Anyone who knows me will know that Italy is my favourite place in the entire world. What’s not to love about it? It’s a country I—and my taste buds—could never grow tired of. From the serene beauty of the northern lakes and Dolomites to the ancient charm of Rome, every visit has deepened my appreciation for Italian culture. My next trip is to Florence, and there is one place that's top of my list to visit, and no, it's not a restaurant or a gelato spot. It's Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the world's oldest beauty brands and perfume houses.

When it comes to heritage beauty brands, few rival the legacy of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. Widely considered the world's oldest pharmacy, it opened in Florence in 1221, when a group of Dominican friars established the convent of Santa Maria Novella and cultivated a botanical garden where the natural ingredients were then used for medicines, ointments and balms. More than 800 years on, the botanical craftsmanship remains today. Its collection has expanded over the centuries to include fragrances, skincare and body care, and both the draw-dropping interiors of the store and every product in the wooden apothecary cabinets are steeped in Florentine history. Its fragrances are amongst some of the oldest in the world, and the brand has even created scents for royalty.

And as a beauty editor, I know that Santa Maria Novella scents are considered amongst some of the best Italian perfumes. These exquisite bottles come housed in tome-like packaging that allows you to enjoy a small piece of the pharmacy at home, and the scents themselves are honestly breathtaking. Thankfully, you don't need a city break to Florence to discover them, as they're easy to find in the UK. I regularly wear some of the brand's most iconic fragrances—these are the ones I've fallen in love with.

Best Santa Maria Novella Perfumes

• Best Overall: Aqua Eau de Parfum
• Best Luxurious Scent: L'Iris Eau de Parfum
• Best Botanical Scent: Necatrium Eau de Cologne
• Best Floral: Rose Gardenia Eau de Cologne
• Best Smoky Scent: Tabacco Toscano Eau de Cologne

1. Acqua

2. L'Iris

3. Nectarium

4. Tabacco Toscano

5. Rose Gardenia

6. Melograno

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

I'll put my hands up. As a fragrance-obsessed beauty editor, I never thought floral perfumes were my thing. Amongst the numerous perfumes I've collected over my decade of working in beauty, you'll mostly find musky perfumes, woody scents or clean-smelling fragrances in my everyday fragrance rotation. But floral scents? Not so much. For me, they have often carried "dated" connotations, and smelling like a bouquet of flowers had never really appealed to me.

However, florals not only form some of the most timeless and classic perfumes throughout history, but today, perfumers have taken florals, shaken off their old-fashioned connotations and transformed them into more modern interpretations. And it just so happens that some of my favourite summer perfumes and most-complimented scents right now all centre around florals. Who'd have thought? I'm a florals convert.

I've overlooked florals for so long that I've now become invested in wearing them on almost a daily basis, and the compliments have been rolling in. Whether you're looking for a new summer floral perfume, or a fragrance where florals play a supporting role, scroll on for the florals scents that completely converted me into a florals fanatic.

Rose

Tuberose

Lavender

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

There's a time and a place for a statement fragrance. Sometimes you want your perfume to arrive before you do; a rich amber that lingers on a winter coat, an opulent floral that turns heads, or a smoky oud that leaves a lasting impression long after you've left the room. But as much as I appreciate those fragrances, they're not actually the ones I reach for most often. When it comes to everyday wear, I've realised I almost always gravitate towards something understated.

Perhaps it's because fragrance is such a personal ritual for me. I wear perfume far more for myself than for anyone else, and there's something incredibly comforting about a scent that stays close to the skin, revealing itself only in fleeting moments throughout the day. They're the fragrances you catch on the sleeve of your knitwear, while tucking your hair behind your ear or curling up with a book in the evening. Rather than dominating a room, they become part of you.

The best understated perfumes aren't boring, nor are they simply "light" fragrances. In fact, many are surprisingly complex. Instead of relying on huge projection or overpowering sweetness, they create interest through soft musks, delicate woods, airy florals, creamy skin notes and subtle citrus accords designed to blend with your natural scent rather than mask it.

It's a trend that's quietly gathered momentum over the past few years. As skin scents and minimalist perfumery have become increasingly popular, many of the industry's most exciting launches have focused less on making a statement and more on creating intimacy. These are fragrances that whisper rather than shout, offering an effortless elegance that feels perfectly suited to everyday life, whether you're heading into the office, meeting friends for coffee, or simply working from home.

That's not to say understated perfumes lack personality. On the contrary, many have remarkably distinctive signatures—they simply wear them with restraint. They're polished without feeling formal, comforting without becoming predictable and sophisticated without ever trying too hard. They also tend to be wonderfully versatile, slipping seamlessly between seasons, occasions and wardrobes in a way that louder fragrances often can't.

If you've ever found yourself overwhelmed by powerful perfumes, or you're simply looking for something that feels effortlessly chic, these are the fragrances worth discovering. From clean musks and watery woods to soft pear, steamed rice accords and sheer florals, these are the best understated perfumes that prove sometimes the most memorable scents are the ones that stay beautifully close.

The Best Understated Perfumes

1. Best Overall: Merit Retrospect
2. Best Clean Perfume: Memree Soak
3. Best Skin Scent: Escentric Molecules Molecule 01
4. Best Fruity Perfume: Juliette Has A Gun Pear Inc.
5. Best Woody Perfume: Aesop Eidesis

1. Merit Retrospect

2. Memree Soak

3. Escentric Molecules Molecule 01

4. Juliette Has a Gun Pear Inc

5. Aesop Eidesis

6. D.S. & Durga Steamed Rainbow

7. Penhaligon's A Kiss of Bliss

8. Vyrao Ludeaux

9. Frédéric Malle Acne Studios

10. Discothèque Next to Me or Nothing

11. Vilhelm Parfumerie Dear Polly

How We Tested

To find the best understated perfumes, I tested each fragrance over several days, wearing them from morning through to evening to assess how they developed on the skin. I looked at longevity, sillage, and how each scent evolved throughout the day, paying particular attention to whether they felt subtle yet distinctive. I also considered versatility—whether each perfume felt suitable for everyday wear, different seasons, and a range of occasions—before selecting the standout fragrances in each category.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

I'll be honest, I've never actually had a "Euro Summer". Sure, I've had summer holidays in some beautiful European destinations, but I'm yet to hop from island to island, spending my days in designer shops, on yachts, at beach clubs and more. A girl can dream, though, right? However, whilst I'm not the best source of information when it comes to planning your own Euro Summer, one thing I am good at is finding the best perfumes that embody all those chic, holiday vibes in just one spritz.

I've spent the best part of my career testing some of the most sought-after summer perfumes on the market, and there is a handful of fragrances that I rely on time and time again to get me in the holiday spirit. Whether you're sailing through Greece, wandering the streets of Spain or partying it up in Ibiza, these scents are bound to be the perfect match.

Even if you've not got a trip on the horizon, these are the ideal perfumes to help bring out your yacht-hopping alter-ego. So, what are you waiting for? Keep on scrolling for the only scents to know about this season...

The Best Euro Summer Perfumes 2026

1. Tom Ford Soleil Blanc

2. Victoria Beckham Beauty Portofino '97

3. Jo Malone London Beach Blossom

4. Ex Nihilo Lust in Paradise Extrait

5. Zara Coconut Tropic Tides

6. Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk

7. Kilian Paris Sunkissed Goddess

8. Loewe Aire Sutileza Elixir

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Is anyone else swerving social media at the moment in a bid to avoid everyone else's holiday pictures? I don't know about you, but whenever I look at Instagram or TikTok, it seems as if everyone is having a "Euro summer", whilst I'm stuck at my desk, enjoying the heatwave from my laptop (not). That being said, as a beauty editor, I know the power of the best perfumes, and there's no denying that a holiday scent can transport you to whatever destination you desire. Creamy coconut, tropical tiare flower and lively lemon are just some of my favourite summer fragrance notes, and this season, there's a wide range of luxury scents that scream "out of office".

These holiday perfumes are so good that one spritz has me feeling as if I've been whisked away to crystal-blue waters and white-sand beaches, all without an airport security queue in sight. Dior, Miu Miu, Loewe and more; I urge everyone to have these summer scents on their radar. So, whether you're jetting off to that sought-after destination or simply getting the Tube to the office and need a bit of escapism, keep scrolling for the standout fragrances of the season and the destinations they'd smell right at home in.

The Best Holiday Perfumes of 2026

1. Miu Miu Fleur de Lait X Milos

From its quaint fishing villages to the famous moonlike landscape of Sarakiniko Beach, Milos has overtaken Mykonos as the Greek island to know about this summer. An It-girl destination deserves an It-girl fragrance, and for me, that has to be Miu Miu Fleur de Lait. Not only does the blue-and-white bottle exude Grecian charm, but the soft, summery scent feels as serene as the scenery in which I plan to wear it. Juicy notes of mango are grounded by velvety osmanthus and creamy coconut milk. The result is a sweet, subtle, whipped delight that settles on the skin and whispers promises of warmer days.

Shop Miu Miu Fleur de Lait:

2. Jo Malone London Frangipani Flower X Bali

If you're looking further afield to the beaches of Bali, let this Jo Malone London perfume be your sign to book that flight. Frangipani Flower is a delicious concoction of lemon, ylang-ylang, frangipani and sandalwood. It's the kind of perfume that immediately grounds you in a warm, calming embrace. It's tropical, fresh and luscious thanks to its citrusy, floral aroma, but it has this comforting undertone that'll make you never want to come home.

Shop Jo Malone London Frangipani Flower:

3. Dior Paradise X Cap d'Antibes

When I think of the South of France, I think of mornings on a sun-soaked balcony, wearing a white linen co-ord with a coffee and almond croissant in hand. Dior Paradise is the olfactory equivalent of this, with a mouth-watering blend of mandarin, almond and tonka bean. At first, it almost feels like the notes are fighting one another, but once it settles on the skin, the fresh mandarin perfectly offsets the sweet almond undertones for a balanced finish that feels warm yet luminous. This gourmand perfume is truly a work of art. Seeing as it is inspired by Château de La Colle Noire, Christian Dior's Provençal escape where hundreds of almond trees bloomed, I wouldn't expect anything less.

Shop Dior Paradise:

4. Maison Margiela Replica Chasing Sunsets X Rio de Janeiro

Orange skies, golden sands and a vibrant energy like no other; it can only be Rio de Janeiro. Inspired by Ipanema Beach at sundown, when the sky turns to dazzling shades of gold, Chasing Sunsets by Maison Margiela Replica bottles that buzz in a tropical mix of mango and white florals. Whilst these notes have been used in many daytime fragrances over the years, this is an evening perfume through and through thanks to warm, woody undertones of sandalwood. Every time I spritz it, my senses are enveloped by the radiant aroma.

Shop Maison Margiela Replica Chasing Sunsets:

5. Loewe Aire Sutileza Elixir X Ibiza

I think we can all agree that nowhere feels quite as free-spirited as Ibiza. Whilst some pay a visit to party into the night, I prefer the slow-paced side of the island, and this intense iteration of the classic Loewe Aire Sutileza scent is like a breath of fresh Ibizan air. It's fruity, floral, clean and musky, yet every time I wear it, the overwhelming feeling is akin to that first dip into salty blue shores. It's like bathing your body in the sparkliest of seas, with a crisp blend of pear, lemon and jasmine. Truly sublime.

Shop Loewe Aire Sutileza Elixir:

6. Bvlgari Eau Parfumée Thé Impérial X Venice

Some scents can be hard to place, but Bvlgari's latest fragrance has a clear destination in mind. If you've ever been lucky enough to visit a Bvlgari hotel, then you may be familiar with the luxurious fragrance that scents the air (and, more importantly, the bathroom amenities). Created by master perfumer Jacques Cavallier in 2017, the scent was so popular that the brand has now bottled it, so you can have a little bit of luxury with you wherever you go. The light, elegant aroma features notes of black tea and citrus, enveloping you in a spa-like cloud of sparkling goodness. Whilst some might save this scent for a visit to Rome, I personally envision myself wearing it on a gondola, floating down the waters of Venice whilst sipping a Bellini.

Shop Bvlgari Eau Parfumée Thé Impérial:

7. Glossier You Soie X Palma

If Mallorca is on your mind, Glossier's latest creation will bring the cobbled streets of Palma straight to your dressing table. You Soie may be a skin scent, but its solar appeal makes it stand out as one of the best escapist perfumes of 2026. Ask me to describe it in just a few sentences, and I'd say skin slathered in suncream, balmy beach evenings and salty sea air. Creamy rice milk, tiare water, jasmine and ambrox all come together to create a soft yet lingering fragrance that will evoke memories of your trip long after you leave.

Shop Glossier You Soie:

As we enter our second heatwave of the year here in London, it’s evident that summer 2026 is shaping up to be a seriously hot season—and as someone who does not flourish in the heat, it means I’ve been making some adjustments to my usual beauty routines. My hair that’s normally left loose has been resolutely scraped back into an updo, my SPF usage has been rigorous, and with my legs emerging from hibernation, I’ve been relying on tinted serums to add some instant glow. As for smelling good, though, I’ve found that my favourite perfumes have been disappearing faster than usual lately. And while I have made a strong case for long-lasting fragrances, even the strongest perfumes haven’t been lasting as long as I’d like in the heat.

Which is where fragrance primers come in. Effectively the scent equivalent of a makeup primer, they’re designed to create the perfect base for your perfume—helping it to cling to the skin so that you enjoy your signature scent, whether that be a floral perfume or citrus perfume, for even longer. And while some are specially formulated for this job, some clever alternatives (which you'll likely already have in your bathroom cupboard) can boost the longwear of your perfume.

What Is a Fragrance Primer?

“A fragrance primer is simply a base layer applied before perfume to help improve longevity and enhance how the scent develops on the skin,” explains co-founder of Gabar, Phway Su Aye. “Some primers are unscented, while others add a subtle fragrance that can complement and amplify the perfume you wear on top.”

The thing that sets this category apart from others in the beauty space is that while there are some dedicated fragrance primers on the market, you can also use bodycare staples like lotions and oils in place of primers. “Well-moisturised skin tends to hold scent better, so an unscented moisturiser or body oil works beautifully,” Su Aye explains. In fact, even a thin layer of petroleum jelly (yep, good old Vaseline) on pulse points has become a popular trick among fragrance lovers thanks to its ability to create a more occlusive surface that slows fragrance evaporation.

Ahead, we share our pick of the best products to elongate your perfume wear time—from dedicated fragrance primers to the best hydrating body products.

