FRAGRANCE | 13 fragrance suggestions for Halloween 2021 (plus a host of alternatives)
To all
Halloween lovers out there, have you ever thought about what fragrance you're going to
wear on this most joyous occasion of all? Well, I got a few suggestions. By no
means is this a definitive list, nor is it extensive—far from it actually.
It's just what I feel would suit the season based on what I have in my
collection or have at least tried somewhere. Let's make it 13 for good
measure.
Calaj Limited Editions
With such a name, the Dracula association is inevitable. However, this frag
doesn't exactly conjure outright fear, nor does it reek of the scent of
blood. Instead, it lures you in with sweet, honeyed cherries, then presents
you with a couple of flowers before revealing its animalic side. It's like
the mythical vampire putting you under a trance before going for the kill.
Devilishly beautiful!
Alternative:
Octavian by Electimuss
also provides that sweetness with an animalic kick but in place of
cherries is a well-executed oud and rose combo.
Amouage
If Transilvania just doesn't cut it in regard to your bloodlust, maybe
Opus X will. Although this is a rose fragrance at its heart, its very
strong varnish and metallic accords can give the illusion of blood for
some people, scent-wise. Blood, after all, has a strong metallic smell.
This otherworldly interpretation of rose has this elegant but sinister
vibe that will arguably go well with your vampire costume.
Alternative: Can't think of any.
Dior
The name says it all. The version that I have, esprit de parfum, is an
exhilarating elixir centered on plum and tuberose. Throw in some musk, a
healthy dose of cinnamon, a smoky infusion, and what-have-you, and you get
an intoxicating potion that projects class, power, unwavering confidence,
and a seductive allure. Hello, Evil Queen, this could be your scent! Snow
White definitely does not deserve this at all.
Alternatives:
Tom Ford Plum Japonais
also gives off that fruity-sweet and smoky vibe. For something less
sweet but just as fruity, spicy, and smoky,
Amouage Memoir Woman could be your next best bet.
Timothy Han Edition Perfumes
Don't worry, this isn't a bottled scent of anything rotting. Besides, are
angels flesh and blood? Maybe not because this house's idea of a decaying
angel is all about smoked, dried flowers. It's hardly a shocking scent.
Rather, it's haunting in its smokiness, the way it whirls around the white
florals and renders them dusty, the edges of their petals burnt. I don't
know what your costume would be with this one, though. A ghost perhaps? A
dead angel?
Alternative: Breath of God by Lush similarly has that uncanny smokiness but with less florals.
Stephane Humbert Lucas
This starts off with a pleasant opening that's smoky-sweet, powdery, and a
bit fruity. But like a cunning serpent, a cold ink accord slithers into
the scene and instantly fills it with its chilling, black venom. Even as
sweet resins and other elements come into play later, the distinct smell
of ink prevails, now given a powdery do-over. Whereas other dark scents
tend to be heavy, Mortal Skin isn't weighed down by viscous sweetness or
thick smokiness, maintaining a cold and menacing feel throughout its life.
Fellow Slytherins, rejoice!
Alternative:
2022 Generation Homme, also by Stephane Humbert Lucas, delivers a similar ink accord but
instead of powdery, it's given a spicy-sharp twist.
Olympic Orchids Perfumes
A very realistic representation of bats' natural habitat, you'll get the
scent of cold, damp earth as if you were in a cave. The mustiness is
evident, along with the fleshy smell of ripe bananas and other fruits
strewn all across the floor. It's not a versatile frag but arguably still
wearable. I'm pretty sure Bruce Wayne doesn't smell like this but I don't
know about Batman. Or maybe you could be some cave-dwelling neanderthal
for Halloween. That could work.
Alternative: Since Night Flyer is the original formulation of Zoologist
Bat, what better option can I suggest than the reformulated
Zoologist Bat?
Lush
Frangipani, locally known as kalachuchi, has been unfairly
associated with the dead. And why not embrace that association for
Halloween with this frangipani-centric frag? Although linear, the
smoky-sweet undertone lends it some depth and added character. Whether
you're a ghost, a white lady, or any other undead variant for
Halloween, you surely can rock this scent with no problem.
Alternative: For something purer in terms of floral form, try
Frangipane by Chantecaille.
Jovoy
If, for whatever reason, exorcisms and religious rituals give you the
creeps, then try something that's heavy on the incense—churchy incense to
be exact. And for me, nothing could be churchier than this Jovoy release.
The name only drives my point home. Think
The Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Conjuring, The Rite,
and of course, The Exorcist.
Alternatives: If you want something a tad airier, try Ishtar by Rogue Perfumery. But if you want something a lot less churchy, then go for
Bois d'Encens by Armani Privé.
Tom Ford
Okay, so cheesy costumes are not your thing and you'd rather be seen as
classy, confident, and sexy. If so, then this Tom Ford classic just might
fit the bill for you. This creamy mix of florals, chocolate, patchouli,
and spices exudes power and sophistication while maintaining a dark and
sexy edge. Actually, you could be anyone for Halloween with this.
Alternative: Although the opening is different,
Noir Illuminé by Amouroud
has a similar creamy drydown.
V Canto
You're Iron Man? Vision? Ultron? A Transformer? Some kind of robot? Irae
can match your costume perfectly with its strong metallic accord. It's
fresh, aromatic, and spicy but it's that cold metallic smell that really
cuts through. While some metallic notes can come off as smelling like
blood, here it doesn't, so you'd never second guess yourself as a
bloodsucker.
Alternative: Although different in scent structure,
Neandertal Light
likewise has a very prominent, cold metallic accord.
Francesca Bianchi
This frag is unapologetically dark and brooding with its strong, dry
leather and roaring animalic accord, tempered only by a touch of
sweetness. Even then, the burnt smell wafting around and the ensuing
muskiness only heighten the frag's pervading darkness and carnal
tendencies. It's perfect for any bad boy character or for someone with a
rakishly suave look that harbors a menacing persona underneath.
Alternative:
House of Matriarch's Black No. 1
is just as handsomely dark and brooding.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Halloween isn't all about scares, right? It's about candy, too! So why not
wear the scent of burnt cotton candy while trick or treating? While
undeniably sweet, it's deftly balanced by saffron and an underlying
smokiness in the drydown. It's a masterpiece that perfectly balances
playfulness and class. Don't just eat your candy; wear it!
Alternatives: Of course, clones! There's Cloud by Ariana Grande,
Arabian Mystery Soleil Mystery by Paris Corner, Après l'Amour by Thomas Kosmala, and many more.
Halloween
Halloween Perfumes
Which Halloween frag, you ask? OG Halloween, Halloween Shot, Halloween Man,
Halloween Man X, it doesn't matter. It's the name you're wearing that
matters. If you can wear your candy, why not the occasion itself?
******************
Got more frags in mind? Drop them in the comments below.
And oh, last year I made a video although a lot of the frags suggested there have also found their way into this year's list. Videos are still not my thing but I tried.
Happy Halloween, everyone!
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