The start of a new season means it’s time for a new fragrance or two! And to usher in summer, we’ve rounded up the best new scents that you’ll want to keep in heavy rotation.
Carthusia Tuberosa
Carthusia
Carthusia Tuberosa, $120, bigelowchemists.com. Carthusia perfumes are still crafted in Capri, Italy, and their latest captures the romance its home country is famous for. Tuberose plays with plum, cinnamon, ylang ylang, vanilla and musk for a warm, deep, sensual scent that is ideal for a summer fling. (Available June 10)
Jason Wu Velvet Rouge
Jason Wu
Jason Wu Velvet Rouge, $128, JasonWuStudio.com. Jason Wu took inspiration from a gorgeous crimson gown he designed for his second fragrance, an oriental floral wood that’s sensual with a touch of sweetness. Wu says it represents the seductive side of the Jason Wu woman, with top notes of crushed violet leaves, pepper and dewy greens; middle notes of jasmine, magnolia, rose centifolia, muguet and peony; and a base of incense, musk, gold amber and patchouli. Like his debut fragrance, this one is housed in a mid-century modern-inspired bottle.
Tom Ford Lavender Extrême
Tom Ford
Tom Ford Lavender Extrême, $320, tomford.com. Leave it to Tom Ford to completely turn lavender on its head. The classic scent is transformed into a sensual oriental in a blend of two distinct lavenders from France, while a third type of lavender, Lavender Absolue France, delivers green undertones. Italian bergamot adds a dash of citrus and carrot seed oil brings an orris-like quality, with wild-grown tonka bean and woody benzoin from Laos delivering warmth.
Giorgio Armani Light di Gioia
Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani Light di Gioia, $72, ulta.com. Truly sunshine in a bottle, the muse behind this floral wood is the golden hour of the Mediterranean. Jasmine and gardenia, with a base of sheer woods, deliver the effect. The yellow bottle is equally bright, topped off with a yellow stone cap.
Chanel Chance eau Tendre
Chanel
Chanel Chance eau Tendre, $105, chanel.com. The original Chance debuted in 2002 and has been flying off of shelves ever since. Now there’s a new interpretation of the fruity, floral scent. It has been updated with jasmine absolute and rose essence, and rounded out with white musk, giving it more of a feminine touch.
Ermenegildo Zegna Essenze Eau de Parum Collection
Ermenegildo Zegna
Ermenegildo Zegna Essenze Eau de Parum Collection, $220 each, bloomingdales.com. This luxurious collection is a one-stop-shop for men looking to build a fragrance wardrobe, since it has a range of everything you could ever need, all housed in understated, elegant black bottles. Each scent puts the spotlight on a single ingredient. There’s Italian Bergamot, a crisp scent blended with Zegna’s private reserve of Bergamot harvested by hand in Calabria, Italy; sweet and sultry Florentine Iris; deep and smoky Indonesian Oud; Mediterranean Neroli, which simply smells like a vacation; and spicy Madras Cardamom.
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Midnight
Viktor & Rolf
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Midnight, $165, us.viktor-rolf.com. Flowerbomb is perennially popular for good reason. And now the explosion of flowers has added a new bloom: rare night-blooming jasmine, also called “queen of the night.” Worthy of its nickname, the flower gives the classic fragrance a new, intoxicating edge.
Hermés Un Jardin Sur La Lagune
Hermés
Hermés Un Jardin Sur La Lagune, $139, hermes.com. When Hermés perfumer Christine Nagel heard the tale of an English lord’s devotion to building a garden in the heart of Venice, she knew she had found the spark for her next fragrance. Fittingly named Eden, the sky, flowers and sea surrounding Venice all informed the floral and woody perfume.
Diptyque Eau de Minthé
Diptyque
Diptyque Eau de Minthé, $175, diptyqueparis.com. Diptyque looked back—way back—for their latest fragrance, specifically to ancient Greece. Inspired by a Greek myth, refreshing mint takes center stage, making the crisp scent perfect for hot summer days. Geranium adds a floral touch and patchouli brings depth.
