May 18, 2022

Spring scents: 10 fragrances (plus one candle) to freshen up the season Back to video From full floral bouquets to fruit-filled finds, there’s a plethora of new perfumes available that are worthy of a solid spritz. Here are 10 of our favourites — plus one candle, for those who are looking for an olfactory update for their home — to help kick off your search. The fragrance: Louis Vuitton City of Stars Top notes: The latest scent addition to French luxury brand Louis Vuitton’s parfum collection, City of Stars is said to be inspired by summer nights in Los Angeles. Featuring notes of citrus such as blood orange, lemon and mandarin, along with sandalwood and tiare flower, the elevated fragrance option by Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud is an olfactory ode to the California city. $350 for 100 mL | Louis Vuitton,  louisvuitton.com  Advertisement 3 Article content The fragrance: Maison Margiela Replica When the Rain Stops Top notes: A fragrance followup to last year’s ‘Autumn Vibes’ release — the first fragrance in the Maison Margiela Replica inspired by a Canadian city — this new release by perfumer Fanny  Bal is a “woody aquatic” elixir that features notes of pink pepper essence, rose petal, patchouli, pine needles and an “unique aquatic accord.” The assemblage of notes is designed to capture the scent of an urban forest following a spring rain shower. $175 for 100 mL | Sephora, sephora.com The fragrance: Paco Rabanne 1 Million Elixir Parfum Intense Top notes: An alluring men’s fragrance from Paco Rabanne that features top notes of davana herb and apple, heart notes of rose Damascena, Osmanthus and cedarwood over a base of tonka bean, patchouli and vanilla absolute. The beautiful blend of handpicked ingredients sourced from around the world mix and mingle for a sweet selection that could easily be considered a unisex offering. Advertisement 4 Article content The fragrance: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood Elixirs Set Top notes: A collection of fragrance miniatures from luxury fragrance house Maison Francis Kurkdjian, the Oud Satin Mood Elixirs Set features four extrait de parfum offerings that celebrate notes of wood, rose, violet and “lush vanilla.” Perfect for travel — or an ideal introduction to the olfactory offerings from the brand — the collection of precious scents is sure to contain at least one soon-to-be favourite. $175 | Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com The fragrance: MCM Graffiti Limited Edition Top notes: A limited-edition fragrance release from Berlin-based luxury brand MCM, the elixir sees the company partner with Seoul-based artist @SambyPen for a graffiti-adorned signature eau de parfum. Featuring notes of apricot and raspberry over middle notes of white peony, jasmine and violet, along with base notes of white moss, vanilla, amber and sandalwood, the fragrance is said to be “inspired by tribes of fearless free thinkers,” according to perfumer Clément Gavarry. Advertisement 5 Article content The fragrance: Nina Ricci Nina Soleil Top notes: A sunny and sweet eau de toilette from Nina Ricci that blends citrus notes of mandarin and bergamot with the deliciousness of Chantilly cream. White floral notes mingle with mandarin, cedarwood and vanilla for a fresh-yet-luminous fragrance that’s a true treat. $88 for 50 mL | Hudson’s Bay, thebay.com The fragrance: Obakki Limbe Roll-on Perfume Top notes: Vancouver-based brand Obakki has recently rolled out a lineup of fragrance rollers, including this utterly addictive Limbe scent. Featuring notes of orange from Valencia, black pepper, leather, Guaiac wood, sandalwood and Amyris, the earthy elixir is mixed by hand in Brooklyn, N.Y., and sees net proceeds directed toward Obakki partner artisans. Advertisement 6 Article content The fragrance: Jean Paul Gaultier Fleur Terrible Top notes: An “aquatic amber floral” scent that features notes of water lily, iris and vanilla. The latest limited-edition fragrance from Jean Paul Gaultier is billed as being “deliciously tempting and unexpected,” plus the sensually shaped bottle is pretty fun, too. $158 for 100 mL | Hudson’s Bay, thebay.com  The fragrance: Valmont Collezione Privata Just Bloom Top notes: From Swiss luxury brand Valmont’s Collezione Privata fragrance collection, Just Bloom features notes of lily of the valley, gardenia and warm ambergris for a blooming bouquet of white flowers. The “exquisitely balanced floraldehyde musk” fragrance is designed with “self-confident, elegant women” in mind. Advertisement 7 Article content The fragrance: Wild Coast Perfumery Sunshine Coast Top notes: An eau de parfum from the Vancouver Island-based outfit Wild Coast Perfumery, this yellow-hued potion features a blend of more than 20 essential oils, resins and more. Blended by hand, the vegan, sunny scent is inspired by the Sunshine Coast and features notes of tangerine, neroli, bitter orange, vetiver, cedar leaf, Douglas fir and more. $98 for 50 mL | Wildcoastperfumes.com  BONUS candle: Better World Fragrance House Williamsburg Sleepover Top notes: For those who are eager to update their home-fragrance situation with a new scented candle, consider this option from Better World Fragrance House, an exclusive to Shoppers Drug Mart. The lineup of five scented candles were created based on scent memories from Canadian superstar Drake. Williamsburg Sleepover features notes of red roses, blond wood, Ylang Ylang, patchouli and amber for an intimate olfactory experience. $63.03-$105.04 | Shoppers Drug Mart, betterworldfragrancehouse.co