Oriental fragrances are renowned for their warm, sensual and exotic facade, and although they are known by all women, they’re often loved by only a few as they can be found to be too overpowering. The secret is knowing how to wear them…
Frequently split into three groups: floral, soft and woody, we’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide so that you can find the best oriental fragrance to suit your personality.
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If You Love Flowers
If feminine fragrances are your thing and the thought of switching to something slightly headier sounds terrifying, oriental florals will give you the prettiest compromise, mingling petals from orange flowers, roses and jasmine blooms with a musky amber soul.
Scents to try:
Narciso Rodriguez Rose Musc, R2 380 for 100ml EDP, is the epitome of grown-up elegance in a bottle, featuring delicate Moroccan rose absolute amidst saffron and grassy patchouli.
Allure by Chanel, R1 720 for 50ml EDP, if you prefer scents that are more classic, then this one it for you, with floral-oriental notes including peony, jasmine, vanilla and vetiver.
Avon Far Away, R390 for 50ml EDP, is not a new fragrance by any means, but it is surely one of the most easy-to-wear oriental fragrances our beauty editor has tried. Expect flirty flowers and fruits like ylang-ylang, peach, coconut and orange that sit on base notes of amber and musk.
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If You Love Baking
Vanilla, mixed with classic sensual oriental-scented raisins and dried fruits will appeal to the nurturer in you.
Scents to try:
Bvlgari Goldea The Roman Night Absolute, R1 455 for 50ml EDP, includes delicious notes of black plum, Madagascan vanilla and black musk.
Nasomatto Baraonda, R2 280 for 30ml EDP, is the fragrance version of a sticky malva pudding featuring an intoxicating mix of sweet, boozy and woody notes.
If you have a seriously sweet tooth, then Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal By Night, R1 405 for 50ml EDP, is the perfect choice for you with honey, tuberose and sandalwood.
If You Love The Smell Of An Open Fire
Woody orientals give off a sexy and confident vibe thanks to a heady base of smokey patchouli.
Scents to try:
Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense, R1 625 for 50ml, features sweet damask rose, sharp clove and decadent praline.
Byredo Oud Immortel, R2 720 for 100ml EDP, is a fragrance for the more experimental fragrance-lover as it features a slew of powerful notes including incense, cardamom, tobacco balanced by elegant rosewood and moss.
If you’re after an original scent, then the hazy, creamy notes of pink peppercorn and chestnut in Zadig & Voltaire This Is Her!, R1 100 for 50ml, will enthral your senses.
Compiled by Beauty Editor, Martinique Stevens
