My Favourite Fragrances

To say I like fragrance is a bit of understatement. I have a lot of the stuff. I just love how different fragrances can remind you of different things or people, and how certain signature scents can become part of who you are, part of what people remember about you. Plus I just want to smell yummy. Obviously fragrance is a very personal and subjective thing, but in my ever-growing collection, I think I've found where my perfume preferences lie; with light, fresh scents - fruity and/or floral, not fussed - that are still strong and noticeable enough so that someone could say, "gurl, you smell good." So, without further ado, these are my favourite fragrances...

1.

Hollister's Luanda Bay Mist has become my go-to body spray - the perfect thing to spritz on before running out of the door to school, or just as an everyday thing if I'm not fancying perfume. To me, it's a very summery spray - a kind of tropical, exotic vibe underpins it all - with nectarine, lotus flower and vanilla being the key notes. Its fresh and light, just as I like it. As you can see, I'm making my way through this one quite well, but I know it'll be an everyday choice for me for a very long time. 

2.

Technically, this isn't a spray, but its a (very pungent) scented body lotion from the Paco Rabanne Olympea range, though I've been dying to get my hands on the perfume for ages. Its a gorgeous, rich scent, with earthy base notes of sandalwood and ambergris, built upon with sweeter, lighter notes including vanilla, green mandarin, ginger lily and jasmine. This fragrance probably means something very different to me than it does for other wearers; I got the lotion two Christmases ago, and after a shower I would cover myself in the stuff, curl up in bed and watch an episode of Once Upon a Time. So for me, the smell is very warm and cosy, and sends me right back to a happy place. I can't smell it without smiling.

3.

  

The Library of Fragrance is a brand that I find myself going back to time and time again. They do an incredible range of all sorts of singular scents, all in great little handbag-bag sized bottles and for brilliant prices. Though I'm steadily building up a collection, my favourite has to be Orange Blossom. The Library of Fragrance's eau de toilettes are usually singular scents, this one included, but orange blossom itself is quite a layered smell; it has floral, citrus-y and fruity notes all-in-one naturally. To me this one screams spring time. I wore this a lot last spring, so it reminds me of times spent relaxing or spent outdoors soaking up the teeny bit of British spring sunshine. I am almost out of this stuff, so when I've cut down my fragrance collection and can justify getting another one, I'll be straight at that counter. 

4. 

This one is the newest perfume in my collection, but definitely one of my favourites. I received Guerlain's Aqua Allegoria Pera Granita for my birthday this year, and I know that this is going to be my signature summer scent. As you would expect from an eau de toilette that's sole inspiration is nature, it's a very fresh, airy fragrance.  The most obvious notes are strongly citrus-y, especially with grapefruit, but has other fruity elements, like pear, a floral edge with orange blossom and a hearty centre with moss and cedar. This is the scent I'll be taking away with me on holiday, so I know when I use it lots in the future I can be reminded of a lovely summer. I'm obsessed. 

5. 

 I'm not one for dark, moody scents, but Stella McCartney's day-to-night perfume - STELLA - is my number 1 for a perfume that's effortlessly glamorous. It remains light and floral, with pretty rose and peony extracts, with the fruity addition of mandarin to balance it out. But there's some kind of deep je ne se quoi that makes it that bit more night-time-esque than any of my other perfumes. I just love it - and besides, who could resist that bottle? It's a bit of an oldie-but-a-goodie, and with the amount that I wear it, it's sure to become a timeless classic. 

*Honourable mentions go to Marc Jacobs: Dot, The Library of Fragrance: Fresh Coconut and Chloe Signature Eau de Parfum*

So there's a run down of my favourite fragrances! I'm sure my collection will continue to grow and grow - there are so many different scents I'm desperate to try (*cough* Chanel Coco Mademoiselle *cough*) but right now I'm super happy with my little lot. 

My next posts will probably come after my holiday (unless I'm organised and I plan a post or two to be published while I'm out there...hahahaha) but I am so so excited to go, and then share my ten days away with you! In the meantime, stay classy.

From, 

Eleanor