Whether you love a signature scent or like to switch with the seasons, these four new perfumes bring sophistication, sensuality, and a touch of surprise.
A Multifaceted Marvel: Ex Nihilo Blue Talisman Extrait
From the Paris-based niche House Ex Nihilo comes a unisex scent that combines sophistication with universal appeal. While the original Blue Talisman is a bit more citrusy, the Extrait is a more intense version with deeper, more powerful notes. If you like people to ask, “What are you wearing?”, this one stands out, in a particularly good way.
The opening is bright and zesty, with pear, bergamot, and ginger taking centre stage. But it’s the heart that gives it its signature: jasmine sambac and orange blossom are intensified with a “solar joy,” while the base grounds the fragrance with vanilla, musk, and ambery woods.
Ex Nihilo Blue Talisman Extrait de Parfum 100ml, R9 640. skins.co.za
Bold and Daring: GUESS Iconic Men
Picture a modern man with momentum, suitcase in hand, somewhere between business and adventure. The new Guess Iconic Men scent is his signature. As perfumers Claude Dir and Gino Percontino explain, “For us, the fragrance really encapsulates the feeling of freedom, attraction, and confidence. We wanted the wearer to feel empowered to be bold and daring.”
Its chord opens with a spicy-fresh introduction of Sichuan pepper, black pepper, and bright mandarin. In the heart, mate absolute (green and earthy), clary sage, and geranium give an aromatic lift for someone on the move. The base anchors it with vetiver, labdanum, and a suede accord — a tactile, warm finish that lingers.
GUESS Iconic Men Eau de Toilette 100ml, R1 799. guess.co.za
Cheeky, Yet Alluring: Carolina Herrera Very Good Girl Elixir
When you see the stiletto-heel bottle from Carolina Herrera, you know this one has attitude. The campaign tagline says it all: “It’s so good to be bad!” This scent embodies the duality of the modern woman — elegant yet provocative; the kind of woman who knows her charm and has fun with it.
A seductive amber floral fragrance, the top notes are a potent burst of luscious black cherry and sharp, bitter almond. The heart reveals rich tuberose and rosewater for a bright floral lift, held together by a warm base of vanilla and cocoa for a touch of mystery. The bottle deserves to take centre stage on your dresser.
Carolina Herrera Very Good Girl Elixir Eau de Parfum 80ml, R3 580. arcstore.co.za
Elegant but Edgy: Roberto Cavalli Serpentine
The new icon from Roberto Cavalli comes with a twist —literally. The bottle is encircled by a detachable golden serpent bracelet, which becomes a wearable accessory long after the last drop.
The scent opens with pink pepper, cardamom, bergamot, and blackcurrant — a sparkling and bold top-note collection. At the heart, you’ll find jasmine sambac, magnolia, golden saffron, rose petals, and lavender — a rich yet elegant floral-woody bouquet. And down deep: vanilla from Madagascar, tonka bean, cashmere woods, patchouli, and musk provide a warm, enveloping base that seduces long after sunset.
If you enjoy pairing your fragrance with your mood, outfit, or the occasion — and don’t mind sharing with your partner (as ultimately, modern fragrances are designed for anyone to wear) — these four are worthy additions to your fragrance wardrobe.
Roberto Cavalli Serpentine Parfum 100ml, R2 399. edgars.co.za
And don’t miss out on these ones that have just hit the shelves…
(All available at select beauty retailers nationwide)
Bold and playful, Kate Spade POP is a floral, fruity woody composition with colourful notes. “I wanted to create an irresistible explosion of color by working a colorful, juicy and playful fruit cocktail into a bright, joy-filled fragrance,” said perfumer Amandine Clerc-Marie.
Kate Spade POP EDP 100ml, R1 549
Richer and bolder than its predecessors, Montblanc Explorer Extreme is a woody, ambery, leathery eau de parfum. Think notes of bergamot, patchouli and a leather accord that capture that feeling of exotic and faraway explorations.
Montblanc Explorer Extreme EDP 100ml, R2 199
Montblanc Signature Elixir is a sensual new feminine fragrance. The top note of red orchid gives it an exotic floral signature, while the vanilla and ambery woods leave a deep, lingering trail.
Montblanc Signature Elixir EDP 90ml, R1 999
The distinctive notes of tonka bean and lavender give a timeless elegance to the woody Fougere Lacoste Original Parfum, while cardamom and ginger give the initial spritz a punchy introduction.
Lacoste Original Parfum 100ml, R1 799
A feminine version of Lacoste Original, Lacoste Original Woman is an unforgettable signature. It opens with a burst of sparkling pear, has a heart of ginger and mandarin, while vanilla and amber add the sensuous depth.
Lacoste Original Woman EDP 100ml, R1 699