The Best Fragrance Primers

• Best Luxury Fragrance Primer: Chanel Gabrielle Chanel Fragrance Primer, £108
• Best Fragrance Primer for Layering: Rare Beauty Fragrance Layering Balm, £18
• Best for Longevity: Dedcool Milk Layering + Enhancer Eau De Parfum, £71
• Best for Boosting Projection: D.S. & Durga I Don't Know What Eau de Parfum, £155
• Best Solid Fragrance Primer: Glossier You Solid Perfume, £35

1. Chanel Gabrielle Chanel Fragrance Primer

2. Rare Beauty Fragrance Layering Balm

3. DedCool Milk Layering + Enhancer

4. D.S. & Durga I Don't Know What

5. Glossier You Solid Perfume

6. The Body Shop White Musk Body Lotion

7. Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Body & Hand Lotion

8. Naturium The Glow Getter Body Oil

9. Mirror Water Rub Solid Balm

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

One of the best parts about being a beauty editor is getting to test new beauty products ahead of launch. And one of my favourite parts is testing perfume launches before they come to market. Recently, I was invited to visit Grasse (AKA the perfume capital of the world) with one of my favourite French perfume houses, Matiere Premiere. You may know it from its viral Vanilla Powder scent, but what you might not know is that the founder, Aurélien Guichard, is the only perfumer in the world to grow and produce his own raw ingredients (including rose, tuberose and lavendin) in Grasse. Not only does this make its perfumes smell incredible, but the ingredients themselves are the standout notes that shine simply yet beautifully in each and every scent.

During the trip, I had a secret preview of the next scent to launch this summer. I came home with a lab sample, and since wearing it at home, I've not only fallen for it, but I've been inundated with compliments too. I've had to keep tight-lipped about exactly what it is when people have been asking after it, but now I can finally share the scent I've been wearing.

Matiere Premiere Black Currant Extrait de Parfum

The Scent

Blackcurrant isn't a common note you find in many perfumes, but its unexpectedness makes this fruity oud perfume all the more interesting. On the first spritz, you get that sharp juiciness of glossy, plump blackcurrants bursting on your tongue. But it has a creaminess that reminds me of drinking a smooth, dark purple cocktail in the dim lighting of a luxurious bar.

Aurélien Guichard, perfumer and founder of Matiere Premiere, tells me that he chose blackcurrant as the standout note for this Harrods exclusive extrait, as it brings together both French and British cultures. In France, it's a nod to the crème de cassis blackcurrant liqueur produced in Burgundy. Whilst in the UK, it brings to mind blackcurrant preserves and pastries with the jammy, dark purple fruits. It's brimming with nostalgia, but is simultaneously fruity, luxurious and grown-up, combined with hypnotising oud and smooth leather.

"For Harrods, I wanted to create a fragrance around blackcurrant because it carries something both deeply French and strongly connected to British culture. In the UK, cassis is a familiar flavour shared across generations. I was interested in revealing its darker, deeper and more contemporary facets," he says. "This blackcurrant absolute produced in France gives an immediate savoury pleasure, but also has darker and almost ambery facets with remarkable persistence," he says. "I wanted a black currant textured with oud—where the purple vibrancy of cassis gradually darkens into leather, woods and musks.”

Upon spritzing, it really does paint a purple profile. The mouthwatering juiciness of blackcurrant is complemented by the oud and leathery dry-down, which envelops you like the leather interior of a dark purple-lacquered Bugatti. I'm not usually one for oud perfumes, but this jammy combination has totally won me over. And since I've been wearing it, I've been inundated with compliments whenever I've worn it. Thanks to the potent extrait de parfum formula, it's a real long-lasting power perfume that lingers and creates a halo of scent as you walk. What I love most is that it works just as well as a fruity high-summer perfume, but lends itself beautifully to the autumn season, too.

Shop Now:

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

If there’s one lesson that the recent heatwave taught me (other than that it really does feel as if we are all rapidly plummeting to hell in a hand basket), it’s that not all of the best perfumes are created equal when it comes to staying power. I probably switch up my fragrances more often than most, but during the soaring temperatures, I lost count of the number of times I spritzed on one of my signature scents before leaving for the school run, only to find that it had all but vanished by the time I landed back at my desk about 40 minutes later.

Hot weather genuinely has a habit of making lighter scents evaporate more quickly from the skin, which can leave you wondering whether that expensive summer scent was worth the investment at all. Which is why I’ve become slightly obsessed with finding fragrances that genuinely last. And I’m not just talking about power perfumes that people can smell before you’ve even entered the room, but perfumes that genuinely stay on the skin, linger on linen shirts, and reveal their different notes throughout the day.

What Makes a Long-Lasting Perfume?

The secret to a fragrance with longevity lies with the concentration of the formula and the blend of notes, which is why you’ll typically see richer base notes cropping up alongside higher oil blends, which are designed to hold on for hours rather than minutes. “A fragrance’s lasting power depends on the balance and structure of its formula,” explains Laurice Rahme, founder of Bond No.9. “We work with perfume oil concentrations ranging from 18% to 30%, helping to ensure depth, performance and evolution on the skin, and we carefully select and balance notes so that each fragrance unfolds beautifully throughout the day.”

The Best Long-Lasting Perfumes

• Best long-lasting floral perfume: Dior Miss Dior Eau de Parfum (£107)
• Best long-lasting fruity perfume: Phlur Cherry Stem Eau de Parfum (£99)
• Best long-lasting oud perfume: Bond No. 9 My Oud Eau de Parfum (£461)
• Best comforting long-lasting perfume: Jo Malone London Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense (£116)
• Best affordable long-lasting perfume: M&S Studio Darkest Vanilla Eau de Parfum (£23)

What to Look For

There are certain ingredients that naturally lend themselves to a longer wear time, and you’ll spot them cropping up throughout our edit of the best long-lasting perfumes ahead. “Ingredients such as vanilla, amber, musk, sandalwood, resins and oud are often used in long-lasting compositions as they naturally have greater tenacity and help extend a fragrance’s presence on the skin,” explains Rahme. However, Rahme also points out that to have a perfume made up entirely of these notes would be overpowering, so you need a fragrance with balance too—a mix of both lighter and more intense notes that can interact with each other and reveal themselves the longer you wear them on the skin.

How to Make Your Perfume Last Longer

While any of the perfumes on our list will last all day, if you want to extend the wear time of an existing fragrance that you own, then there are a few tips and tricks. “Layering perfume onto hydrated skin or on top of unscented oils can help your skin to retain the scent without altering the fragrance,” advises Rahme. Personally, I’m also a huge fan of fragrance layering, so if your signature scent comes with a matching shower gel, body lotion or hair mist, then I love to layer them all up to extend the wear time.

Whether you love sparkling florals, fruity gourmands or clean musks, ahead are the best long-lasting perfumes that refuse to disappear—even when the temperatures soar.

1. Dior Miss Dior

2. Phlur Cherry Stem

3. LBTY Tana Meadow Eau de Parfum

4. Bond No. 9 My Oud

5. Jo Malone London Myrrh & Tonka

6. Parfums de Marly Delina

7. L'Entropiste Paris White Blood

8. Yves Saint Laurent Libre

9. M&S Studio Darkest Vanilla

10. Mugler Starlicious Pineapple Musk

11. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Victoria Magrath is a Who What Wear UK editor-in-residence and founder of byfrow Beauty, a premium brand rooted in multi-use products designed to "enhance your everyday". One of the UK’s most established luxury creators, she is known for her expertise across beauty, fashion, travel and refined living, with over 12 years of experience working with leading global brands.

If my own excitement for summer in Europe is anything to go by, the European tourist board must be rubbing its hands together in delight. Whilst Americans are headed over to the Med for their summer trips and screaming "Euro summer!" from their yachts, we in the UK are packing away our rain macs and piling 10 bikinis into our suitcases, ready to head to Portofino or somewhere equally as heavenly.

I’m sure that many of you have a holiday group chat with your friends to plan your trip, or you've at least Googled places to visit in Europe for the most sunshine at the best price. Either way, I get it: European holidays are the very best, in my opinion. They’re within a few hours' flying time from the UK, they almost guarantee sunshine and the list of places to visit only seems to grow every year. For me, it's usually Greece or Italy, but anywhere with sunshine, a view and some quiet is high on my list.

Also on my list is what to pack for said "Euro summer". Bikinis, co-ords, sandals and sunglasses are ready to go, but what about beauty products? Here are the six items I’m not leaving the country without this year.

Victoria Magrath's 6 Summer Beauty Essentials

1. Clé de Peau Beauté Exclusive UV Protective Cream SPF 50

2. Larry King Haircare Ride or Die Texture Spray

3. byfrow Pigment Pencils and Sharpener

4. Victoria Beckham Colour Wash Bronze Water Tint

5. Jo Malone London Beach Blossom Cologne

6. Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Bronze Body Oil

I didn’t realise how much I associated fragrance with place until I moved to the city, but now every summer I find myself missing the smell of the Shropshire countryside I grew up in. It’s the smell of grass warmed by late afternoon sun, crushed tomato leaves on your fingers after a wander through the garden and the freshness of summer rain. Without fail, every year, as soon as the weather tips into warmer temperatures, I find myself chasing that countryside feeling again through summer fragrances.

For me, “British countryside” as a scent profile isn’t one single note—it’s a mood built from layers of greens and florals. Think dewy rose rather than polished bouquets, blackcurrant leaf instead of sugary fruit, nettle-like green sharpness and earthy herbs like rosemary and clary sage. It's a far cry from the sweet vanilla or overly abstract modern gourmands that are trending right now—instead, compositions that echo real outdoor moments and open spaces. Some are overtly green and crisp, others are floral with a slightly green edge, and a few lean into the quieter nostalgia of late summer turning into early autumn.

The fragrances below are the ones I return to when I want to step out of the city in my mind. Each one captures a different corner of that countryside feeling—from herb gardens and hedgerows to orchard fruit and sun-warmed roses.

Best Countryside Perfumes

1. Best Overall: Sisley Eau de Campagne
2. Best Floral Scent: Penhaligon's Daphne Bouquet
3. Best Citrus Scent: Ffern Summer 26
4. Best Green Scent: Lancôme Ô de Lancôme
5. Best Summer Scent: Memree Yellow

1. Sisley Eau de Campagne

This is the closest thing I’ve found to bottling a British summer garden. Every time I wear it, I’m instantly transported back to the garden of my childhood home. There’s a real green freshness to it—tomato leaf, crushed stems, herbal bitterness—but it’s balanced by a softness that stops it feeling too sharp.

2. Penhaligon's Daphne Bouquet

This perfume feels like stepping into the garden in the early morning. There’s a delicacy to it—soft florals built around a gentle floral heart, with a dewy, almost watery freshness that brings to mind petals still holding onto rain. I get a clean green lift at the top, like crushed stems and cool leaves, before it settles into something more powdery and petal-like, slightly musky at the edges. There’s a faint fruitiness woven through, too, but it never turns sweet.

3. Ffern Summer 26

4. Lancôme Ô de Lancôme

This classic (and in my opinion, incredibly underrated) perfume is pure green freshness in the most nostalgic sense. It smells like crushed leaves, herbal stems and cold, fresh water. There’s a sharpness to it that makes it feel really modern—despite the fact that it was first launched in 1969. It’s simple, but incredibly transportive.

5. Memree Yellow

A soft-focus, sunlit interpretation of summer florals, which to me smells like golden hour. Yellow leans slightly nostalgic, with a gentle sweetness that feels like dried petals and warm skin. With warm notes of neroli and orange blossom, it's less sharply green than others in this edit, but perfectly captures the feeling of lazy afternoons in the garden when everything feels slowed down by heat. And if you want to lean even further into the British countryside theme, I highly recommend the brand's On My Way candle, which has notes of blackcurrant, rose and geranium.

6. Aesop Eidesis

This reminds me of later summer when the countryside begins to shift into autumn. I get dry woods, subtle spice ,and that earthy, slightly smoky edge that reminds me of walking in woodlands when the air turns crisp and cool.

7. Jo Malone London Blackberry & Bay

This Jo Malone London perfume still feels like hedgerows, but in cold air. The blackberry leaf is what makes it—sharp, green and slightly tart, cutting through any sweetness. I’ve always found this more wintry than summery because of that crispness—it smells like bare branches and frost rather than fruit-picking. It lingers impressively on skin and clothes, and always draws in compliments when I wear it.

8. Jo Loves With Love From London

Despite the name, this feels like spring in bloom rather than big city energy. I get white florals first, but they’re softened by a green freshness that stops it from feeling too heavy or powdery. It’s the kind of scent I associate with the first really warm days of the year; windows open, and flowers just starting to come alive again. It feels optimistic and romantic without being overly feminine.

9. Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 + Clary Sage

For those who prefer a minimal skin scent that sits close to the skin, I always recommend the Escentric Molecules fragrances. This particular iteration pairs the classic Iso E Super base with clary sage. This combination results in a skin-like, airy wood effect with a herbal lift that feels dry and aromatic.

10. LBTY Tana Meadow

Unlike a classic bouquet-like floral, this smells like walking through wildflowers at the edge of a field when everything is slightly overgrown and wild. It’s light, airy and feminine, but with a sweetness and depth (that will appeal to gourmand lovers) from the richer base notes of vanilla, praline, and musk.

11. Diptyque Eau Des Sens

This Diptyque perfume is orange blossom taken in a more complex, almost herbal direction. It’s bright but not sugary, with a slightly bitter, green edge that makes it feel grown-up and very wearable for anyone. On my skin, it reminds me of sunlight filtered through leaves—fresh, but with depth. I love how it sits in that in-between space of clean and sensual without leaning too feminine or masculine.

12. The White Company Primrose Hill

This smells far more expensive than its price tag suggests. Inspired by one of London's prettiest neighbourhoods, it manages to capture the feeling of an English garden in bloom, with soft florals layered over fresh greenery and clean musks. I get delicate white flowers and freshly cut stems first, before it settles into something light, airy, and incredibly easy to wear.

13. Serge Lutens L'Eau

How We Tested

For this edit, I wore each fragrance multiple times over several weeks in different settings to understand how they evolved on skin and in real life. I paid particular attention to opening impressions, dry-down and longevity, as well as how each scent felt emotionally and seasonally rather than just technically. Notes were compared side by side to assess how convincingly each fragrance captured a specific aspect of that British countryside scent memory.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

As someone who knows what they like when it comes to perfumes, my fragrance collection tends to be dominated by powdery florals, musky skin scents and the occasional decadent vanilla fragrance. Herby perfumes? If I’m totally honest, they just weren’t a scent profile that I’ve ever really given much thought to. And it’s not because I’m averse to foodie scents either; I can get on board with a sweet gourmand when it feels right. But perhaps I had a preconception that herby perfumes would leave me smelling like an allotment—earthy, savoury and just not all that enticing.

