While putting together my 2018 list of Christmas perfume gift recommendations, I discovered that Storify is no longer with us, which is a bit of a shame, because several of my previous lists had been stored there. So, to try to prevent the ill effects of any social media disappearances, this year’s selection is going to be presented as an old-fashioned blog post – a compilation of tweets bearing the #PersolaiseXmas18 tag – complete with links for more info on the various goodies that ought to find their way under your trees.
Enjoy finding out what they are… and happy shopping!
For a sanctuary…
Japanese-style, amber-infused incense sticks from Lyn Harris at Perfumer H, made in collaboration with a Kyoto-based company. Blissful tendrils of tranquillity. https://buff.ly/2RhKAXi
For colour…
Niral by Bertrand Duchaufour for Neela Vermeire – a joyful explosion of silken hues, channelled by violet, iris and sandalwood. https://buff.ly/2TUKHda
For newness-hunters…
Impression Cedarwood Heart by Alex Dadier for Ostens – a heart-stopping presentation of cardamom-chilled tobacco supported by well-planed cedar. https://buff.ly/2AvGDat
For reading…
Issue 6 of Nez magazine, featuring reviews, interviews and thoughtful ruminations on all things perfume. Quality stuff! https://buff.ly/2Sg4nGH
For spending…
The 250 ml decanter of Tom Ford Santal Blush – a gorgeously-pitched evocation of a Mumbai sunset, complete with steam, heat and crimson-edged clouds. https://buff.ly/2TNZhmN
For fun…
The Master Parfums trivia game, featuring three levels of questions on all aspects of fragrance creation. Perfect stocking filler. https://buff.ly/2BCs9HA
For celebrating…
In the brand’s 190th year, the excellent current extrait formulation of Guerlain Jicky – heaven is a haze of herbs, vanilla and barnyard heat. https://buff.ly/2Au7ovZ
For savouring…
The 2018 Perfume Guide from Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez – intelligent, fascinating and re-readable. https://buff.ly/2AxJD6h
For inspiration…
The Layers 01 set from Experimental Perfume Club – a chance to make your own blend of three well-composed bases. Ideal for budding perfumers. https://buff.ly/2FKt9O0
For the guy who wants to break out of the cookie cutter…
The new edp of Gentleman from Givenchy – one of the best mainstream masculines of the year, suavely combining pepper with iris and a balsamic base. https://buff.ly/2TW5GfG
For romance…
Cardamusc perfume oil by Christine Nagel for Hermès – an enticing dance between the feather-lightness of cardamom and the languor of weighty musks. Irresistible. https://buff.ly/2Rjav0M
For decadence…
Perfumed massage oils from Chanel – they’re pricey, but then the opportunity to cover every inch of someone’s body with scented richness shouldn’t come cheap. https://buff.ly/2E2UkBS
For eccentricity…
The Tycoon by Bertrand Duchaufour for St Giles – an expertly put-together nouveau-chypre that is as authoritative as it is open-armed. https://buff.ly/2FNktX6
For futuretro value…
The Imitation duo from Amouage Official – aldehydes, ylang and patchouli in a superb homage to hair spray and hairy chests; one of the brand’s best releases of recent years. https://buff.ly/2AHbvok
For it’ll be soon be gone…
The classic Colonia from Acqua Di Parma with packaging re-imagined by the fun-loving visuals of Clym Evernden https://buff.ly/2E6TILy
For cosiness…
The new Members Only candle from Penhaligon’s – boozy, fiery, woody… and highly skilled at shutting out the rest of the world. https://buff.ly/2U2bFj1
For convenience…
The 30 ml bottles from Frederic Malle – if perfume is the most portable form of intelligent art, then this is an even easier way to carry some of the 21st century’s finest olfactory creations. https://buff.ly/2KJuSSl
For choice…
A gift card from Les Senteurs: one of the UK’s most beloved perfumeries. https://buff.ly/2KLfepG
For Yuletide contemplation…
Incense Extreme from Tauer Perfumes – still one of the most striking incense fragrances around, as comfortable in a Catholic church as it is in a majlis. https://buff.ly/2rcdUmI
For sin-free calories…
Guimauve De Noel by Michel Almairac for his own brand, Parle Moi De Parfum – as holographic a vision as you could imagine of light-as-a-breeze marshmallows sprinkled with icing sugar. https://buff.ly/2rh5wCx
Persolaise
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Thanks again for the wonderful and versatile ideas Persolaise 🙂
The Turin/Sanchez guide 2018 I have already ordered from Santa aka my daughter so I assume this is taken care of. Now I should buy something for myself and I've found some interesting tips in your list – the Malle's in smaller bottles, the Penhaligon's candle, The Tycoon sounds intriguing…
Neva, thanks so much for writing, and I'm really pleased the list is useful. You must let me know what you decide to go for!
A great list! For some reason, I want all of them.
Well, wouldn't THAT be wonderful!
Thanks for reading.