Perfumes can have a different effect on our moods and our emotions. Oftentimes, we find ourselves associating these scents with our different recollections and experiences. Some prefer olfactories with woody notes like sandalwood, cedarwood and agarwood while others prefer scents that are more floral that tend to be enhanced with notes such as intense jasmine, rosy peony and gardenia.
But there’s just something about these scents that transport us to a different sense of place or time. A prime example of this would be Maison Margiela’s iconic Replica perfume collection – a reproduction of familiar scents and moments of varying locations and periods. Some of our favourite scents include Lazy Sunday Morning and By The Fireplace, which are reminiscent of the smell of clean sheets and cuddling up by the fireplace respectively, as their name suggests.
Now, with the current fragrance landscape, more Gen Zs and millennials are shifting away from in-store scent discovery. In fact, according to a recent piece by The Straits Times, they are more inclined to make their purchase decisions based on what they see on social media platforms like Instagram and on TikTok. Of course, this is also because we’re exposed to a bevvy of options, and like many fragrance newbies, a lot of them prefer to trust the recommendations that they can find online, so they can skip the hassle of going down to brick-and-mortar stores to sniff out a perfume themselves.
Which is why we’ve decided to narrow down the oversaturated market of fragrances to the very best scents for this year, just for you. From cult classics like the YSL Libre fragrance to unisex fragrances like D by Diesel which was recently launched, ahead, we’ve sussed out some of the best fragrances to get your hands on this year.
Made for the strong, bold and free woman, the YSL Libre fragrance is one worth considering if you like a scent that’s bold yet feminine. With top notes of mandarin oil, lavender, blackcurrant and petitgrain this is a beautiful long lasting fragrance that’s very classy, feminine and pleasing to the nose.
Made with a unique blend of sustainably sourced ingredients including Bourbon vanilla and Diva lavender heart, D by Diesel is a fragrance perfect for those looking to make a strong impression. At first spritz, the scent comes across as masculine, but as the cool cotton and vanilla accords come out, the scent is a little more universally appealing, making it an excellent option for those who are looking for a gender-fluid scent.
Clean and fresh, with a hint of green tea, black tea, mandarin orange and cardamom, it’s no wonder Jackson Wang loves this scent. At a press conference held in Singapore late last year, the singer revealed to his fans that this was his favourite perfume. The scent was first launched in 2020 and is well-loved for its smoky, woody, yet fresh and citrusy scent.
If floral scents are up your alley, then you’ll definitely love Flower by KENZO L’Absolue Eau de Parfum. Sweet yet not too overpowering, this invigorating floral scent blends well with the freshness of Mandarin Essence and adds a warm touch of seduction with Saffron. While it does have a very strong sillage at first spritz, the longevity of the scent is rather weak so you’ll have to keep reapplying it after a few hours.
Nothing says romance quite like roses, and that’s exactly what Eau Rose manages to encapsulate. Delicately fresh with a light touch of spiciness, these fragrance notes are what you need to reel in a second date.
If you love powdery fragrances, then you’ll definitely want to consider this number from Narciso Rodrigues. Boasting top notes of white jasmine and woody vetiver at the base, with the addition of black cedar and vetiver, this sweet and addictive scent will have you coming back for more.
Whether you’re looking for a clean and minimalist fragrance or for a scent that will whisk you away into its own story, Aesop has what you need. While they offer an extensive range of fragrances for you to choose from, we personally like the Eidesis Eau de Parfum for its woody, spicy and ambery aroma. The perfume opens up with notes of petitgrain, black pepper, and frankincense that fades into notes of cumin and cedar, finishing with base notes of sandalwood, cedar and vetiver.