The ultimate festive present is thoughtful and luxurious – something one wouldn’t buy themselves. That’s why fragrance makes the perfect gift. However, with over 100 new perfume releases every year, it can feel daunting deciding where to invest. Armed with stacks of IMPOSSIBLE film, SLEEK have pulled together an edit of the best.
1. Left: “Unnamed” perfume from Byredo, was a recent launch from the indie fragrance brand to celebrate its ten-year anniversary. The label is left blank (ours is filled in with “SLEEK MAG”) so you can personalise the bottle with whatever you wish. It comes with some satisfyingly-old-fashioned Letraset with which to scribe your message. This is a gourmand scent that reminds some of hot caramel and others of gin and tonic.
2. Left: Whether it is the cult Santal 33 or sultry Thé Noir 29, all Le Labo scents are customisable which adds another level of luxury when buying as a gift.
3. Right: Candy by Prada Perfume from Douglas smell as kitschy and pink as their bubblegum bottles.
4. Buying a friend a one-on-one fragrance consultation with Berlin and London-based Apotheke Perfume takes gift giving to the next level. Read all about the bespoke service on AnOther Magazine – you will never think about perfume the same again.
5. Chanel’s attempt to appeal to a younger audience with the Lily-Rose-Depp-fronted new release Chanel No 5 L’Eau is the perfect choice for any perfume fan for Christmas. This scent has inherited all the right features from its mother’s classic beauty, but playfully ramps up the youthful citrus and airing cupboard-fresh aldehydes. It opens to rose and dries down to a comforting musk proving that when it comes to perfume, the Maison is still on the top of its game.
when it comes to perfume, the Maison is still on the top of its game.
6. Left: Christmas shopping is a great excuse to visit, and support the unique boutiques that make up your hometown. SLEEK recommends Belle Rebelle in Berlin, where we go when we are in need of olfactory inspiration, our latest discovery? Spanish designer Teresa Helbig’s new perfume line The standout scent is “Bulldog in The Atelier”, a perfectly composed and aptly festive blend of nutmeg, warm vanilla and rosy geranium.
7. Right: “14 Hour Dream” by Jusbox Perfume from Jusbox. A fragrance created by Antoine Lie, one of the most famous perfumiers in the world, and is dedicated to the early work of Pink Floyd. It is the perfect rock’n’roll combination – strong in patchcouli and vanilla with a hint of black pepper and saffron.
And now for SLEEK’s Top Beauty Buys in Berlin…
8.Uslu Airlines nail polish and lipstick collection from Berlin’s coolest makeup brand, Uslu Airlines
9. Left: Diana Vreeland Body Cream from Diana Vreeland
10. Right: Magic Strips, Marc Weiss Caviar Face Boost and Starskin face mask
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11. Left: Aesop Gift Sets from Aesop.
12. Right: Beauty set from & Other Stories
Photography by Catherine Edwardina shot with Impossible Project Film