THE JOURNAL
Illustration by Mr Jori Bolton
Is it just us or have the past few years seen something of a zodiac renaissance? Blame it on our collective sense of uncertainty, but it seems everywhere we look people are sharing astrology memes, talking about their “risings” and “Venuses”, and becoming especially interested in what the moon tides hold for us.
If you’ve ever done a deep dive into your personalised birth chart, you’ll know the eery experience of finding something that’s deeply relatable. So, we thought, why not choose a scent that matches those celestially powered personality traits? With that in mind, we’ve created customised fragrance recommendations – one for each of the 12 zodiac signs. Whether you’re a believer or a sceptic, you’re guaranteed to end up smelling great.
01.
Aries
Created in celebraration of the 250th anniversary of the iconic crystal glassmaker, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge 540 is one of MR PORTER’s best-selling fragrances for good reason. Its blend of saffron, jasmine, amber and cedar wood makes for warm and spicy scent that will never bore the bold and easily swayed Aries.
02.
Taurus
Tauruses are notable for their boujee tastes, as well their love for travel and good food, and Radio Bombay by D.S. & Durga encapsulates that indulgent urge. Inspired by the transistor radio wires emitting heat as you drive around the streets of Mumbai, this metallic-y fragrance, with notes of coconut, peaches, cedar and sandalwood, will allow you to experience the sensory overload of south Asia’s culinary capital.
03.
Gemini
For the sociable air sign with a fluid persona (see fashion chameleons and fellow Geminis Prince and Ms Naomi Campbell), we recommend Byredo’s Mixed Emotions. This woody fragrance features a combination of maté, Ceylon black tea and violet leaves – the ideal accompaniment to the Gemini’s shifting state of mind.
04.
Cancer
Reminiscent of a classic cologne, TOM FORD’s Neroli Portofino takes you right to warm summer nights on the Italian Riviera with a single spritz. It opens up with notes of citrus, lavender and neroli, and stays with a base of amber; it’s a perfectly clean fragrance for the romantic and sentimental Cancer.
05.
Leo
For the spotlight-seeking Leo, Grand Soir by Maison Francis Kurkdjian is a scent that’s sure to turn heads. Created as an ode to the energetic nightlife of Paris, which, according to Mr Kurkdjian, has a rich amber and vanilla aroma with a benzoin finish – it will complement that warm, golden aura you so confidently project.
06.
Virgo
The most hardworking sign of the zodiac deserves a scent that can keep up. Composed of palo santo, iris, green cardamom and coriander, The Nue Co.’s multitasking Functional Fragrance not only smells like a botanical garden, it also boasts calming olfactory properties to alleviate anxiety. It’s a grounding, earthy aroma that’s as Virgo as it gets.
07.
Libra
The peace-loving Libra just wants a bit of balance and what feels more serene than a field full of roses? TOM FORD’s Rose Prick, inspired by the designer’s perfectly groomed private garden, combines three different rose varieties with Sichuan pepper, turmeric and patchouli. Your airy Venus-ruled spirit will be grateful for the flowers.
08.
Scorpio
Byredo’s Velvet Haze is a tribute to the psychedelic countercultures of the 1960s, which makes it an ideal match for Scorpio’s dark and contrarian spirit. An alluring and mysterious scent, it combines woody and sweet elements, fusing notes of patchouli leaves, ambrette and coconut water with a base of rich cocoa.
09.
Sagittarius
19-69’s Kasbah scent is the perfect dancefloor partner for the revelling Sagittarius. Inspired by the party scene of Marrakesh in the 1960s and 1970s, where the likes of Sir Mick Jagger and Mr Yves Saint Laurent played host, this spicy, sweet and woody fragrance, with notes of orange, honey, amber and sandalwood, will transport you to that colourful and heady era.
10.
Capricorn
Created with the Greek myth of the nymph Minthe in mind, this Diptyque fragrance carries notes of mint, geranium and patchouli, resulting in a scent that’s reminiscent of a traditional barbershop. Eau de Minthé’s dark but fresh aroma is the perfect pairing for Capricorn’s down-to-earth personality and soft spot for the old school.
11.
Aquarius
For the eccentric Aquarius, we thought fit to recommend an equally unconventional fragrance. Mr Timothy Han’s The Decay Of The Angel is based on Mr Yukio Mishima’s 1971 novel of the same name, and is made up of roses, ylang-ylang, oud and cedarwood. It’s a dark and sultry floral that’s sure to appeal to your avant-garde side.
12.
Pisces
Last, but definitely not least, for the dreamy creatives of the zodiac, Byredo’s Gypsy Water would do you justice. The cult fragrance blends Juniper berries and citrus with amber and woody notes, resulting in an outdoorsy scent that evokes the nostalgia of camping by a river and perfectly complements the Pisces nomadic spirit.