Article by BR Natalie
Are you thinking of asking Santa for a new fragrance this year? Well if your partner is anything like mine, NOW is the time to start hinting. Which means you need to narrow down your choices, so we thought it was the perfect time to bring you the Top 10 Fragrances in New Zealand.
And it's not based on brand's, editor's or even the Beauty Crew's opinions. As if! We present New Zealand's Top Ten Fragrances as rated by our members - that's you! All products listed here needed to have a minimum of twenty reviews against them to be in contention.
1. Dior Hypnotic Poison - 4.9/5
They Say: The mystery of Dior's legendary forbidden fruit lives on in Dior Hypnotic Poison, in a magical, modern philter that blends femininity with boldness.
The contrasting facets – intoxicating bitter almond and carvi, opulent Sambac jasmine, mysterious Jacarandra and sensuous vanilla and musk– make for a compelling, bewitching fragrance fusion. Intoxicating and extravagant.
You Say: I absolutely love this perfume. I first experienced it on a work colleague and had to have it! It is a sign of an excellent quality fragrance when you only need on squirt and it lasts the entire day and night. It has a beautiful fragrance unlike any other I have tried. It is sophisticated, feminine and totally sexy. It can be used for day or night and is an excellent signature scent.It is worth the price for the quality and lasting power, but is not an overpowering scent like Samsara can be. Love it! :)
Beauty Review Expert - Lisa.
2. The One by Dolce & Gabbana - 4.9/5
They Say: It's oriental floral-fruity composition is very warm and sensual with powdery vanilla trace. The colour of the fragrance perfectly matches its tone.
The composition opens with softly fresh mandarin, bergamot, litchi and peach. The heart is thin and balmy, with the notes of jasmine, lily of the valley and white lily which graciously intertwine with the fruity touch of plum. The woodsy-powdery base is created of vetiver root, amber, musk and vanilla.
You Say: I absolutely adore this fragrance! At first it seems rather strong but after just a few mins it softens down and smell heavenly! It has a warm oriental starting note with hints of floral . As it warms to your body it starts smelling a bit more of vanilla and fruits. It is perfect for everyday use but equally perfect for special occasions, something that not many fragrances can do. 'The One' lasts all day and you will be bound to get complements ! Overall this is a lovely fragrance, 5/5 from me!
Beauty Review Expert - Raniwelsh
They Say: This scent commands a soft sexuality appropriate for use during any time of day. Its signature comes from a pairing of honeysuckle and pear with the backdrop of creamy vanilla, musk and amber.
You Say: “Dear Katy Perry, Please don't ever stop making this perfume it's my favourite and I would die of sadness if I could not have it anymore"
If you couldn't tell this is one of my two favourite perfumes, this one just makes me feel happy, girly and just plain prettier while wearing it.
I am sparing with using this one though because otherwise I end up spending all day smelling myself which might look a bit weird in public but I just can't help it. It's sweet, it's floral, it's a bit youthful and in a fun funky little kitty bottle and personally I can't get enough of it.
Well worth the buy as you’re not going to be disappointed with this one and more than likely use it all up rather than ever let any go to waste.
Beauty Review Expert - Sjthompson
They Say: A gorgeous fruit fragrance with top notes of wild berries and juicy mandarin gently tempered with honeysuckle, jasmin and gardinia, boldly bottled with Juicy charms and rocked in fuschia wrap.
You Say: I have always been a fan of Juicy Couture perfumes, but I have to say Viva la Juicy is my all time favourite. This flirty fragrance is soft and sweet, perfect for a night out!
I always received compliments while wearing it, which definitely made my day! Viva la Juicy is worth every cent, and you only need to spray a small amount and it lasts all day.
The bottle that Viva la Juicy comes is just gorgeous! I'm so in love! This perfume would make a great gift for your friend, girlfriend or sister.
Beauty Review Expert - Lauraisme
They Say: A seductive, alluring scent. The secret code of women.
Seduce the senses with an intriguing orange flower note with fresh ginger accents and the caress of honey-sandalwood accord creating an unforgettable and captivating new encounter. A woman's mysterious code of seduction revealed.
You Say: I have this perfume in the EDP variety and am currently going through a 50ml bottle. I have loved this perfume since it first came out! It smells divine and lasts all day. I get lots of comments from other people about how nice I smell. This is my everyday no fail perfume option and have been wearing it for about 5 years. I originally got it as a gift from my husband and he had got the wrong one but it became my new favourite. This perfume is musky and spicy and is a really sexy scent. The bottle is nice but not amazing but it does look good when its displayed. This perfume is expensive but is definitely worth the money. It is my absolute favourite and I will be heartbroken if it ever stops being made.
Beauty Review Hero - MrsLissy
6. Wonderstruck Enchanted by Taylor Swift 4.7/5
They Say: An oriental gourmand, Wonderstruck Enchanted introduces a new dimension to the Wonderstruck portfolio, with an irresistible blend of luscious wild berries and sugar-glazed petals, wrapped in a touch of sensuality for a captivating signature. It has an addictive balance of creamy flowers and sensual woods which blend harmoniously and add an alluring quality to the fragrance.
You Say: I just love this perfume, I have the EDP 100ml. I love the bottle with the little charms attached makes it feel almost like a piece of jewellery. I really like the fragrance and seems to last all day on me. Every time I wear this perfume I get compliments so it obviously agrees with my skin. The fruity notes really do blend well together. I do feel the price is right for the size bottle.
