Perfume Archives - Kate Waterhouse

My go-to fragrances

3rd May, 2021

Fragrances are always a critical final touch to any look. Once I have my outfit locked in, I always find that the right perfume is high on my list as it ties everything together. I’ve said before that a scent is such a powerful thing, as it can evoke such strong memories. I know there are always certain perfumes in my collection that will instantly remind me of a time and place, whether it was an event, a holiday or just a fond memory.

I know there are some people who stick with a scent and have it as their signature fragrance, but I think I like too many different perfumes to really settle on my absolute number one. I would find it hard to narrow it down as I think different perfumes work for different occasions. I do like experimenting, and as such my fragrance wardrobe comprises of a few different scents. These three are my guaranteed go-tos.

Balenciaga Paris

The iconic bottle with the cracked dome is a staple in my fragrance collection. The scent is one of those impactful scents that has a presence without being overwhelming. In fact I’m such a huge fan that it’s actually the perfume I wore on my wedding day. With an almost endless number of options in front of me, I decided on Balenciaga Paris because it’s such a beautiful scent, that fades really nicely, and has a great lasting finish. It was released several years ago but I’m still a huge fan.

Jo Malone English Oak and Hazelnut Cologne

I love the Jo Malone range because the fragrances are always so distinctive, and there are so many options. At the moment, this is the one I’m wearing a lot. It’s a lovely refreshing scent, with just a hint of zestiness. I think what I like about it is that whenever I get a slight whiff of it, I want to smell it again… and for me, that’s the sign of a great fragrance.

Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede Cologne

Do you have a perfume that you’re guaranteed to get asked about/get complimented on whenever you wear it? This is the one for me. The fact that it’s another Jo Malone fragrance goes to show my enduring love for the brand. This particular scent is a floral, but it’s not overpowering (a must for me). I find it to be very subtle but oh-so feminine. It’s an elegant fragrance that I enjoy wearing to events.

What are your go-to scents?

Beauty

The fragrances in my perfume wardrobe

12th February, 2018

Perfumes are so special to me as scent is such a powerful thing. I considered the fragrance I was going to wear on my wedding day for awhile as I wanted it to be something that would instantly transport me back to that time so it had to be one that had longevity and that I wouldn’t tire of easily. I know people who have one signature perfume and stick to it religiously, however I fall into the other camp of having a few options to suit my mood. There are occasions where I feel like wearing something light and airy during the day and there are other times when I need something a little heavier such as when I have to attend an evening event. I’m always open to trying different scents, and in the process sometimes end up finding a new favourite, however over the years these have been the ones in constant rotation…

Balenciaga Paris Eau de Parfum

This is the fragrance I eventually decided on for my wedding day. It’s the kind of scent that will earn queries as to what you’re wearing as it’s so striking. It’s a floral scent that is subtle and not overpowering like some flowery perfumes can be and its gorgeous bottle is made for being on display.

Burberry Body Eau de Parfum

A slightly woody, musky scent this is a good one to turn to when I’m in the mood for wearing something bold.

Giorgio Armani Si Eau de Parfum

I’m already a fan of Giorgio Armani cosmetics so it wasn’t a surprise to discover that I’m also quite fond of their fragrances too. A sweet scent with hints of vanilla, it fades quite beautifully so makes a great all day perfume.

Chloé Eau de Parfum

A floral scent with strong hints of rose, this is quite a feminine fragrance that’s perfect for special occasions.

Bottega Veneta Eau de Parfum

An earthy aroma that’s a little heavier than other scents in my collection this is ideal for winter as its got quite a warm, inviting air about it.

Do you have a signature scent? What’s currently in your perfume wardrobe?

Shop

Gift suggestions for the hard to buy for people in your life

14th July, 2016

We all have that person on our list that seems to be impossible to buy for. Sometimes they have two (or three) of everything already, a very particular taste or you don’t know them quite well enough yet. I’m told that I fall into these categories so I often hear from friends and family that I’m someone who’s ‘so hard to buy for’!