Polo Ralph Lauren Blue Gold Blend
Ralph Lauren
Polo Ralph Lauren Blue Gold Blend, $76, bloomingdales.com. The classic Polo Ralph Lauren Blue gets a special edition makeover. Polo Blue favorites—including citrus, fresh melon and refined vetiver—are now infused with ginger, aromatic sage and gold incense to bring a spicy touch. The bottle takes its cues from a Ralph Lauren blue blazer with gold buttons—a rich cobalt blue, the bottle has luxe gold edging.
Gucci Gocce di Fiori
Gucci
Gucci Gocce di Fiori, $112, Macys.com. Translated from Italian, “Gocce di Fiori” means flower drops. The aptly-named fragrance is the latest in the Gucci Bloom family, and puts a lighter, airier twist on the original Bloom. A trifecta of florals is responsible for the delicate blend: jasmine bud extract, natural tuberose absolute and rangoon creeper.
Elizabeth Arden White Tea Vanilla Orchid
Elizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden White Tea Vanilla Orchid, $56, elizabetharden.com. Warm and sweet, like a late summer afternoon, this floral is the equivalent of comfort food as a fragrance—it just makes you happy. Vanilla is blended with lemon, quince, jasmine and warm musks.
Tocca Gia
Tocca
Tocca Gia, $76, sephora.com. The muse behind Tocca’s latest fragrance is none other than Georgia O’Keeffe. Just like the artist, it’s bright and bold, and heavy and light. Taking cues from her oversized florals, it centers on rich Turkish rose, and it’s rounded out with notes of pink peppercorn, tangerine, amber and vanilla.
Goutal Étoile d’Une Nuit
Goutal
Goutal Étoile d’Une Nuit, $92, us.goutalparis.com. Everything about this fragrance is impossibly French, from the delicate, powdery blend of iris, rose and raspberry, to the chic jewel-toned silk scarf tied around the bottle. The newest fragrance in the Goutal Paris Night Bird collection, it brings to mind powdering your nose in Paris.
Tiffany & Co. Sheer
Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co. Sheer, $117, macys.com. Just like the jewels Tiffany & Co. is synonymous with, this scent is perfect for special occasions. The third installment to Tiffany’s fragrance collection is a brighter version of the original blend. Blackcurrant, vert de mandarine and ylang ylang mingle with rose oil and an iris base, which is the signature ingredient in all Tiffany fragrances.
Molton Brown Suede Orris
Molton Brown
Molton Brown Suede Orris, $100, moltonbrown.com. Perfect for the sticky days of summer, this fragrance is light and sweet. The suede note evokes rich leather, which is juxtaposed with delicate, powdery orris. Fittingly, the packaging is a soft pink, which is exactly what it smells like. There are also notes of rose, jasmine, cedarwood and mandarin.
Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Night Vision
Viktor & Rolf
Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Night Vision, $98, Nordstrom.com. The fan favorite gets a little bit deeper and darker for night time. Green cardamom, mandarin and Granny Smith apple accord add zesty freshness, while black chili, dark pepper, clove and nutmeg essence bring on the spice, and roasted almonds adds warmth.
Daisy Love Marc Jacobs Eau So Sweet
Marc Jacobs
Daisy Love Marc Jacobs Eau So Sweet, $100, Macys.com. Essentially candy for your pulse points, the scent is even sweeter than you’d imagine—you might envision cotton candy clouds when you take a whiff. The pretty rose-colored bottle oozes sunny optimism, just like the fragrance. The top notes of white raspberry, bergamot and cloudberries draw you in while the heart of daisy tree petals and jasmine milk bring on the florals, tempered by a woody base of sugar musk and white iris woods.
