Warning: you'll want the full lot
The market is flooded with different fragrances – from niche, designer and celebrity perfumes to gourmand, citrus and woody scents. And I’m not talking a bit of light flooding in winter, I’m talking national emergency, get the army’s help, flooding. Walk into any high street beauty hall nowadays and the choice is overwhelming. To make matter worse, at every turn is another sales person armed with a bottle ready to douse you. Well allow me to put an end to this confusion and point you in the right direction. Whenever you find yourself in a department store, head straight to the Aerin Beauty. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.
I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re not that familiar with Aerin Beauty, it’s a realitvely small brand, that despite launching into the UK in 2013, has not been given the recognition it deserves. The brand founder is Aerin Lauder, granddaughter to Estée Lauder, a fabulous New Yorker whose premise in life, which is reflected in the brand, is ‘living beautifully should be effortless.’ In the US, it’s a fully-fledged lifestyle brand influenced by her signature style and aestethic, as well as travel and flowers, with everything from kitchenware and stationary to fashion and beauty. Aerin (the brand and the woman) is a household name, with many obsessing over the founder’s life; her Instagram is a neverending inspiration board.
I remember the day I smelt my first Aerin fragrance like it was yesterday. As soon as I had sprayed a little of Lilac Path into the air, I was in love. From that moment on, I have always owned a bottle of it. I honestly believe it’s one of the best perfume for women. It was even the scent I chose to take on my honeymoon with me. That’s the thing about Aerin Beauty fragrances, they’re conjuer up the most wonderful scent memories.
The range, made up of 18 fragrances, is incredibly diverse – each one evokes a different mood and feeling. The bottles themselves are simply stunning – the gem caps making them somewhat of a collector’s item that will jazz up any dressing table.
Here’s a roundup of my absolute favourites, but I urge you to make a trip to the counter yourself to find the one that has you hooked.
Aerin Beauty Tangier Vanille EDP, from £98 for 50ml John Lewis
Inspired by the mystery and splendour of Morocco. It's a warm rich scent, with Madagascan Vanilla at the heart, topped with bergamot and rose. Sandalwood and musk also make an appearance. This is an evening scent if I ever smelt one.
Aerin Beauty Ikat Jasmine EDP, from £98 for 50ml John Lewis
This is a white flower explosion. It kind of smells like fresh linen, it kind of smells like a sunny walk through a meadow and it definitely smells beautiful. This has tuberose, honeysuckle and jasmine wrapped up in one, with sandalwood added for extra depth.
Aerin Beauty Aegea Blossom, £100 for 50ml Net-A-Porter
Aerin's newest addition to her fragrance collection is meant to capture the scent of the gentle Aegean sea breeze. There are citrussy notes, white floral notes, but it's the saltiness that I pick up on.
Aerin Beauty Amber Musk, from £98 for 50ml Selfridges
The mixture of amber and musk makes this fragrance super creamy. It's luxe and velvety on the skin, but there's a sweetness to this that you don't expect that makes it's addictive.
Aerin Beauty Gardenia Rattan, from £98 for 50ml John Lewis
Gardenia rattan makes me think of a garden party. Think Pimms, mixed with croquet on the greenest lawn you've ever clapped eyes on surrounded by rattan furniture. Quite roaring 20s. This scent perfectly matches that scene.
Aerin Beauty Lilac Path, from £98 for 50ml John Lewis
My all-time favourite. It's the ultimate sunshine scent that smells of crushed petals, trodden on leaves and a fresh bouquet all at the same time. I will wear this until my dying day.
Aerin Beauty Mediterranean Honeysuckle, from £98 for 50ml John Lewis
This is a hot summer holiday in a bottle. It's the richness of the honeysuckle flower. It's the citrussy grapefruit that you eat whilst there. It's the crashing of the waves on the beach. It's the sun tan lotion you apply to warm, sticky skin.
