Lady Gaga’s got the drinks, but does she have the right scent to match that party outfit?
Tis the season to be jolly, or completely merry, or if you’re British – absolutely trashed. The best thing about the holiday season is the many soirées, parties (office or otherwise), dinners and gatherings that we all inevitably get invited to, and for me this is the fun part, because after all the holidays are about seeing friends & family and having fun.
I don’t know about you, but when I’m going out I sometimes spend more time thinking about the fragrance I’m going to wear rather than the clothes. I very often find myself trying to match my fragrance to the outfit that I am wearing as well as the occasion. As far as I am concerned, there is nothing worse than not being able to find something that matches , but fear ye not – The Candy Perfume Boys is here to help you pick the perfect scent for the party season.
Below are some recommendations of good party season scents for the girls and the boys (we can’t leave the boys out now can we?). You’ll find a scent for most occasions, but as always if you have any suggestions you would like to share or if you disagree with me completely, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments box below!
For the Girls
Fun & Frivolous
Bendelirious by Etat Libre d’Orange
Bendelirious, with it’s unique blend of cherry lollipops, iris and champagne, was made for the party girl. It is a fun, carefree scent that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and neither should it, it’s ditzy, airy, fizzy and fun! So slap on your killer heels and your bright red lippie, spritz on some Bendelerious and prepare for a fun, audacious evening full of frivolity.
Bendelirious is available in 50ml Eau de Parfum for £52.50.
For the More Serious Affair
Gold Woman by Amouage
Gold Woman is one of the must opulent and luxurious fragrances my nostrils have ever had the pleasure of sniffing and I would compare it to a classic such as Chanel’s N°5, but Gold Woman is N°5 on steroids. Aldehydes, huge florals and the richest sandalwood make Gold Woman a truly beautiful fragrance for those with a bit of a ‘diva’ tendency.
A fragrance as luxurious as this should only be saved for the very best of occasions, and if you really feel like pushing the boat out, I would recommend shelling out for the extrait, it simply is sublime.
Amouage Gold Woman is available in 50ml and 100ml Eau de Parfum, prices range from £155-£185. The extrait is £255 for 50ml.
For Partying into the Early Hours
Angel by Thierry Mugler
I have described Angel as a ‘Cosmic Drag Queen’ in the past, but don’t let that put you off, I mean it as a compliment. Angel is one of the most beautiful and innovative perfume compositions of all time, it’s distinct and unique character make it perfect for when you want to dance the night away, just don’t apply too much, you may clear the dance-floor.
The original (Eau de Parfum) is, of course, the best version to go for, but you can’t go wrong with the Eau de Toilette or Le Goût du Parfum versions either.
Angel is available in a variety of sizes and concentrations, prices start from £22.50.
Dinner with Friends
Orange Star by Tauer Perfumes
Orange Star is a recent discovery of mine, it’s an unusually cosy citrus scent that showcases a mouthwatering orange note with warm vanilla and the signature ‘Tauerade’ and it would be the perfect scent for dinner with friends. Orange Star is unusual enough for it to be noticed, but it isn’t so unusual that it would ruin your meal or be off putting in any way. I imagine that it would go well with all types of food.
Orange Star is available in 50ml Eau de Parfum for £92.
One for All Occasions
Portrait of a Lady by Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle
Is there a more gloriously decadent fragrance than Portrait of a Lady? I think not! Portrait of a Lady is centred around rose, but it so much more than just a rose fragrance, it’s a behemoth rose with camphorous patchouli, tart raspberry and deep, rich woods, it is simply awesome in every sense of the word.
As well as being loud, proud and beautiful, Portrait of a Lady is incredibly versatile and would suit just about any occasion, apply lightly for more casual occasions and knock your self out for the more serious of affairs.
Portrait of a Lady is available in 50ml and 100ml Eau de Parfum, prices range from £125-£180.