Azzaro Chrome Aqua
Azzaro
Azzaro Chrome Aqua, $89, macys.com. Imagine jumping into cool, crisp ocean waters, and you’ll have the latest for men from Azzaro. The bottle is proof that it’s all about that aquatic freshness, which is in the same bluish green as the depths of the Mediterranean. Sparkling grapefruit zest, basil essential oil and vetiver essential oil bring the waves to life.
Parfums de Marly SEDLEY
Parfums de Marly
Parfums de Marly SEDLEY, $285, nordstrom.com. Inside this regal bottle is a unisex fragrance that melds florals and woods for a bright sparkling citrus. Master perfumer Olivier Cresp blended flowers like rosemary, geranium and lavender with top notes of spearmint, lemon, bergamot and mandarin grapefruit. Sandalwood, cedarwood and patchouli round out the base.
Sigil Fragrances
Sigil
Sigil Fragrances, $120 each, sigilscent.com. Natural fragrances tend to smell, well, natural. But Sigil’s are so complex and intoxicating that it’s hard to believe that their gender-neutral perfumes are 100% natural, crafted from plant oils, absolutes, and tinctures by owner and self-taught perfumer Patrick Kelly, who studied old world perfumery practices. Solutio is a citrusy green, Amor Fati will transport you to an ancient forest, Anima Mundi is a spicy floral, and Prima Materia summons trees with notes of oakmoss, vetiver, neroli and sage.
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The start of a new season means it’s time for a new fragrance or two! And to usher in summer, we’ve rounded up the best new scents that you’ll want to keep in heavy rotation.
Carthusia Tuberosa
Carthusia
Carthusia Tuberosa, $120, bigelowchemists.com. Carthusia perfumes are still crafted in Capri, Italy, and their latest captures the romance its home country is famous for. Tuberose plays with plum, cinnamon, ylang ylang, vanilla and musk for a warm, deep, sensual scent that is ideal for a summer fling. (Available June 10)
Jason Wu Velvet Rouge
Jason Wu
Jason Wu Velvet Rouge, $128, JasonWuStudio.com. Jason Wu took inspiration from a gorgeous crimson gown he designed for his second fragrance, an oriental floral wood that’s sensual with a touch of sweetness. Wu says it represents the seductive side of the Jason Wu woman, with top notes of crushed violet leaves, pepper and dewy greens; middle notes of jasmine, magnolia, rose centifolia, muguet and peony; and a base of incense, musk, gold amber and patchouli. Like his debut fragrance, this one is housed in a mid-century modern-inspired bottle.
Tom Ford Lavender Extrême
Tom Ford
Tom Ford Lavender Extrême, $320, tomford.com. Leave it to Tom Ford to completely turn lavender on its head. The classic scent is transformed into a sensual oriental in a blend of two distinct lavenders from France, while a third type of lavender, Lavender Absolue France, delivers green undertones. Italian bergamot adds a dash of citrus and carrot seed oil brings an orris-like quality, with wild-grown tonka bean and woody benzoin from Laos delivering warmth.
Giorgio Armani Light di Gioia
Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani Light di Gioia, $72, ulta.com. Truly sunshine in a bottle, the muse behind this floral wood is the golden hour of the Mediterranean. Jasmine and gardenia, with a base of sheer woods, deliver the effect. The yellow bottle is equally bright, topped off with a yellow stone cap.
Chanel Chance eau Tendre
Chanel
Chanel Chance eau Tendre, $105, chanel.com. The original Chance debuted in 2002 and has been flying off of shelves ever since. Now there’s a new interpretation of the fruity, floral scent. It has been updated with jasmine absolute and rose essence, and rounded out with white musk, giving it more of a feminine touch.
Ermenegildo Zegna Essenze Eau de Parum Collection
Ermenegildo Zegna
Ermenegildo Zegna Essenze Eau de Parum Collection, $220 each, bloomingdales.com. This luxurious collection is a one-stop-shop for men looking to build a fragrance wardrobe, since it has a range of everything you could ever need, all housed in understated, elegant black bottles. Each scent puts the spotlight on a single ingredient. There’s Italian Bergamot, a crisp scent blended with Zegna’s private reserve of Bergamot harvested by hand in Calabria, Italy; sweet and sultry Florentine Iris; deep and smoky Indonesian Oud; Mediterranean Neroli, which simply smells like a vacation; and spicy Madras Cardamom.
