5 Best Valentine’s Day Perfumes for 2021
Happy Valentine's Day, long time no talk! I took a few months off writing blog posts to focus on Instagram, but I am so excited to be back and writing about all my favorite things- fashion, beauty, and everything you need to live your most fabulous life in 2021.
I wanted to jump back into it by talking about something everyone needs- perfume. Firstly, it can instantly boost our confidence, and help make us feel so much more put together, even if we're just staying home. Secondly, smell is the strongest of the senses, and is closely linked with memory, making it an amazing mood elevator and great way for people to remember you by (there is a particular cologne my boyfriend wears, so whenever I smell it I instantly think of him, and it always brightens my day). And finally, when it comes to gifting, fragrance is a great way to give a luxurious experience without spending a crazy amount (which is ideal for a romantic holiday like Valentine's Day).
Fun fact, I worked at ULTA for a few years when I was in college, and most of my time was spent at the perfume counter helping people find their signature scent. I loved that each bottle has its own distinct personality, and how each scent can compliment a person's unique style so perfectly. I've probably tried hundreds of perfumes, and I wanted to share some of my favorites you should ask for/ treat yourself with this Valentine's Day. If you have no idea where to start or consider yourself to be an expert in perfumes, this list has something for everyone. Be sure to read to the end for a few tips and tricks I picked up on how to properly apply/ longate the wear of your perfume, they saved my life and made my perfumes smell SO MUCH BETTER! Let's dive in:
Carolina Herrera- Good Girl Eau de Parfum
One of the most popular fragrances in the world, this is my go-to date night scent. It's kind of a peppery-sharp white floral with hints of jasmine. It also has amazing undertones of cocoa, almond, and coffee. It is a very feminine smell, and probably the sexiest on the list in my opinion. If you want something that screams effortless elegance and gives off a strong femme fatale vibe, this is it. Also, how amazing is the bottle? It looks so good on your vanity, and I love the way it spritzes, so satisfying!
Key Notes:
Top - sambac jasmine, tuberose crystal
Middle - velvet almond
Base - tonka bean, cocoa, coffee bean
And good news, if this is a bit out of your price point, there is an amazing alternative. The Good Girl Hair perfume is even better than the original in my opinion, and makes you smell irresistible. This lighter scent is only $40 and comes in the same iconic high heel bottle.
Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum
First of all, Ariana is killing the perfume game right now with so many unique options. This sweet scent (which has everything from lavender and pear to vanilla and praline) is a great way to get a signature smell without breaking the bank. While I wouldn't say it is the most long-lasting perfume on this list, it is a reasonably priced, intoxicatingly sweet scent, and I think it's always good to have a vanilla perfume in your repertoire (one of the most common notes in perfume that is always a universal favorite). This is great for everyday use, and for a more affordable option you can pick up this 2 piece kit that comes with hand lotion! It's a great way to layer the fragrance and helps give it a more bold smell if you prefer.
Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel
If I could only own one perfume for the rest of my life it would have to be this one. It smells like a goddess, it is so luxurious and beautiful without being too overpowering and heavy. It is by far my most complimented perfume if that tells you anything. It works for day and night, as well as any season which I love. This is one I will purchase time and time again, and is universally loved. If you don't really know where to start with perfumes this is the one I would recommend above all else!
Key Notes: Jasmine, Rose Petal
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum
Libre Eau de Parfum is a statement perfume for women "who live by their own rules" according to the YSL website. It is perfect for the office, and absolutely sets the tone for your day. It combines lavender and orange blossom for a unique floral combination that is sophisticated while still staying on the muskier side. (For anyone dating a man, orange is one of those scents that drives them crazy, they always pick this one for their significant others!) I love the sleek bottle with the couture gold chains and classic Yves Saint Laurent logo. (It looks so good displayed next to the Carolina Herrera bottle)! If you are a fan of warm floral fragrances this one is a must-have!
P.S. If the full size is outside of your budget, try this travel size for $30!
Key Notes:
Top - lavender essence
Middle - orange blossom
Base - musk accord
Kilian Narcotics Good Girl Gone Bad
If you are as obsessed with perfume as I am, you'll know that celebrities always say how good Rihanna smells (they literally all say she smells like an angel, look it up!). This immediately peaked my curiosity, so after some intense internet stalking, I was able to determine that she wears Kilian Love Don't be Shy, a very expensive vanilla fragrance. On a whim, and without even testing it out first, I added it to my cart at Nordstrom and waited the 5 business days it took to get to be delivered (I just wanted to smell like Rihanna ok?). To my absolute devastation, I didn't like it. At all. I don't know if it was the composition that didn't mix well with my skin or what, but it just smelled very average on me. However, this purchase was not completely in vain, as I was able to get a sample of the perfume I have listed here- Kilian Narcotics Good Girl Gone Bad. I fell in love with innocent yet decadent scent, it literally smells how I picture fairies to smell if that makes any sense (very cottage core aesthetic). It includes hints of orange blossom, rose, apricot, and three gorgeous flowers: tuberose absolute, jasmine and narcissus. I know it isn't the exact perfume Rihanna wears, but it's still the same brand, and if it's good enough for her, it's good enough for me.
Notes: Orange blossom, osmanthus, tuberose.
All of these perfumes would make the perfect Valentine's Day gift, but it's also super important that you are using them correctly to get the longest wear possible. I feel like everyone's mom taught them the same application process of misting a little scent on your wrists and then pressing them together before rubbing it into your neck. If you are still doing this, stop now! The friction created by rubbing heats up the skin, which produces natural enzymes that change the course of the scent. This impacts the top and middle notes, along with the dry-down, or the last and longest period of your fragrance’s unfolding. To preserve the integrity of your fragrance and prolong the wear time, spray both wrists lightly, followed by the base of your neck on both sides 1-2 times, and let it dry naturally.
In addition, dry skin doesn't hold perfume as well as oily skin does. I like to layer on an unscented body oil or vaseline to my pressure points, and then apply the perfume. You can also apply perfume right after you get out of the shower while your skin is still damp, or massage a bit of unscented lotion on your skin before you spritz on your perfume. Since oilier skin retains fragrance longer, using an oil-based moisturizer first will help lock in the scent.
Lastly, be sure you are using unscented deodorant/ lotion, or use ones with complimenting fragrances. You want to avoid mixing different smells, or using any products that would compromise the integrity of the perfume (perfume is an investment, you want to make it worth the cost and actually smell like what you are paying for). For example, if you have a floral body wash, but follow it up with a musk-scented perfume, it won't be a complimentary combo. One of my favorite unscented body washes is Necessaire, and I love the original spray deodorant from Dove.
I hope these recommendations inspire you to try a new signature scent in 2021, or surprise a significant other with the perfect gift on Valentine's Day! Let me know if you try any of these perfumes/ tips, or drop your current routine in the comments so we can keep the convo going.
Happy Valentines Day, xoxo