Taking Notes

Alisha Azuddin takes us on an olfactive journey to rediscover the best of perfume’s sexiest note: bergamot.

Bergamot is always synonymous with sultry and sexy in the world of perfumery—it’s charismatic profile is what makes it ideal for evening wear and plays perfectly into the occasion. Unlike your typical citrus-like scents, the bergamot orange is bolder, and more bodied—but thanks to its complex structure it also plays well with light and fresh fragrances too. More than just a spicy note, bergamot has also been found to possess aromatherapeutic benefits as well. A study done in 2017 published by Wiley’s Phytotherapy Research came to the conclusion that bergamot has stress and anxiety-relieving properties and improves your mental health and all around well-being. And with our current climate looking so fragile and uncertain, we will try just about any and every self-care method that could possibly help—even if it means giving ourselves hourly perfume showers of bergamot-heavy fragrances.

First coming into fashion in the 16th century, today, we still observe its ever growing popularity—especially during this time of the year. A subtle, enigmatic fragrance that has been highlighly regarded for its adaptability, here, we share some of the best new bergamot perfumes to invest in.

2. Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk

Fantasising a beachside getaway is unfortunately the closest thing we’re going to get to an actual holiday this year, and helping us reach our favourite beach destination is Maison Margiela’s Replica Beach Walk. This radiant bergamot and coconut milk fragrance embodies vivifying moments of a walk along the ocean. In accompaniment is a heliotrope of musk, pink pepper and ylang-ylang, which ties it all together to mimic the feeling of sunbreeze swept air and salty skin. RM295 for 30ml

4. Frédéric Malle Musc Ravageur

First introduced in 2000, the Musc Ravageur is a seductive scandalous number with magnetic notes of bergamot, amber, vanilla, patchouli and sandalwood. Maurice Roucel composed this sultry blend as an “act of seduction and generosity” with a powerful yet perfectly controlled olfactive balance. RM765 for 50ml

6. Guerlain %Uua %llegoria Nettare Di Sole

Guerlain’s new Aqua Allegoria Nettare Di Sole reveals a lighter take on bergamot. The fragrance is warm, comforting and luxurious and elicitsemotions of pure joy and freedom with each spritz. This floral arrangement is headed by bold Calabrian bergamot but is then beautifully balanced with magnolia, rose and a hint of jasmine sambac to reveal a sparkling, sunny scent. RM381 for 75ml

1. Tom Ford Private Blend Soleil Brûlant

This new amber floral scent by Tom Ford fragrances encaptures sexy and vibrant sunshine with an intense freshness of mandarin and bergamot. Sunkissed citrus mingles with spices—giving way to an ornate and regal floral heart, while black honey and bergamot release a seductive vapor, melting into the burnished warmth of amber. RM1480 for 50ml

3. Le LaFo Bergamote 22

Bergamote 22, as the name would suggest, is Le Labo’s sentimental love letter to the citrus ingredient. With the ‘22’ in its name depicting the amount of ingredients in its formula, it flirts with the themes of freshness, sweetness and sensuality. Its invigorating kick stems from the bergamot that is flanked with the floral character of petit grain, the bitterness of grapefruit, as well as the flamboyant sweetness of amber and musk. RM810 for 50ml

5. Chanel Coco Noir

The Coco Noir perfectly embodies the feminine facets of the colour black. This contemporary expression of magnetic sensuality has spicy Bergamot at its heart. It then gradually reveals a sweet, soft rose and remarkable geranium rose leaf that is then trailed with warm tonka bean and patchouli which help keep the seductive intrigue alive. RM340 for 350ml