Remember our Skincare Awards back in early September? Well, we’re back! This time we turn our attention to all the fragrances, old and new, that have claimed a spot on our wrists and décolletages. From classic to citrus and everything in between, these are the fragrances we keep re-purchasing, find ourselves gushing to our besties about, and stare lovingly at on our bathroom shelves for inappropriate amounts of time.

Portrait of a Lady by Editions de Parfums by Frédéric Malle is truly heaven-scent. One of the most complex perfumes my nose has ever had the pleasure of knowing, it ticks all the boxes when it comes to longevity and performance. In basic speak: it’s more adept than a pair of monogramed Louis Vuitton boots at taking you from day to night, and can fill a room with just a couple of spritzes.

If you’re after a scent to make you feel as mysterious and ~sexy~ as it does opulent and sophisticated, this is The One for you. Likewise, if you’re a fan of oriental fragrances and rose, you’re gonna love this. No expenses were spared in the making of this baroque, expressive formula, with Frédéric opting to use only the highest quality roses (upfront real rose), to which I say, “Yas Kween!”

A modernised depiction of Henry James’ 1881 novel of the same name, Portrait of a Lady is based on a heart of Turkish rose essence, and is complemented with accords of benzoin, cinnamon, sandalwood, patchouli, musk, and frankincense. If you’re still not convinced, read on for our ~highly serious~ review.

If Portrait of a Lady was a mood: Sultry
A language: Spanish
A place: A jazz lounge near you
A person: Eva Longoria
An era: 2017
A song: Shania Twain – Man, I Feel Like A Woman
A time: Midnight
A character: Isabel Archer
A YouTube video: This

Words, Madeleine Woon. Photography, Ellen Virgona.