Whether it's a matter of coincidence — or perhaps some deep psychological flaw I'm yet to get to grips with — I always find myself feeling restless in September. Seasonal change, back to school vibes, and a post-summer hangover are usually all in the mix. What tends to happen next is an impulsive change. Most often it's a new haircut, but after making one too many bad decisions and with a 30th birthday looming, I'm lowering the stakes and increasing the pay off this year. My fix? One of these new fragrances out this autumn.
As someone who has a tray of scents already on their dresser, it's going to take a lot for me to make the plunge and invest in another. Or at least that's what I tell myself, but that's clearly a lie (see: psychological flaw mentioned above). The truth is, putting on a new scent shifts my mindset. There's a reason, as the Guardian reports, that so many actors utilise fragrance as a tool for them to get in character. "I think there’s a little sense-memory about it," actor Anne-Marie Duff told the newspaper in a 2016 interview, "so if ever I smell that perfume on somebody else it will always remind me of a story I’ve told." So, what character do you fancy playing this autumn? Read on for the best of the new releases.
1Joy By Dior
This is Dior's first new fragrance since 1999, and it's being fronted by Jennifer Lawrence. She told Elle that she visited the laboratory in Paris where they put the scent together, even taking her mum along with her. Pretty cute. Expect floral and citrus tones, with a hint of wood and musk.
2Molton Brown Jasmine and Sun Rose
You can't go wrong with a bit of Molton Brown. Another floral option, this is packed with jasmine, rose, raspberry, and peach. The brand has also handily collaborated with British artist Rhea Thierstein to create a visual representation of the scent, which sounds a bit wacky, but is actually kind of helpful.
3Jo Malone Honeysuckle & Davana
Ah, Jo Malone. The latest addition to their range is the Honeysuckle and Davana. Now, if the visualising the scent thing didn't quite float your boat, perhaps a "taste the scent" vibe might do the trick. If you're London based, head along to The Ivy Market Grill, where the clever bar staff have whipped up a cocktail inspired by the new scent. I won't tell you what's inside, it's a surprise.
4Laboratory Perfumes No. 001 Amber
Liberty's beauty section has a great mix of fragrances and a brilliant website to help you get your hands on them wherever you are in the UK. The iconic retailer has actually seen a 40 percent increase year on year in the sale of unisex fragrances — perhaps this means we can stop gendering fragrances in the first place, and people can just wear what they like? — and Laboratory Perfume's No. 001 Amber is one of their most popular.
5Tom Ford Lost Cherry
Now I'm jumping the gun a bit on this one as this fragrance isn't actually available until later in the Autumn, but you can pre-order now. Even then, it's definitely way more at the splurge end of the spectrum. But look at it. It's a thing of beauty, and definitely going on my Christmas wish list (Hi, @Mum&Dad).
6Jason Wu Beauty
For Jason Wu's first ever fragrance, he collaborated with Frank Voelkl, the nose behind many of Le Labo's finest scents. The perfume was designed to invoke Wu's childhood memories of Taiwan, and in particular, a neighbour's Jasmine flowers. See, nostalgia really never does go out of fashion, and neither will a lingering hint of summer if you wear this come autumn.
7Diptyque 34, Boulevard Saint Germain
I love Diptyque. I first fell for the candles, but then I became acquainted with their 34 Collection and fell harder (see these chic greeting cards). This new fragrance is designed to recreate the scent of the shop's original boutique at — you guessed it — 34, boulevard Saint Germain, and the bottle is rather beautiful too.
Pro tip when investing in a fragrance. Always get a sample and wear the scent for a few days before committing. In my experience, the fragrance evolves once it's on your skin and becomes something unique to you. Let it settle, live with it for a few days, and make sure you love it. Then go forth, because a new adventure awaits.
