These 14 Scents Are The New Guard of Perfumery, Say Our Marie Claire UK Fragrance Awards Judges

Italian artist Olimpia Zagnoli brings her signature colourful flair to this collaboration with Memo Paris. Described as "like a smile in the sun", the scent bottles the Provençal coastal charm of Cap Camarat through radiant ylang ylang, Madagascan vanilla absolute and amyris. It's balanced by an homage to the region's endemic pine trees, with grounding notes of benzoin, sandalwood and labdanum.

Inspired by the unmistakable energy of New York, Bond No. 9's NoMad pulls no punches when evoking the city that never sleeps. A strong, sensual oud accord is blended with modern notes of pear, quince, blackcurrent, violet leaves, rose and vanilla. It's as moreish as its namesake.

Crafted with master perfumer Yann Vasnier, L'Object's Blindfold explores the art of sense deprivation, and the idea of heightening your power of smell. This warm skin scent infuses suede and soft musk with creamy tonka bean, which lingers and unfurls long after the first spritz.

Our judge Suzy Nightingale describes this extension of the Gucci Flora line as "Fun and flirty". She adds: "This is like a holiday romance you can close your eyes and dream of whenever you spray: flower-filled and sunlit daydreams."

This aromatic, woody fragrance was crafted with the sophisticated man in mind. Judge Thomas Dunckley hails it as a "Complete original. An incredibly elegant and subversive masculine fragrance. Truly a classic."

One of the most iconic scents in modern olfactory history, Frederic Malle's Portrait of a Lady draws from some of the most refined, elegant women in the world, including Princess Grace of Monaco. It's features a whopping amount of Turkish rose—there are reportedly 400 flowers per 100ml bottle—and it is blended with patchouli, sandalwood, and frankincense. Judge Nicola Bonn sums it up best: "It's an absolute masterpiece".

"It's such a joy to own a travel case for your perfume," comments judge Suzy Nightingale. "I feel it adds an element of ritual and refinement so rarely found in the modern world. How fabulous to bring this out at work, or during a night out. It makes the beautifully composed fragrance feel even more special to re-apply."

This rich floral composition opens with Calabrian bergamot and sparky citrus essences, before botanical jasmine and rose are ushered in. On the skin, it develops into a soft gourmand, with notes of vanilla, amber, white musk and Brazilian tonka bean.

This scent is a tribute to New York's storied Lafayette Street, home to some of the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods: Chinatown and Little Italy. It opens with warm vanilla and dries down woody, with standout notes of bergamot, coriander, ambroxan, and pomme.

Judge Nicola Bonn describes this as "A multi-faceted skin scent", and indeed, it embodies the sophistication of its eponymous NY borough. Jasmine is enriched with notes of cacao and green hazelnut, and underpinned with woody accords, including sambac, moss and caramel.

"Hugely impactful and long-lasting, this is fragrance that can pick you up on its shoulders and carry you through the day (and long into the night) if confidence is lacking," says Suzy Nightingale. "Talking of quality, you truly can smell it here. Incredibly impressive stuff!"

Judge Mowa Osifeso describes this opulent, gold bottle as a "gorgeous work of art", adding that "It's minimalist, yet luxurious, and could also serve as a centrepiece."

A lavish olfactory ode to the myths and iconography of Ancient Egypt, this powerful scent comprises luxurious saffron with bright pink pepper, spicy cardamom, coriander and smoky incense. It's housed in a striking gold and blue bottle, inspired by the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. 

This stunning collection is the ideal way to discover the fashion house's new olfactive range. Defined by contrast, Balenciaga describes "Le Dix" as a collection of dualities to complement every facet of your wardrobe. "Of all 10, there is one for every occasion and everyone," notes judge Mowa Osifeso.