FRAGRANCE | 13 fragrance suggestions for Halloween 2021 (plus a host of alternatives)

halfwhiteboy - Halloween

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. 

So here goes.

halfwhiteboy - Transilvania Extrait Parfum by Calaj

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. 

halfwhiteboy - Amouage Opus X

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.

halfwhiteboy - Dior Poison Esprit de Parfum

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.

halfwhiteboy - The Decay of the Angel EDP by Timothy Han

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.

halfwhiteboy - Mortal Skin EDP by Stephane Humbert Lucas

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.

halfwhiteboy - Night Flyer Parfum by Olympic Orchids

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?

halfwhiteboy - Sikkim Girls by Lush

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.

halfwhiteboy - La Liturgie des Heures by Jovoy

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.

halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Black Orchid EDP

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.

halfwhiteboy - Irae by V Canto

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.

halfwhiteboy - The Lover's Tale by Francesca Bianchi

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.

halfwhiteboy - Baccarat Rouge 540 EDP by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

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 fragrances

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?

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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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