However, after spending a lot of time searching for the best summer fragrances this season, it turns out that I like herby perfumes a whole lot. The perfect antidote for anyone averse to the candied, sugary and piña colada-inspired scents that often dominate the warmer months, these unexpected perfumes lean on notes like basil, rosemary, sage and lavender to create something fresh, aromatic and just as addictive. And when heavy fragrances can feel overwhelming to wear, herby perfumes manage to feel both refreshing and rather delicious.

What Is a Herby Perfume?

Fragrance experts are equally excited about the rising popularity of herby perfumes, too, as consumers shift away from sweet power perfumes and towards wellness scents. “For me, the best herbal perfumes feel alive,” explains Alimra Armstrong, founder of Australian fragrance house Lumira. “Herbs like basil, rosemary, sage and thyme can bring incredible sophistication and luminosity when balanced with citrus, florals or woods. They add texture and energy to a fragrance rather than simply making it smell green.”

How to Choose a Herby Perfume

While herby perfumes might feel like a slightly unknown category, there are some great beginner notes if you’re unsure where to start when choosing one. “Lavender is one of the best entry points into herbal perfumery because it’s immediately familiar and approachable, while still offering complexity,” explains Gabar founders ​​Susan Wai Hnin and Phway Su Aye. “Mint is another great beginner note as it brings freshness and brightness without feeling overly challenging.” Armstrong also rates basil for its “bright, aromatic and naturally uplifting qualities” but points out that the key to a great herby perfume is balance. “Herbal notes shouldn't dominate, they should add movement and freshness to the fragrance”, she explains.

The Best Herby Perfumes

• Best Herby Perfume for Summer: Bibbi Swimming Pool Eau de Parfum (£110)
• Best Earthy Herby Perfume: Gabar 02 Ground Eau de Parfum (£120)
• Best Herby Perfume for Minimalists: Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 + Clary Sage (£135)
• Best Calming Herby Perfume: Chloé Atelier des Fleurs Sous Le Pin Eau de Parfum (£115)
• Best Strong Herby Perfume: D.S. & Durga Coriander Eau de Parfum (£155)

1. Bibbi Swimming Pool

2. Gabar 02 Ground

3. Jo Malone London Carrot Blossom Cologne

4. Lumira Soleil Du Maroc

5. Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 + Clary Sage

6. Bond No.9 Bond No.9’s Island

7. Chloé Atelier des Fleurs Sous Le Pin

8. D.S. & Durga Coriander

9. Bamford Woodland Moss

10. Byredo De Los Santos

11. Maison Noir Bohemia 265

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

If there is a chic fragrance brand that sets any beauty editor or beauty-lover's pulse racing, then Byredo perfumes are absolutely up there. From its cool-girl-coded fragrance names to the iconic black domed bottle lids that instantly elevate your dressing table, there is a lot to love about the luxury perfume brand.

Over my decade of working as a beauty journalist, I've collected a few bottles of Byredo perfumes (Mojave Ghost and Vanille Antique are amongst some of my all-time favourites, in case you were wondering) and also its hair perfumes (the Gypsy Water Hair Perfume? My hair has never smelt better). And with perfumed body mists becoming one of the biggest product trends in fragrance over the past couple of years, I've long dreamt about what a Byredo Body Mist might look like. So when an email landed in my inbox that Byredo was indeed launching some of its most iconic fragrances as body mists this month, I just knew I had to get my hands on them.

Firstly, these might be the chicest body mists I've laid my eyes upon. In true Byredo fashion, they're housed in beautifully minimalist frosted glass bottles that feel luxuriously weighty to hold in your hands, and the misting mechanism delivers a cloud-like vapour that is a total joy to mist over your body or clothes. They're a great way to top up or layer with your current Byredo perfume to make it even more long-lasting, or even layer with another scent. However, they're also a great way to try some of the most-loved Byredo scents at a slightly more affordable price-point, coming in at £68 for a generous 100ml. They're definitely lighter than the eau de parfums, of course, but I've had plenty of compliments from wearing them alone. Plus, at that price, I'm more on board with spritzing these a little more liberally when I want to refresh my scent.

There are currently six Byredo body mists to choose from, so if you're needing some pointers on which one to go for, scroll on for my first impressions of each of the scents.

1. Byredo Bal d'Afrique Body Mist

2. Byredo Mojave Ghost Body Mist

3. Byredo Gypsy Water Body Mist

4. Byredo Blanche Body Mist

5. Byredo Rose of No Man's Land Body Mist

6. Byredo Alto Astral Body Mist

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

If you asked me to map out my life, then I could probably do it through perfume alone. It sounds cliché to say that I’ve been obsessed with fragrance for as long as I can remember, especially when scent is so critical to so many of our memories, but it’s true. Long before I knew what a fragrance note was or could tell my neroli from my jasmine, I was subconsciously cataloguing smells and the feelings that they sparked. Some of my earliest memories are grounded in scent: the clean, comforting smell of the carpets in my great-grandad’s flat; the rich, salty aroma of a stew slowly cooking at my grandma’s house on a Sunday morning; the cloud of my mum’s perfume lingering in my bedroom as she kissed me goodnight before heading on a rare night out. Even the sweet, powdery scent of my sisters’ heads is somehow preserved in my mind.

Looking back, it probably isn't surprising that fragrance became a full-blown obsession in later life then. Whilst so many of my friends were boy-obsessed during our early teens, I was obsessed with discovering fragrance. The early 2000s were a particularly glorious time to come of age as a beauty lover, and I spent countless hours spritzing, sampling and saving up pocket money for the scents that defined the era. Glow by JLo, Ralph by Ralph Lauren, Anna Sui Sui Dreams and DKNY Be Delicious weren't just perfumes. They were chapters of my teenage years bottled up in brightly coloured glass and treasured for years.

Even now, a single spray of any one of them can transport me instantly back to a specific moment in time. That's the magic of fragrance, after all. More than any photograph or playlist, a nostalgic perfume has an uncanny ability to unlock memories we thought we'd forgotten. And it doesn't just remind us of places and people, either; it can remind us of who we were at that particular moment in our lives. A perfume can instantly reconnect us with versions of ourselves that might feel out of reach right now.

Which is why I was fascinated to find out whether other beauty editors felt the same. What fragrances instantly take them back? And, perhaps more importantly, do those beloved scents still hold up years, or even decades, later?

The Best Nostalgic Perfumes

1. Dior J'adore

2. Marc Jacobs Daisy

3. Calvin Klein Eternity for Women

4. Britney Spears Fantasy

5. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue

6. Dior Addict

7. Loewe Solo Ella

8. Marc Jacobs Dot

9. Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne

“YSL Parisienne will forever smell like the version of adulthood I imagined for myself at 20. Launched during my university years, it was the first designer fragrance I owned from a truly iconic fashion house, and wearing it made me feel impossibly sophisticated. In reality, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but a generous spritz before heading for a chaotic night at Punk in Soho (yes, it was the first wave of indie sleaze) convinced me I was fully embracing grown-up city life. And the fact that Kate Moss fronted the campaign only added to the allure.

As for the notes, I already had a lifelong love affair with rose fragrances—something I inherited from my mum—but this was a cool rose scent, flecked with deep blackberry, musk and an almost plasticky vinyl note. Parisienne also introduced me to the magic of violet, a note I've been drawn to ever since. It's sweet, powdery and perfectly captures the joy and possibility of that era. I'm still devastated it's been discontinued and regularly find myself searching for a sealed bottle to transport me back to the carefree abandon and wild optimism of millennial youth.

Recently, D.S. & Durga's Rose Pacific has gone some way to filling the gap. A new, joy-inducing rose perfume that still has the cool factor thanks to hints of salty sea spray, juicy apricots and warm vanilla musk. It feels fresh and modern, but also sweetly nostalgic,” says freelance beauty editor Mica Ricketts.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

For the longest time, I put myself in the category of not being a floral perfume person. Rose perfumes? Never been that fussed. Lavender perfumes? Adore them on other people, but not for me. However, after a decade working as a beauty editor and amassing hundreds of perfumes, there became a common thread in some of my most-loved and most complimented perfumes. And guess what? It's a floral note. Specifically, tuberose.

And since making the connection, it turns out that I might be a florals person after all, with some of my all-time favourite scents being tuberose perfumes. Together, they've garnered me more compliments than I can keep track of, including one that had 10 people asking me what I was wearing in the space of an hour. Yep, tuberose really does have that effect on people.

What Does Tuberose Smell Like?

Tuberose is a white floral that smells creamy, milky, sweet, a little green and waxy, and even animalic and carnal. Known as "the Queen of the night" in perfumery, this intoxicating flower begins to release its scent after sunset. It's so heady and intoxicating, in fact, that throughout history, well-to-do ladies were forbidden to walk through tuberose fields for the fear that the scent would arouse uncontrollable desire. And if that isn't an advert for how intoxicating tuberose smells, I don't know what is. Out of all the florals, tuberose is the most lustful of the bunch, making it particularly good for alluring and sensual fragrances that get you noticed.

Having done my beauty editor boots on the ground journalism and worn many tuberose perfumes out in the wild, I can confirm that this perfume note is a guaranteed compliment-magnet. Scroll on for the best tuberose perfumes that should come with a warning—they smell heavenly.

Best Tuberose Perfumes

• Best Overall: Maison Crivelli Tubéreuse Astrale
• Best Fresh Tuberose: Diptyque Do Son
• Best Long-Lasting Tuberose: Matiere Premiere French Flower
• Best Smoky Tuberose: LBTY Fragrance Liberty 1875
• Best Evening Tuberose: Givenchy L'Interdit Absolu

1. Maison Crivelli Tubéreuse Astrale

2. Diptyque Do Son

3. Matiere Premiere French Flower Eau de Parfum

4. Jo Malone London Tuberose Angelica

5. Byredo Casablanca Lily

6. Zara Tuberose

7. LBTY Fragrance Liberty 1875

8. Givenchy L'Interdit Absolu

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

When it comes to the best perfumes, it's often the same old notes knocking around. Whether it's a vanilla fragrance, a rose scent or a citrusy perfume, most of my favourite fragrances belong in one of these camps. There's nothing wrong with this, of course. In fact, these are some of my most-complimented scents. However, this summer I've been craving something a little... different. Enter, matcha perfumes.

Whether you're a matcha fan or not, there's no denying how expensive matcha perfumes can smell, especially during the warmer weather. In fact, the light, fresh, tea-like aroma is incredibly popular within the fragrance industry, with more and more brands creating matcha-inspired fragrances.

There are now so many options on the market that I've created my ultimate edit of the best matcha perfumes to spritz into the season ahead. From luxury fragrance brands such as Le Labo to affordable favourites from Zara, keep on scrolling for a beauty editor's top picks...

The Best Matcha Perfumes, Tried & Tested

• Best Matcha Perfume Overall: Le Labo Thé Matcha 26, £238
• Best Luxury Matcha Perfume: Bvlgari Eau Parfumée Thé Vert, £115
• Best Affordable Matcha Perfume: Zara Sweet Matcha Day, £16
• Best Matcha Body Spray: Phlur Matcha Milk, £39

1. Le Labo Thé Matcha 26

2. Bvlgari Eau Parfumée Thé Vert

3. Zara Sweet Matcha Day

4. Phlur Matcha Milk

5. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Media Cologne Forte

6. Molton Brown Tea Ceremony

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Catering to the wealthiest individuals has long been a core pillar of luxury fashion brands. According to data from Kearney’s 2026 Global Luxury Industry Outlook, ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) continue to grow across core territories such as the UK, the U.S. and China, as does the luxury market itself. Additionally, HSBC anticipated a 5.5% increase in global luxury sales in Q1 2026, and data from the EY Luxury Client Index reports that wealthy clients are maintaining or increasing their spending in luxury brands. All signs point to a booming luxury market, but between shopping for haute couture and Blue Box Hermès bags, where are UHNWIs shopping for their beauty products?

Beauty has long been positioned as an entry point for luxury brands, allowing the masses to buy into a smaller piece of these highly covetable fashion houses; whilst a £40,000 bespoke item is out of reach for the (very vast) majority, a £40 lipstick is more attainable. However, the world's most affluent beauty shopper is sidestepping the beauty-hall counter altogether. Instead, they're seeking exclusive, one-of-a-kind and curated shopping experiences that most won't even know about.

Take Harrods' esteemed Salon de Parfums, where buying a fragrance is akin to purchasing rare artwork or shopping for fine jewellery. Perched on the top floor of the luxury Knightbridge department store, it's where UHNWIs buy perfume, with a curated selection of rare, limited-run fragrances and bespoke services inside intimate boutiques.

"We continue to see a strong year‑on‑year increase in demand for bespoke and ultra‑exclusive fragrance projects. Clients are increasingly drawn to creations that extend beyond scent alone and instead sit at the intersection of fragrance, art and craftsmanship," says Imogen Porter, head of beauty buying at Harrods. "Brands such as Guerlain and Dior are wonderful examples, often collaborating with artists to create exceptional fragrance vessels that act as objets d’art to treasure as much as the fragrance itself. As a result, many brands are now looking to offer their clients truly exceptional pieces that can only be purchased worldwide at Harrods, reinforcing rarity, desirability and a sense of collectability," she says.

Exclusive fragrance houses such as Henry Jacques and Roja allow VIP customers to create their own custom scent, or even purchase "legacy" perfumes that can then only be re-purchased by them and no one else—it's exclusively theirs and theirs alone. Or, Ex-Nihlo offers an Osmologue experience, whereby you can tinker or enhance a note in any of its fragrances, making the original scent more personal to the wearer. "The exclusivity itself is a key driver," says Porter. "The fact that no one else in the world can own the same fragrance makes it feel akin to acquiring a unique piece of art." It goes beyond just having a signature or one-of-a-kind scent, however; it's also about gaining access to experiences money cannot buy. "Commissioning a bespoke scent also allows [the buyer] to build a deeper emotional connection with a brand and to become part of its ongoing history and story," she says.

