Top 5 unisex Perfumes
It’s funny how a certain smell can sometimes trigger a memory or invigorate you and boost your mood. I think about it often, because admittedly, I have a slight perfume obsession. I love to experiment with scents and see how two notes can infuse to create a new smell. I often light scented candles as aromatherapy, I sometimes roll on a liquid balm to treat a headache, and I love to sit in a calming bath that gives off a scent of relaxation. Some scents evoke a feeling of escape and bring me back to a memory of travel and open air. I can sometimes meet a new person and the pheromones they give off instantly remind me of something familiar. Smells have that kind of super power.
I enjoy a few fragrances more than others—I love some unisex scents such as cedarwood and musk as much as I love more feminine notes like vanilla and rosewood. Depending on my mood on any given day, I’ll reach for one perfume over another. I can’t always explain why, but the right perfume can shift my mood and boost my confidence. I have a bunch of perfumes sitting on my counter, but I rounded up my top 5 here:
Jasmin 17
Le Labo
When I first heard about Le Labo’s Jasmin 17, I thought that although the world doesn’t necessarily need yet another jasmine perfume, perhaps Le Labo did something to transform the fragrance. Well, I was right—Le Labo infused a few of my favourite scents to create this one unique floral perfume, and the distinct alternative to an old-fashioned smell is crisp yet full-bodied. There are subtle notes of musk, sandalwood, and vanilla, all working in harmony to amplify your sensuality. I use the Liquid Balm and keep it in my purse for a midday pick-me-up.
Bal' D’Afrique
Byredo
The euphoric scent that this perfume gives off sends me around the globe – I smell notes of Byredo’s Bal D’Afrique and I feel inspired by culture, art, music, and dance. Created as a scent that inspires the romance of Paris and the movement of Africa, Bal D’Afrique has hints of marigold, neroli, jasmine, cedarwood, bergamont, and a few other recognizable smells. I’ve been wearing Byredo for years, and whether it’s a candle that fills my space with aromatic warmth, a soap that treats my guests to a unique olfactory experience, or a perfume I wear or gift, Byredo is both a necessary indulgence.
Neroli Portofino
Tom Ford
Fresh and citrusy, the Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford will send you on a one-way trip to Italy with its orange scent and lavender undertone. I splash a bit of this perfume on in the morning and I can remember a time when my hubby and I traipsed the streets of Europe once upon a time many moons ago. The Neroli Portofino can definitely work as a unisex eau de cologne; it’s soft and fruity, and leaves a lasting impression.
Chypre Caresse
Givenchy
impression The Chypre Caresse by Givenchy is a lightweight smell that has the freshness of a lemon scent and a slight woodsy accent. Spraying a wisp of Chypre Caresse feels like a feather is being tickled on my neck. It’s evocative and alluring, and I love the sandalwood (that’s where the Chypre comes in) smell. Again, another unisex fragrance, Givenchy got it right with this one.
L’Eau des Hespérides
Dyptique
There are so many things I love about Dyptique’s L’Eau des Hespérides, like the citrus smell of orange and lemon and the pungent peppermint accent. It’s spicy yet sweet and it plays on all of my sentimentalities. Another more pragmatic thing I love about Dyptique is that they make shopping for perfume easy online! I’m not kidding, when you buy one of their fragrances online it’s delivered with a matching sample bottle. I don’t know why I think this is so genius, lol!
I love indulging in the simple pleasures in life and perfume is high up there on my list of sinful pleasures. I recently attended the Creed event in Montreal launching the Aventus for men – a woody fresh patchouli fragrance that takes familiar notes and refreshes them by creating a fully unique olfactory experience. Did you know that a perfume smells different on everyone? Also, did you know that once you spray it on, you should never rub it in because it’ll compromise the integrity of the scent? Exploring the endless amount of scents that are out there and how they react with each other and on each individual’s skin is so interesting.
Photography by Patricia Brochu