While gift giving can be tricky, rest assured there are some foolproof gifts which are guaranteed winners. My gift suggestions list covers every type of personality and every kind of budget. Even if there’s no special occasion on the horizon unexpected gifts are always a great way to spoil someone. So prepare to win some major brownie points with the gifts below. I know I’d definitely love to receive anything on the list…

Go-to gifts for every kind of person:

Anything monogrammed is always a great way to spoil someone. Check out the range of personalised stationery from The Daily Edited.

Luxurious toiletries are always a welcome gift, especially anything from Aesop. I highly recommend the hand soap which smells absolutely amazing.

Think of someone’s interests and give them a beautiful coffee table on the subject. I’m sure many a fashion lover (myself included) would love this Kate by Kate Moss book.

Wardrobe basics are a great option when you’re not quite sure of someone’s style. I particularly recommend Bassike t-shirts, jumpers and shorts.

It is important to always have special soaps at home as the small touches make a big difference. The vintage inspired wrapping on these scented soaps make them look as good as they smell.

Nothing says tea time better than T2 Teas. The range is so extensive you’re guaranteed to find one to suit every tea lover. Definitely try the green sencha or sleep tight varieties.

My bathroom has never looked better since being adorned with the most chic towels ever from Missoni. Any interiors fan would love them as they’re a great way to add a designer touch to any bathroom.

Jo Malone pear and freesia perfume is a well known favourite scent of mine. I can’t think of any woman who wouldn’t love to receive a treat from Jo Malone.

These Country Road frames are perfect for holding your special memories. To add a personal touch print some photos to pop in the frame when you gift it.

The Daily Edited (TDE) pouch is perfect for your phone, makeup and keys. I own multiples of them and can attest to how great they are for carrying essentials. Once again the monogrammed touch elevates it to the next level.

Pampering time? Jo Malone bath oil is my way to detox at the end of a long day. It sweet almond, jojoba seed and avocado oils to hydrate the skin and scent your skin. It’s the ideal gift for someone you really want to spoil.

Tip: Sale time is the perfect opportunity to stock up on gifts for family and friends. There are numerous sales at the moment both online and in-store so keep an eye out for some serious bargains. Case in point: this week at David Jones’ you can receive a third product for free when you purchase two from the David Jones beauty range. You can also choose three samples for free when you buy beauty products online from David Jones.

Beauty, Fashion & Beauty

Shop the look: My favourite fragrances

10th February, 2016

I think most women fall into two camps: those who have a signature fragrance that they wear all the time and those who have a selection of scents that they wear according to their mood or occasion. I fall into the latter camp. There are so many gorgeous fragrances out there that I find it hard to pick just one! These are some of the scents that are at the top of my list:

BALENCIAGA PARIS

This is a lovely light floral scent that is subtle and not too overpowering. The bottle is particularly beautiful too and makes a great addition to any dressing table. It’s one of my all time favourite fragrances – so much so that I wore it on my wedding day.

BURBERRY BODY

A slightly heavier fragrance, this scent from Burberry contains notes of roses and iris with hints of sandalwood and vanilla. It’s ideal for those who want a slightly more floral scent.

GIORGIO ARMANI SI

If you prefer fragrances with slightly sweeter and fruitier scent you might just want to say yes to this scent from the Giorgio Armani beauty stable. It’s a more bold fragrance so it’s great for nights out.

CHLOE

As with all things Chloe the look and feel of this scent is so polished and pretty. The actual fragrance has notes of rose and hints of freesia and pink peony so if you’re a fan of floral scents this might just be your perfect match.

BOTTEGA VENETA

This is Bottega Veneta’s signature fragrance and it’s one that is quite feminine with accents of bergamote and pink pepper which then fades to hints of gardenia and jasmine. It’s quite a distinct fragrance so it’s one that’s guaranteed to make a statement.

What’s your favourite scent?