Love potions may be the stuff of fairy tales, but here’s one thing we know to be certain: when we’re heading out on a date or have an inkling we’ll bump into someone we fancy nothing sets the mood more than the perfect date night perfume.
Whether you prefer the sensuality and allure of rich, woody notes, or fancy bright and zesty citrus to mirror your effervescent personality, discover our picks of romantic scents that spotlight the laws of attraction.
ABEL ODOR Pink Iris 50ml eau de parfum, $225
What it is: Abel Odor founder Frances Shoemack has nicknamed this classic floral as the "olfactory equivalent of a timeless trench", and we tend to agree. The 100 per cent natural fragrance is a heady blend of white florals, juxtaposed with verdant, herby notes. Not to mention one per cent of the total sales of Pink Iris is donated to the Plastic Soup Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation which aims to address the threat and impact of plastic pollution in our oceans.
Fragrance family: Floral
What it smells like: Top notes of Sichuan pepper, raspberry leaf and basil, a heart of orris root [iris], rose and jasmine, and a vanilla and musk base.
Where to get it: Available from selected day spas and independent retailers, from Abel Odor's retail concept store Fabriek in Wellington, or online at Nz.abelodor.com
JIMMY CHOO Urban Hero Gold Edition 100ml eau de parfum, $141
What it is: The newest iteration in Jimmy Choo's Urban Hero collection encapsulates the duality of the modern man sophisticated yet daring, rebellious yet creative. This dynamism is reflected in the two-toned vessel, a striking contrast of the high-shine black top half and golden juice below.
Fragrance family: Woody
What it smells like: Top notes of blood orange, pineapple and basil, a heart of lavandin [lavender], tonka bean and ambertonic [similar to cashmeran], set amongst a base of sandalwood, moss and musk.
Where to get it: Available from selected department stores and pharmacies, including Life Pharmacy or online at Lifepharmacy.co.nz
DOLCE & GABBANA The One For Men Gold 50ml eau de parfum intense, $119
What it is: Building on Dolce & Gabbana's The One legacy, this spicy, citrussy scent embodies the confidence and charisma of the modern man. Radiant and luminous, the juice is equally as bright as the gleaming gold vessel.
Fragrance family: Aromatic
What it smells like: Top notes of blood orange, ginger and Sicilian bergamot, a heart of clary sage, cardamom and geranium, and a base of amberwood, Haitian vanilla and warming patchouli.
Where to get it: Available from selected department stores and pharmacies, including Farmers or online at Farmers.co.nz
SANTA MARIA NOVELLA 1221 Rosa Gardenia 100ml eau de cologne, $269
What it is: As graceful, elegant and charming as the flower it was inspired by, this fresh, floral olfaction from luxury apothecary Santa Maria Novella is part of the Firenze 1221, a special edition collection to celebrate its 800-year history. Alluring and seductive, the unisex scent wears beautifully on people from all walks of life.
Fragrance family: Floral
What it smells like: Top notes of almond blossom, orange blossom and bergamot, a heart of gardenia, Rose de Mai, fig leaf and jasmine, and a base of musk, sandalwood and vanilla.
Where to get it: Available from Smith & Caughey's or online at Smithandcaugheys.co.nz
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Advertise with NZME.L'ARTISAN PARFUMEUR Contes Du Levant 100ml eau de parfum, $346
What it is: The brainchild of famed perfumer Christophe Raynaud, this unisex fragrance is an addictive take on rose. Eager to capture the verdant and spicy notes of Damask Rose, he fused it with unexpected accords to form a scent that imparts a sense of mystery and majesty to the wearer.
Fragrance family: Aromatic
What it smells like: Three vibrant peppers white, pink and black enhance the hero ingredient rose du levant, set amongst an alluring patchouli base.
Where to get it: Available from Smith & Caughey's or online at Smithandcaugheys.co.nz
PENHALIGON'S The Favourite 100ml eau de parfum, $329
What it is: This story-telling scent channels the charm and mystique of Her Majesty as she moves about her Royal Quarters. Warm and powdery, effervescent citrus notes burst forth on skin before fading to a sensual blend of woods and musks to impart a little after-dark elegance.
Fragrance family: Floral/Musk
What it smells like: Top notes of violet, freesia and mandarin orange, a heart of mimosa, iris and jasmine sambac, and a base of musk, ambroxan and sandalwood.
Where to get it: Worldbrand.co.nz
D.S. & DURGA Burning Barbershop 50ml eau de parfum, $249
What it is: As the name suggests, this blackened cologne tells the story of a barbershop in Westlake, New York, which burned to the ground in 1891. The fable is true, and all that remained from the blaze was a bottle which smelled of the burning shaving tonics that once lined the shelves.
Fragrance family: Fougere
What it smells like: This smoky scent conjures up notes of zesty spearmint, lime and hemlock spruce [similar to pine], alongside floral notes of lavender and rose, with vanilla and hay coming to the fore in the dry-down.
Where to get it: Available from Mecca or online at Meccabeauty.co.nz
MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait 70ml extrait de parfum, $531
What it is: This romantic, best-selling unisex scent from luxury French perfumer Maison Francis Kurkdjian enraptured the masses with its intense blend of floral, woody and musky accords. Dressed up like its namesake, the scent immortalised in a glass vessel in a vibrant shade of baccarat red with opulent gold accents.
Fragrance family: Amber/Floral
What it smells like: Top notes of bitter almond and saffron, a heart of Egyptian jasmine and cedar, and a base of ambergris, cedarwood and musk.
Where to get it: Available from Mecca or online at Meccabeauty.co.nz
