Scent has the power to conjure up emotions and memories. Years before I visited Paris, Yves Saint Laurent's scent named after the City of Lights was my signature fragrance. Each spritz of Paris added a dash of joie de vivre to my everyday routine and fueled my fantasies of one day seeing the Eiffel Tower. (I snapped that photo in Paris 3 years ago.)
Capturing the essence of a city in a bottle is no easy undertaking but perfume makers continue to find inspiration in destinations. Sephora has a great selection of perfumes that hope to spark your wanderlust. Here are a few you may want to add to your fragrance library.
Yves Saint Laurent - The man behind this quintessential French brand is no longer with us but the house that Saint Laurent built remains a power player in the fashion and fragrance world. Paris: $62
Notes: Rose, Hawthorn, Mimosa, Violet, Sandalwood, Moss, Iris, Amber, Musk. Parisienne: $39 - $85
Notes: Blackberry, Damask Rose, and Sandalwood
Guerlain - Established in 1828, the iconic Parisian fragrance house Guerlain has created over 700 perfumes.
Champs-Elysees: $68
Notes: Mimosa Leaves, Rose Petals, Cassis Berry, Almond Blossom, Hibiscus Seed
Burberry - Offering more than their classic trench coat, the oh-so-British Burberry is a very fashion-forward design house.
Brit: $68-$88
Notes: Italian Lime, Icy Pear, Green Almond, White Peony, Sugared Almonds, Amber, Mahogany, Vanilla, Tonka Bean
Acqua di Parma - Established in the 1930's, this Italian brand remains a popular choice for those who prefer oldies but goodies. Blu Mediterraneo: $40-$104
Five distinct fragrances inspired by Tuscany, Sicily, Capri, Amalfi and Panarea.
Lilly Pulitzer - The queen of preppy attire has branched out into fragrance. Beachy: Inspired by Palm Beach. $29.50 -$48
Notes: Jasmine Blossom, Tiare Flower, Watermelon, Frangipani
Michael Kors- Fashion designer Michael Kors wants you to smell as gorgeous as you look. Island: Three unique fragrances inspired by Bermuda, Fiji and Capri. $12-$62.
Very Hollywood: $40-$85
Notes: Mandarin, Gardenia, Vetiver
Sephora doesn't have the monopoly on fragrance. For scents inspired by New York City, Bond No. 9 has a great selection. Their fragrances include Park Avenue, New Haarlem, Central Park and many more.
Bath Junkie - Prefer to create your own signature fragrance inspired by your favorite place? Find a Bath Junkie store near you and start blending. They have over 200 fragrances you can choose from to create everything from body mist to scrub and everything in between. I blended Spicy Georgia Peach at Bath Junkie to remind me of my sweet trip to Savannah.
