Never gift a fragrance, they say. Perfumes are so personal, they say. Go for something safe, they say. But where's the fun in that? We like a challenge, and we also like to think we know our friends and family members pretty damn well. Probably too well. (Like mom, what made you think I needed to know details about when I was conceived?)
If you're a gift-giving risk-taker, then you've come to the right place. We sniffed the latest and greatest scents and matched each to a type of person we all know. The girl who only wears black. The one who never turns down a round of shots. That "intriguing" new friend with the ever-changing backstory. And definitely no mention of Carries, Samanthas, Charlottes, and Mirandas. (Because no one actually knows a freelance sex columnist living in a 600-square foot apartment, let's be real.)
Ahead check out our best selects.
For the woman in the throes of a passionate love affair...
Rose is at the heart of this insanely sexy perfume oil, meant to be lightly massaged into the skin of whatever body part you want someone to linger on. This isn't your grandma's powdery, potpourri rose — this is the American Beauty version of it.
Christian Louboutin Perfume Oil in Tornade Blonde, $320, available at Christian Louboutin.
For the girl who wears all black...
For a night out (but not at the club), throw on a leather jacket, ripped jeans, and this cool-girl scent that blends spice with warm woods and lush plum.
& Other Stories Nocturne Parisienne, $95, available December 1st at & Other Stories.
For the patron of the arts...
If the essence of sheer pink silk were bottled, it would smell like this fragrance inspired by the ballet (American Ballet Theater dancer Courtney Lavine is the face). It's light and pretty, but not too girly, as plum, bergamot, and patchouli balance out the rose.
Avon Prima, $30, available at Avon.
For that friend whose life is far more exciting than yours...
Just when you think you have a grasp on what this scent smells like, it slightly changes on your skin. Some days, I only notice the jasmine and orchid; others, the musky amber; strangely enough, sometimes it just smells clean and soapy. But it's always really, really good.
Ellis Brooklyn Myth, $100, available at Sephora.
For the girliest one in the bunch...
Daisy fans are diehards. If you know one, don't fool yourself into thinking she'll put hers aside in favor of a new fragrance so easily. Get her the violet-heavy floral juice she loves — dressed up for the holidays in a shiny gold bottle.
Marc Jacobs Daisy Shine Gold Edition, $105, available at Marc Jacobs.
For your booziest friend...
You know the one: She strolls in late to the office on Friday morning in a leopard coat, with perfectly disheveled hair, smelling like perfume sprayed on to mask last night's Grey Goose spill. This icy blend of aldehyde, rhubarb, spices, and ambroxan, which smells like a very expensive mix of vodka tonic and male model, is for her.
Kilian Vodka on the Rocks, $295, available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
For the old soul...
Strong notes of leather, incense, and vetiver make this the perfect scent to gift someone who loves the smell of books and a burning fire (but not burnt books — you shouldn't gift a book burner anything).
Rag & Bone Oddity, $140, available at Rag & Bone.
For the woman with the immaculate, Scandinavian decor-inspired apartment...
The name of this fragrance translates to "silk skin," which is an accurate description of the airy, clean, sensual scent from French architectural and product designer Philippe Starck. Not familiar? He reinvented the classic Louis XV chair into the ghost chairs we're all so obsessed with.
Starck Paris Peau de Soie, $150, available at Neiman Marcus.
For the person who posts beach pics 365 days a year...
Get them this happy-smelling blend of bergamot, magnolia, sandalwood, and amber. Walk On Air Sunset is the richer, seasonal edition of the original, but still far from heavy — which should be obvious just looking at the translucent bottle.
Kate Spade Walk On Air Sunset, $95, available at Kate Spade New York.
For the world traveler...
This perfume is inspired by the Moroccan tangerine, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's your everyday light, crisp citrusy scent. Initially, it's a bit bitter, but it gets warmer and richer as you get down to the violet, orris, and enveloping cashmere.
Byredo Belle de Tanger, $230, available at Neiman Marcus.
For the woman who pulls out her tarot cards after dinner...
We present this magical, musky-jasmine fragrance that smells like lying in the grass in a velvet dress at twilight.
Atelier Bloem Half Moon, $195, available at Barneys New York.
For the person with a clouded past...
Jasmine and "imaginary white flowers" (what are those?) are at the heart of this exotic scent, but you'll also get whiffs of red pepper, ginger, and tea.
The Collection by Phuong Dang Raw Secret, $300, available at Barneys New York.
For the hedonist...
Sweet gourmands with sophistication are the needles in this perfume haystack, but we found one. Buttery and candied, we imagine this is what throwing a huge helping of melted sugar on a bouquet of rare flowers smells like.
Juliette Has a Gun MMMM..., $100, available at Sephora.
For the most interesting woman in the room...
With notes of peony, jasmine, and ambroxan crystals, you'd expect this to be a bright floral similar to hundreds of others. But you'd be wrong. It's unexpectedly spicy and totally unique, transforming as you wear it throughout the day. It's the perfume for the person who smirks at every perfume commercial,
Kenzo World, $100, available at Bloomingdale's.
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