It's a concept that originated in Parisian fragrance boutiques, of which you'll find dozens on Rue Saint-Honoré, a luxury perfume destination for fragrance connoisseurs. And for the most discerning, Maison Francis Kurkdjian offers an ultra-limited-edition blend of Baccarat Rouge 540, Édition Millésime (price on application). The original Baccarat Rouge 540 uses an ingredient derived from clary sage to re-create the ambergris accord that makes the scent so distinctive. However, for Édition Millésime, Francis Kurkdjian used real ambergris, a highly prized ingredient from sperm whales, which is rarer and more expensive than gold, costing upwards of tens of thousands per kilogram. It's so rare, in fact, that the fragrance house only releases 54 bottles. It comes housed in a vessel with a crystal base, both designed by Baccarat, and topped with a 24-carat gold cap. The small circle of people who own this fragrance become exclusive members of Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Les Amis du Rouge club, granting them access to special invitation-only events from the maison.

Outside of Paris, UHNWIs in the Middle East take their fragrance incredibly seriously. Fragrance is not only a huge part of the culture in the region; it's also big business, accounting for around 49% of beauty spend, according to the Chaloub Group. Fragrance in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait is deeply tied to identity, hospitality and social presentation, and fragrance houses and boutiques in this market often feature traditional oud scents, layered to create a bespoke combination that is unique to the wearer. In fact, you'll find UHNWIs with their own fragrance wardrobes, such as Mona Khattan's 4000-bottle-strong collection, housed in a temperature-controlled walk-in wardrobe in her Dubai home.

According to Kearney, luxury beauty overall has become more concentrated in the Middle East, with the Chaloub Group reporting that the GCC region accounts for 43% of the global luxury market. UHNW shoppers here favour both discretion and exclusive experiences, and the launch of the luxury concierge Quintessentially into Abu Dhabi last year allows its clients to gain access to sought-after spas and private, invitation-only beauty services. According to Prideby Asia, per capita beauty spending amongst Middle Eastern UHNWIs far exceeds the global average, with expenditures on beauty and skincare reaching two to three times those of their Chinese counterparts. Additionally, women account for around 70% of UHNW shopping, demonstrating a huge appetite for beauty in this region.

Much like how high-end sales advisors nurture relationships with their VIP clientele in stores, the same goes within the luxury skincare space. However, it's dermatologists and aesthetic practitioners whom they place their trust in for their skincare investments. "In my experience, the purchase journey is almost always expert-led. A recommendation from a trusted facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist carries far more weight than any campaign or influencer," says Dr Raul Cetto, medical director of Le Petit Saint in Mayfair, London. The clinic's interior resembles a stylish private members club, adding to the experiential luxury that this subsection of shoppers continually seeks.

"Critically, this patient group is not shopping online or browsing retailer shelves," says Dr Cetto. "The most powerful purchase channel for them is a curated, one-to-one consultation with a practitioner they trust—a relationship not unlike that with a private GP, built over years and entirely personal." And rather than being swayed by marketing or packaging, Dr Cetto tells me there is growing interest in more clinically led skincare brands.

At-home skincare tools and devices also have their place in the routines of the 1% beauty shopper, who is cash-rich but often time-poor, with demanding schedules. "For high-achieving, high-profile individuals, the ability to access the most advanced skincare technology in the privacy of their own home, without scheduling around anyone else, matters enormously," says Lucy Goff, founder of Lyma, which uses cold laser technology and retails between £2000 and £5000. Ultimately, it's about buying back time.

From another point of view, investing in skincare is now on par with investing in a watch or a piece of jewellery. "I've said before that our competition isn't another beauty brand. It's a Birkin, or a vacation. That's genuinely how our customers think," says Goff. "They're allocating the same rigour to their skin that they bring to every other serious decision in their life."

However, whether in London or NYC, there is still demand for brick-and-mortar beauty experiences for the UHNW shopper. Luxury beauty destination Violet Grey doesn't just curate its offering with the best in "IYKYK" beauty brands; the stores themselves are like stepping into the dressing room of a beauty connoisseur, dripping in luxurious interiors and artwork. They are intimate places to discover beauty in an unhurried way, removed from the bustle of traditional beauty halls. With existing locations in L.A. and NYC (with neighbours such as The Row and Erewhon), Violet Grey launched its first UK outpost in Harvey Nichols last month, bringing its rigorously vetted products and exclusive beauty brands to London's 1%, including its own limited-edition fragrance, Madame Grey (£825).

"We earn the [business] of high-net-worth shoppers in two ways: trust and unparalleled service. Violet Grey isn’t just a retailer; it is a discovery centre," says CEO Sherif Guirgis. The retailer works with a committee of top industry professionals, from red-carpet makeup artists to plastic surgeons, to craft its beauty offering. "We act as a sourcing agent, scouring the extremely vast beauty landscape for the best—and often undiscovered—products, which takes the pressure off the customer to do this research themselves. It’s a service that saves them valuable time," he explains.

Coupling the in-depth knowledge and expertise of its staff with these tailored curations allows Violet Grey to connect with discerning individuals and cater to their ever-changing travel routines and lifestyles. Guirgis continues, "Because of that, the concept of 'wardrobing' remains central to how we curate recommendations. What we recommend for a ski getaway, for example, will be entirely different from what a client needs for a summer vacation or their everyday routine. It’s less about a one-size-fits-all regimen and more about building a highly personalised 'wardrobe' that evolves with their lifestyle." Guirgis tells me brands such as Victoria Beckham Beauty, Eighth Day and Fara Homidi are amongst its customers' most-loved.

Another brand that has expertly tapped into the selective circles of the luxury beauty shopper is Westman Atelier, founded by renowned celebrity makeup artist, Gucci Westman, whose VIP clientele includes Jennifer Aniston, Anne Hathaway and Gwyneth Paltrow. Its cult Baby Cheeks Blush Stick and Trace Face Contour Stick have become beauty status symbols in their own right.

"The 1% aren’t fundamentally looking for something different; they’re just less constrained by price, which sharpens their expectations. At this level, there’s zero tolerance for compromise. What’s shifted more broadly is that consumers are far more educated and selective," says Kate Weizman, CMO at Westman Atelier. "They want a real connection to the brands they support, and increasingly rely on trusted circles over traditional marketing. Word-of-mouth, credibility and consistency carry more weight than ever," she says. The brand, with the expertise of a high-profile MUA and impeccable formulas, is made even more covetable when the products are housed in beautiful yet functional packaging that closes with a satisfying "click" and slips seamlessly into buyers' makeup and lifestyle routines.

From their makeup bags to their fragrance shelf, UHNWIs seek the best in every facet of their lifestyle, and the same goes for how they scent their interiors. French fragrance house Diptyque is where you'll find those with money to burn (literally) buying candles and home fragrance. London's Maison Diptyque store on New Bond Street, with its breathtaking interiors, is more than just a store. Instead, it feels like stepping into Diptyque's history-rich archives. "For our clients, Maison is more than a flagship boutique, but rather an experience, and is designed to engage all the senses through exclusive items, limited-edition releases, an ephemeral pop-up space and private consultations," says Amanda Morgan, UK managing director of Diptyque.

In-store experiences include Le Salon Privé, where clients can design a bespoke 1500g candle—a beautiful interior object and status symbol that keeps its pride of place long after burning. "There are many possible customisation options, with 25 exquisite finishes for the stoneware candle vessel crafted by the renowned Porcelain du Lot Virebent," says Morgan.

Similarly, in China, you'll find luxury brands courting Very Important Customers (VICs) with discreet invitation-only beauty events and private shopping salons reserved for the most important clients to create an intimate shopping experience. Louis Vuitton chose Deji Plaza in Nanjing, East China, for its very first Louis Vuitton Beauté store, which opened last year, cementing its confidence in the luxury beauty shopper, with lipsticks retailing for CNY1200 (or £120 in the UK), and an LV-trunk-inspired lipstick case for £2450.

However, according to research from Agility, the Chinese 1% don't wish to be seen flaunting their wealth. Instead, they visit Singapore, Osaka and Tokyo to shop for their luxury buys. In fact, China's share of overseas purchases outweighs domestic spending—proof that discretion is a top priority for UHNWI shoppers in this market. Elsewhere in the continent, Kearney reports that the luxury beauty market in Southeast Asia and India is slated to triple in size over the next decade, with a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 11%, making these regions contenders as the next big luxury beauty markets.

Shop the World's Most Luxurious Beauty Products:

I have a micro-fascination with playing detective. Maybe it’s the true crime podcasts I listen to while cooking dinner or the CIA-level sleuthing skills women seem to be born with, but I am particularly skilled at ID’ing the beauty products celebrities secretly use. Whether it’s the nondescript bottle left in the frame of a dressing room selfie or the half-concealed, label-free perfume hiding in a bathroom shot, I often use my overstuffed beauty brain to identify the skillfully disguised products (labels turned away, bottles half-cropped) from the packaging alone. (Because honestly, it’s usually the stuff celebs don’t push with a brand deal that they use most frequently.)

You see, celebrities and internet It girls are skilled in the art of disguise, knowing that an accidental snap of the products they keep on hand that aren’t the ones they campaign for can get them in hot water. But some stars don’t care—or maybe they’re just real—and post the occasional unpaid, non-sponsored product pic that reminds us that stars are just like us. Take, for example, the exact shade of Barbie-pink blush that Olandria Carthen used most recently, found only on her makeup artist’s page, and my recent favourite: the Sol de Janeiro body cream stocked in Tyla and Zara Larsson’s shared sprinter van over Coachella weekend.

It doesn’t stop there. Keep reading for the fruits of my detective work.

8 Products It Girls Have Been Using for Weeks

I have no excuse for investing in new perfumes. My collection, as it stands, is embarrassingly large and brimming with classic fragrances, niche brands and my personal signature scents. Yet if there’s a special occasion of any kind on the horizon—a big birthday, a new work contract or, in this instance, the arrival of a new season—then my first instinct is that it must be marked with a fresh bottle of scent.

And whilst summer perfumes aren’t typically my thing (I gravitate towards cosy, musky scents), it has been a long and grey winter here in the UK, so I’m ready to embrace fragrances that are lighter, brighter and escapist. Thankfully, fragrance brands seem to be on the same page as me, and the best summer perfumes of 2026 are a blend of salty skin musks, iced-tea accords, solar notes and aromatics that capture every kind of summer mood.

So whether you’re after an escapist beach scent that will transport you to a Mediterranean villa or a herbaceous green fragrance to ground you in the freshness of the season, I don't doubt that you’ll find a new summer favourite in the list ahead.

Best Summer Perfumes 2026

• Best Overall Summer Perfume: Chloé Atelier des Fleurs Sable Lavande Eau de Parfum, £115
• Best Tropical Summer Perfume: Miu Miu Fleur de Lait Eau de Parfum, £104
• Best Floral Summer Perfume: Diptyque Do Son Eau de Parfum, £170
• Best Affordable Summer Perfume: M&S Discover Solar Fleur Eau de Toilette, £12
• Best Summer Holiday Perfume: Jo Malone London Beach Blossom Cologne, £128

1. Chloé Atelier des Fleurs Sable Lavande

2. Molton Brown Tea Ceremony

3. Miu Miu Fleur de Lait

4. Diptyque Do Son Eau de Parfum

5. Phlur Island Swim

6. M&S Discover Solar Fleur

7. Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche

8. Mugler Alien Pulp

9. Jo Malone London Beach Blossom

10. Orebella Jasmine Blues

11. Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa ‘62

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts, including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

In my opinion, the best perfumes should make you feel like a totally different version of yourself. Whether you want to feel confident, fresh or fun-loving, I truly believe a scent has the power to bring out whatever alter ego you want to channel. With the warm weather approaching and plenty of summer events in the diary, I'm in the mood to channel my Italian heiress alter ego. You know, the woman who walks around Milan with a Birkin bag in hand, stopping for a spritz whenever she feels like it, driver on hand to take her wherever she pleases. Sure, I might actually be sweating on the central line with my work rucksack on my back, racing to the local pub to have a beer with friends, but a girl can dream, right? Well, thanks to these specific scents, that dream feels just a little bit closer.

I've tested plenty of summer fragrances over the years. Still, lately I've come across a handful of scents that seem to have bottled that chic, expensive-smelling, Italian heiress vibe better than anyone else. It all started with Bvlgari's latest launch. On a recent trip in Rome (see, sometimes I can be glamorous), I was introduced to Eau Parfumée Thé Impérial Eau de Toilette. Bottling the signature fragrance of the Bvlgari hotel, this perfume makes you feel like the most elevated version of yourself, wherever you are.

Since wearing the scent and receiving endless compliments, I've been on the hunt for more perfumes that bring out my Italian heiress alter ego. Below, you'll find a concise edit of luxurious fragrances that do exactly that, so if you're looking to add a bit of glitz and glamour to the season ahead, I highly suggest you keep on scrolling.

The Best Italian Perfumes

When it comes to perfumes, I can hand on heart tell you that the majority of the compliments I get on my scents are of the French perfume variety. But more specifically, there is one fragrance house that consistently gets me complimented every week, and that's Matiere Premiere. You may have already heard of some of its fragrances (namely Vanilla Powder, which has gone on to become a viral success thanks to its heavenly gourmand scent); however, it has many more incredible scents in its collection that you should know about.

Co-founded by master perfumer Aurélien Guichard, Matiere Premiere—which translates to "raw material"—focuses on specific ingredients to create an overdose of the natural material, whether it be vanilla, tuberose or woods. Each is selected as the standout ingredient for every scent, and is dialled up to showcase its beauty. The result? Incredibly stunning perfumes. Guichard himself is a seventh-generation perfumer, and he is also the only perfumer in the world who plants, grows, and harvests his own natural ingredients used to create Matiere Premiere fragrances, making them even more special.

I discovered the brand a few years ago, and having now worn almost all of the perfumes from the house (it does some very good discovery sets, FYI), I've found the all-time favourites that I simply have to share. Each and every one is as stunning as the next, but if you want to find the best Matiere Premiere perfume for you, the ones below are a great place to start.

