Finding a new fragrance for yourself is hard – the process of testing on spray cards, sampling on your arm, seeing what it’s like, then doing it all over again for a totally different scent can be exhausting. But what about when you’re looking for both yourself AND your significant other? Wouldn’t it be easier if there was a fragrance that the two of you could wear to save you time, effort and money? Never fear! We at Rescu. have made the process a little bit easier – here are some of our favourite unisex fragrances that are absolutely worth trying!
by Livia Scarcella
L.A. Lavender
Tom Ford, Lavender Palm
Inspired by the scents of the Californian coastline, the newest addition to Tom Ford’s Private Blend collection features two different lavender notes, lemon, bergamot, clary sage, palm leaf accord, aldehyde, pink and white oleander, lime blossom, vetiver, cedar, benzoin, tonka bean, olibanum (similar to frankincense) and moss. A great fragrance for spring and summer – be it enjoying a BBQ lunch in Australia or cruising down a Californian highway in a convertible!
Available exclusively at David Jones city stores (50ml EDP – $290, 250ml EDP – $750)
Modern Classic
Calvin Klein, cK One
The scent that made unisex fragrances popular, cK One is a mix of bergamot, pineapple, cardamom, “green tree accord”, violet, rose and musk and the central note of Hedione High Cis, a compound which has the aroma of jasmine tea. It’s a clean, fresh fragrance that you really can’t go wrong with as an everyday scent!
Available at Myer, David Jones, The Perfume Connection and selected pharmacies and independents (20ml “On-The-Go” EDT – $15, 100ml EDT – $75, 200ml EDT – $105)
Stylish & Adventurous
Dolce & Gabbana, D&G La Roue de la Fortune 10
Literally meaning “The Wheel of Fortune”, La Roue de la Fortune is part of D&G’s Anthology collection, with all fragrances named after tarot cards. Despite feminine-sounding notes of tuberose, gardenia, jasmine and vanilla, the addition of pink pepper, pineapple, orris, patchouli and benzoin transform ‘La Roue’ into a truly unisex scent; still floral, but with an earthy and spicy depth. A definite must-try!
Available at Myer, David Jones, The Perfume Connection and selected independents (100ml EDT – $99)
Freshly Roasted Fragrance
Jo Malone, Black Vetyver Cafe
Do you and your significant other love the aroma of a cup of coffee? Jo Malone’s Black Vetyver Cafe is like sitting in your favourite coffee shop, savouring the taste and smell of a freshly brewed short black. Coffee bean is blended with incense, sequoia and vetiver, with a hint of spice. It’s rich, warm, and both sensual and comforting at the same time!
Available at Jo Malone boutiques, David Jones city stores and at Jo Malone’s Australian website (30ml Cologne – $90, 100ml Cologne – $170)
24 Carat Scent
Comme des Garcons, 8 88
If you’re looking for a unique oriental to wear this winter, it would be worth sampling 8 88 by Japanese fashion house Comme des Garcons. Inspired by the perfumer’s pursuit of creating the scent of gold, 8 88 has notes of safraline (a ‘molecular derivative of saffron’), pepperwood, coriander, curcuma (wild turmeric), geranium and amber. It’s not an overly spicy fragrance; instead, you get a warm, elegant scent with hints of sweetness and an oddly alluring metallic backnote.
Available at Mecca Cosmetica stores and at the Mecca Cosmetica website (50ml EDP – $170)
A Perfumed Journey
Hermes, Voyage d’Hermes
Complex and sophisticated, yet very easy to wear, Voyage d’Hermes is a woody, spicy and fresh all at the same time. Notes include juniper berries, cedar, sandalwood, angelica and white musk – it may not sound like much, but this scent is clean and modern and fantastic for anyone of any age.
Available at Hermes boutiques, selected David Jones and Myer and at Hermes’ Australian website (35ml EDT – $115, 100ml EDT – $165)
Luxurious Leather
Serge Lutens, Cuir Mauresque
Perfumer Christopher Sheldrake, who Rescu. had the opportunity to talk to about one of his creations for Chanel (No.19 Poudre), has also been the man behind many fragrances by niche fragrance house Serge Lutens. One of his masterpieces is Cuir Mauresque (meaning Moorish leather) – amber, myrrh, burnt styrax, incense, cinnamon, aloe wood, cedar, civet, nutmeg, clove, cumin, musk, mandarin peel and orange blossom all play a part in bringing the Moors’ tradition of perfuming leather to the 21st century. It’s one to enjoy in the autumn/winter months!
Available at Mecca Cosmetica stores and at the Mecca Cosmetica website (50ml EDP – $200)
Light & Bright L’Occitane,
The Vert (Green Tea)
In need of a good pick-me-up (scent-wise) while you endure the Australian summer? Bitter orange, green tea extract, orange, thyme, cedar and musk blend into a fantastic warm weather scent that can easily be worn on many different occasions. It’s a refreshing citrus iced green tea in fragrance form!
Available at L’Occitane boutiques, the L’Occitane website and at selected independents – check the website for locations (100ml EDT – $69.95)
