Some people collect action figures, baseball cards, or Hummel figurines, but my collection is a bit more fragrant—perfume bottles. With the number of scents I own, it's safe to say I’m a bit of a scent connoisseur.
Each morning, I choose a fragrance that matches my mood or even coordinates with my outfit. If I'm feeling summery in a light, breezy outfit, I might reach for a floral scent. On a cool fall day, when I'm wrapped in warmer clothes, something with a touch of musk feels just right.
But here’s where I have to confess—I might have a little bit of a perfume problem. My collection boasts around 65 full-sized bottles, not to mention a plethora of travel-sized and sample perfumes, easily pushing the total over 100. I even own a fragrance by Jenna Jameson (if you’re curious, a quick online search will tell you who she is, just maybe not at work), and some of those spontaneous, budget-friendly buys have become cherished additions to my collection. And while I do have some affordable favorites, I can't deny my love for designer scents.
It’s a problem, but at least I smell good.
It's funny to think back on my teenage years when I wore...wait for it...Drakkar Noir. Yes, a men's cologne! I was so obsessed with it back in the '80s. Since then, my tastes have evolved, and I’ve discovered some true favorites that I now consider my Top 5.
5. Burberry Body
This one has become a rare gem, so I use it sparingly. Burberry Body is a luxurious chypre-fruity fragrance that opens with fresh green absinthe, peach, and freesia. The heart reveals roses and iris, while the base is rich with sandalwood, cashmere, musk, amber, and vanilla.
4. Sung by Alfred Sung
With its blend of French floral oils and warm oriental notes, Sung is a fragrance that radiates confidence and elegance. It’s made from the finest white flowers and perfectly balanced to linger. I used to work with a woman in radio who wore this, and every time she left my office, the scent she left behind was simply unforgettable.
3. Coach by Coach
This perfume captures the essence of summer. Its top notes include Guava, Water Lily, Violet, and Green Mandarin, while the middle notes feature Jasmine, Mimosa, Orange Blossom, and Honey. The base is composed of Sandalwood, Vanilla, Amber, and Cedar. It's refreshing, clean, and full of warmth.
2. J’adore by Dior
This one is tied with my number one pick. J’adore opens with top notes of Pear, Melon, Magnolia, Peach, Mandarin Orange, and Bergamot. The heart is an elegant bouquet of Jasmine, Lily-of-the-Valley, Tuberose, Freesia, Rose, Orchid, Plum, and Violet. The base notes are a luxurious blend of Musk, Vanilla, Cedar, and Blackberry. I reserve this one for special occasions because it’s such a splurge.
1. Balenciaga Paris
Balenciaga Paris is a beautiful contradiction—a fragrance that radiates light while embracing a subtle, dark undertone. It opens with an ethereal bouquet of violets, evoking the antique charm of dried petals tucked between the pages of a well-loved book. As the scent evolves, a peppery note emerges, mingling with the calm, earthy scent of mossy wood. Despite the controversy surrounding their 2022 advertising scandal, which I believe was somewhat overblown, this remains my go-to fragrance.
