A diverse range of scents for men and women has been launched in time for the holy month. Here are our 10 picks of fragrances that hit all the right notes.
Fantasy fragrance
Les Délices de Nina, the latest limited-edition scent from Nina Ricci, is described as a "sugar high" for young ladies. The scent was inspired by the tales of Alice in Wonderland and Hansel & Gretel. A strawberry-candy accord lies at the heart of the fragrance, mixed with notes of tangerine, lemon, caramel and gardenia. In keeping with the edible theme, one of the base notes is praline and the bottle is shaped like an apple. Gift sets are available across the GCC, with 75ml bottles starting from Dh345.
Celestial scent
Thierry Mugler has revisited a classic for Ramadan and given Angel a makeover. While the best-selling ladies perfume has the same sweet notes, its packaging has been beautified with a blue stripy design. Renamed Angel Eau Sucrée, the limited-edition gift box and upgraded frosted-glass bottle are available for Dh317 at leading department stores.
Modern man
French fragrance house Caron has integrated the feminine notes of lavender and vanilla into a modern masculine scent called the Pour Un Homme. The subtle yet seductive blend of musk and amber define the latest offering from the maison, which first launched Pour Un Homme range 80 years ago. The special edition is available in The Dubai Mall and Abu Dhabi's Al Wahda Mall from Dh265 for 125ml.
Home comforts
Diptyque has unveiled a new home-fragrance collection with five different elements. The set includes an hourglass, electric diffuser, scented oval decoration, candle and eau de toilette in 18 varieties. The range includes Diptyque's best-known fragrances, including Figuier, Roses, Feuille de lavande, Baies and Ambre. The line is available at Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi and The Dubai Mall. Prices range from Dh145 to Dh1,650.
Bold & beautiful
Mohammed Obaid, the Emirati owner of Bramble fragrance boutique in Dubai's BurJuman centre, has launched a captivating new scent for Ramadan. Loud is a unisex fragrance that has musk, citrus, sandalwood and agar wood at its core. Bottles start from Dh695 for 100ml. Call 04 355 5182 for more information.
Take two
Two special scents arrive this Ramadan from Initio, a brand that launched in the UAE in the spring. The result of years of research with master perfumer Alberto Morillas, the Absolutes and Magnetic Blends ranges have emerged in a cloud of musk, incense, vanilla and leather. The scents can be worn individually or one on top of the other for a longer-lasting effect. Prices start from Dh850 at Saks Fifth Avenue in Dubai.
Oriental oud
Rasasi has introduced five Oriental-Arabic fragrances for the holy month. Three oud-rich scents – Roof Al Assam, Asrar Indonesia and Abeer Malaysia – are part of the established Al Boruzz line, while Jazeebiyat Musk Tabriz and Lamaat Musk Tabriz have been introduced under the Attar Al Boruzz umbrella. The complete range exhibits varying strengths of the finest oud, heady rose, sandalwood, amber and saffron.
Bottle bling
French fragrance house Oros has rolled out a commanding eau de parfum for men. The scent has fresh citrus accords, paired with pink pepper, a blend of spices and fragrant jasmine, plus the lingering notes of patchouli, sandalwood and guaic oil. Oros bottles are encrusted with Swarovski crystal embellishments and cost Dh375 for 85ml. Available at Debenhams.
Love notes
Amouage's ninth volume in the Library Collection, Opus IX, is a romantic fragrance inspired by Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata opera. The house's creative director, Christopher Chong, was the main nose behind the scent, with its components of black pepper, jasmine, beeswax, grey amber and civet. The bottle is red with gold accents and the box resembles a leather-bound book with a white camellia cover. Available at leading malls; prices start from Dh855 for 50ml.
• www.amouage.com s
Chance encounter
Chanel's range of Chance fragrances is celebrating its 12th year. To mark the occasion, the maison has unveiled Chance Eau Vive, the first interpretation created by perfumer Olivier Polge. There are familiar components, such as grapefruit, found in the original Chance fragrance, and these citrus notes are blended with new and reinvented accords of jasmine, white musk and cedar-iris. Prices available upon application from Chanel boutiques and leading beauty counters.