Best Matiere Premiere Perfumes

• Best Overall: Vanilla Powder Extrait de Parfum (£250)
• Best Musk: Parisian Musc Eau de Parfum (£270)
• Best Floral: French Flower Eau de Parfum (£170)
• Best Woody: Bois D'Ébène Eau de Parfum (£170)
• Best Extrait: Encens Suave Extrait de Parfum (£250)

1. Vanilla Powder Extrait de Parfum

Of the 100+ fragrances in my collection, this is easily in my top three most-complimented perfumes ever. Vanilla Powder is the fragrance houses' bestselling scent, and it comes in both eau de parfum and extrait de parfum. I adore both, but the extrait has a smoother, tonka bean creaminess to it that makes it all the more salivating, IMO. Rather than a syrupy vanilla dessert, it's a smouldering scent that feels like you've stepped into a fluffy cloud of toasted vanilla powder. Honestly, every single time I wear it, someone asks me what I'm wearing—the silage and lasting power is off the charts, enveloping you in a gourmand halo wherever you go. It's one of the best-smelling vanilla perfumes ever, and I'll be topping up when I run out.

2. Parisian Musc Eau de Parfum

3. French Flower Eau de Parfum

4. Metal Lavender Eau de Parfum

5. Bois D’ Ébène Eau de Parfum

6. Encens Suave Extrait de Parfum

Shop Discovery Sets:

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

As someone who works in the beauty industry, I'm always hearing stories of fellow editors being stopped on the tube or approached on a night out because their perfume smells so good. I've tested plenty of the best fragrances over the years, but I still hadn't had a moment like this, where someone was so desperate to know about the scent I was wearing. It's not a big deal, of course, but I have to say, I was a bit jealous of all the compliments those around me were getting. However, since I've discovered this summer scent combination, I've genuinely had people chase me down the street (and stop me in Ubers) to tell me how good my perfume is. Enter vanilla and coconut perfumes.

Whilst some people are big fans of gourmand perfumes, others can't stand them. I love vanilla scents, for example, but don't gravitate as much towards sweet, juicy, fruity fragrances. That being said, scents that combine vanilla and coconut are always up my street.

The warm, sweet undertones of vanilla perfectly complement the creamy, milky, nutty notes of coconut, creating a sophisticated scent that feels summery yet elegant. Whilst this combination is nothing new, in my opinion, there's only a handful of fragrances on the market that actually get it right. Below, you'll find my concise edit of the best vanilla and coconut perfumes that will earn you endless compliments this season.

The Best Vanilla and Coconut Perfumes

• Best Classic Perfume: Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess, £58
• Best New Perfume: Summer Fridays Sunlit Vanilla, £76
• Best Luxury Perfume: Aerin Hibiscus Palm, £155
• Best Body Spray: Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '71, £25
• Best Affordable Perfume: Le Monde Gourmand Lait de Coco, £28

1. Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess

2. Summer Fridays Sunlit Vanilla

3. Aerin Hibiscus Palm

4. Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '71

5. Le Monde Gourmand Lait de Coco

6. Jo Malone London Beach Blossom

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years— spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

I own an embarrassing amount of perfumes, but when it comes to the kinds of scents that I gravitate towards on a regular basis, I’d describe myself as a comfort seeker. Give me a perfume that’s soft and warm, and blankets the skin with sweet vanilla, powdery violet and snuggly musk over anything fresh and clean any day. Of course, there’s a time and a place for more pared-back perfumes, and I admire the elegance of minimalist fragrances in theory, but in practice, they’ve never really felt like me. Which is why I’ve always had a bit of a complicated relationship with Escentric Molecules: a brand that’s synonymous with understated scents.

The cult fragrance, Molecule 01, is one of those iconic scents that is wildly popular yet still manages to feel like an insider secret—probably due to the fact that it smells slightly different on everyone. Of course, I understand the hype. I’ve worn it myself countless times, and if you’re looking for a perfume that’s going to draw compliments, then this undoubtedly fits the bill. The catch is, however, that I can barely smell it on myself. Sure, there’s an initial waft of almost clean laundry or airy woods, but as someone who wears fragrance for personal pleasure, it’s far too fleeting.

So when I heard about the brand’s new scent, Cologne One, I wasn’t entirely convinced that it would be up my street. And yet, the first time that I spritzed it, I found myself converted. Because somehow, quite magically, Escentric Molecules has managed to almost bottle my favourite summer drink and therefore captured the essence of the season in fragrance form—a perfectly chilled gin and tonic. Bright, fresh and instantly uplifting, this very much might be the scent of the summer.

Shop Escentric Molecules Cologne One

What It Smells Like

Cologne One is described as capturing “the freshness of a gin and tonic in a single, sparkling gesture”, and from that very first impression, I’d have to agree that this scent really does deliver. It’s an effervescent fragrance that captures the bubbly crispness of tonic water, the herbaceous dryness of gin and a citrus twist of fresh lemon and lime in a cold glass. Simply put, it smells delicious. But let’s break down exactly what makes this cologne so complex, because while it does contain Escentric Molecules’ iconic one scent molecule—Iso E Super—there’s a whole lot more going on here.

First up, there’s juniperberry. If you’ve ever sipped a good gin (I pride myself on the fact that I’ve sipped many), then you’ll know that distinctive, sharp, slightly piney, aromatic scent well. For me, it’s the anchor of this cologne and the very thing that transforms it from a generic-smelling fresh scent into something truly evocative. I’d be surprised if anyone manages to spritz this and not be immediately transported to a balmy summer evening with a chilled glass in hand.

If you’re not a gin lover, however, there’s still plenty to appeal here. There’s a medley of juicy citrus fruits (lemon, lime, mandarin and bergamot) that evolves as they settle onto the skin. The initial vibrancy softens into something fresh, but with a gentle sweetness to balance out some of the more herbaceous notes to come. Because there is definitely a subtle herbal thread running through it, supported, I think, by hedione—a versatile synthetic molecule that has quite a green and verdant scent profile. Blended with cucumber and ginger, and a bouquet of countryside florals, it gives the fragrance an aromatic boost with an almost radiant, airy feel.

But it’s in the drydown that something really special happens here. Yes, of course, this is a fresh fragrance, but once it’s really enmeshed with your skin, you’ll notice that there’s a soft, musky base that smells almost nostalgic. It’s subtle, but with the slightly woody Iso E Super molecule alongside ambroxan and musk, there’s an undeniably skin-like warmth with a slight saltiness that I find incredibly satisfying. It’s the part that you’ll notice when you catch a whiff of your wrist hours later.

The Verdict

Cologne One has, rather unexpectedly, converted me to the joys of fresh fragrances this summer. If you’re already on board with that kind of scent profile, then this will feel like a sophisticated upgrade—clean and pared-back, yet more effervescent than your typical minimalist scents. I imagine it will particularly come into its own during the warmer weather, when wearing anything too heavy fragrance-wise can feel overwhelming.

But what makes it even more impressive is that Cologne One makes a great entry point for people like me who typically gravitate towards warmer, more comforting scents. Because while it is fresh, it’s not cold. There’s a softness to it with a subtle warmth in the base that makes it feel more wearable and, most importantly, more noticeable on the skin than other simplistic scents.

That, for me, is the real surprise. Unlike Molecule 01, which somehow feels like it exists just out of reach of my own senses, Cologne One is something that I actually enjoy wearing. And going back to that gin and tonic comparison (purely because I can’t quite get over just how accurate it is), it really does capture that bright zestiness and cool aromatic tonic in a spritz. Simply put, it’s summer in a bottle, but not in the usual sunscreen and coconuts way—it’s a more grown-up, refined take on the season. And one I’ll be happily dousing myself in all summer long.

Shop More From Escentric Molecules

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

As a beauty editor, it's almost needless to say that despite the fact that it's 8 AM, I have already spent two hours scrolling my social feeds to dissect every look at last night's Met Gala red carpet. And whilst we saw some truly special beauty looks (Sarah Pidgeon's waves and naked manicure won the night for me), with over ten years of writing about the Met Gala under my belt, in 2026, I'm more interested in the products the A-list use than the avant-garde looks they opt for.

And as a journalist who considers fragrance her specialty, I've become somewhat obsessed with finding out what perfumes celebrities opt for on the red carpet—and I have been pleasantly surprised to learn of Charli XCX's scent of choice for the Met Gala 2026. I stumbled across it by accident. I originally planned to open my laptop this morning and write a story about the many mermaid-wave ponytails we saw last night, and Charli's was one of them. But, as I flicked through an Instagram post by her trusted hair stylist, Matt Benns, I noticed that her perfume of choice was very much a part of her hair look, too.

Sharing some behind-the-scenes snaps from the Charli XCX "glam" suite, Benns also shared a few insights into the products he used to achieve her hair look. I spotted some Wavytalk hair tools, sure, but also two very familiar bottles of fragrance—one hair perfume, one eau de parfum.

Yes, it seems Charli and I have similar tastes in fragrance, as I, too, wear the scent from time to time. It is none other than beauty editor and insider favourite, Initio Parfums Privés Atomic Rose.

While the eau de parfum will set you back £215, Benns also opted to mist Charli's ponytail with the hair perfume iteration, which is just a fraction of the price at £85. (Many beauty editors I know wear hair perfume as a more affordable alternative to some of their luxury scents, by the way—it's a great hack.)

And I'd like to say here that Atomic Rose might just be the most Charli XCX perfume out there—it is perfectly fitting. It is, true to its name, a rose scent at its core, but this isn't a delicate rose. It is the sort of rose that smells as though it has been thrown into your handbag at the start of a date, before experiencing a night of debauchery. With both Turkish and Bulgarian rose, it's smoky and intense. But with a fresh zing of bergamot, a creamy addition of jasmine and a sweetly spiced hit of vanilla, Atomic Rose is a sexy, moreish sort of scent.

It's dishevelled, rebellious, statement-making and undeniably magnetic. The perfect fit for Ms Charli, non?

Shop Initio Parfums Privés Atomic Rose:

As a fragrance-obsessed beauty editor, there is nothing that brings me more joy than a new perfume. And some of our favourite scents on the Who What Wear UK beauty team are Victoria Beckham Beauty perfumes. Honestly? They're total compliment magnets.

However, building your fragrance collection can be an expensive hobby (especially if you're shopping for luxury fragrances), which is why I wanted to share my hack for trying an expensive perfume for less. Enter perfume discovery sets. And thankfully for us, Victoria Beckham Beauty has two fragrance discovery sets that allow you to try the scents before committing to a £170 full-sized bottle. Plus, you can even redeem the cost of the sample set against your favourite, so it's a win-win.

The Signature Collection Fragrance Discovery Set

The first of the two sets is £40, and includes four 2ml vials of all of VBB's fragrances, including 21:50 Rêverie: Vanilla, Portofino `97, Suite 302 and
San Ysidro Drive. Along with the set, you'll receive a £40 voucher to redeem on a full-sized bottle, so it's a great way to test and wear each scent to find your favourite without the risk of buyer's remorse. I've been testing this set out myself, and you can easily get three or four wears out of each one.

The Original Collection Fragrance Discovery Set

The Original Collection Fragrance Discovery Set includes the three original scents from the collection (Portofino `97, Suite 302 and
San Ysidro Drive) in 2ml vials, and includes a £30 voucher towards your full-sized bottle.

Curious to know what each of the VBB scents smell like? Scroll on for my review of each fragrance from the discovery sets.

1. Portofino '97

2. 21:50 Rêverie Eau de Parfum

3. Suite 302

4. San Ysidro Drive

Shop the Discovery Sets:

I'm no stranger to expensive-smelling scents. As a beauty editor, I've tried some of the best perfumes on the market, but if I'm being honest, a fragrance can rarely stop me in my tracks. Don't get me wrong, there's a handful of luxurious spring and summer scents that I always go back to, such as Tom Ford's Soleil Blanc and Estée Lauder's Bronze Goddess, but it's been a while since I've added a new perfume to my permanent line-up. Well, that was the case until I discovered a new launch from none other than Chloé. I don't want to be dramatic, but I think this might be one of the most expensive-smelling fragrances I've come across this season, and not in the way you think...

You see, when people talk about expensive-smelling scents, they're usually referring to strong, punchy perfumes that linger long after the wearer has left the room. In all honesty, that's not really my thing. I prefer soft, fresh, skin-like scents that envelop the senses and carry whispers of wealth. Some may refer to these fragrances as "quiet luxury" perfumes, and this new Chloé launch is a perfect example.

Part of the brand's Atelier des Fleurs collection, Plage du Figuier is one of the latest additions to the range, and it's an olfactory masterpiece for the season ahead.

Inspired by Saint-Tropez, this warm, solar fragrance features strong hints of fig, adding a creamy yet fresh undertone. It's this combination of sun-soaked notes and green, earthy elements that makes this perfume smell like a Mediterranean escape. When I spritz this, images of terracotta tiles and olive trees come to mind. It's not the perfume equivalent of a flashy resort, but rather a hidden villa filled with lavish art and antiques.

It's unlike any fig fragrance I've come across. Whilst hints of eucalyptus, fir balsam and moss further bring the earthy elements to life, notes of orange blossom add a fresh, almost honey-like sweetness that settles on the skin like silk.

Housed in a green fluted bottle with a cream lid and gold detailing, the bottle is an extension of the scent, with a luxe, expensive feel that wouldn't look out of place on a table in Le Club 55 (if you know, you know). It's the kind of perfume that should be saved for special occasions; however, the captivating scent is so wearable that I already know I'll be reaching for it daily.

If you're on the hunt for something a bit different from your usual floral fragrance or coconut perfume, and want an elevated spring scent that feels soft yet sophisticated, trust me when I say that this is the one to have on your radar. Now, time to book a trip to Saint-Tropez...

Shop Chloé Atelier des Fleurs Plage du Figuier

Shop More From the Chloé Atelier Des Fleurs Collection

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

There was a time when I was fully invested in the idea that fragrance should be subtle. As a beauty editor, I get to try a lot of the best perfumes, and over the last couple of years, I noticed that my shelf was filling up with soft skin scents, comforting musks and barely-there mists that sit close to the skin and would only make their presence known if someone was up close. Perhaps the shift came with becoming a mum, where it felt safer and easier to blend in rather than stand out. Plus, I never liked the way that a strong perfume would settle on the clothes and skin of my little ones and mask that intoxicating baby scent.

Lately, though, I’ve found myself wanting something different from my perfumes and have been searching out fragrances with a little more presence and intention. My children are no longer so little, and as they grow in independence, I’ve been desiring a return to my own. And whilst my inner confidence may be shakier than it was a few years ago, I’ve always found that fragrance can act as a shortcut to faking it until you make it.

I’m thankful, then, that power perfumes are back for 2026—but not in the way that we remember. This time around, it’s less about the heady, room-filling scents of the ‘80s that announce your arrival before you’ve stepped through the door, and more about fragrances that help to elevate your inner spark. Forget about making an entrance, these perfumes will determine how you carry yourself once you’re inside the room.

