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Six unisex fragrances to steal from your significant other

Who says scent has to be gendered? Shopping for fragrance can be far more liberating when you focus on what notes you are drawn to, rather than what you think you should like. For decades, the more traditional way of marketing fragrances has been toward a generalised way of distinguishing between very masculine and very feminine scent compositions. But, fundamentally, the ingredients of perfumery don’t change. “It’s how they are dressed up that changes,” says Roja Dove, founder of Roja Parfums. “Masculine materials are traditionally woods and mosses, whereas flowers and vanillic notes are considered feminine. But in reality a rose on a woman smells like a feminine rose, whereas a rose on a man is a masculine rose.”

How we wear fragrance today is not so gender-specific. With less boundaries and more creative blends, there’s never been a better time to explore scent combinations that perhaps you may not have considered before. “You would be surprised how many fragrance shoppers disregard packaging and marketing and purchase whatever they like,” explains Dove. “Simply follow your nose, because one specific day you might not want to wear a suave, ‘masculine’ scent and might fancy something a little more gourmand, or a bright, fresh floral like a neroli, which is the most perfect flower for men to wear.”

From deep ouds and woody blends to zesty citruses, try these gender-neutral fragrances to get you started.

Jo Malone London Jo Malone London Basil & Neroli, £98. jomalone.co.uk

With floral neroli and notes of fresh, crisp basil, this scent is summer in a bottle – perfect for balmy evenings as the sun sets. For an extra zing, layer with Jo Malone London’s English Pear & Freesia.

Escentric Molecules Escentric Molecules Molecule 01, £72. At Harvey Nichols. harveynichols.com

Don’t want to smell like everyone else? Escentric Molecules hears you. This one in particular is made of one single note, making it subtle, but its seductive nature is not to be underestimated. In just one spritz, this scent works with your natural pheromones to create a fragrance totally unique to the wearer. It’s you, but better.

Bella Freud Bella Freud Psychoanalysis, £165. At Liberty London. libertylondon.com

A blend of resins, tobacco flower and amber, this fragrance has a heady musk that is addictive. Reminiscent of notes worn in leather, clouds of cigar smoke muddled with neroli, Psychoanalysis never seemed so appealing.

Chanel Chanel 1957, £280. At John Lewis. johnlewis.com

Chanel’s 1957 offers a woody, floral elegance. With sensual white musk, the zesty notes of bergamot, along with iris and cedar, make this Chanel blend a uniquely bold creation. Part musk, part woody and with a powdery accent, this scent should have a special place in your collection.

Le Labo Le Labo Baie 19, £127. At Liberty London. libertylondon.com

A cleverly curated blend of green leaves, juniper berries and patchouli, Baie 19 has a herbaceous nature. It smells as refreshing as rain-drenched green fields after a dry season. Mist over pulse points and you’ll feel instantly revitalised.

De Robert Piguet De Robert Piguet Oud, £175. At Liberty London. libertylondon.com

With top notes of saffron, middle notes of myrrh and finishing with oud and patchouli, this enchanting scent has deep and intense layers. It has an oriental, woody aroma that will offer escapism with every inhale.

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