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Scents and sensibility: Where to find the most enchanting, celeb-approved perfumes in Houston
Humans have long been aware that certain smells can evoke memories and influence moods. They can enhance alertness, reduce stress, boost concentration, and even make a difference in relationships.
Celebrities have long been ambassadors of perfumes, beginning with the kings and queens of the 17th century. In the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe famously cemented the fragrance's popularity when she said all she wore to bed was a few drops of Chanel No. 5.
Today, if you want to manifest Hailey Bieber's It Girl status, turn heads by smelling just like Ryan Reynolds, or add a new perfume to the collection, here is a roundup of celebrity-approved favorites for peak olfactory curiosity. Buyer beware, these carefully crafted fragrances will ensnare the noses of everyone within sniffing distance.
With the power to turn a sugary confection into a coveted nail trend, Hailey Bieber's beauty routine, including her signature scent, is a sought-after commodity. Her fragrance of choice is Bond No. 9's New York Nights. Bieber reportedly likes the unisex fragrance because it is "not too girly" even with flowery notes, including gardenia, carnation, and jasmine. The perfume, available at Saks, is also infused with sandalwood, coffee, and caramel.
A favorite of Hailey Bieber, New York Nights is available at Saks Fifth Avenue in the Galleria. Photo by Bond No. 9
Style icon and former First Lady Jackie Kennedy loved the scent of patchouli during a time when earthy-smelling incense was a sign of free love and hippie culture. For Your Love, from Swiss perfume house Mizensir, evokes the smell of patchouli along with notes of raspberry and Cacholox, which replicates the closeness of skin. This unforgettable blend, available at Neiman Marcus, is about taking risks and getting lost in the moment.
For your love evokes the smell of patchouli along with notes of raspberry. Photo by Mizensir
Perfume House Floris London started in the 1700s and has been a mainstay of the royal court ever since. Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe, and Mick Jagger have all been enthusiasts of the brand. Floris London is so intertwined with the Royals they created a signature scent for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee. Their latest fragrance, A Rose for... is dark with a rich, complex character that pairs roses with notes of spice, orris, and deep woods, taking the wearer on an altogether diverse journey of romance. Available at Neiman Marcus, the main character of the fragrance is a floral balance of red roses delicately wrapped in incense, oud, and orris.
Floris London perfume house dates back to the 1700s and is a favorite of the several English celebs. Photo by Floris London
Consistently named one of the best luxury perfume houses in the world, Creed got its venerable start in 1760 when it began supplying Queen Victoria's court with its perfumes. Fast forward over two hundred years, and Creed has been worn by the likes of Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, Michelle Obama, and Beyonce's husband, rapper Jay Z. The brand's Houston Galleria boutique is offering a 100% silk scarf and pocket square with any $350 purchase making the perfect bow on any wonderfully smelling gift.
House of Creed is gifting a beautiful silk scarf with every $350 purchase through the month of February. Photo by House of Creed
Founded by a scion of the Hennessy dynasty, Kilian Paris strives to create perfume as it was made in the 19th century but with a contemporary twist. Its scent, Love, Don't be Shy, is a cult favorite of Rhianna. Reportedly Rhi Rhi smells so good that people not only ask her what she is wearing but talk about the fact that she always smells delicious. Love, Don't be Shy is available at Nordstrom and is a delicate scent with a blend of orange blossom, vanilla absolute, and marshmallow, all suspended in a rich amber base.
Love, Don't be Shy is a cult favorite of Rhianna's and available at Nordstrom. Photo courtesy of Kilian/Instagram
Jo Malone has been a mainstay on the fragrance scene for over thirty years, and we are still obsessed with the sophisticated brand. Known as a timeless and elegant scent laced with wit and whimsy, its most popular scent is English Pear and Freesia Cologne. Available at its namesake boutique in the Galleria, the brand is a favorite of Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, and Rosie Huntington-Whitely.
Jo Malone London's scents are available at its namesake boutique in the Galleria. Photo courtesy of Jo Malone/Instagram
Minimalist brand Le Labo landed on the scene at a time when every celebrity had their own scent. Their no-fuss bottles and barely there labels were quickly noticed among the over-the-top glitz and glam of the fragrance industry. When the unisex scent Santal 33 launched in 2017, it quickly garnered a celebrity following, including Alexa Chung, Justin Bieber, Ryan Reynolds, and Sophie Turner. Still a social media favorite, one of the brand's best sellers, Santal 33 smells like iris and cardamom violet notes with a leathery, musky edge. Houstonians can get their hands on the coveted scent at the brand's Hyde Park boutique, Nordstroms, or Saks Fifth Avenue.
Minimalist Santal 33 is a TikTok favorite by Le Labo. Photo courtesy of Le Labo/Instagram