Product Review: Valentine's Day Perfumes

Romantic Perfumes for the Enchantress in You

Words and Image by Gretchen Gales

I’ve only recently become a perfume snob. Well, maybe snob is too harsh and not accurate of my experience with perfumes and other scented products. I’ve always liked being able to have a unique scent depending on what I’m feeling or what I want to feel like.
​

With that said, I have been experimenting with more indie brands and reaching outside of my Bath & Body Works comfort zone. I’m glad to have discovered many high-quality and affordable options that are both elegant and long-lasting.

Valentine’s Day may have already arrived, but having a romantic scent is something we can get behind any time of year! Here are a few scent suggestions for smelling like someone’s Valentine all year long:

​Dorian Gray by Little Book Eater
​
I purchased three different perfume oils from the Etsy shop - whose scents are inspired by classic books -  since three full bottles only cost $32. The reviews were also favorable, and after stalking the products long enough, I decided to take the plunge. While I don’t want to spoil the other two scents I purchased (those will come later), I do want to highlight a classy and sophisticated scent that will transform your attitude into a more lovey-dovey kind of vibe.

If you’re a fan of classic Gothic Victorian literature, then you may be a fan of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. It is a tale of a gorgeous young man who is damned to live a hedonistic  and shallow existence after trading his soul for eternal beauty. The opening of the novel focuses sharply on the scent of roses, and the “Dorian Gray” scent by the perfumery is a simple, yet fancy scent of pure Victorian roses and white geraniums. The scent is an homage to the beginning of the novel where the smell of roses dominates the Victorian setting.

The Fame by Lady Gaga

Not going to lie, I was already going to be drawn to this considering my love for Gaga. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a valid option for smelling like an enchantress!

This perfume consists of belladonna, honey, saffron, and tiger orchid for a lovely - and unisex - scent. The original release also included lotion, body wash, and bar soap, but now online the perfume can be found in certain stores and online at a reasonable price since it is no longer a recent release.  

​Sensual Amber by Bath & Body Works

Listen, I know I said I was reaching farther out than this company, but you can't deny that some of their scents are legendary. Sensual Amber is one of my favorite B&BW scents of all time and inspired my love of amber in a perfume. It is perfect for a cold, winter date or to just feel more feminine and mysterious with accompanying notes of plum, white rose, vanilla, and more. Though the scent is now retired, Sensual Amber is brought back by popular demand every once in a while in stores and online for sale events. 

What are your "go-to" romantic scents? Let us know about new things to try!