GEMs Of Beauty:
Tree-Ripened Valentines!

Now that it’s February and winter doldrums have set in, it’s time to perk yourself up with a delectable treat. Drop a few hints with your loved ones about the perfect Valentine’s Day gift—or just go out there and treat yourself. You’re a good enough mother or you know many who are and they (and YOU) deserve it! This selection of fragrances all have notes that are tree-ripened, with lots of fruits and woods in unusual combinations, and I’m sure you will find one that will suit your mood and tastes.

 

SARAH HOROWITZ
PERFECT NECTAR PERFUME OIL ROLL-ON

 

If you like a perfume that is sweet and delicious, you will adore Perfect Nectar. With top notes of blood orange and tangerine, followed by papaya and mango, it will instantly transport you far from the slush that may be outside to your own tropical paradise.

Buy it here for $40.

COMPTOIR SUD PACIFIQUE
VANILLE ABRICOT

 

Years ago, I was wandering around Paris and discovered MPG, a tiny boutique that made scented gloves and perfumes. Oh, I was in heaven! Especially with an apricot-based perfume I fell totally in love with. I was crushed when they discontinued it, but if I need a whiff of something with a hint of apricot, this bestseller from Comptoir Sud Pacifique is a fine runner-up, especially if you like vanilla and caramel notes.

Buy it here for $85.

L’ARTISAN PARFUMEUR
NUIT DE TUBEROSE

 

For many perfume junkies (sign me up!), tuberose is one of those flowers you love, but it can be overpowering if not verging on the sickly-sweet in cheaper fragrances. Which is why I can’t get enough of Nuit de Tuberose, as it is definitely intense, but tempered enough with pink pepper and green mango to make it perfectly subtle and fresh.  

Buy it here for $130.

HONORE DES PRES LOVE
COCONUT EAU DE PARFUM

 

Another tropical delight that is the polar opposite of sweet is this unusual perfume by Honoré des Prés. There is an initial burst of pure coconut, tempered by coriander leaf, tonka bean, and vanilla bourbon, with a base note of cedar that is subtle yet invigorating. Ideal for anyone who doesn’t like florals.

Buy it here for $98.

WEN MANDARIN ITALIAN FIG

 

 

Here’s another delight for those who like perfumes with savory rather than sweet notes. Wen’s Mandarin Italian Fig tempers the greenness of the fig notes (which can be a bit in-your-face) with citrus, sandalwood, and amber. It’s definitely unisex, so don’t be surprised if the man in your life swipes it. (Even better is you can Wen’s haircare products with the same wonderful scent.

Buy it here for $89.

 

AU PAYS DE LA FLEUR
ORANGER FIGUE FRUITEE  

 

While on the topic of figs, you might also like this marvelous concoction from Au Pays de la Fleur D’Oranger.  The top notes are fig tempered with grapefruit and lime, drying down to a subtle musk. It’s extremely sophisticated and lovely

Buy it here for $128. 

EAU D’ITALIE
JARDIN DU POETE

 

If you like citrus notes, you’ll love this perfume by Eau d’Italie. It’s an exhilarating mélange of bitter orange, grapefruit, and basil top notes, with angelica and pink pepper in the middle, and a woody, musky base. And their packaging is fabulously chic.

Buy it here for $140.

Remember – a wonderful perfume made by a master nose or fragrance company is never going to be an inexpensive purchase. It is definitely one beauty category where you get what you pay for. Great perfumes take years to develop and use costly and rare ingredients—but they last and last. Keep the bottles away from heat and light and they will serve you well for years of deliciously scented bliss.