For the Boys
Fun & Frivolous
Ladyboy by Gorilla Perfume
This one is for the boys who don’t mind a bit of fragrant gender-bending. Ladyboy, with it’s top note of foam bananas and heavenly blend of labdanum and violet leaf really is a whole lot of fun. I dare you not to smile when you try it.
It’s fair to say that Ladyboy isn’t for everyone, in fact seems to polarise opinion, but on the right guy (who is confident enough to ‘rock it’) it becomes the life and soul of the party.
Ladyboy is available in a range of spray sizes and a solid perfume stick, prices range from £7-£30.
For the More Serious Affair
Géranium Pour Monsieur by Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle
Géranium Pour Monsieur is a modern taken on the classic fougére theme, it is fresh, floral and incredibly smart. Yes it’s very minty, but to classify it simply as a mint fragrance doesn’t do it the justice it deserves, it has a rich floral heart of geranium and aniseed all laid over delightfully clean musks. Géranium Pour Monsieur is an incredibly intelligent fragrance that works with a t-shirt and shorts as well as a dinner jacket and dicky bow.
Géranium Pour Monsieur is available in 50ml and 100ml Eau de Parfum and prices range from £90-£130.
For Partying into the Early Hours
A*Men by Thierry Mugler
When you are in ‘da club’ you need a fragrance that stands out above the cacophony of smells (sweat, hot bodies, spilled drinks, cigarettes (if you live in a country where it is allowed) etc) and A*Men with its nuclear sillage does just that. A*Men has rich notes of mint, lavender, chocolate, coffee, patchouli and tar, it is distinct (understatement of the century) and if anything is going to get you noticed, A*Men will.
A*Men is available in 30ml, 50ml and 100ml, prices range from £21.75-£56.95.
Dinner with Friends
Trayee by Neela Vermeire
Trayee is my favourite of the three India-inspired fragrances from Neela Vermeire, it’s a rich, exotic composition which starts fruity & spicy and develops into a rich and warm woody incense. Trayee also has THE best cardamom note in any fragrance EVER and for that reason it works really well as a fragrance to compliment a meal. It is foody enough to add that little extra something to dinner, but there is also enough of the heavy woody stuff to keep it from interfering and straying into gourmand territory.
Trayee is currently available as part of a Neela Vermeire’s discovery set which retails for €85-€90. Soon it will also be available in 55ml Eau de Parfum (price TBA).
One for All Occasions
Dior Homme (EDT) by Christian Dior
Dior Homme is one of my all-time favourite masculines, it is an incredibly comfortable blend of iris, chocolate, lavender, vetiver and patchouli that suits the most casual and the smartest of situations. This incredibly versatile fragrance strikes exactly the right balance between powdery feminine notes and warm masculine notes, it’s nothing short of a classic.
Dior Homme is available in 50ml, 100ml and 150ml Eau de Toilette, prices range from £41-£67.65.
Join the Discussion
What are your party season scents?
Do you like to tailor your scent choice to the occasion? Or do you have an all-rounder that works for all occasions?
Do you, like me, try to match your scent to your outfit?
Please leave me your thoughts in the comments box below!
Disclaimer
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Image 7 lush.com
Image 8 fredericmalle.com
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What a fantastic article, I love the way you write and the fun topics! I’m always torn between wearing a scent that I think embodies whatever it is I think I am (!), a little like a scentsual signature and one that fits the occasion, but I definitely have to draw the line at work and there I often wear powdery-fresh perfumes and colognes, scents that don’t overpower the environment.
The trouble for me comes when I go out….. at night, my favourite smell on my skin has to be Serge Lutens’ Chergui, for some reason those masculine aromas with a hint of flower work best on me and Chergui definitely delivers that ‘sweet sex’ smell that works well in a club or even at a more formal dinner with friends and strangers.
