Fragrant Pleasures: The Best Winter Scents
Fragrance and Christmas go hand-in-hand. Break out of your olfactory comfort zone with a new Eau de Parfum that complements your personality
For the English romantic: A Rose For… by Floris
British perfumer Floris has been stimulating St James’s since 1730, making it one of the oldest shops in London. A Rose For combines oriental rose with dark notes of spice, oud orris, backed up by warm amber for a complex and long-lasting love affair. Each bottle is accompanied by a gold pen to personalise the festive red label, making it an ideal Christmas gift.
£160, floris.com
For a modern-day Marlon Brando: Cuir Celeste by Ex Nihilo
Cuir Celeste takes its cue from the iconic leather bomber jacket, immortalised by Steve McQueen, Marlon Brando and, most recently, Ex Nihilo creator Benoit Verdier. Heady Ambrette sits at the heart of this beguiling scent, enhanced by musk, punchy patchouli and, of course, smoky leather.
£240, harrods.com
For late-night liaisons: Unisex Midnight Saffron by Tom Daxon
The unabashedly provocative Midnight Saffron by Tom Daxon offers a rich take on bittersweet saffron, considered one of the most luxurious olfactory ingredients. It is unusually tempered by lavender, jasmine and suede for a lingering, late-night scent.
£105, libertylondon.com
For His or Her Majesty: The Sovereign Collection by Thameen
Make like the wise men and gift Myrrh and Frankincense this Christmas, which sit at the heart of a luxurious new collection by Thameen. Launched by Saudi entrepreneur Basel Binjabr but with roots firmly in London, Thameen is a regal blend of Middle Eastern opulence and British refinement. The Sovereign Collection takes its cue from the British crown jewels and blends rich, oriental ingredients with bright floral notes and warm amber to create a fearless, day-to-night trio of fragrance for men and women. Visit the exclusive concession in Selfridges to sniff for yourself.
£195, selfridges.com
For ambitious gentlemen: Tabarome Millesime by CREED
The timeless Tabarome Millesime was first created in 1875 for a wealthy statesman known for his love of brandy and fine cigars, and was later worn by Winston Churchill. It has been remastered for a modern trailblazer, blending dark leather with sandalwood and warm ginger for an elegant, smoky scent with staying power.
From £155 for 50ml, CREED Original Santal, creed.com
For guaranteed dancing: Golden Serenade by Jusbox
Jusbox creates contemporary fragrance inspired by music throughout history. For its final crescendo of the year, Jusbox Golden Serenade takes its cue from the first gold record in the history of music, awarded in 1941 to Glenn Miller and his orchestra for the now iconic, toe-tapping single Chattanooga Choo Choo. World War II was raging across Europe at the time, and many men were serving away from home.
This new fragrance captures the heroic fortitude and romance of the era, through a fearless and harmonious melody of rich saffron, clove bud, incense and oud, lightened by vanilla and amber.
£250, exclusive to Selfridges
For a temptress: Lost Cherry by Tom Ford
Don’t dismiss a cherry scent as being too sweet. This vampish fragrance by Tom Ford tempers black cherry with vetiver, sandalwood and cedar for a dark and sultry fragrance that is both fierce and flirtatious.
£218, tomford.com