Though not visible to the naked eye, one can not deny the fact that scents are what make your appearance complete. And while you’re serving looks, it also pays to treat the olfactory good.
There’s never a shortage of great new fragrances in the market. In fact, according to Techavio, the luxury perfume market will still continue to grow from USD 11.72 billion in 2019 to USD 14.16 billion by the year 2024 despite the adverse effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the report published by the same research company, they also mentioned that well-loved luxury companies could continue to affect market performance including, but not limited to, Chanel Ltd., Compagnie Financière Richemont SA, Coty Inc., Hermès International SA, Kering SA, LOreal SA, and LVMH Moët Hennessy.
2021 has just begun, and if you are still unsure of the perfect scent to cop despite our zodiac-approved-list, then you better start from the classics as suggested by our resident perfumer and an avid collector of scents CJ Firmo of Kaori Manila.
Kaori Manila is an online shop of perfumes that started last October 2020. Since she was young CJ Firmo, the founder of Kaori Manila, has always been fascinated by perfumes “I remember when I was in grade school, my mom had this Versace mini set perfumes and the bottle was so tiny and cute that I couldn’t take my eyes off them. Out of curiosity, I tried all of them and I could remember vividly that was my first ever perfume experience,” she gleefully shares. “Since then, my liking towards perfume has grown tremendously. I could also remember clearly that whenever we go out of the country or even in the local malls, my mom would find me in the scent section, trying on scents and asking the sales staff about each scents’ distinctions. That’s how fascinated I’am about perfumes.” Firmo added.
Armed with curiosity in mind and an outstanding sniff for good scents, CJ started her own perfume shop Kaori- which translates to “scent” in Japanese, “I just love the idea of how smelling good is also related to feeling good.” she quips. “Aside from completing one’s look, I’m certain that scents bring back so many memories to its wearer. In my case, I always make sure to wear specific perfume for different events and occasions. This sets a mark in my being and a deep association to everything.”
“I think it is fascinating how people are starting to appreciate the significance of fragrance more in this day and age. It makes you attractive and leaves a long-lasting impression. It can even boost your confidence, enhances your mood, and can bring comfort. That is why I am overjoyed to bring your favorite memories back through scents with Kaori.” She ended.
Take it from our resident perfumer and an avid collector of scents CJ Firmo of Kaori Manila to walk you through the best must-have scents to accompany your 2021.
With that, here are the top 5 must-have scents for men and women to accompany your 2021. Read the lowdowns after the jump.
TOP 5 SCENTS FOR MEN
“You can never go wrong with the classic, sophisticated scents for men. There’s something intriguing and captivating whenever you smell a whiff of these scents that’ll completely snatch your attention and these perfumes are a sure-fire hit to hit those marks” says Firmo.
Creed Aventus
“This scent is very masculine and has a distinct smell. Though a bottle is a bit pricey, I’m pretty sure that you’ll get the most out of it especially when it comes to compliments.”
Top notes: Pineapple, Black Currant, Bergamot, and Apple
Middle notes: are Birch, Patchouli, Moroccan Jasmine, and Rose
Base notes: Musk, oakmoss, Ambergris, and Vanille.
Tester price: 2,000 | Original mall stock price: 19,300
Dior Sauvage
“This Dior scent is so long-lasting and has a fresh clean whiff to it. It can be your signature scent since it is great for all seasons and all occasions.”
Top notes: Calabrian bergamot and Pepper;
Middle notes: Sichuan Pepper, Lavender, Pink Pepper, Vetiver, Patchouli, Geranium, and elemi;
Base notes: Ambroxan, Cedar and Labdanum.
Tester price: 1,699 | Original mall stock price: EDP 7,900, EDT 6, 500
Byredo Bal D’Afrique
“This is a current favorite niche fragrance. It is unisex but I think it suits best for men. Perfect for everyday wear with its fresh, euphoric, and light scent. You have to give this a try.”
