2021 seems to be the year of new fragrances for both him and her (or you and your boo). There’s a plethora of new scents from brands like Fenty Beauty and Gucci that are set to launch in the coming weeks and it seems that we can only expect more of the same in the near future. Did you know that the market for fragrances is predicted to increase due to people’s desire to maintain their individuality?
If you’re looking for a new signature scent to embody your unique personality, here are some of the latest and upcoming fragrance releases for men, women, and both to consider.
For her: Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia
If you love the sensory experience of fresh flower arrangements or walking through the garden, consider the Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum. This distinctly feminine concoction features white gardenia (said to be used in potions and elixirs) blended with hints of delicate jasmine. Described by the brand as a “potion of joy”, this perfume spray also has bright pear blossom and sweet brown sugar notes to tickle your senses. It comes in a vintage-inspired bottle made of 10% recycled glass in a lacquer pink hue and features an elegant floral image hinting at the floral bouquet within.
The perfume is already available in Singapore through Sephora, starting at ~USD99.72 for 30ML. It will be available in Malaysia beginning October.
Ideal for: The unabashedly girly girl with a taste for elegance.
For him: Burberry Hero
Designed by Burberry chief creative officer Riccardo Tisci to “encapsulate modern masculinity” and channel the “duality between strength and sensitivity”, the Burberry Hero Eau de Toilette features notes of sparkling bergamot, spicy black pepper, and fresh juniper. The fresh and bold aroma is deepened by warm cedarwood oils sourced from the Appalachians, the Atlas Mountains and the Himalayas mountain ranges. It comes in a minimalist glass bottle cut in an angular shape, inspired by a horse’s hoof. Given that the campaign stars Adam Driver keeping up with a stallion and Burberry’s logo is a silhouette of a horse rider, this cologne can only be called Burberry in a bottle.
It is available in Singapore through the Burberry website, starting at ~USD87.82 for 50ML.
Ideal for: The man who likes to make an impact upon introduction.
For both: Fenty Beauty Eau de Parfum
If you prefer unisex scents, then Fenty Beauty’s new fragrance — which is currently called the Fenty Eau de Parfum and launching this 10 August 2021 — might be more suited to your taste. The rich brown amber perfume bottle contains a unisex fragrance that the brand describes as “raw, sensual, spicy, and sweet all at once.” Treat yourself to the delicious blend of sensual magnolia, vibrant fruit, and warm spice notes with every spritz. Is this what RiRi smells like? If so, sign us up for a bottle or two, please.
It will retail for USD120 on fentybeauty.com, but you can already get early access here.
Ideal for: Individuals with a penchant for complex, day-to-night aromas.
For her: Dior Vanilla Diorama
(Photo from: Dior Beauty Malaysia)
If you have a penchant for sweet vanilla notes, you’ll love the Dior Vanilla Diorama fragrance — it’s vanilla in a bottle. Inspired by one of Christian Dior's favourite desserts, the Diorama Gourmand made of orange sherbet covered in vanilla ice cream, it highlights the rich warm aroma of bourbon vanilla from Madagascar — one of the most expensive types of vanilla in the world. It also has fresh citrusy, chocolate-y, and rum notes that add depth to the classic vanilla sweetness.
Dior Vanilla Diorama is available in Malaysia through the Dior Beauty online boutique for ~USD99.54 for 40ML. You can also shop in Singapore at La Collection Privée Christian Dior boutique at ION Orchard, with prices starting at ~USD115.35.
Ideal for: Gals with an affinity for anything sweet at any time of the day.
For both: Maison de L’Asie Chapter One: Nanyang
(Photo from: Maison de L’Asie)
Lastly, take a tour of the Little Red Dot with made-in-Singapore luxury perfume house Maison de L’Asie’s Chapter One: Nanyang. Inspired by “the South Seas and the Chinese diaspora”, this unisex fragrance pays homage to old Singapore through the captivating mix of green tea, saffron, and leather. Sophisticated and refined, this new androgynous fragrance for him and her may find its way to your vanity soon.
Nanyang is available internationally through the brand’s official website. Prices start at USD188 for 50ML.
Ideal for: Folks who are looking for unique yet also familiar perfume blends.
Which of these new fragrances launched in 2021 will you be picking up?
(Cover photos from: Dior Beauty Malaysia, Maison de L’Asie, and @guccibeauty)
For more aromatic picks, check out these Japanese perfumes that capture the scent of spring.
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