While a scent doesn’t necessarily make the woman (or man), that first whiff of the aroma trailing behind them gives a pretty good indicator of their personality. And naturally, the fragrance you give come the holidays pretty much sums up your sentiments toward them. The daunting part is matching that perception with the perfect, personalized scent—are they spicy and alluring, delicate and floral? That’s up to you to decide and we’ve mapped out
our holiday 2012 gift guide for the fragrance lover in your life—choose wisely.

Holiday 2012 gift guide: The free-spirited hippie

The scent: Himalayan Blue fragrance by Crabtree & Evelyn ($45, 100 mL).

Signature notes: A citrusy blend of mandarin, orange leaf and lemon top notes, infused with ginger, pink pepper, Himalayan golden champaca blossoms, and followed by a smoky sandalwood base note.

Fragrance decoder: Because the bottle itself evokes the allure and look of the fabled Himalayan blue poppy, both adventure and intrigue are steeped into the DNA of this exotic scent. And her?

Holiday 2012 gift guide: The OTT party girl

The scent: Beyoncé Midnight Heat ($67, 100 mL) at macys.com.

Signature notes: A sultry, fruity pairing of star fruit and plum form the top notes; orchid, black tulips and purple peony at the heart, and settling into a spicy base note of amber, sandalwood and patchouli.

Fragrance decoder: This scent naturally evokes comparisons to its fiercely feminine namesake (her fifth, released this past summer). Spritz away for a night out and take heed when the dance floor inevitably summons.

Holiday 2012 gift guide: The perpetual dreamer

The scent: Thierry Mugler Angel Precious Star 20th Anniversary Limited Edition ($96, 25 mL), at The Bay, Holt Renfrew, Murale, Shoppers Drug Mart and perfumeries.

Signature notes: The original gourmand—an evocatively innocent mix of bergamot, red berries, caramel, patchouli and chocolate.

Fragrance decoder: Sweetly nostalgic and well, nostalgically sweet, this sugary scent endures as the archetypal fragrance for the young and young-minded. And oh, that star bottle!

Holiday 2012 gift guide: Editors’ picks

Read on to the next page to find out our holiday 2012 gift guide for the dudes in your life…

Holiday 2012 gift guide: The romantic lady

The scent: BCBG Max Azria Bon Chic ($55, 50mL) at bcbg.com.

Signature notes: A ladylike concoction of Asian pear, black raspberry and mango top notes, infused with pink peony, orange blossom and violet midnotes, which settle into a sandalwood, cashmere musk and vanilla base.

Fragrance decoder: A whiff of the lingering proof that
a lady has just left the room. Try to resist following her out.

Holiday 2012 gift guide: The dapper dude

The scent: Fan di Fendi Pour Homme Eau de Toilette, ($88, 100 mL) at The Bay.

Signature notes: An urban blend of citrus and woody notes, infused with basil, cardamom, red pepper and
leather.

Fragrance decoder: An air of urban refinement to the
Everyday Man in your life. Coalesces nicely with the female counterpart, Fan di Fendi Eau to Toilette.

Holiday 2012 gift guide: The island hopper

The scent: Honoré des Prés Love Coconut ($98, 50 ml), at saffronrouge.com

Signature notes: A nearly edible blend of coconut, coriander, tonka bean, bourbon vanilla and white cedar.

Fragrance decoder: Both a fitting sendoff for an island escape and the cure for those pining after one this season (that, and a piña colada). Bon voyage!

Holiday 2012 gift guide: The ball player

The scent: Lacoste L.12.12 Rouge ($78, 100 ml), at fragrances.lacoste.com

Signature notes: A spicy showdown of red rooibos tea, mandarin liqueur, mango, and –for the kick—black pepper, ginger and cardamom, finishing with a woody touch.

Fragrance decoder: A bold, gentlemanly complement to his manly, extra-curricular pursuits.
You deserve it.

Read more
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