Top notes: Amalfi Lemon, Tagetes, Black Currant, Bergamot, and African Orange flower;
Middle notes: Violet, Cyclamen, and Jasmine;
Base notes: are Vetiver, Amber, Musk, and Virginia Cedar.
Tester price: 1,899 | Original mall stock; 14,400
Tom Ford Noir de Noir
“This needs no further explanation. Its scent is really delicious and addicting. One of my favorite gourmand scent.”
Top note: Saffron;
Middle notes: Black Rose, Truffle, and Floral Notes;
Base notes: Patchouli, Vanilla, Agarwood (Oud), and Oakmoss.
Tester price: 1,799| Original mall stock: 38,100
Acqua di Gio Profumo
“This classic scent for men is really here to stay! This is perfect for date nights or even a summer getaway. ”
Top notes: Sea Notes and Bergamot;
Middle notes: Rosemary, Sage, and Geranium;
Base notes: Incense and Patchouli.
Tester price: 1,699 | Original mall stock: 11,600
TOP 5 SCENTS FOR WOMEN
“For ladies, I may have to say that scent varies depending on the mood of the lady wearer. Hence, I have selected perfumes that are perfect for date night, the summer season, and of course, a sultry, seductive scent that’ll surely make heads turn” Firmo added.
Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal
“Topping my list is this ultimate scent that never fails to make people’s heads turn. It smells really sexy and seductive. If you want to impress someone on a first date, wear this, and win the case!”
Top notes: Blood Orange and Mandarin Orange;
Middle notes: Honey, Gardenia, Orange Blossom, Jasmine, and Peach;
Base notes: Beeswax, Patchouli, Caramel and Licorice.
Tester price: 1,799 | Original mall stock: 4,500
Mon Guerlain by Guerlain
“A special scent like this deserves to be worn on special occasions. In my case, I’d love to wear this to my wedding. That’s how much I love this! It smells sexy, modern, and mature. Definitely an elegance in a bottle!”
Top notes: Lavender, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, and Lemon;
Middle notes: Floral Notes, Peony, Jasmine Sambac, Ylang-Ylang, Neroli, Peach and Lily-of-the-Valley;
Base notes: Vanilla, iris, and Sandalwood.
Original mall stock: 5,500
La Vie Est Belle by Lancome
“I get a lot of compliments whenever I wear this. It has a strong and very feminine scent that could last the whole day, but at the same time not too overpowering. I could imagine an elegant woman in a pretty baby pink dress having a stroll in the city wearing this perfume.”
Top notes: Black Currant and Pear;
Middle notes: Iris and Jasmine;
Base notes: Praline, Vanilla, and White Musk.
Tester: 1,699 |Original Mall stock: 6,600
Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet by Dior
“Fresh and light. If you want a perfume that is perfect for everyday use, this one is for you. Also, who doesn’t love Dior, right?”
Top note: Sicilian Mandarin;
Middle notes: Pink Peony, Damask Rose, Apricot and Peach;
Base note: White Musk.
Tester: 1,799 | Original Mall stock: 6,200
Chanel Chance Eau Tendre
“If you’re looking for a classic but not basic scent, this one is for you. There’s no man I know who didn’t love this scent. It deserves to be part of my top 5.”
Top notes: Quince and Grapefruit;
Middle notes: Hyacinth and Jasmine;
Base notes: Musk, iris, Virginia Cedar and Amber.
Tester: 1,699 | Original mall stock: 9,100
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Edryan Lorenzo, a PR and Marketing practitioner with 13 years of solid experience in the industry of lifestyle, fashion, and e-commerce. I'm into visual arts which includes photography, painting, and sketching. During my free time, I'd prefer to travel to keep my self fueled by different cultures and information. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter at @edryanlorenzo.
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(see all) Edryan Lorenzo, a PR and Marketing practitioner with 13 years of solid experience in the industry of lifestyle, fashion, and e-commerce. I'm into visual arts which includes photography, painting, and sketching. During my free time, I'd prefer to travel to keep my self fueled by different cultures and information. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter at @edryanlorenzo.