Malle Synthetic Jungle
Frédéric Malle
saksfifthavenue.com
Top notes: Basil, lily of the valley
Created in partnership with perfumer Anne Flipo, Frédéric Malle's newest scent is an ode to the 1970s complete with hints of black currant, Ylang Ylang oil, and patchouli; all of which combine for an overall lush and verdant fragrance.
7) Byredo Sunday Cologne
Byredo
saksfifthavenue.com
Top notes: Bergamot, cardamom, star anise
Bergamot and star anise make for the ideal citrusy blend that'll have your giftee feeling like they're vacationing in an Italian villa when they wear it.
8) Aesop Othertopias Miraceti
Aesop
saksfifthavenue.com
Top notes: Black pepper, green maté, chilli leaf
A piquant option that's full of spice and earthy elements like cedar and myrrh, Aesop's Miraceti eau de parfum is a cozy scent that feels rich without being too overpowering.
9) Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning
Maison Margiela
nordstrom.com
Top notes: Pear accord, lily of the valley accord, aldehydes
Ever wish you could bottle the smell of freshly washed linen sheets? Consider Maison Margiela's Lazy Sunday Morning blend an upscale fulfillment of that dream: Inspired by luxurious mornings in bed, it's great for anyone who can't stand saccharine scents.
10) Chanel Eau Vive
CHANEL
saksfifthavenue.com
Top notes: Jasmine, grapefruit, blood orange
Just in time for spring, an energizing fragrance (it's all thanks to the hint of grapefruit) that feels fresh and vibrant.
11) Bond No.9 New York Jones Beach Perfume
Bond No.9 New York
saksfifthavenue.com
Top notes: Calone, orange flower absolute, ambox wood of violet, white musk
Inspired by New York's Jones Beach, this fresh scent captures all the best parts of seaside living: The marine-inflected calone in the top notes almost perfectly mimics the smell of an ocean breeze.
12) Dior J'adore L'Or
Dior
saksfifthavenue.com
Top notes: Grasse jasmine
A sensual spritz with touches of honey and warm vanilla, Dior's lightly floral scent comes in a stylish bottle that doubles as vanity eye candy.
From sweet gardenia to warm spices, you can't go wrong with a thoughtful perfume gift this Valentine's Day.