Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s not just a day to celebrate our own mothers. It can be used to mark your appreciation for any mother-like figure in your life; whether it’s a female mentor or an older sister. It’s a day that falls in a glorious position in the yearly calendar – right at the entrance to spring, where we are enjoying the lighter nights, sunnier days and the ever-increasing fresh scents of nature.
A luxurious fragrance is a gift that’s perfect whatever the occasion. Yes, our scent palette is a very personal thing, but at this time of year, you can’t go wrong with a floral, whether that’s a light and airy one, or a deep and moody one. The perfume industry is full of new launches in the spring season, but don’t forget to consider some of those cult classic scents too. These are our favourites for gifting mothers of all kinds this year.
Narciso Rodriguez Narciso Poudrée Eau de Parfum – £80 from Look Fantastic
This pretty pastel peach bottle will look beautiful on any dressing table. This woody floral has real depth to it, and you pick up different notes with almost every sniff. A warm, powdery and delicate scent. Top notes ofWhite Jasmine Petals and Bulgarian Rose, mix with a powdery heart of Musk and base notes of White & Black Cedars and Vetiver.
La Perla Just Give Me Roses Eau de Parfum – £88 from Nordstrom
You may not have been aware that luxury lingerie brand La Perla have a fragrance collection. It’s every bit as opulent and beautiful as the brand’s garments and the bottles are real statement pieces. Just Give Me Roses is clearly a rose scent, but it’s deep, moody and multi-faceted. The scent draws you in and makes you want to dissect it. Spicy top notes of oriental saffron, pink pepper and black pepper add an excitement to the rose scent we all recognise. That single heart note of Damask rose is like receiving a fresh bouquet, that then envelops you in the warm and woody intensity of amber, tobacco and musk.
Chopard Love Chopard Eau de Parfum – £79 from Chopard
This heart shaped red glass bottle is a real token of love. This fragrance from luxury jewellery brand Chopard is a rich, opulent and luxurious scent. There’s nothing simple about this, where 6 types of rose mix with the feminine Jasmine Sambac and the malty, headiness of Tonka. It’s a sweet gourmand floral that’s a real celebration of rose – the queen of flowers and the queen of love.
Lancome La Vie est Belle Eau de Parfum – £80 from Lancome
A delicate, light and almost girlish scent for the young at heart. It’s ultra-feminine and perfect for spring. A fruity floral, this scent has top notes of pear and blackberry; heart notes of Pallida Iris concrete, Orange Blossom and Jasmine Sambac absolutes; then a base of Patchouli essence. The bottle really draws your attention and evokes the rounded imprint of a smile at the heart of its crystal square.
L’Occitane Rose Calisson Perfume in Gel – £16.50 from L’Occitane
Perhaps the most beautiful scent this brand has ever created, Rose Calisson has become a real icon. It’s a sweet and powdery rose scent, and gifting it in this perfume gel format makes a unique gift that can be carried around in the handbag for quick application on-the-go. A true gourmand scent, this mixes the femininity of the delicate rose flower from Grasse in Provence, with the sweet calisson – the French pastry infused with candied fruit and ground almonds topped with royal icing.
L’Occitane Rose Jasmin Eau de Toilette – £52 from L’Occitane
Less sweet and heavier on the florals is another of L’Occitane’s rose-based scents. This modern, fresh scent with real individuality mixes the noble rose centifolia with sweet jasmine flower wrapped in a veil of white musk and woody notes. Top notes: of fresh, zingy lemon and Pink Peppercorn raises the floral heart of Rose Centifolia, Jasmine Absolute and Magnolia. Base notes of Cedarwood, Musk, Oak Moss and Lorenox add an earthy ground.
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Toilette – £73 from The Perfume Shop
This cult fragrance comes in many iterations, and this is the more affordable of the strengths. It still packs a punch however, and is instantly recognisable. It’s a bold scent reminiscent of a fearless woman making her own way in the world. This oriental floral is airy, feminine and sensual. Fresh amber and fruity lychee mix with sharp grapefruit to lift the feminine blend of rose and jasmine. There’s a real youth to this fragrance that celebrates a rebellious, provocative nature following her own path. Soft base notes really smooth out the scent.
Armani Si Eau de Parfum – £79.50 from The Perfume Shop
This fresh, fruity floral is also very sweet and woody. It’s such a unique scent that hits so many accords. It’s a bestseller and a celebration of elegent femininity. Top notes of fruity Blackcurrant Liqueur mix with the honey-like sweetness of Rose de Mai Absolute & the elegant, floral Freesia. Base notes of Patchouli and Oakmoss add the grassy greenness of nature. It’s an intense fragrance with enveloping depth and character.
A perfume is a gift that can be treasured for years and used to recall beautiful memories of happy times. Our sense of smell is powerful, and the amount of joy a fragrance can bring should not be underestimated.
You can see what else Laura is loving over on her Instagram @alifewithfrills.