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Midnight
Viktor & Rolf
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Midnight, $165, us.viktor-rolf.com. Flowerbomb is perennially popular for good reason. And now the explosion of flowers has added a new bloom: rare night-blooming jasmine, also called “queen of the night.” Worthy of its nickname, the flower gives the classic fragrance a new, intoxicating edge.
Hermés Un Jardin Sur La Lagune
Hermés
Hermés Un Jardin Sur La Lagune, $139, hermes.com. When Hermés perfumer Christine Nagel heard the tale of an English lord’s devotion to building a garden in the heart of Venice, she knew she had found the spark for her next fragrance. Fittingly named Eden, the sky, flowers and sea surrounding Venice all informed the floral and woody perfume.
Diptyque Eau de Minthé
Diptyque
Diptyque Eau de Minthé, $175, diptyqueparis.com. Diptyque looked back—way back—for their latest fragrance, specifically to ancient Greece. Inspired by a Greek myth, refreshing mint takes center stage, making the crisp scent perfect for hot summer days. Geranium adds a floral touch and patchouli brings depth.
Polo Ralph Lauren Blue Gold Blend
Ralph Lauren
Polo Ralph Lauren Blue Gold Blend, $76, bloomingdales.com. The classic Polo Ralph Lauren Blue gets a special edition makeover. Polo Blue favorites—including citrus, fresh melon and refined vetiver—are now infused with ginger, aromatic sage and gold incense to bring a spicy touch. The bottle takes its cues from a Ralph Lauren blue blazer with gold buttons—a rich cobalt blue, the bottle has luxe gold edging.
Gucci Gocce di Fiori
Gucci
Gucci Gocce di Fiori, $112, Macys.com. Translated from Italian, “Gocce di Fiori” means flower drops. The aptly-named fragrance is the latest in the Gucci Bloom family, and puts a lighter, airier twist on the original Bloom. A trifecta of florals is responsible for the delicate blend: jasmine bud extract, natural tuberose absolute and rangoon creeper.
Elizabeth Arden White Tea Vanilla Orchid
Elizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden White Tea Vanilla Orchid, $56, elizabetharden.com. Warm and sweet, like a late summer afternoon, this floral is the equivalent of comfort food as a fragrance—it just makes you happy. Vanilla is blended with lemon, quince, jasmine and warm musks.
Tocca Gia, $76, sephora.com. The muse behind Tocca’s latest fragrance is none other than Georgia O’Keeffe. Just like the artist, it’s bright and bold, and heavy and light. Taking cues from her oversized florals, it centers on rich Turkish rose, and it’s rounded out with notes of pink peppercorn, tangerine, amber and vanilla.
Goutal Étoile d’Une Nuit
Goutal
Goutal Étoile d’Une Nuit, $92, us.goutalparis.com. Everything about this fragrance is impossibly French, from the delicate, powdery blend of iris, rose and raspberry, to the chic jewel-toned silk scarf tied around the bottle. The newest fragrance in the Goutal Paris Night Bird collection, it brings to mind powdering your nose in Paris.
Tiffany & Co. Sheer
Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co. Sheer, $117, macys.com. Just like the jewels Tiffany & Co. is synonymous with, this scent is perfect for special occasions. The third installment to Tiffany’s fragrance collection is a brighter version of the original blend. Blackcurrant, vert de mandarine and ylang ylang mingle with rose oil and an iris base, which is the signature ingredient in all Tiffany fragrances.
