The bd team all get on board to reveal their favourite scents launched this year.
I had always worn Eau D’Hadrien (Annick Goutal) and later when it launched, Les Nuits D’Hadrien, and swore that I would never wear anything else. Then Anita and Erika at Coty introduced me to the first fragrance from Balenciaga – Balenciaga Paris. I love this fragrance! It is neither floral or too green but a perfect blend of notes that are warm but not overpowering. I wear it mostly in the evenings, but during winter it helps me over the cold weather blues if I wear it day and night. Somehow it always makes me feel polished when I’m wearing Balenciaga Paris.
I do still wear Eau D’Hadrien during the day – but now that I have moved on from my fragrance comfort-zone, I am also loving which has similar citrus notes, (which always gets good comments) and Bottega Veneta. I think I am actually a little spoiled – and privileged - having the opportunity to try all these gorgeous fragrances! - Janet
There's no doubt that when it comes to fragrance, I'm a floral kind of girl with a soft spot for a woody base. So as soon as I opened Bulgari Mon Jasmin Noir earlier this year, a flanker to Jasmin Noir from a few years ago, I knew it was one for me. It's a modern type of floral scent, opening with light, white florals and candied orange, jasmine is apparent in the heart of the scent in varying forms. I really like the musky dry down because it has a bit of a masculine feel that's a nice contrast to the feminine opener. Being someone who leans towards stronger scents, I find this fragrance great for everyday wear, although it could easily be a sexy night time scent. – Michelle
Bottega Venetta Eau de Parfum
I remember the first time I smelt the Bottega Venetta Eau de Parfum and, with the dream of owning my own Bottega Venetta bag, I immediately thought that it all made sense (pardon the pun). The soft, leathery, powdery tones make for an elegant fragrance that would compliment their classic, chic, leather line perfectly. The scent isn't obtrusive by any means, instead it stays close to your skin – reserved for those who are lucky enough to get close. A friend of mine arrived back from holidays recently and said, when giving me a hello hug, that "You smell like you!". I think it's safe to say that, having sprayed the fragrance on myself every day for almost a year now, this is my signature scent. – Jess
Apart from the designer name (so I’m a snob when it comes to fragrance!), one of the first things I notice about a fragrance is the bottle. The John Galliano Eau Fraiche is reminiscent of a letter – complete with envelope folds and stamp. Beyond cute! Funnily enough, I’m also rather fussy when it comes to the scent itself – and this didn’t disappoint. A fresh fruity/floral scent with hints of musk, this is the perfect daytime fragrance for spring/summer. From the beach to the backyard beverage session, this one is set to have me covered for all events this season. - Yelena
I know I'm not the first woman to admit I actually prefer men's fragrances over women's scents, which explains why I often reach for a unisex fragrance such as CK One, which I've been spritzing for more than two years now. I didn't think I'd ever be one for female scents until I found this one – also Calvin Klein – which is an aquatic floral that reminds me of the ocean. I really enjoy the opening notes of white peony and the fresh addition of pink lady apple, and the floral heart is made not-too-girlie with the drydown of woods, cedarwood and musk. The perfect summer scent, this juice is set to take pride of place on my fragrance shelf. - Lucy
What a welcome introduction to Spring is this unique fragrance from Balenciaga – Florabotanica. I was already a big fan of the two previous fragrances from Balenciaga, and this one - with its young freshness and subtle notes of amber and rose - is a gorgeous floral addition to the range. I have been wearing it everyday. I love the Black and White modern style bottle and its design stands out alongside my more traditional scents. – Kym
Shiseido Zen Secret Bloom Eau de Parfum
What first drew me to this fragrance was its beautiful bottle. I love its solidness and the gold colour with its fine flower detail. The fragrance is not what I would usually wear because it is a more mature fragrance, but I really love it. It has sweet touches without being too sweet, and slightly oriental notes that add to the depth of the fragrance. This scent reminds me of a younger and more modern version of a fragrance my mum would wear. It’s subtle enough for daytime, but also deep enough to wear as a night time fragrance. I can smell the fragrance on my skin throughout the day. - Liz
Not since the original Issey Miyake have I been this in love with a fragrance. There is something about the strength yet softness of Issey Miyake scents that really appeals to me, and their new Pleats Please is no exception. The fragrance is named after their signature pleated fashion collection and the textured bottle follows the pleated” theme. The juice its self is what I truly love about this product - it is a mix of fruit, floral and wood with a sweet warm scent of vanilla and the vibrant freshness of nashi pear. With every spray I feel young, energetic and vibrant, but still soft and ultra feminine. - Bree
Elizabeth Arden Red Door Aura
I recently tried the new Red Door fragrance from Elizabeth Arden. While it is similar to the original Red Door fragrance, it has notes of orange flower and jasmine, which give it a bit more of a modern twist. The fragrance has real staying power - I could still smell this on my skin at the end of the day after using it first thing in the morning which was lovely. - Di
Hugo Boss BOSS Nuit Pour Femme
My, my, my this is a sophisticated little fragrance and no wonder when it's been inspired by the little black dress. I normally use softer scents, which, let's face it, tend to fade a little faster and don't stand the "night out" test of time. So I was excited to try this new fragrance which positioned itself as ideal for a night out. I like fragrances that feature subtle fruity notes and I think this is why I was initially drawn to Nuit. Coincidentally, I actually donned a black dress (albeit a maxi) for a wedding over the weekend and took BOSS Nuit Pour Femme for a run with much success. The scent is strong but feminine, which gives you that little bit extra for a night out versus your day-to-day fragrance. - Tara