A girly night out or a day time frolic usually involves something a little less serious or sexual, favourites being Piguet’s Visa and Gaultier’s Classique, but for a more restrained and elegant event, I love to wear Aqua di Parma’s Iris Nobile or even Prada’s No1 Iris (I think Prada’s smells are a perfect encapsulation of understated chic with a twist).
But for an all-round perfume, that switches beautifully from day to night, there is only one in my collection that really fits the bill. I’m not a mad fan of middle eastern oud based scents as often I find them terribly cloying (and more often than not the prolific notes of musk in them invoke a feral scent more like faeces, which I must admit I don’t enjoy) but this one is different. Abdul Samad Al Qureshi’s King B, is soft, subtle and seriously lusty at the same time. Sometimes I wonder whether its composition changes with the light; gentle and tender during the day, wolverine and languishing at night….
I like that you try to find a scent that embodies your spirit, you’re always on to a winner there.
Chergui is one fragrance that I’d never thought of as a clubbing fragrance, I need to re-test it to see, but I agree that you want to go for that ‘sweet sex’ vibe in that situation.
It also sounds like you like a bit of powder on your girly nights out? Classique, and Iris definitely deliver the powder!
I’ve not tried the Abdul Samad, I shall look into it. For an unusual, and easy-to-wear oud I would recommend Mona di Orio’s Oud, it’s HUGELY expensive but it really is beautiful.
Thank you for the recommendation, that’s so kind.
I think you’re right, Chergui is not a typical clubbing scent, I think it’s too sophisticated for that, but if you’re dancing lightly in a bar, it’s do-able, as long as you don’t decide to take your knickers off and swing them around…. Chergui would never stand for that
It’s been a while since I’ve had the fun of proper clubbing, but if I was to find myself at The End (May it Rest in Peace), perhaps it would depend on the company I went with. For a relaxed night just about the music, I might go with a relaxed Spanish cologne, although the Italian ones are my favourite and I think that for value and sniff Extra Vieille is still the Perfume’s Spritzer
but if I was feeling sultry, I’d need something that would wear well with a little perspiration…. maybe something like L’artisan’s Premier Figuier…… 
You’re welcome!
I like the idea of Chergui as a clubbing/party scent because it’s an unusual choice! But yes, it’s best to keep one’s knickers on
Premier Figuier would be suitably sultry I’m sure.
I do love Dior Homme on a man on any occasion, I must say. And though my party going days are largely behind me, I do definitely tailor the scent for the occasion. I like OJ Ta’if for a night out – it adds just the right air of mystery, always a good thing!
Yes, Dior Homme smells amazing on a guy, I love it when Nigel (my partner) wears it.
I’ve not tried Ta’if, but I do like the idea of adding an air of mystery to a night out!
P.S. Was your McDonald’s worth the 20 minute wait? :p
Really enjoyable post with a great range of picks., Loved it. Dior Homme is my favourite masculine and I’m so glad I’ve made friends with PoaL (light application was the key). Orange Star is very Christmassy to me and Angel has to be the ultimate dancefloor diva.
I’m not a party person but I love to match my perfume with my clothes AND the occasion which can take a lot of thought sometimes! I go for anything remotely gourmand over the holiday season. Ambre Narguile and Aomassai but also Cuir de Lancome with that wonderful saffron note. Still looking for the perfect boozy perfume.
Ahh yes, the holiday season is made for gourmands isn’t it?! You cannot go wrong with Ambre Narguilè either, that’s such a fantastic gourmand. I haven’t tried Cuir de Iris but I know that Nick (from @fragrantreviews) is a massive fan.
Portrait of a Lady is a funny dame, I can see that she would be too much for some, even with a light application (which I agree is best in most occasions), but I can’t help but enjoy over-applying slightly, there’s nothing like basking in its rosy goodness!!
Best description of Angel….EVER! So comical, fanciful, and TRUE! Love it!!
Why thank you!
I love the holiday scents series! My favourite holiday scents will be featured in a series I am writing. First in the series will be Serge Noire.
