My 10 favourite fall fragrances—check out these new scents and start dropping holiday hints NOW!

Now is the time on BEAUTY EDITOR when we talk about fragrance. Specifically, all of the new fall ones that I’ve been collecting in a giant, overflowing, laundry-size basket since probably July or August. (Tough job, I know.)

Needless to say, I’ve been test-driving like crazy as they’ve come in—because if there’s one beauty product I’m always up for, it’s a new scent. Seriously: even though I’ve got my regulars, I’m not one of those devoted signature scent people. Sure, it’s a great idea for your personal brand recognition, but it just seems more than a little boring to have to walk around smelling exactly the same for the rest of your life. Right? At any given time I’m probably choosing between five or six scents… and I’m always open to introducing a new one (like my recent Trish McEvoy acquisition) into the rotation. (Also? Don’t you find that you associate certain fragrances with certain time periods—or men!—in your life? And then one day, you just can’t wear them anymore and have to retire them. Or maybe that’s just me.)

Anyway, whether you’re buying your own or dropping hints for the holidays, here are 10 newly-launched scents that I deem worthy.

1. Chanel No. 19 Poudré

I used to wear the original Chanel No. 19 in high school, which is kind of crazy because now I can’t stand it—it’s an aggressive chypre (and apparently, Coco Chanel’s favourite). I like the new and improved Poudré sooooo much better. The greenness is way toned down and instead, you get a much more powdery, musky “skin scent.” This is probably my number one amongst this year’s crop of newbies.

Notes:  Mandarin, neroli, iris, jasmine, galbanum, vetiver, white musk and tonka bean.

2. Bottega Veneta

What can I say about this perfume other than it smells like money? Yes, money. It’s what I imagine rich people should smell like. It’s a chypre, but it’s a little bit floral and a little bit leathery. And most importantly, it’s subtle—it melts into your skin and won’t wear you. I know I said I don’t do signature scents, but this one could make me a believer.

Notes: Patchouli, oak moss, bergamot, jasmine and pink pepper.

3. Fan di Fendi

Oh wow. You’ve probably spotted this guy in stores already, since the bright yellow packaging is hard to miss. The scent itself is equally dazzling—it’s like a big bright burst of Italian sunshine. Frankly, I’m not sure I have the personality to carry this one off (it’s definitely a confident scent), although the more I smell it, the more it grows on me. The fruit and leather combo is one you won’t find anywhere else.

Notes: Pear, blackcurrant, mandarin, pink pepper, rose, jasmine, soft leather and patchouli.

4. Dance With Givenchy

I was drawn to this because it’s inspired by the signature Givenchy Prisme makeup packaging (and you know how much I like Givenchy makeup). When I looked inside and saw pink, I figured it would be your typical fruity floral… but no. The most striking thing about this one is that it has a watery quality. Almost like a beach scent with a hint of apple. It’s very light and pretty.

Notes: Apple, mandarin, orange blossom, jasmine, ylang-ylang, woods and musk.

5. Prada Candy

If you’re not willing to give up the gourmand perfume thing then I think you’ll heart this. On first spritz, it’s very, very sweet—but don’t let that scare you off, because it dries down to a very wearable, soft, caramelly scent. It’s definitely a step up in sophistication from so many of the single-note, uncomplicated, teenager sugar scents that you see at Sephora. It’s like candy, yes, but EXPENSIVE candy.

Notes: Musk, vanilla, caramel and benzoin.

6. Cake Beauty Indulge

Speaking of sugary scents, well, I never said my tastes were all that sophisticated. And after loving Cake’s hair powder and body products for years, I was crazy excited that they came out with a perfume. This is sugary, but also fresh (thanks to the citrus and powdery notes). It’s super-duper girly.

Notes: Citrus, orchid, caramel, cane sugar, star anise, jasmine, rose, lily of the valley, water lily, musk, Asian wood and vanilla absolute.

7. Tommy Girl Eau de Prep

And now for something completely different. Even though I don’t think I dress particularly preppy, I’m a sucker for the branding here—don’t ask me why, because the phrase “eau de prep” IS somewhat ridiculous. I thought the juice itself would be a lot sportier (read: citrusy), but it’s an absolutely gorgeous fruity floral that doesn’t knock you over the head like so many mainstream scents do. I love this for daytime.

Notes: Pink peppercorn, green apple, pear, rose, violet, hawthorn, sandalwood, patchouli and musk.

8. Diesel Loverdose

First of all, let’s just note that this bottle is stunning. Now on to what’s inside. I’m in no way, shape or form a Diesel person (it’s just not my style), so I was really surprised that I liked this. It’s definitely an evening perfume, and really quite unique… I’m guessing it’s the licorice note, although I’m also a HUGE fan of jasmine and gardenia, which are present too. I will also just leave this here: apparently it’s being billed as a “weapon of seduction,” and contains special molecules that stimulate the hypothalamus (which regulates sexual behavior). Hmmm…

Notes: Mandarin, star anise, licorice, gardenia, jasmine, woods, amber and vanilla.

9. Hello Kitty Graffiti Rollergirl

And here is where I turn five years old. You might be embarrassed to pull this one out of your purse (or maybe not?), but I love portable rollerball fragrances. This one is a girly fruity-floral… if you like that kind of thing. The apple note’s a bit off-putting at first but it dries down quite musky.

Notes: Cassis sorbet, mandarin, apple, magnolia blossom, freesia, orange flower, tonka bean, vanilla and musk.

10. Clean Skin

Is it kinda weird to have a fragrance that smells like “clean skin” when you could… I don’t know… just take a shower? Probably, but I don’t care—I still like pretty much everything that Clean puts out (even though the staying power isn’t great). This is something I’d wear on a lazy Sunday, when you don’t want anything too aggressive but still want to smell nice.

Notes: Honeydew, lotus blossom, fresh air accord, dewy petals, aquatic notes, blue rose, white musk, amber wood and vanilla.

Okay, now let me know what YOU think:

Have you tried any of these new scents yet?
What’s your current favourite fragrance for fall?
Are you a signature scent person or do you rotate?