The concept of valuables is a vague one. Each person has possessions they hold near and dear, but what exactly they are depends entirely on whom the person is and what they deem worthy of an investment. For some it’s property, others see cars as their kryptonite, and for a beauty junkie like me, it’s fragrance. My cologne collection ranges far and wide and I daren’t add up the total value out of scent-shame, but if Carrie Bradshaw’s money was hanging in her closet, mine is sitting on my vanity – no joke, my Tom Ford repertoire will definitely warrant its own clause in my will. From luxury giants like Valentino and Versace to niche necessities like Goldfield & Banks, fragrances are certainly where I like to splash my cash. Whilst non budget-breaking options are nice, there’s just something special about an investment scent, and luckily pricier perfumes generally have a higher concentration level that makes sure you get your money worth (plus, the packaging is always worthy of display even after the juice is gone). So as we round out another financial year and bid FY19 farewell, why not celebrate with a little luxury in fragrance form? Whether you see the designer drop you’ve been lusting after among the EOFY sales, or just want to treat yourself to a high-priced scent because you know you deserve it, here are our top ritzy perfume picks.
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Aerin
Aerin Hibiscus Palm ($180, esteelauder.com.au)
Even this luxury Aerin splash doesn’t come close to the price of an actual vacation, but a spritz of it will definitely leave you feeling like you’re on one. With Lotus Flower and Hibiscus Palm, plus hints of coconut milk and frangipani, the tropical island vibes (and bougey feels) are strong.
Tom Ford
Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau De Parfum ($340, davidjones.com.au)
The master of all luxury fragrances, this Tom Ford decanter is as stunning as the scent it houses. A crisp citrus drop with amber undertones, it somehow smells like affluent aristocrats sipping mimosas in the Italian sun (probably whilst fanning themselves with hundred dollar bills). The RRP is hefty, there’s no doubt, but you can’t put a price on perfection.
Lancome
Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Flowers of Happiness
Whoever said money couldn’t buy you happiness clearly never sniffed this lavish Lancôme delight; it was literally concocted to capture the feeling of joy through a bottled peony-rose-jasmine bouquet. The lush light-reflecting packaging is just a bonus – it screams olfactory opulence.
Jo Malone
Jo Malone London Frangipani Flower Cologne
Exotic, fresh and floral, Jo Malone’s frangipani fragrance is equal parts luxurious and luminous. Close your eyes and imagine what the colour yellow would smell like: with lemon, ylang ylang and of course, frangipani this sunshine-y scent is exactly that.
Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani Priv Bleu Turquoise ($378, davidjones.com.au)
If you’re looking for an investment eau, we could not recommend Armani’s offering more. The turquoise marble bottle is more interior décor than fragrance flask, so think of it as a perfume-homeware hybrid to justify the price (though the sensual salt-vanilla vibes that sit within it are more than worth the coin).
Tory Burch
A scent synonymous with decadence, Tory Burch’s headier take on the original EDP is a flirty floral fragrance balanced by a base of sandalwood, pink pepper and blackcurrant buds. It’s modern, sophisticated and bold, just like the self-sufficient woman who would splash the cash to buy it.
A friend of mine got someone at Jo Malone to customise her own perfume on her wedding day suited to her own scent and interests. And it was beautiful. Jo Malone have some of the classiest most unique scents but very pricey
HAve finally sniffed armani prive range. Some are very inscency, some woody…all rich. Bottles are pretty too. And most unisex to me.