I choose my perfume on a daily basis, each perfume has its time and moment.
Sometimes a make a point of dressing opposite to the perfume, like when I wear feminine scents. I try to tone them down with a very casual look.
I love your choices, especially Bendelirious! I love the name too.
“Each perfume has its time and moment” – now that’s a fragrant sentiment to live by if I ever heard one!
I find it interesting when you say that you make a point of dressing opposite to the perfume, I tend to do the opposite, but I like the idea!
Oh, and yes, Bendelirious is FAN-TAS-TIC!
It seems we rock the same suggestions! I couldn’t have attached a fragrance better to any occasion than the ones you matched. I’m also a fan of most of these, Dior Homme, Angel, Orange Star, Ladyboy. Great post, now, just to get round to trying the rest
We do seem to be rocking the same suggestions, perhaps you are just the Irish version of me, or I’m the English version of you
Oh yes, I definitely think a lot about what I’m going to wear both outfit- and scent-wise and try to make them harmonize. If I wear red I like to wear a rose perfume like Rossy de Palma and if I wear black I like to wear something dark and dramatic like, well, Black or Egoiste.
Rossy de Palma is an excellent choice and it would go fantastically with anything red, it’s very vampish!
It’s funny how we match scent to colours isn’t it?
Sometimes I try to go against type and wear something that doesn’t match my outfit at all — but it never sits right!
A mismatch of the two certainly can be ‘jarring’ to say the least!
Great post T’ ! And yep, I’m totally with u, on enjoying matching scents to every outfit & occasion. Brilliant & spot-on choices for the specific occasions mentioned, by the way.
I was a little disappointed with Benderlirious when it first came out, thinking it a bit “milder” than I expected from ELd’O. (I expected cherry-ier lollipop & fizzier champagne). However, it has grown on me quite considerably since then. And I now actually appreciate the fact that it is more subtle, casual and therefore easier to wear. (Albeit, I do wish it had better longevity. On my skin it lasts no longer then about 4hrs, so I tend to carry an atty of it, when wearing it).
~ One particular scent I think is great fun for Xmas “get-togethrs”, is Demeters “Egg Nog”. Never fails to raise a smile. It’s a delightful and creamy fragrance , with touches of nutmeg and a dash of cinnamon. It’s great for any Xmas occasion too.
)
~ However, one of my favourite “Xmas-scents” is PG’s Un Crime Exotique. It is somewhat in the more usual “spiced” Xmassy tradition. Though I think it’s “gingerbread-ness” gives it a slight twist, (rather than the more usual “clove/orange” or “mulled-wine” spices).
~ Then, I also luv Michael Storer’s Monk at Xmas-time. (Yes the whole Frankincense for Xmas is terribly cliched. Still, I can’t help but associate them. Monk is a somewhat atypical incense though with a lovely cocoa note. It’s gorgeous ! ~ I even prefer it to CdG’s much luved Avignon. … (Amouage’s Jubilation XXV is another fave incense rich scent).
~ And of course, who doesn’t find “Pine” Christmassy, hey ? ~ So I find Serge’s Fille en Aguilles hit’s that spot nicely. (It’s the only pine-needle frag that doesn’t remind me of loo cleaner too !)
~ Next, I’m determined to find a great Mistletoe frag. Would make a fun “ice-breaker” ‘fume. (Might even elicit a wealth of kisses too). ;o)
Not that I have a clue if mistletoe even has much of a scent (??) But if it did, I think it would make for a fun ELd’O Xmas edition !
However, as much as these above would work as more typical choices. ~ I really like your less obvious suggestions !
Jules, I haven’t tried Demeter’s Eggnog, but it definitely sounds intriguing.
You have made some very good suggestions there!
My party days are behind me, but it’s fun to imagine wearing those scents and dancing the night away.
There’s nothin’ quite like dancing the night away!
Ladyboy…why have I never tried this before?! I need it simply for the name!
It is all kinds of awesome!
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