Top Five Fragrances for the Festive Season
Ah, the festive season! Joyous, glorious, non-stop and perhaps a little (or a lot) stressful at times. While some of us revel in the hustle and bustle of preparation and shopping it can also become overwhelming. Personally, I can identify with both the excitement and the stress, so I like to think of gifts for my friends and loved ones that will be comforting and boost happiness on the day they open them- because all that build up should lead to a champagne-cork-pop of sheer joy in my opinion, where everything you desire is at an arm's length from your sofa.
That's why fragrances, along with posh chocs, cosy socks, and a good book are at the the top of my gift-giving tree. It's no secret that smell is hugely linked to memory so when you gift someone a scent they love, a little spritz can bring on a lot happiness and serenity. It's a gift that definitely leaves a lasting impression!
So without further ado, here's our top five fragrances for the festive season, to help you pick a winner.
1. White Moss by Acca Kappa
Fragrances are traditionally split into masculine and feminine categories with the former including things like citrus, spicy, woody and fresh notes whilst the latter tends to consist of florals and summery fruits. Ultimately the interpretation of a fragrance is very much down to the individual and we tend to draw a lot on our own memories and associations. Made-to-share fragrances, however, take a little bit from the the typically 'masculine' and 'feminine' categories to create a truly captivating fragrance.
White Moss, the iconic scent by Acca Kappa is one of our favourite made-to-share fragrances here at Rye Botanica. Surrounding the body with the freshness of an Italian garden in bloom. With top notes of juniper, lemon and bergamot and a dynamic heart of lavender, sweet woods and hint of spicy cardamom the fragrance opens with an alluring mix of contrasting notes. These are all harmoniously brought together with base notes of white musk and sweet amber.
A bestseller from an independent fragrance house, the Eau de Parfum is available from £30 as a mini and the Eau de Cologne is available from £41.
2. No 3 Agua Fougere by Claus Porto
Another example of made-to-share perfection: No 3 Agua Fougere is part of the Agua de Colonia collection developed by renowned perfumer Lynn Harris for Claus Porto. Inspired by the Portuguese village of Comporta in the peninsula of Troia, Agua Fougere is an ode to the region's endless beaches and pine forests. Daring, adventurous and distinctive the cologne evokes the ocean air with notes of sea moss, this is complimented by the scent of pine needles and earthy pepperiness which will instantly transport you to the region's sun-soaked forests. Presented in a classic forest green, this is a lot of magic in a bottle.
Agua Fougere is available as from £25.00 as a mini. You can also purchase No 3 as full size cologne or within the Discovery Set along with other fragrances in the Agua de Colonia collection.
3. Puro Sangue, Musgo Real Collection
Looking for a more traditionally masculine fragrance? Puro Sangue is the newest introduction to the Musgo Real Collection, created by Daphne Bugey and released in October. Warm and captivating this Eau de Toilette embodies the magnetism and strength of its namesake, the Lusitano Purebred, the oldest saddle horse in the world and considered by many the most beautiful. The spicey woody fragrance features contrasting notes of violet, leather and cedar - soulful and daring. Presented with a retro-inspired black and gold atomiser spray, enhancing the application experience.
4. Black Edition, Musgo Real Collection
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a gourmand fragrance in the mix, and Black Edition definitely takes the cake! A seductive blend of ganache and exotic spice combines with a base of vetiver, cedar, patchouli and sweet tonka along with zesty top notes of juniper, lemon and bergamot. Simply irresistible.
5. My Scent by Acca Kappa
Combining the warmth and sweetness of vanilla with earthy, damp vetiver and sparkling bergamot My Scent is the synergic union of two souls, one with the mystery of incense and spices and the other warm and inviting with iris powder, vanilla and amber. A perfect made-to-share parfum for the winter season, which is slightly feminine leaning. Available from £30 as a mini.
Like what you're reading?
Here's some recommendations from the Rye Botanica Journal:
- The Olfactory Families: The Rye Botanica Fragrance Wheel Explained
- The Men's Gift Edit
- Your Autumnal Skincare Routine