What Is a Power Perfume?

“Power perfumes today are more about identity than impact,” explains perfumer and Iggywoo founder Richard Saint-Ford. “In the ‘80s and ‘90s a lot of people were wearing the same big, recognisable fragrances, so the power back then came from the familiarity—you smelled it and knew exactly what it was. Now, a power perfume is about presence… wearing something that feels like a personal signature and adds to your sense of self.”

I’ve started to think of these fragrances as an invisible layer of armour. They don’t overwhelm, but they shift something internally—a subtle boost of confidence, a sense of being pulled together and a feeling of certainty about who you are. And that means the very definition of a power perfume has blown wide open. For me, a power fragrance might be something rooted in comforting notes that I love, like violet and musk, blended with something more unusual and energising, like citrus.

“Today, you often see a strong backbone of sandalwood, cedar, cashmeran and tonka bean, which give structure and that grounded, expensive feel to modern power perfumes,” explains Saint-Ford. “But what really defines it is that balance. You’ve got warmth against freshness and familiarity against something slightly unexpected. That contrast is what creates presence now.”

So, if you’re ready for a confidence boost, then keep scrolling. These are the best power perfumes that will remind you exactly who you are, and make sure that everybody else knows it too.

The Best Power Perfumes

• Best soft power perfume: Merit Retrospect (£79)
• Best statement power perfume: 27 87 Elixir de Bombe (£185)
• Best floral power perfume: Parfums de Marly Delina (£175)
• Best bold power perfume: Iggywoo Cherry Love Extreme (£135)
• Best modern power perfume: Yves Saint Laurent Libre (£107)

1. Merit Retrospect

2. 27 87 Elixir de Bombe

3. Parfums de Marly Delina

4. Iggywoo Cherry Love Extreme

5. Yves Saint Laurent Libre

6. Bond No. 9 West Side

7. Byredo Velvet Haze

8. Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club

9.Bibbi Ghost of Tom

10. Escentric Molecules Molecule 01

11. Diptyque Orphéon

Spring might be in full swing, but that's not to say warm weather is here. Whilst I dream of rising temperatures and wait for the day that I can finally swap out my jeans for linen and trainers for sandals, I’ve decided to switch up my perfume wardrobe so that I can at least get some semblance of spring/summer in the meantime.

And although you might be expecting bright florals and overly citrusy scents to be at the very top of my spring fragrance rotation, there’s been one unexpected gourmand scent that’s earned me so many compliments that I couldn’t not share it with you. Enter, Phlur’s Honey Moon.

A blend of sweet honey, orange blossom and vanilla, everyone, from my friends and family to strangers in the street, has stopped to ask me what perfume I’m wearing. So, if you've also had your eye on this perfume and are considering investing in a bottle of either the full or travel size, keep scrolling to read my full review of the scent and see why I think it has a well-deserved place at the front of your vanity this spring.

Phlur Honey Moon Eau de Parfum

What It Smells Like

Described as a “luminous floral gourmand”, Honey Moon is a sweet but subtle scent. But rather than being an overly heavy gourmand that you’d reach for in winter, this scent is a much fresher, almost skin scent that feels intimate rather than overpowering. Described by Phlur as being “inspired by lunar renewal and the quiet transformation of nectar into honey”, it starts off with sparkling notes of mandarin and lavender that feel perfect for the spring season, but it quickly settles down into a warm, creamy base of honey, vanilla and sandalwood.

To me, it evokes the feeling of drinking a mimosa on a breezy European getaway but with an elegant gourmand note that leans grown-up rather than sickly and juvenile. The sneaky touch of lavender brings a sense of zen and is further grounded by the base notes of warm sandalwood and tonka bean. This sunlit scent is by far the most sophisticated in my spring perfume collection, and can be effortlessly taken from day to night, lending itself well to a wide range of occasions.

Not to mention it has what I feel is the ideal lasting power, with its aroma continuing to pack a punch for most of the day. But like a true spring/summer scent, it doesn’t become overbearing or cloying as it settles into the skin. As a self-proclaimed fragrance aficionado, it's definitely a scent that I like to carry with me to top up once or twice a day, but I would not at all say that this is necessary. You can very easily spritz this on before a garden party, for example, and have it last for the entire event.

The Verdict

If you’re a self-proclaimed “clean girl” or just someone who typically stays away from gourmand scents out of fear of them being too overpowering or child-like, this is a scent that I’d definitely recommend giving a try. It’s a subtly soft scent that has gourmand elements without the excess cloying sweetness and bright floral notes without the intensity that usually turns me away from them. Not to mention it’s been a verified compliment magnet since I first started wearing it.

If you're still undecided on the eau de parfum and want to try it on your skin before investing in a full-sized bottle, I'd highly recommend trying the travel-sized vial to get to know the scent first. I’m very tempted myself to invest in the travel size to fit in my small event handbags for top-ups when I’m out and about. Regardless of which size you invest in, trust me when I say that if you do invest in Phlur's Honey Moon, you're sure to be inundated with compliments. Keep scrolling to shop the scent.

Shop Phlur Honey Moon

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

After 12 years of writing about and immersing myself in the world of fragrance, it's not far-fetched for me to say that I know a thing or two about what makes the best perfumes, well, the best. There's longevity, sure, and a head-turning blend, of course, but truthfully, the blueprint of a great perfume is grounded in something that can't be defined with words—it's a certain je ne sais quoi that takes a perfume from "nice" to "cult-status".

And this je ne sais quoi is something I have come to get familiar with. In fact, I'm somewhat famed amongst my peers for being able to smell a new perfume ahead of launch and know exactly whether or not it's going to be a hit. I can foresee the kind of woman who will wear it, when they will wear it and how they will wear it—even if it's not a perfume that necessarily resonates with me. For example, I might not naturally gravitate towards sweet, fruity fragrances, but I can still say with absolute certainty that Parfums de Marly Delina has that je ne sais quoi to make it a modern classic. As does Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Baccarat Rouge 540. As does Merit's Retrospect. YSL Libre is another. Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 has it, too. And Diptyque's Orphéon, for that matter.

My point is that I have made it my mission throughout my career as a fragrance-specialist beauty editor to pick out the perfumes that really matter—the perfumes that will come to define a period.

So, over the past three months or so, I have spent many hours speaking with retailers, perfumers, editors and, of course, perfume wearers. I have lost days to scrolling through bestseller lists. I have studied information (often under strict embargoes) on upcoming launches, major beauty moments and insights into what brands might be cooking up. I have interviewed perfumers and dissected every perfume that has come my way, from floral scents to fresh citrus spritzes—all in a bid to compile a tight edit of what I predict will be the year's most defining scents. Including both classic fashion-house fragrances and the new launches I think will stick around, these will be 2026's most popular perfumes—you can hold me to it.

Most Popular Perfumes 2026

• Balmain Destin de Balmain, £95
• Dior J'adore Intense, £112
• Escentric Molecules M+ Champaca, £135
• Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, £149
• Le Labo Violette 30, £75
• Essential Parfums Bois Impérial, £86

1. Balmain Destin de Balmain

2. Dior J'adore Intense

3. Escentric Molecules M+ Champaca

4. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle

5. Le Labo Violette 30

6. Essential Parfums Bois Impérial

7. DedCool Mineral Milk

8. Acqua di Parma Colonia Il Profumo Millesimato

9. Prada Les Infusions de Santal Chai

10. Parfums de Marly Athénais

11. Diptyque Orphéon Eau de Toilette

These days, there are so many different perfumes on the market, from floral scents to woody fragrances and citrusy aromas. However, if you're a millennial, you most likely had Vera Wang Princess, DKNY Be Delicious or Calvin Klein Euphoria in your fragrance collection growing up. As a teen, these were the only three scents I wore, and if I smell them now, they bring back such nostalgia. That being said, they've been somewhat forgotten over the years, thanks to new launches and niche perfume brands taking over.

However, if, like me, you recently binged Love Story, you're probably aware that Calvin Klein is having a major comeback for 2026 thanks to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and her impeccable style. In fact, Sarah Pidgoen, who plays Kennedy on the show, recently wore a custom Calvin Klein dress and a silver CK One clutch to the Oscars, further cementing the brand's cool-girl status.

In perfect timing, Calvin Klein's iconic Euphoria scent has just had a major glow-up, and I know that these fragrances are about to be on the wrists of every fashion person this season. The brand has launched three new perfumes as part of the iconic Euphoria collection, with global star Rosalía as the face.

The original Euphoria scent launched back in 2005, and it oozed cool-girl appeal thanks to a sensual blend of pomegranate, lotus blossom, black orchid and amber. I remember wearing this on nights out and feeling like the ultimate it-girl.

That being said, the new Euphoria scents feel decidedly modern, leaning into the popular gourmand fragrance trend, with vanilla notes running throughout all three perfumes. Each scent remains housed in the iconic sculptural masterpiece that is the original Euphora bottle, each with its own colourful hue, ranging from deep purple to hot pink and bright yellow.

Euphoria Magnetic Elixir is a creamy, musky vanilla scent that sits close to the skin, revealing floral undertones. Meanwhile, Bold Elixir takes on the sensuality of the OG fragrance, with notes of orchid, jasmine and toasted vanilla. In contrast, Solar Elixir is a fruity perfume that feels radiant and luminous, with juicy mango and blooming vanilla flower.

All three perfumes feel incredibly vibrant and bold, with softer elements that linger beautifully throughout the day. What's more, these strong scents have the highest fragrance concentration of any Calvin Klein perfume, leaving an addictive trail wherever you go. I said it once, and I'll say it again: these perfumes are about to be everywhere.

Shop Calvin Klein Euphoria Elixir Collection

Shop the Original Calvin Klein Euphoria Scent

I used to think of lavender as a scent with two very specific jobs—something to be misted onto my pillow to help nudge me towards sleep after a particularly stressful day, or tucked into linen drawers like my mum and hers before her to keep towels and bedding smelling faintly floral. Would I consider it a contender for one of the best perfumes? Lavender felt, if I’m honest, a little too prim and powdery for me: something that my nan might wear. And, look, I’m not here to judge what kinds of fragrances people love. I, for instance, absolutely adore rose perfumes—another note with a reputation more associated with our grandparents’ generation. However, there is something to be said for wanting to smell modern and exciting rather than nostalgic.

“Lavender has definitely had a reputation for being more herbal or soap-like… its calming aromatherapeutic qualities are widely known, and when people think of lavender, there’s usually less association with fine fragrance and more with scented products like soaps and oils,” Phway Su Aye, fo-Founder of contemporary fragrance house Gabar explains. However, Su Aye points out that thanks to its “multifaceted nature” lavender undoubtedly has a place within wearable fragrance too.

Enter: a new wave of perfumers who are reimagining lavender entirely, pairing it with bright citruses and creamy woods to create fragrances that feel fresh, dynamic, and absolutely nothing to do with bedtime.

How to Choose a Lavender Fragrance

While you might expect lavender to be a bit of a one-hit wonder (I always thought of it as a sleepy scent) Su Aye explains that it’s actually a really complex note. “Lavender is interesting for its many layers—it’s floral but also herbal and green, yet also somewhat light and powdery,” she says. It’s this multifaceted nature that means it actually works really well with a whole range of notes and means it will appeal to a more modern perfume wearer.

“We have been excited about modern scents reconstructing lavender and using it in more creative and interesting juxtapositions,” Su Aye explains. “We’ve seen lavender being used unexpectedly in gourmands, being paired with more green and bright notes to bring out its freshness, or even being daringly paired with deeper, more atmospheric notes, like leathers and smoke. It’s fun when an ‘older’ scent note can be reintroduced in different ways.”

Ahead, we’re sharing the best lavender fragrances that prove just how versatile this note can be. Whether you like an airy skin scent or a bold power perfume, each of these scents offers a new twist on a familiar smell—and makes a compelling case for lavender as the scent of spring 2026.

Best Lavender Fragrances

• Best gourmand lavender fragrance: Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum (£99)
• Best lavender power perfume: Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum (£107)
• Best everyday lavender perfume: Phlur Honey Moon Eau de Parfum (£99)
• Best fresh lavender fragrance: Jo Malone London Silver Birch & Lavender Cologne (£122)
• Best affordable lavender perfume: M&S Apothecary Relax Eau de Parfum (£12)

1. Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum

2. Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum

3. Phlur Honey Moon Eau de Parfum

4. Jo Malone London Silver Birch & Lavender Cologne

5. M&S Apothecary Relax Eau de Parfum

6. Le Labo Lavande 31 Eau de Parfum

7. Chloé Atelier des Fleurs Sable Lavande Eau de Parfum

8. Chanel Boy Les Exclusifs De Chanel Eau de Parfum

9. Gabar 04 (NOLITA) Rise Eau de Parfum

10. Maison Margiela Replica Bubble Bath Eau de Toilette

11. Zara Pétale d’Ambre Parfum

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

As a beauty editor, my inbox is brimming with news of new perfume launches every single day. And if there is one fragrance category that seems to be taking off unlike any other, it's vanilla perfumes. It's true, gourmand perfumes have been launching left, right and centre, with seemingly every new fragrance containing notes of the edible variety. However, even as someone with a sweet tooth, I find some vanilla perfumes to be just a hint too sweet or headache-inducing. There's only a handful I actually enjoy wearing.

However, when I first discovered Matiere Premiere Vanilla Powder eau de parfum, my nose was instantly piqued. The idea of a more powdery take on vanilla appealed to me as something airier compared to the hundreds of heavy, syrup-laden vanilla perfumes around. And I'm so glad I tried it, because it's become one of my most-complimented perfumes to date, and it's probably the most long-lasting perfume I've ever tried. The eau de parfum initially won me over, but since trying the newer Vanilla Powder Extrait, the compliments I've received have gone through the roof.

If you're considering a bottle of either the eau de parfum or the extrait, scroll on for my full review on both, and why at least one of them is deserving on your shelf, whether you're a vanilla fiend or not.

Matiere Premiere Vanilla Powder

Vanilla Powder Eau de Parfum

Needless to say, if you really dislike vanilla perfumes, stop right here. This probably isn't the fragrance for you. However, I will say that this vanilla scent is less syrupy and sugar-laden than most of the heavy vanilla perfumes around. Instead, the eau de parfum version of Vanilla Powder is airy, fluffy and powdery as it sparkles in the air. It has a touch of saltiness to it that keeps it from being overly sweet.

