SCENT PROFILE: HOW TO CHOOSE A NEW PERFUME THAT’S PERFECT FOR YOU

Oud is a luxurious and fragrant oil extracted from tree resin. It’s considered luxurious because of its long-lasting scent and rarity – it’s only found in the Aquilaria trees of Southeast Asia. But what does it smell like? It has a rich, (unsurprisingly) woody scent that’s often used as a base note in perfumes due to its intensity. Case in point: KAYALI’s Oudgasm Tobacco Oud, which mixes base notes of oud and tobacco with mandarin top notes for a sweet and spicy finish. If you like deep, sensual fragrances, an oud perfume is for you.

OUR TOP PICKS:

KAYALI Oudgasm Tobacco Oud 04 EDP 10ml, £35

KAYALI Oudgasm Vanilla Oud 36 EDP 50ml, £119

Calvin Klein Eternity Intense For Women Eau de Parfum 100ml, £87

The different notes in a floral perfume will depend on the overall scent. Want something elegant? Try rose or jasmine fragrances like Marc Jacobs’ Daisy. Green florals give a fresh feel, while citrusy florals like the Italian lemon and bergamot notes in OUAI’s North Bondi perfume give a more intense scent. Like florals but want a bit of spice? Try Malin + Goetz’s Strawberry fragrance – it has base notes of cedarwood and oakmoss which complement the bright strawberry and pink pepper top notes.

OUR TOP PICKS:

OUAI North Bondi EDP 50ml, £54

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Eau de Toilette 75ml, £79

Malin + Goetz Strawberry Eau de Parfum 50ml, £86

We’re bringing vanilla girl back with this one. A common misconception is that all vanilla fragrances are sugary sweet, but it can also offer a warm, woody scent. Notes of tobacco can bring out a spicier fragrance, while introducing hints of florals leads to a lighter, airier scent. Winter-sun getaway coming up? Opt for the sweet-smelling Cheirosa 62 from Sol de Janeiro with notes of salted caramel and pistachio. In your cosy era? Ariana Grande’s MOD Vanilla could be the perfect pick with musky top notes.

OUR TOP PICKS:

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 EDP 50ml, £78

Ariana Grande MOD Vanilla Eau De Parfum 100ml, £55

Vera Wang Princess Women 50ml EDT, £58

Musky fragrances are known for mimicking the scent of your own skin, making them comforting to wear with a sense of warmth. There are different types of musk: red, black, white – with white musk being the most popular. It’s often paired with sandalwood and cedarwood, or with fruity citrus notes to give a touch of lightness. KAYALI’s Oudgasm Café Oud perfume has base notes of white musk and oud with top notes of cappuccino and bergamot for an intense but fresh finish.

OUR TOP PICKS:

KAYALI Oudgasm Cafe Oud 19 EDP 10ml, £35

OUAI Rue St Honore EDP 50ml, £54

Malin + Goetz Bergamot Eau De Parfum 50ml, £86

If you think you like something between floral and musky scents, amber perfumes could be ideal for you. Typically warm and sweet, this fragrance is long-lasting and complements notes of vanilla and patchouli very well. Estee Lauder’s Bronze Goddess Nuit has base notes of amber and musk to capture the warmth of a typical amber perfume, while heart notes of Indian jasmine and frangipani petals give a hint of sweetness. Similarly, the trending Cosmic by Kylie Jenner perfume uses vanilla musk and red peony to bring out the warmth and sweetness of the scent.

OUR TOP PICKS:

Cosmic by Kylie Jenner Eau de Parfum 100ml, £55

Estee Lauder Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Nuit Eau de Parfum 50ml, £70