It is a greater perfume to wear everyday whether that s to work or out for the evening. So I guess you can dress it up or down. Bottle also looks fantastic standing on my dressing table.
Beauty Review Expert - Sandy41
They Say: Daring, sexy and truly memorable.
The fragrance is an intense and daring fruity chypre, composed of sophisticated floral notes: tuberose, violet and hibiscus, - with a splash of coconut water, - over the light and smooth base, the combination of the final notes evokes the impression of warm skin.
You Say: This is my favourite summer fragrance. I feel like it smells different to a lot of other perfumes as it has a very unique smell. Kind of like how you would smell if you lived on a tropical island and spent your days drinking cocktails in the sun!
I always get asked what i'm wearing when I have this on. I think it comes down to that different smell. It lasts for quite a long time too. My clothes always seems to smell like it. Which i'm not complaining about one bit!
Definitely a sexy one and its a beautiful bottle too which makes it even better!
Beauty Review Expert - courtspace
They Say: Full-bodied and opulent, Flowerbomb is a floral explosion, a profusion of flowers that has the power to make everything seem more positive. Top notes: Tea and bergamot. Middle notes: Sambac jasmine, orchid, freesia, rose. Base note: Patchouli.
You Say: I was lucky enough to receive my bottle from Beauty Review. I had never tested Flowerbomb before but had been hearing so much about it so it was on my 'to do' list! Considering it was released in 2005 I must've been living under a rock. My typical perfume choice is usually sweet, floral or oriental (I'm typically not too fussy as long as its not overpowering or busy) so Flowerbomb looked like a good one for me!
I am not very good nor experienced at describing or dissecting scents so please bear with me. No body shoot me but on first impression I was shocked at the similarity to another perfume I have.... Gucci Rush! It didn't last! And after wearing it every day for the last week I now wonder why I thought this. I'm guessing its the patchouli which is dominant in Rush.
After the patchouli burst it dried down and my nose detected the bergamot and tea. Overall on me it's a very feminine scent which is perfect for day wear, all year round, but I think I will really love it thru summer as its light and sweetly floral. My partner doesn't like strong perfumes and this one didn't offend him which is an added bonus!
The bottle is very fitting too! Shaped like a grenade it is a Flowerbomb!
Beauty Review Expert - Cat
They Say: A feeling of luxuriance is achieved through two exclusive ingredients that form the signature for all Chanel parfums: Jasmine Absolute and May Rose Absolute. These delicate flowers bursting with confidence are highlighted by a touch of Iris from Florence.
The very sensual, amber peach shade of the parfum is revealed in the legendary CHANEL faceted bottle. The neck is sealed with a fine membrane, set off by a few rows of white pearl cotton yarn and a black wax stamp.
You Say: At the age of 16 I was working at Farmers at the Beauty Department, so naturally as a young teenager I was always at the Fragrance counter. During this time I found my one & only & my relationship with Coco Chanel Mademoiselle started.
I always loved everything & anything Chanel. From the high-end fashion, to the sweet smell white musk & vanilla scent of Coco Chanel Mademoiselle.
7 years later, and the relationship is still strong. The smell of the white musks and vanilla are what get to me first, the way the scent lasts all day is the best, and for my family & friends to smell Coco Chanel Mademoiselle and say it's my scent makes it fit perfectly. The bottle is to die for, I collect perfume bottles and re-use them to keep them going - Especially when they are made with great quality.
The only bad thing I must say about Coco Chanel Mademoiselle is... the price, she is very expensive... So our relationship sometimes is more a "special occasion" or "make me feel like a Heiress in Paris" perfume then an everyday. Till the day my bank account doesn't cry every time I spray this beauty on, she will sit pretty on my shelf and be used on special occasions.
Beauty Review Expert - missddines
10. Yves Saint Laurent Cinema - 4.7/5
They Say: Cinéma, a floral sophisticated and original enough for a starring role. Morning blooms open in a fresh accord, shimmering with cyclamen, almond and Clementine.
Middle notes of amaryllis and Sambac jasmine then lead the way to depth and mystery, where amber, white musk and vanilla take a brilliant turn. Set-lighting-inspired crystal flacon with gold stopper.
You Say: This is one of my signature scents. I discovered this perfume at the age of 16 and have loved it ever since, and will always replenish once i have run out. This is such a long lasting perfume, and its one of those perfumes where the scent stays on your clothes even after being washed. The packaging is classy and beautiful. Its a very sexy scent, and attracts plenty of compliments. Love wearing this on nights out as its a very feminine and sophisticated scent, however it can also can be worn for day wear :)
Beauty Review Expert - Xtinastar
So there you have it - The Top Ten Fragrances in New Zealand, as rated by New Zealand's largest beauty website. Did your favourite make the list? Will you be asking Santa for any of these gorgeous scents?
*All products have a minimum of 20 reviews submitted against them.
The mystery of DIOR's legendary forbidden fruit lives on in DIOR Hypnotic Poison, in a magical, modern philter that blends femininity with boldness.
The contrasting facets – intoxicating bitter almond and carvi, opulent Sambac jasmine, mysterious Jacarandra and sensuous vanilla and musk– make for a compelling, bewitching fragrance fusion. Intoxicating and extravagant.
Pack Size: 50ml/1.7oz
I haven't tried any of these perfumes yet - might have to take a stroll into a store or pharmacy in the weekend and have a wee spray fest hehe