Spritzing the eau de parfum feels like dusting desiccated coconut and powdered vanilla onto your skin, before a smooth, nose-nuzzling muskiness lingers underneath. It's creamy and sophisticated vanilla, and the projection and lasting power are unlike anything else I've ever tried. Most long-lasting perfumes I can smell hours later, but this one? I can smell it the next day. It lingers on knitwear weeks later. I even spritzed it before leaving for work at 7 A.M, and it not only got me several compliments throughout the day, but when I came home that evening, I could still smell it lingering in my bedroom. So it goes without saying that you only need a small, tiny spritz. And you won't need to worry about topping up.

Vanilla Powder Extrait

You might expect the Vanilla Powder Extrait to be dialled up even further, but I actually find it less intense compared to the eau de parfum. It shares the same long-lasting magic, endless silage and mouthwatering fluffiness as the EDP, but with a more smouldering, toasted vanilla powder. Instead, the addition of warm and smooth tonka bean in the extrait melts on the skin with a little more sensual smokiness, as though the edges of the vanilla powder have been caught by a flame. It's one of the most sophisticated vanilla perfumes I've tried, and I've genuinely lost count of the number of compliments it has won me since I got a bottle. Again, you only need one or two spritzes of this fragrance, as both its projection and longevity of the eau de parfum and the extrait are truly unmatched. And whilst they both have a £250 price tag, it feels a more worthy investment given how little you need to use to enjoy the scent all day long without re-applying.

The Verdict

Both Vanilla Powder EDP and Extrait are stunning perfumes, and given how many compliments they've won me and their incredible lasting power, I'd wholeheartedly recommend them. I don't think it's necessary to own both, however. If you prefer a perfume that gets you noticed everywhere you go, the eau de parfum has an addictive powderyness that will float around you like a halo wherever you go. Personally, I find it more potent than the extrait version. However, if I had to choose between them, my heart belongs to the extrait. It has the same powdered vanilla DNA as the eau de parfum, but with a more hypnotic and sophisticated edge. It's still incredibly long-lasting and a total compliment-magnet, but it's smoother and clings a little closer to the skin, which I love.

If you're undecided between the eau de parfum or the extrait, or want to try them before investing in a full-sized bottle, I'd highly recommend trying a perfume discovery set or a travel-sized vial to get to know the scents (a word of warning: you'll probably want both). But perhaps my favourite discovery has been the Vanilla Powder hair perfume, which coats your lengths in a hypnotic veil of powdered vanilla that disperses with every swish of your hair. Trust me, if you wear Vanilla Powder, you're going to be inundated with compliments, so wear it with caution.

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Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Welcome to The Glowdown, the series where we dive into the beauty secrets of our favourite celebrities as they get real about their routines and non-negotiables exclusively with us. Join them as they sit in our beauty hot seat, and we fire off a round of quick questions, giving you never-before-shared insight into the products they can't live without, their secrets to getting red carpet–ready, beauty pet peeves and the genius tips they've picked up along the way. This is no-holds-barred beauty at its finest.

This month, we sat down with Georgia May and Lizzy Jagger. The models and sisters have just been named Jo Malone London's global English Pear ambassadors, with a campaign centered around sisterhood. We were desperate to know all their beauty secrets, so keep on scrolling for fragrance recommendations, makeup hacks and the affordable hair product they can't live without...

1. Which beauty product gives you the biggest mood boost?
Lizzy Jagger: Fragrance, for sure.

Georgia May Jagger: I feel like putting on fragrance is the last thing you do when you’re going on a night out, to make you feel like you’ve finished your hair, makeup and dress.

2. If you could steal someone else’s makeup bag, whose would it be?
GMJ: I feel like I would steal Emily Wood’s makeup bag, because I bet she has so many fun glitters and colours. I would just like to have a look at it.

LJ: I quite fancy seeing Val Garland’s [makeup bag]. I think stealing a makeup artist's makeup bag would be the most rewarding!

3. You’ve got a spot. Are you team pop it or team leave it alone?
GMJ: I think we’re both team pop it.

LJ: I’m heavily team pop it. I’ll pop it for anyone!

4. You only have one product to use for the rest of your life—what is it? GMJ: Moisturiser or lip balm.

LJ: The May Botanicals Super Balm.

5. What’s the best piece of beauty advice that you have ever taken from one another?
GMJ: I feel like Lizzy is very good at giving herself an amazing facial before a modelling job. She instilled that in me.

LJ: Georgia’s got me further into masks by making her own out of kelp. I feel like a mermaid every time I take one off. You’re just glowing.

6. What's your signature fragrance?
LJ: Jo Malone London English Pear & Sweet Pea is my signature fragrance. I like a light fragrance in the day that I can then layer with something a bit deeper, like rose.

GMJ: Mine is Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia. I love that it’s very fresh and smells like spring.

7. Strong lip or a strong eye?
GMJ: A strong lip. I think we’re both on the strong lip. It’s just easier. We were talking a lot about how we do our makeup in the car, so it’s easier to do it on the go.

8. You’re having your nails done. What’s your go-to colour?
LJ: Either jungle red or emerald green.

GMJ: At the moment, I’ve been going for very sheer glitter nails, sort of early 2000s. I want anything sparkly and iridescent.

9. What's your beauty philosophy in a sentence?
GMJ: I feel like it’s about not taking yourself too seriously on the outside and not trying to compare yourself to others. I feel like we live in a real comparison culture. Try to embrace the individual things that you like about yourself.

LJ: With makeup, especially at night, more is more!

10. What’s your biggest beauty no-no?
LJ: Shimmery bronzer for me. Too much iridescence on the skin.

GMJ: I struggle with eye shadow with no mascara. I know it’s trendy at the moment…

LJ: I agree with that one!

11. Candles, reed diffusers or nothing at all?
Both: Candles, for sure.

GMJ: I love the Jo Malone London Red Roses candle.

LJ: And the English Pear & Freesia candle.

12. Name one beauty product that is always in your handbag
GMJ: In my handbag, the May Botanicals Super Balm, for sure. Just because it’s multipurpose.

LJ: And me too!

GMJ: Also, I usually have a concealer as well. The Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer [Stick].

LJ: I always have a Charlotte Tilbury mascara in my handbag.

13. The greatest drugstore product for under £10?
GMJ: Bleach London Hair Elixir for split ends—it’s the best.

LJ: For both of us! I’m using like a quarter of a bottle a week!

GMJ: The No7 under-eye concealer pen from Boots is really good as well.

14. Describe your brows in one word
GMJ: I was going to say "undecided" because I’m always bleaching them or wanting them dark!

15. Your worst hairstyle (or hair moment) ever…
LJ: A wispy fringe when I was pre-teen. A wispy fringe on someone who has naturally curly hair is really high-maintenance.

GMJ: I like a lot of mine. I’m sure not everyone will agree with me because I’ve had a purple mullet [at one point]!

16. Makeup primer: love it or hate it?
LJ: I just got into it. I’m experimenting more with 40-plus makeup primer, like the line filler, the pore filler…

GMJ: I have never used makeup primer on myself. I am aware it’s a thing, and I’m sure that’s why when people do my makeup, it looks better, but I have got very into setting spray, which I’ve never used before.

17. Confession time: how often do you clean your makeup brushes?
LJ: Once every three months, and I know that’s not enough, but that’s about as [often] as I can remember.

GMJ: I’m quite guilty for not really using brushes and using my hands more, unless it’s eye shadow. In which case, rarely!

18. Which celebrity’s hair would you love to steal?
GMJ: I would say my mum, but I wish I could pull off a Drew Barrymore in the '90s, short bleached crop.

LJ: Oooh, me too! I wish I could do a little Linda Evangelista short hairdo, but I’m happy with my own hair.

19. Which era of beauty inspires you most?
GMJ: I quite like the '90s, where it’s like grunge, goth beauty, but it’s also glam as well.

LJ: I quite liked it in the '90s when it was the bare-skin look that took you an hour and a half. But I’m really inspired by the '20s, '30s and '70s (even though they’re quite inspired by the '20s and the '30s). That ethereal, glowing look that’s not afraid of a bright eye shadow.

20. Best beauty hack?
GMJ: I feel like there are so many. Using a hair dryer to warm your eyelash curlers is a thing I’ve seen.

LJ: And I’ll do that after I put my mascara on!

GMJ: I’ve never been able to do liquid eyeliner as well as our mum, but she does a thing where she puts her whole head on the side, and draws like that, and every time I see it, I’m like, I just don’t understand how you’re doing that, and it works!

LJ: One last hack. Beetroot juice instead of blusher. And rubbing chilli on your lips makes them bigger.

21. What do you do in your downtime to relax and reset?
GMJ: Spending time with my son and walking my dogs.

LJ: We love going to spas and getting massages. And we both really like a nice long bath.

Shop Georgia May and Lizzy Jagger's Favourite Beauty Products:

As a beauty writer, I’m constantly being asked by my friends and family for perfume recommendations. And their most asked question? What type of fragrance should they choose for formal events? Whether it be for a wedding, birthday or party, picking the perfect perfume can be a challenge. But there’s one fail-proof scent type that I’ll always recommend to them for any and every formal occasion. Enter the sparkling perfume.

What Is a Sparkling Perfume?

Made to emulate the glass of bubbly that you save for a very special occasion, sparkling perfumes smell bright, crisp and fizzy. Some feature actual notes of some form of sparkling wine, whilst others focus more on simply giving that smell of the effervescence we associate with our favourite glass of spritz. This quality is what makes them the perfect event perfume. And with spring here (and summer right around the corner), these light and aerated scents are ideal for warmer weather as they won’t feel too heavy or overpowering—rather, they're beautifully fresh scents.

Below, I’ve rounded up seven of the best sparkling perfumes that I always recommend. So if you, too, require the perfect fragrance for any upcoming occasion, or simply love a glass of bubbly as much as I do, and want a scent to emulate that, keep scrolling to discover the seven best speaking perfumes, all of which come editor-approved.

Best Sparkling Perfumes

1. Best Overall Sparkling Perfume - Chanel Comète, £240
2. Best Daytime Sparkling Perfume - Phlur Afterglow, £99
3. Best Nighttime Sparkling Perfume - Vilhelm Parfumerie Sparkling Jo, £220
4. Best Sparkling Floral Perfume - Byredo Inflorescence, £150
5. Best Sparkling Gourmand Perfume - YSL Black Opium Glitter, £77
6. Best Affordable Sparkling Perfume - Jimmy Choo Blossom, £43
7. Best Luxury Sparkling Perfume - Creed Jardin d'Amalfi, £415

1. Chanel Comète

2. Phlur Afterglow

3. Vilhelm Parfumerie Sparkling Jo

4. Byredo Inflorescence

4. Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Glitter

6. Jimmy Choo Blossom

7. Creed Jardin d'Amalfi

In my opinion, choosing the best perfume isn't just about how it smells, but also how it makes you feel. Some days, I want my perfume to make me feel powerful, so I reach for punchy floral fragrances that I know will do the job. On days when I need a spring in my step, citrus scents are what I reach for. And for cosy days at home, it's woody perfumes that call my name. However, when I want to feel like my most beautiful self, it's an iconic French fragrance that always does the job. The fragrance in question? Dior J'adore.

First launched in 1999 and created by master perfumer Calice Becker, this iconic scent is widely considered the height of luxury. The olfactory equivalent of solid gold, it sparkles on the skin, revealing a striking floral blend of jasmine and rose. Even the bottle's silhouette, designed by Hervé Van der Staeten, is iconic. It's no wonder that this fragrance has had some incredible faces over the years, most notably Charlize Theron (who created possibly the most famous perfume advert of all time) and now Rihanna.

While it started as a single scent, there are now multiple iterations of J'adore, so I thought it was about time I discussed each perfume in detail. Below, I've broken down each Dior J'adore fragrance, including key notes and fragrance intensity. Keep on scrolling to find out why the chicest French women I know can't get enough of this scent.

Each Dior J'adore Perfume, Reviewed

• Best J'adore Overall: Dior L'Or de J'adore, £150
• Best Classic: Dior J'adore Eau de Parfum, £107
• Best Intense Iteration: J'adore Intense, £112
• Best Light Perfume: Dior J'adore Eau de Toilette, £92
• Best Solid Perfume: Dior J’adior Solid Perfume, £69

Dior L'Or de J'adore

Created by the brand's perfume creation director, Francis Kurkdjian, L'Or was released in 2023. Building on the iconic scent, Kurkdjian designed a modern iteration where each floral note bursts onto the skin with such velocity that it's hard to imagine wearing any other fragrance. Although I usually gravitate towards lighter perfumes in the spring and summer months, this is actually my go-to holiday scent as it has a solar quality that feels warm and inviting, like sparkling blue waters and golden sands.

Dior J'adore Eau de Parfum

The original is, hands down, the most iconic scent. Every time I wear it, I'm reminded why this perfume is so popular. The heady, sensual aroma makes me feel as if I'm dripping in gold, with a luminous floral bouquet of rose and jasmine. It doesn't matter where I am, one spritz of this and suddenly I'm transported to the Champs-Élysées with a champagne in hand. If you want to embody an elegant Parisian this spring, this perfume is the quickest way to do so.

Dior J'adore Intense

J'adore Intense is the latest release from the brand. Another masterpiece from Francis Kurkdjian, this fragrance was created with Rihanna in mind. In my opinion, it takes the heady, sensual aroma of the original fragrance to whole new heights. Each flower is amplified, cocooning the senses in the golden nectar. It's lavish and decadent, with undertones of sandalwood offering a warm, skin-like scent that lasts all day.

Dior J'adore Eau de Toilette

In contrast to the above, the brand has also created an Eau de Toilette for those of you who prefer something lighter. In my opinion, this feels like a bright, youthful take on the original, with a citrusy opening that's both invigorating and modern. It still has that distinctive floral undertone, but it's heightened by fresh, fruity notes that make it incredibly distinctive.

Dior J’adior Solid Perfume

Dior is always thinking of new, innovative scents, and this solid perfume is one of my favourite creations from the brand as of late. Not only is it the chicest handbag accessory, but the alcohol-free formula can be applied directly to the skin for an intimate fragrance experience. The highly concentrated wax melts on contact with the skin, leaving a seductive scent trail of jasmine and rose in its wake. Not only that, but the clear formula contains small flecks of gold glitter, adding an iridescent finish to the skin. Before a night out, I apply this to my neck and décolleté, and always feel like a million dollars.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Ask me to name the best perfumes on the market, and you probably wouldn't find a fruity fragrance on my list of favourites. It's not that I don't like fruity scents; I just don't think they smell as luxurious as other options on the market, such as floral or woody fragrances.

