A Top Fragrance Buyer On Her Favourite Scents Of All Time
Created in partnership with SPACE NK
I’ve loved fragrance and the romance behind it for years. For me, scent is full of history and stories that help to shape an expression of who you are. I love how different scents speak to different people and how they can completely transform a mood – especially my own – in an instant. In my opinion, they can embolden you more than any other product.
Escentric Molecules 01 will always be special to me. I don’t wear it so often now, but it was my go-to for years and carries a nostalgia that I’ll never want to get rid of. It has a firm place on my shelf and I’ll reach for it when I need a bit of comfort. If you’ve never smelt it before, there’s a reason it’s considered a cult classic. Created in 2006 with just a single note, its warm, woodiness is unique, and it’s known for its ability to blend with the wearer’s natural pheromones to create a scent that’s tailored to you.
Woody, masculine scents are what I’m drawn to. I’d always opt for this type of fragrance over anything too sweet. I like to feel empowered by my fragrance and I like it to be noticed by others. Traditional, warm, smoky and musky scents are always in my rotation.
My signature scent is Tom Ford’s F***king Fabulous. The name alone feels powerful. This is the one I reach for when I want to feel confident but also to wear for a night out. Earthy and bold, it has almond bitter oil, orris and leather inside for a fragrance that really lives up to its name. It’s a little spicy and perfect for this time of year.
Space NK has had the same five bestselling scents for months. Diptyque is always up there at the top – its Orpheon EDP and Do Son constantly remain in the top five. Then there’s Byredo’s Gypsy Water, which I love myself for its cleanness that’s perfectly balanced with musky warmth. Another bestseller is Acqua di Parma’s Colonia. Finally, you may be surprised by this one, but Sol de Janeiro’s 62 Perfume Mist sells out at record speed. It's affordable, light and easy to wear with impressive staying power.
My latest fragrance empty was a Maison Margiela. If you’ve never tried its fragrances, I recommend them for those who like scents on the unisex and unique side. I would challenge anyone to find a Maison fragrance that doesn’t resonate with them. I’ve just finished Lazy Sunday Morning – I love how clean, fresh and cosy it is. It has notes of white musk and patchouli for a bit of extra depth, while orange flower adds a nice zesty twist.
The one fragrance brand you can’t go wrong with is Tom Ford. In my opinion, its Private Blend collection is hard to rival. Yes, it’s expensive, but you do get your money’s worth in terms of the quality and longevity of the scents – a little goes a very long way on the skin. I love its Neroli Portofino scent for the summer, and for comfort, it’s Ombre Leather I turn to. It’s actually my husband’s but I often steal it. It has lots of personal memories attached to it and instantly helps me feel put together.
Try OUAI for an affordable scent. Sol de Janeiro is brilliant too, but OUAI shouldn’t be overlooked just because it’s better known for haircare. I love that the brand names its scents after places and locations, while the fragrances themselves are fresh, sharp and uplifting. Rue St Honoré EDP is my favourite – it is elegant and sophisticated with base notes of musk and soft gardenia.
There are two lesser-known brands that are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Juliette Has A Gun has been on the rise for some time but I am still amazed how many people don’t know the brand. It has a well-edited selection of fragrances and its signature ‘Not A Perfume’ is unlike anything else on the market. As for E11even, this is new to the market, but everyone I work with is raving about this brand – one to watch for sure.
The real-world scent I would bottle is fresh washing. Without a doubt, the smell of clean clothes is the best out there. I love that feeling when you put on freshly washed clothes that mingle with the scent of warm perfume or body wash – it’s just the best, cosy feeling.
A fragrance I always keep in my handbag is by Ellis Brooklyn. Salt EDP is nostalgic and comforting, with a level of intimacy and depth I can’t get enough of. There are animalistic qualities to it, thanks to sandalwood, which is balanced and enlivened by refreshing ylang-ylang. It comes in a smaller size too.
Expect to see lots of gourmand fragrances appearing soon. I’m seeing rich, heady gourmand fragrances coming to the fore now – specifically ones you can layer up for different intensities. Think vanillas, cocoa, oranges and sticky, comforting creamy scents that lean into a sensual side that’s ideal for colder weather.
Shop Sophie’s top fragrance picks now at SpaceNK.com
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