FIND THE SPRITZ THAT FITS

Our festive guide ot fragrances ofr everyone in your lief

One of the many wonderful things about the gift of fragrance is that it’s never going to be too tight or too loose, requiring you to either reach for a needle and thread or scrabble round for the receipt to return it. But it still has to ‘fit’ – and this can sometimes prove even more challenging than choosing the right size of sweater. It can be boring simply to buy them a bottle of the same-old – but just how do you find the right scent for a friend, family member or partner?

Well, based on the hundreds of fragrances I’ve sniffed (and swooned over) in the past year, I’d like to propose the following suggestions for the different people in your life. If you have time, do sniff them out for yourself and decide which you think they might fall for. Just don’t blame me if your own scent wardrobe expands as a result – that great pitfall of Christmas shopping.

For green goddesses

She grows her own veg, loves to make do and mend, and perhaps doesn’t think of herself as a ‘scent person’ at all. These should convert her. Weleda Jardin de Vie Rose (£19.95 for 50ml eau de cologne, weleda.co.uk) – a truly natural fragrance swirling with garden-fresh rose notes. Liz Earle Botanical Essence No 9 (£49 for 50ml eau de parfum, lizearle.com) – around 96 per cent natural, this fuses berries, moss and gorgeousness. Romilly Wilde Idle (£130 for 30ml eau de parfum, romillywilde.com) – a giant bouquet of white florals from a new name in luxe naturals.

For foodie friends

Seek out fragrances from the ‘gourmand’ family, whose good-enough-to-eat notes invite frequent re-spritzing. Agonist Vanilla Marble (£115 for 50ml eau de parfum, averyperfumegallery.com) – an utterly delicious yet totally chic play on the baker’s must-have ingredient. Penhaligon’s Equinox Bloom (£93 for 50ml eau de parfum, penhaligons.com) – the first gourmand creation from this heritage fragrance house, inspired by afternoon high tea, accompanied by spring flowers. Angel Muse (£45 for 30ml eau de parfum) – if she loves Thierry Mugler Angel, she’ll be in heaven with this: think hazelnut cream balanced by dry woods.

For party girls

If you have a friend who’s happiest in high heels, wearing something sparkly and clinking cocktail glasses, here are some scented delights to thrill her. Estée Lauder Modern Muse Nuit (£50 for 30ml eau de parfum) – a hypnotic and addictive sexy ‘juice’ that’s as smoky-looking as nightclubs used to be. Alexander McQueen McQueen (£55 for 30ml eau de parfum) – an unusually sheer tuberose scent with a delightfully vintage feel. Michael Kors Midnight Shimmer (£40 for 30ml eau de parfum) – musky and creamily sensual, positively crying out for an embossed invitation, a fancy frock and an Uber Lux.