That being said, there's one fruity note that is trending more than anything else at the moment, and all of the coolest people I know are reaching for this particular scent now that spring is here. Wondering what I'm talking about? Peach perfumes, of course.

I've become a big fan of peach perfumes.

While berry fragrances and orange-based scents all have distinctive qualities, peach perfumes are more mysterious. They can smell sweet, sparkly, smooth or sensual, depending on their accompanying notes. It's this elusive quality that makes these perfumes the it-girl choice for the season ahead. Luckily, I've tried plenty of peach scents over the past few months, and below, I've rounded up my top picks, from affordable body mists to luxury fragrances and more. So, if you're thinking of giving a peach perfume a go this spring, keep on scrolling for scents from the likes of Tom Ford, Kilian and Parfums de Marly...

The Best Peach Perfumes for Spring 2026

• Best Peach Perfume Overall: Tom Ford Bitter Peach, £185
• Best Luxury Peach Perfume: Parfums de Marly Valaya, £270
• Best Affordable Peach Perfume: Phlur Peach Skin, £38
• Best Sweet Peach Perfume: Dior Addict Peachy Glow, £125
• Best Fresh Peach Perfume: Acne Studios par Frédéric Malle, £200

1. Tom Ford Bitter Peach

2. Parfums de Marly Valaya

3. Phlur Peach Skin

4. Dior Addict Peachy Glow

5. Acne Studios par Frédéric Malle

6. Kilian Paris Her Majesty

7. Vyrao Ludeaux

8. Lancôme Idôle Peach’N Roses

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Victoria Magrath is a Who What Wear UK Editor in Residence and founder of byfrow Beauty, a premium brand rooted in multi-use products designed to "enhance your everyday". One of the UK’s most established luxury creators, she is known for her expertise across beauty, fashion, travel and refined living, with over 12 years of experience working with leading global brands.

I don’t remember the last time I finished a whole bottle of perfume before this weekend. I swap between scents constantly, like some sort of fragrance floozy. Wherever my mood takes me, my scent will follow, and so I never usually stay true to one perfume or another. That was until a few days ago, when I finished a bottle of Guerlain’s Vanille Planifolia (£495), and cried a little inside at the fact that I needed to buy another bottle. Alas, even though I’m flippant with my fragrances and can’t commit to a monogamous relationship, there is one aspect of my beauty wardrobe where I’m well and truly wedded: my handbag non-negotiables.

It’s Monday morning, and you’re running out the door with a coffee in hand and your collar bent inwards, finding yourself ticking off that mental list of items you always have with you. Keys, glasses, purse—check. The door closes behind you, and you’re off. That used to be me, but over the years, my list has become longer and more specific, and now I’m a woman very set in her ways. I don't even need one of my "lists" to remind me, because my everyday essentials don’t ever leave my handbag. And if the bag were to change, everything would get decanted into the next, and then the next. So, let’s talk about what’s in there.

Victoria Magrath's 7 Handbag Beauty Essentials

1. byfrow Pigment Pencil

2. Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer Stick

3. Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Mist

4. Phlur Missing Person

5. byfrow The Lip Companion

6. Armani Luminous Silk Bronzer

7. Victoria Beckham Sculpt & Blend Brush

Green perfumes have always held a special place in my perfume wardrobe—they are, without question, my favourite fragrance family. There’s something instantly transporting about them: bright, crisp and full of life, they have the ability to shift my mood in seconds. Where other scents, such as gourmands or ouds, can feel heavy or overly composed, green fragrances feel effortless, like stepping outside into sunlight after being indoors all day. They capture that fleeting, perfect moment of warmth on your skin, fresh air and the quiet energy of nature. For me, they are pure olfactory escapism.

My first introduction to this world came when I first smelt Sisley Eau de Campagne, a classic green scent and one of my favourites to this day. From that moment, I was drawn to the way that green scents bring the illusion of fresh leaves, vines and herbs to life. Whether it’s the ripeness of a tomato vine, the coolness of fig leaf, or the soft bitterness of fresh herbs, green perfumes have a way of grounding you and simultaneously lifting your spirits.

What I love most is their ability to transport me to another place in one sniff. They remind me of childhood summer days spent in the garden and sunlit afternoons in my grandparents' greenhouse. As perfumer and founder of Lumira, Almira Armstrong explains, "green fragrances are about capturing the energy of nature, vibrant, textured and alive." That sense of movement and freshness is what makes them so addictive, and I think appealing to everyone—after all, we're all craving nature right now.

What Is a "Green" Perfume?

At its core, a green perfume is an interpretation of nature in scent form. It’s the scent of botanical things such as fresh leaves, plants, aromatic herbs and sometimes even the slightly bitter edge of unripe fruit. Unlike sweet gourmands or rich woody scents, green fragrances are defined by their clarity and freshness.

Perfumer and founder of Iggywoo, Richard Saint-Ford, describes a green scent as "the smell of living things—crushed leaves, fresh stems and the sharp brightness of a tomato vine." That sense of realism is key, and is why they can feel both grounding and invigorating at the same time. Armstrong expands on this idea, describing green scents as "capturing the feeling of nature in its most vivid state—the brightness of living plants." This brightness is what sets them apart. Even when layered with florals, woods or citrus, the green element remains the backbone, giving the fragrance its distinctive character.

As Romy Kowalewski, perfumer and founder of 27 87 notes, "a green scent captures nature before it turns lush. Sometimes something bitter, raw or almost unfinished." This slightly untamed quality adds depth and intrigue, preventing green perfumes from feeling overly polished.

The Best Green Perfumes

1. Best Overall Green Perfume: Sisley Eau de Campagne, £120
2. Best Long-Lasting Green Perfume: D.S. & Durga Debaser in Bloom, £155
3. Best Floral Green Perfume: The White Company Primrose Hill, £35
4. Best Green Skin Scent: D.S. & Durga Debaser, £155
5. Best Fresh Green Perfume: Gabar No.III Swim, £120

1. Sisley Eau de Campagne

2. D.S. & Durga Debaser in Bloom

3. The White Company Primrose Hill

4. D.S. & Durga Debaser

5. Gabar No.III Swim

6. Lancôme Ô de Lancôme

7. Lumira Soleil Du Maroc

8. 27 87 Flâneur

9. Iggywoo Bohemian Water

10. Goldfield & Banks Bohemian Lime

11. Ellis Brooklyn Isla Sirena

12. Ode Ona Dawn Earth

13. Jo Loves Green Orange & Coriander

14. Le Labo Thé Matcha 26

What to Look for in a Green Perfume

When choosing a green perfume, it’s less about finding a single defining note and more about identifying the kind of "green" experience you want. This fragrance family is surprisingly diverse, ranging from sharp and leafy to soft, creamy or even subtly woody. Understanding the ingredients and how they interact is key to finding a scent that feels personal.

Many green perfumes are built around ingredients that replicate plants in their raw, natural state. As Saint-Ford explains, "common ingredients include galbanum, violet leaf, fig leaf, tomato leaf, basil and mint," each bringing a slightly different texture to the composition. Galbanum, for example, is intensely sharp and almost bitter, whilst fig leaf is smoother and creamier. These nuances can dramatically shift the overall feel of a green perfume.

Balance is equally important. Armstrong notes that green scents are often paired with citrus or aromatic notes like bergamot or neroli "to add brightness and lift." This combination prevents the fragrance from feeling too harsh or one-dimensional. Supporting notes such as vetiver, cedar or soft woods can also add depth, grounding the freshness without overpowering it.

Ultimately, look for a fragrance that feels dynamic and alive on your skin. Whether you prefer something crisp and invigorating or soft and atmospheric, the best green perfumes are those that maintain that essential sense of freshness whilst offering complexity beneath the surface.

When to Wear Green Perfumes

Green perfumes are often associated with spring and summer, which makes sense—sunlight and fresh air enhance their crisp, uplifting qualities. "Green scents tend to shine in daylight, perfect for spring and summer when the air is warmer, and everything outside feels more alive,” says Saint-Ford. Above all, they are particularly well-suited to daytime wear. I find that their energising, clean character makes them ideal for mornings and early afternoons, when you want something that feels refreshing yet effortless.

Armstrong echoes this, noting that green fragrances "work wonderfully during the daytime when you want something that feels energising and effortless."

With that said, green perfumes can be far more versatile than you might expect. When blended with deeper elements—woods, resins, or moss—they can transition beautifully into evening scents. Saint-Ford points out that this layering creates "that fresh-but-grounded feeling rather than something bright and fleeting," allowing green scents to feel more substantial after dark.

How We Tested

Whilst testing perfume for this story, I focused on key factors including freshness, longevity, projection and how each scent evolved on the skin over time. Particular attention was paid to the direction of the green notes—whether they felt natural, sharp, creamy, or herbaceous. I also considered versatility and wearability across different moods and seasons, ensuring every fragrance earned its place within the category.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Aside from perfume being a way to smell amazing, lift your mood and get compliments from other people, there's also a rare power that fragrance has, which is to transport you to a specific memory, time or place. And when it comes to summer perfumes, these fragrances are your passport to transporting you to warmer climates and your most treasured, sun-drenched destinations. And for me, nothing says a holiday perfume quite like a solar perfume.

What are solar perfumes exactly? Whilst the sun might not have a specific scent, perfumers have mastered the art of magically conjuring the scent of summer and bottling it in some of the most iconic beachy perfumes. Think sun-kissed, salted skin, a cool summer breeze or the nostalgic scent of suncream or a coconut-laced beachside cocktail.

Often drawing upon creamy white florals that you'd find blooming under the sun on holiday, or perhaps the delicate skin scent of musk to replicate the feeling of sun-warmed skin after a day spent at the beach, these summer fragrance notes instantly boost your mood, much like a day spent on the beach or an evening enjoying a sundowner at golden hour.

Ahead, I've rounded up the best solar perfumes that are practically a summer holiday in a bottle, without the price of a long-haul plane ticket.

Best Solar Perfumes

• Best Overall: Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraîche Skinscent (£58)
• Best Fresh Solar Perfume: Diptyque Ilio Eau de Toilette (£145)
• Best Long-Lasting Solar Perfume: Rabanne Million Gold for Her Parfum (£104)
• Best Luxury Solar Perfume: Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc Eau de Toilette (£128)
• Best Affordable Solar Perfume: Nivea Sun Eau de Toilette (£23)

1. Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraîche

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess is, without a doubt, not just one of the best solar fragrances around, but one of the best summer perfumes ever created. Universally loved, it captures days spent under a golden sun on the most far-flung, white sand beaches dotted with coconut palms and wading in calm, crystal-clear waters. The list of fragrance notes reads like a delicious beach cocktail, and this summer perfume really does become one with your skin, scenting you in the addictive scent of coconut and creamy florals. It's the ultimate summer skin scent.

2. Diptyque Ilio

If I had to describe Ilio in one word, it would be mouthwatering. Ilio, meaning sun in Greek, instantly transports you to a remote Ionian island, surrounded by crunchy, sun-drenched prickly pear and fig trees, backdropped by a glittering Mediterranean sea that stretches as far as the eye can see. It opens with a burst of fresh, thirst-quenching prickly pear before the powdery iris and creamy fig become one with your skin, replicating the feeling of sun-rays caressing your limbs. This used to be a limited edition scent that you could only get during the summertime, but now it's part of the permanent Diptyque perfume collection, and I'm so grateful for it. It's one of my most treasured summer perfumes ever.

3. Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc

Imagine the feeling of salty, sun-kissed skin as you emerge from the glittering sea onto your superyacht to sunbathe the afternoon away, your skin sparkling with droplets from the ocean. That's what this fragrance smells like. Tom Ford Soleil Blanc is undoubtedly private island-coded and one of the most expensive-smelling perfumes around. The cooling spritz of citrus gradually dries down into a smooth pistachio and creamy coconutty base that makes you feel like you slathered on an expensive sunscream as you're brought a piña colada.

4. Aerin Hibiscus Palm

Aside from being a stunningly beautiful bottle to perch atop your dressing table, Aerin perfumes smell utterly phenomenal. My favourite, Hibiscus Palm, happens to be a solar perfume that's drenched in the scent of creamy coconut and white summer blossoms that bloom on the skin. Imagine sunbathing in the sun-dappled light of palm trees gently swaying in the summer breeze under an endless azure blue sky as you sip a coconut cocktail. It's creamy, floral, a little musky and will instantly transport you to the beach, wherever you are.

5. Dior J'adore Intense

This iconic Dior perfume now comes in an intense version and magnifies the golden florals you know and love in the original J'adore scent. Dripping in golden warmth, this radiant solar perfume features creamy, honeyed ylang-ylang, which is known as the "flower of the sun", and it has a glittering powdery halo to it, like you've coated yourself in a shimmering body oil after a day spent sunbathing. A spritz of this scent makes you feel like you're on holiday, making your way to your dinner reservation on the beach and watching the golden sun dip beneath the horizon as creamy white florals bloom around you. It's also Rihanna's signature perfume; do I need to say more?

6. Rabanne Million Gold for Her Parfum

I recently discovered Rabanne's Million Gold for Her, and the Parfum version is one of my favourite solar perfumes that also has impressive longevity. Luminous and golden, it drenches your skin in sparkling solar florals and creamy sandalwood and is quite the compliment magnet. My favourite part is the mineral musk, which brings a subtle saltiness to the skin, like you've spent the day at the beach and your skin has been kissed by sunrays. I reach for this scent when I want a solar scent that will take me through to the evening—it's a great date night scent.

7. Nivea Sun

The scent of Nivea sunscream is so beloved that the brand created the scent of it in a fragrance with its scent, and it's so full of summer-coded nostalgia that it brings me utter joy. It smells exactly like suncream. I'll admit, it's not the most long-lasting perfume I've ever tried, but at the price point, I really don't mind, because it gives me an excuse to top up and enjoy it all over again. Whilst the exact notes remain elusive, it smells exactly like Nivea's iconic sun creams, leaving your skin delicately scented with a creamy, sun-kissed halo.

It's not every day that one of your favourite beauty brands launches its first-ever perfume. So, when an email landed in my inbox telling me that Summer Fridays were finally entering the world of fragrance, I almost screamed with excitement.

Loved for its iconic Lip Butter Balms and Jet Lag Mask, the brand is known for its effortless approach to beauty, so I was intrigued to see what scent the founders, Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Ireland, would choose to launch Summer Fridays into the luxury fragrance space.