Molton Brown Suede Orris
Molton Brown
Molton Brown Suede Orris, $100, moltonbrown.com. Perfect for the sticky days of summer, this fragrance is light and sweet. The suede note evokes rich leather, which is juxtaposed with delicate, powdery orris. Fittingly, the packaging is a soft pink, which is exactly what it smells like. There are also notes of rose, jasmine, cedarwood and mandarin.
Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Night Vision
Viktor & Rolf
Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Night Vision, $98, Nordstrom.com. The fan favorite gets a little bit deeper and darker for night time. Green cardamom, mandarin and Granny Smith apple accord add zesty freshness, while black chili, dark pepper, clove and nutmeg essence bring on the spice, and roasted almonds adds warmth.
Daisy Love Marc Jacobs Eau So Sweet
Marc Jacobs
Daisy Love Marc Jacobs Eau So Sweet, $100, Macys.com. Essentially candy for your pulse points, the scent is even sweeter than you’d imagine—you might envision cotton candy clouds when you take a whiff. The pretty rose-colored bottle oozes sunny optimism, just like the fragrance. The top notes of white raspberry, bergamot and cloudberries draw you in while the heart of daisy tree petals and jasmine milk bring on the florals, tempered by a woody base of sugar musk and white iris woods.
Azzaro Chrome Aqua
Azzaro
Azzaro Chrome Aqua, $89, macys.com. Imagine jumping into cool, crisp ocean waters, and you’ll have the latest for men from Azzaro. The bottle is proof that it’s all about that aquatic freshness, which is in the same bluish green as the depths of the Mediterranean. Sparkling grapefruit zest, basil essential oil and vetiver essential oil bring the waves to life.
Parfums de Marly SEDLEY
Parfums de Marly
Parfums de Marly SEDLEY, $285, nordstrom.com. Inside this regal bottle is a unisex fragrance that melds florals and woods for a bright sparkling citrus. Master perfumer Olivier Cresp blended flowers like rosemary, geranium and lavender with top notes of spearmint, lemon, bergamot and mandarin grapefruit. Sandalwood, cedarwood and patchouli round out the base.
Sigil Fragrances, $120 each, sigilscent.com. Natural fragrances tend to smell, well, natural. But Sigil’s are so complex and intoxicating that it’s hard to believe that their gender-neutral perfumes are 100% natural, crafted from plant oils, absolutes, and tinctures by owner and self-taught perfumer Patrick Kelly, who studied old world perfumery practices. Solutio is a citrusy green, Amor Fati will transport you to an ancient forest, Anima Mundi is a spicy floral, and Prima Materia summons trees with notes of oakmoss, vetiver, neroli and sage.
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How to Pick the Right Cologne/Perfume For You
What’s the Difference Between Cologne/Perfume, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Parfum?
I know, it’s seems super complicated and, to be honest, it doesn’t really need to be. Here’s a top-level breakdown so you know the real difference and can now choose the right fragrance option for you.
What are Top Notes, Base Notes, and Medium Notes?
Top Notes: These are typically lighter scents and what you’ll smell first.
Base Notes: These are typically bolder and stronger scents that you’re left with after applying the cologne.
Medium Notes: These are typically your more fruity notes that combine with your top and bottom notes. It pretty much ties everything together.
Overall, the notes are the notes (if that makes sense), but the overall smell is going to differ person to person and how they truly interact with your own body’s chemistry. The notes are a good overall guide so you know what you’re getting out of the cologne, but don’t be afraid if you see a note that you may not love, it doesn’t mean the entire cologne will smell like that. It’s just how they all work together.
Base Notes: These are typically bolder and stronger scents that you’re left with after applying the cologne.
Medium Notes: These are typically your more fruity notes that combine with your top and bottom notes. It pretty much ties everything together.
Overall, the notes are the notes (if that makes sense), but the overall smell is going to differ person to person and how they truly interact with your own body’s chemistry. The notes are a good overall guide so you know what you’re getting out of the cologne, but don’t be afraid if you see a note that you may not love, it doesn’t mean the entire cologne will smell like that. It’s just how they all work together.
