It says I care about what you like; it says I took the time to think about you: it says I know you. Perfume will always smell lovelier than those store-bought flowers which often seem to have sacrificed scent for gorgeousness of colour or immensity of size.
It will smell even more delicious than a fine dining experience or a designer box of chocs – does a moment on the lips really say I love you. And it will last oh so much, much longer than either of the above, creating new fragrant memories every time it is worn.
To make a successful gift of perfume you have to give a lot of yourself and that is always the best gift of all. You need to plan your purchase to fit your loved one as snugly as a pair of hand-made shoes. Get into his or her head - take a tour around their personality and choose a scent accordingly. Staff at Les Senteurs are always happy to help you translate ideas into actions if you need a little assistance.
Finding a scent inspired by his/her favourite movie
Think laterally: consider, say, your partner's favourite movie, colour or flower and pick a perfume to reflect that. If you were going down the cinematic route you might choose a fragrance notably worn or inspired by your inamorata's favourite star (Frederic Malle & Dominique Ropion created Carnal Flower with Candice Bergen in mind; Catherine Deneuve was Francis Kurkdjian's inspiration for Lumiere Noire). Or you could select a perfume worn in a much-loved film. Think of Norma Desmond's tuberoses in Sunset Boulevard or Caron's Fleur de Rocaille. If you wept over Titanic, then track down a scent that was captivating the world in 1912. We have several such treasures - cast your eye and nose over the great Houses of Houbigant, Grossmith and, once again, the inevitable and unique Caron.
Choosing a Floral: Aromas of Romance
Fittingly, our fragrance family of the month is the varied and enchanting floral, which includes such a wide range of addictive aromas which might inspire your Valentine’s gift. Matching flowers is easy to do, but so romantic and adorable if you take the trouble to discover what they really love: we have luscious rose perfumes of all types (dark, dewy, spicy, fruity, innocent, lascivious, smoky, waxy); but Les Senteurs also holds captive the most beautiful examples of gardenia, ylang-ylang, lily of the valley, magnolia and orange blossom.
Tuberoses in the traditional language of flowers speak of “dangerous pleasures” and in many cultures are said to be aphrodisiac: their heady intoxicating scent act like a drug on the senses. Let your flaming heart speak out freely with the green glow of Carnal Flower; the dusky mystery of Tuberose Sotto La Luna; or the brilliant tropical excitement of Tuberose in Blue.
You may like to remember what your wife carried in her bridal bouquet and match those blooms in fragrance. You might do the same with your husband's boutonniere or the favourite plants he cultivates for the garden show. Don't forget: men love flowers too.
Colour preferences defining the soul
Now I mentioned colour which may surprise some of you. I don't mean the colour of the packaging or the bottle (though this may play its part). I'm talking about a factor that's rather more subtle. By and large, if a person likes brilliant, strong vibrant hues then that individual will go for expressive rich perfumes too. Contrary wise, admirers of white, beige, cream and pastels will tend to prefer lighter airier fragrances. So consider the colours your beloved wears, the shades your lover paints their rooms and let your instinct guide you like a bee to the honey.
Choosing a romantic gift should and can be such a pleasure: and I think I can promise that the more you enjoy the selection, the more delight the chosen perfume will give to the recipient.
Happy Valentines from all at Les Senteurs!
Explore our exquisite Valentine's Day selection here.