Here’s today’s fragrances 101 lesson: feminine scents traditionally fall into the fruity, sweet and floral categories. It is believed that through some studies, flowers were considered a metaphor for female fertility, hence EDPs and EDTs with notes of rose, jasmine and vanilla being classified as predominantly female scents. Masculine fragrances boast more musky, woody, intense notes, such as leather, oud and tobacco. This is linked to studies of men’s natural body odour being more musky than women’s. However, we feel that if a fragrance smells good to you, that’s all that matters. Each person has a particular scent preference and this will most likely cross over various categories. That’s why we love unisex fragrances.
Without further ado, here are our picks of the best unisex scents we feel tick all the boxes of a universally fabulous fragrance.
1. Calvin Klein Everyone Eau De Parfum
Without even knowing the notes, you can feel that this scent is going to be eau so fresh, right? It’s very citrusy. And woody too. Think rich, organic Mexican orange mixed with Sri Lankan black tea, drying down into a woody Haitian vetiver. Don’t be fooled by its overly citrus persona – this EDP is supremely bold, rich and also vegan. Try it. You won’t regret it!
2. Tom Ford Private Blend Noir de Noir Eau De Parfum
What would this list be without a Tom Ford mention? This one is sultry, dark and intense. It’s honestly the complete opposite of Calvin Klein’s Everyone EDP. The main notes of Tom Ford’s Noir De Noir Eau De Parfum are black truffle, oud wood, vanilla, patchouli and black rose. Mr Ford’s vision for this fragrance was for feminine florals to collide with masculine earthiness and we feel it’s been executed perfectly. It’s the best of both worlds and utterly irresistible from the first spritz.
3. Carolina Herrera Herrera Confidential Nightfall Patchouli Eau De Parfum
If you’re drawn to mysterious scents that have a touch of ‘magic’ to them, this one will be right up your alley. Carolina Herrera’s Confidential Nightfall Patchouli belongs to the woody fragrance family, with notes of benzoin siam, patchouli and cinnamon making it a rather spicy EDP. It’s warm and romantic (thanks to additional hints of bergamot and rose) and will remind you of a once-in-a-lifetime night out on the town. Need we say more?
4. Jo Malone London Ramadan Edition Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense
Undoubtedly a firm favourite, this special edition of Jo Malone London’s Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense is the same juice, just housed in a different, beautifully decorated bottle in celebration of Ramadan. Here’s a refresher on the notes: lavender and omumburi myrrh, followed by a tonka bean base. This rich ambery cologne is ideal for special occasions – why not share it with your significant other?
5. Fenty Beauty Eau De Parfum
RiRi’s only fragrance in the Fenty Beauty collection doesn’t disappoint (and we love that it’s inclusive!). This warm floral opens with a strong magnolia top note, followed by musk, tangerine and Bulgarian rose. Layers of fruity sweetness are also released once spritzed onto the skin, with notes of vanilla, blueberry, coconut, geranium and patchouli in tow. This scent has depth and transforms throughout the day.
6. Molton Brown Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel Eau De Parfum
Look no further! We’ve found your new signature European vaycay scent. Molton Brown’s Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel Eau De Parfum’s middle notes burst with fresh, oceanic crispness such as frankincense, jasmine and cypress. It’s highly aromatic and settles into a smokey base of vetiver, musk, cedarwood and leather. You won’t be able to resist it. Plus, the packaging is rather exquisite (did we mention it’s refillable?).
