Familial Fragrances: 6 AB Staffers Share Which Scent They’d Gift Their Loved One
Jas is the former Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
Family, in all its shapes and sizes, is a bit like the wide array of fragrances out there.
Just like your family tree has all sorts of branches—some blood-related, some through marriage, some chosen along the way—fragrances come in all sorts too.
There are those lively citrus scents, like that one aunt who's always full of energy.
Then there are the cosy floral fragrances, giving you that warm, fuzzy feeling like a hug from your mum.
And let's not forget the spicy, bold scents that can spark a debate faster than your cousin at Christmas lunch.
Just like how family gatherings can bring up all sorts of memories and emotions, different fragrances can do the same.
One sniff and you're back at the beach, feeling the salty breeze, or in your grandma's kitchen with the smell of fresh-baked cookies wafting through the air.
But no matter how diverse they all are, there's this special something that ties them together—a kind of magic that makes each scent unique.
Enter the Fragrance Wheel, a tool designed to capture this essence.
It groups scents based on how alike or different they are, creating a map of aromas as rich and diverse as your own family tree.
For more on fragrance, tune into the below episode of Beauty IQ Uncensored to discover your signature scent.
This National Fragrance Day, inspired by the spirit of family, I asked a few of my colleagues which scent they'd choose to gift to their loved ones, and why.
Allow me to kick things off.
Jas, Beauty Editor.
I'm picking up who is elijah OCEAN EYES EDP for my partner because its fresh, sea-like fragrance is the perfect unisex scent that smells just as good on his skin as it does on mine.
In girl-math speak, that's two fragrances for the price of one. Winning!
Fast facts:
- A refreshing fragrance blending citrusy, salty, and fresh notes, reminiscent of the invigorating scent of the ocean.
- Opens with a salty sea breeze, followed by a citrusy twist, and finishes with comforting warmth.
- Notes:
- Head: Grapefruit and mandarin.
- Heart: Sea Water, juniper and aquatic breeze.
- Base: Musk and Amberwood.
While I’m at it, I’m going to be a good girl and get my Mother’s Day present sorted ahead of time (best daughter ever, right?).
For my mum, I’m gifting Juliette Has A Gun Lust for Sun EDP.
I recently got my hands on a sample and think it's the perfect fragrance for her.
Mum's forever chasing the sun, and the fragrance's gardenia heart instantly reminds me of her.
It's a warm, summer-infused scent that brings comfort, just like Mum.
Fast facts:
- A warm, solar fragrance celebrating the essence of summer.
- Combines tropical florals, breezy citrus, and cosy musks for sun-kissed energy.
- Notes:
- Head: Bergamot, freesia and coconut.
- Heart: Orange blossom, gardenia, monoi and ylang ylang.
- Base: Ambroxan, musks and vanilla.
Maddy, Videographer.
“I have gifted my grandma La Vie Est Belle En Rose a few times now! It’s sweet and floral with a hint of fruity and she loves it.”
Fast facts:
- A fruity-floral fragrance radiating joy and positivity.
- Floral heart of peonies and roses uplifted by a fruity touch.
- Notes:
- Head: Bergamot and red fruits.
- Heart: Rose, peony and lily.
- Base: Iris, patchouli, sandalwood and musk.
“The next time one of my friends has a birthday, I’m going to get them Milk Expressive by Commodity.
I don’t care which friend it is, I just need someone to experience how unique and fun this fragrance is!”
Fast facts:
- A brand new fragrance at Adore with an unexpected twist.
- Opens with subtle sesame, transitions into a creamy heart blend, and settles with a rich, woody base.
- Evokes the feeling of cosy nights by the fire, offering instant comfort that feels like home.
- Notes:
- Head: Sesame.
- Heart: Warm marshmallow and cold milk accord.
- Base: Mahogany wood, tonka bean and benzoin.
Sadaf, Senior Beauty Editor.
"When I think of luxury I think of my bougie aunty.
So for this reason I’m going to gift her Kayali Oudgasm Tobacco Oud for her birthday.
I had a sniff of it at work; it’s rich, captivating, sexy and sophisticated. Just like my aunt."
Fast facts:
- A sweet and warm fragrance featuring notes of mandarin, tobacco, and oud.
- Blends vintage elegance with a modern twist for a rich and captivating scent.
- Notes:
- Head: Mandarin, clary sage, plum, white honey and geranium.
- Heart: Clove and saffron.
- Base: Tobacco, patchouli, vanilla, benzoin, praline and oud.
Megan, Senior Content Manager.
“I'd gift my husband Bohemian Lime from Goldfield & Banks.
I am obsessed with this scent, it's fresh, masculine and also something I'd wear myself so it's a win-win!”
Fast facts:
- A tribute to the tropical haven of Byron Bay.
- Refreshing and invigorating, suitable for all genders.
- A blend of native citrus and aromatic woods for an effervescent aroma.
- Notes:
- Australian finger lime, coriander, Haitian vetiver, cedarwood and Australian sandalwood.
Cass, Podcast Producer.
"My bestie deserves the world, so I want to give her the sexy, sweet, elegant fragrance that I am currently OBSESSED with.
It also gives me an opportunity to borrow it for a cheeky dinner date!"
Fast facts:
- A modern fragrance where haute couture meets rebellion.
- Harmoniously blends three jasmines with woody elements for a dynamic scent experience.
- Notes:
- Head: Blackcurrant accord and bergamot essence.
- Heart: Jasmine grandiflorum, jasmine sambac and jasmine Tea NP.
- Base: Bourbon vanilla, cashmeran and gaiac wood essence.
Jordi, Brand Marketing Coordinator.
"When I think of my mum, Narciso Rodriguez NARCISO Poudree comes to mind.
She and I both love musk fragrances, and this sensual scent has been her signature for years—it's a no-brainer."
Fast facts:
- A sensual blend of musk, floral, and woods.
- Sits close to the skin and has excellent longevity, perfect for daytime wear.
- Notes:
- Head: Bulgarian rose, jasmine and orange blossom.
- Heart: Musk.
- Base: Vetiver, cedar and patchouli.
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