Like patchouli? I do! And this week I’ve got three fragrances that all make use of the note but couldn’t be more different from each other.

First up, if you’re a fragrance junky like me chances are you know about Versace Eros Pour Femme EDP, a lush white floral, but now the brand’s just launched a lighter EDT version (R830 for 30ml, R1 165 for 50ml and R1 460 for 100ml, Red Square). While you can definitely tell that the two are related, I find the EDT quite different in that it’s a little sweeter and a bit more ‘yellow’ smelling in a way that reminds me a lot of Versace Yellow Diamond.

Notes-wise, you’re looking at Sicilian lemon, mandarin, raspberry and Calone (a fresh ozonic note) up top, a heart full of white flowers like jasmine, freesia and magnolia and a warm, sweet dry down that’s all about white pachouli, wood, amber and musk.

On my skin, it starts out really fresh-smelling then the flowers sweep in and a warm, almost toffee-like note pops up. I reckon it’s the kind of fragrance that’ll appeal to anyone, young or old, who likes sunny-smelling florals with a pinch of sugar. An elegant yet relaxed fragrance, you could wear it day or night, but I think it’s most suited to day time.

Next up, Lacoste have launched a new fruity-floral with a name that’s a serious mouthful – Eau de Lacoste L.12.12. Elle Magnetic (R695 for 25ml, R945 for 45ml and R1 285 for 80ml, Dis-Chem).

Generally, Lacoste’s scents are quite sporty and fresh-smelling but this one’s definitely one of their girlier offerings that could easily live in their Pink line up. (Remember Touch of Pink?)

Officially, the notes are a luminous mix of orange, clementine and mango up top; heliotrope, jasmine, rose and violet leaf in the middle and patchouli and vanilla for a sweet finish.

Initially, I thought it was a bit too sweet and but it’s really grown on me as an easy-to-wear daytime fragrance when you’re in the mood for a flirt with a li’l ‘candy’ but don’t want to go full on Angel. I mean, sure the mango and vanilla come through strong, but it’s almost like they’re mixed into a cool spritzer that somehow makes them less potent so you could happily wear it on a hot day without it ever getting cloying.

This is definitely aimed at a younger woman who’s ‘girlie’ but the cool-smelling violet leaf tempers things in such a way that you never get ‘meisie wearing a lacy pink rokkie‘ but rather a millennial girl carrying a pink yoga mat.

Lastly, let’s talk about an ‘oldie’ that’s making a comeback with a relaunch – Jimmy Choo EDP (R745 for 40ml, R1 095 for 60ml and R1 295 for 100ml). Much like a pair of meneer Choo’s stilettos, this sexy yet sophisticated scent is a timeless one. Having it in my possession again has reminded me why I liked it the first time round. It’s definitely less powdery than many of the other Choo’s and the toffee note isn’t as sterk.

But ja, the official notes are pear and Italian orange up front and a lush tiger orchid heart resting on a base of toffee and patchouli. Pear has never been a note I appreciate but I don’t pick it up at all. Instead I get citrus, something slightly smoky, an earthy orchid and the toffee-patchouli combo that could’ve been a bit juvenile but isn’t.

If you’re looking for a long-lasting scent that’ll work perfectly in the evening, regardless of the season, or in the day when the weather’s a little bit cooler (hello autumn!), this is a lovely pick.

Love, love

Leigh