Compiled by PHYL CLARKE
Scent stars
According to my mother, you’re not fully dressed until you’ve applied your perfume, which she still wears every day at age 87.
In the world of beauty, Christmas time is fragrance time and the counters are already heaving – many companies make a third of their annual fragrance sales in the weeks coming up to Christmas. The mood-enhancing properties of fragrance make it the go-to choice as a beauty gift and if you hit the right note the recipient will think of you fondly every time she sprays. And chaps, if you’re handing out cash for a new bottle for your loved one, take note of the ones she already has, so the sales consultant can get an idea of her scent style. The popularity of unusual blends and many new takes on old favourites means there’s something to suit every personality. And if you’re simply overwhelmed by the choice, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of No 5.
Feminine
Elizabeth Arden Red Door €33 The red door on the company’s Fifth Avenue address is recreated in the bottle design of this new twist on an old favourite
Trésor Midnight Rose €39 A new take on Lancôme’s classic powdery scent, with blackcurrant buds, vanilla and musk
Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling €70, from Brown Thomas The roaring Twenties is set to be a major trend next year and was the inspiration for this cocktail featuring juniper berries, leather and vetiver
Dior J’Adore €63 Citrus notes in a fresh floral scent that’s not too sweet
Teens
Prada Candy €40 Caramel and white musk mingle in this hot pink “happy mood” scent
Van Cleef & Arpels Feerie Rose des Neiges €67.50 Delightful fruity floral scent for young fairy fans; the name translates as “magical snow rose”
White Musk Libertine €14 This bestseller has been around for 30 years and has been given a new twist with sweet orchid and rare musks. From The Body Shop
Viva la Juicy €59 Juicy Couture’s LA style works right down to the cute girly packaging. Holiday in a bottle.
Glamour
Annick Goutal Mon Parfum Cherie par Camille €69 Traditional French perfumery meets old Hollywood glamour in this opulent scent. At Seagreen, Monkstown
Bulgari Jasmin Noir L’Essence €84 Romantic jasmine, satin almond and seasonal myrrh combine in a sensuous statement scent. Seriously grown up. At House of Fraser, Dundrum
Hermès 24 Faubourg Éperon d’Or €124 Pure class in this limited-edition bottle design inspired by the silk scarf. From the Hermès boutique at Brown Thomas
Chanel No 5 Eau de Parfum €112 Timeless and ageless, the world’s best selling fragrance
Designer
L’eau d’Issey Or Absolu €78 One of the most successful designer scents comes from fashion house Issey Miyake and is built around the clean elegance of Japanese lotus
Diane by Diane von Furstenberg €70 Confident and womanly, this is as New York fabulous as her famous wrap dresses. At Brown Thomas
Jimmy Choo €45 Modern fruity fragrance from the high-heel maestro, with tiger orchid and patchouli
Optimistic from Paul Smith €35 Cheerful bright colours and energetic stripes define Smith’s clothing designs. A burst of fruity fun with a youthful sweetness
I can’t live without . . .
SONIA REYNOLDS
Former model, PR and marketing consultant
Seavite Moisturising and Replenishing Cream. I met Kaye, Katherine and Jane Mulrooney, whose family firm makes this organic seaweed product, at the Joanne Hynes London Fashion show for her spring summer collection and they gave me a pot of this. I love it.
Sanctum Skincare Clinic. Rachel Walsh’s oasis in Smock Alley is a total treat. My husband Barry introduced me to it. The Biologique collagen treatment leaves skin smooth and revitalised. The first time I went, I felt I had dropped 10 years. Then reality hit, but it was great while it lasted.
Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream. I can never have enough of this, whether it’s for the lips, hand cream or applying to the eyebrows for shaping; it’s a must. I have stashes of it everywhere, in the office, at home, the forgotten bag that is resurrected every now and then. Essential in my world.
Tom Ford Black Orchid lipstick. I like it because the colours are true, and it lasts.
Walking the dog before and after work. Nothing like the early morning skies these days, crispy air and brisk steps. It clears the head and the dog’s happy, too.
