With hundreds to choose from, how do you choose a perfume, especially if it’s a gift?  The Simply You team comes to the rescue with their favourite signature scents.

It’s the ideal gift for any occasion, the third option after flowers and chocolates (or maybe they’re all in joint first place). Whatever its present-polling position, perfume is as linked to the idea of love, romance and seduction as flowery prose or sparkling gems. It is indisputable evidence of heartfelt emotion. It’s more than a romantic gesture, it’s proof that you understand your loved one’s nuances, listen to what they say and appreciate their uniqueness. To help you narrow down your choices, here is a list of those we love most.

Classic devotion
La vie est belle Intense Eau de Parfum, 30ml, $120.
“Perhaps it’s a sign of getting older, or a certain snobbishness about signature scents, but I have come to appreciate classic fragrances,” says editor Trudi Brewer. When La vie est belle entered her life, it was without question, love at first whiff. As a floral gourmand, it oozes warmth, and edible attraction with a delicate floral afterglow that dries down within an hour. “It makes me feel elegant and feminine, just like my other classic love – Chanel No5.”

A certain romance
Chloé Eau de Parfum, 50ml, $170.
This is perfect for those sweet and feminine girls, the quietly confident ones with beautiful, glossy hair. It is the favourite of Sarah Simpson, Simply You beauty editor, who is all those things in her ballerina pumps. The perfume equivalent of a bouquet of freesia, peony, rose and magnolia. “I like to feel girlie and romantic. It’s strong, yet soft thanks to rose and honey,”
says Sarah.

The intellectual choice
Maison Martin Margiela Untitled, 50ml, $157 (buy online from Barneys New York).
Why? Because everyone wants to smell unique. The dazzling fresh green notes are softened by frankincense and white musk. Its mutable qualities fit your serious mood – the perfect spritz for the desk drawer. “It works as well for a business lunch as it does for Friday-night drinks,” says designer Anna Savelieva.

For the creative woman
Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Cologne, 50ml, $145.
The biggest trend among serious creatives is to wear men’s scent. Not all are suitable, of course, but Guerlain is among the most popular. It’s the choice of our fashion editor, Louise Hilsz. “Although it’s for men, it’s not too heavy or spicy. It’s fresh, thanks to the grapefruit and feels as if you’ve come straight from the shower. I haven’t smelt this on anybody else, except my boyfriend, who I share the bottle with.” Job done.

The bold choice
Diptyque Philosykos, 50ml, $142.
For some women, a fragrance should pack a powerful punch, and this is a scent with attitude. The fresh green fig with a slightly milky afternote is not for the fragrance faint-hearted. “A boyfriend once gave me this as a present,” says writer Diana Clarke. “I thought it was a really brave choice and admired him for taking a risk. He got it right.” Lesson learned. Be bold.

For the man in your life
Narciso Rodriguez For Him Bleu Noir Eau de Toilette, 100ml, $150.
The moment we had a whiff of Bleu by Narciso Rodriguez, words like sexy and seductive sprang to mind. It’s got just enough spice to get your heart racing – think cardamom and nutmeg, and freshness from blue Atlas cedar wood. To quote the creator, himself: “It becomes more beautiful and more addictive as the day goes on.” We concur. And your man will love the simplicity of the bottle too.

From the editors of Simply You Body & Beauty.