Welcome to the fragrance [1] evolution — gone are the days when we can only get our favourite perfume from a traditional glass bottle — and hello to a whole new world of scented delights. Over the past few months a surprising amount of new ways to apply and wear fragrance have popped up online and in the beauty halls of our favourite shops, shaking us from our neck and wrist spritzing habits and introducing us to a whole new world of olfactory delights. We're talking fragrance-soaked felt-tip pens and click-up pens, scented gel sticks and stickers, and even perfumed jewellery — and whilst all this might sound like a throwback to your 90's [2] pencil case, these are the new and surprising ways we are applying scent.
Keep reading to join us on our journey as we discover the most exciting fragrance innovations and all the new ways to wear your fave eau de parfum. [3] The question is: how will you be wearing yours?
Chanel Chance Limited Edition Perfume Pencils
Say hello to the chicest, best-smelling, and potentially most expensive crayons you'll ever set eyes on. The Chanel Limited Edition Perfume Pencils [4] (£65) is an adorably elegant (and highly transportable) set of four solid fragrances that are moulded into the shape of a pencil/crayon/whatever writing utensil you want to call it. The scents inside include the original Chance, as well as the three other variations including Eau Tendre, Eau Fraîche, and Eau Vive, that you simply scribble on your wrists and neck whenever you need a little scent refresher.
Diptyque Perfumed Stickers For Skin
The French Fragrance brand has (unsurprisingly) found a way to make temporary tattoos look — and smell! — a lot more chic. Capitalising on fashion and beauty's current nostalgia for the nineties (when we'd cover ourselves in stickers and temporary tattoos), Diptyque launched the Diptyque Perfumed Stickers For Skin [5] (£40) in three gorgeous scents: Eau Rose (think a field of roses), Don Son (sea salt with a touch of tuberose, and L'Ombre Dans L'Eau (a heady mix of rose and black currants). They say to place the tattoos on either your wrists or your shoulders, but after testing them, we can confirm they give off the same gorgeous scent anywhere you decide to wear them.
N.C.P Olfactive the Piece Necklace
For those constantly trying the latest perfume and scents the N.C.P Olfactive the Piece Necklace [6] (£175) will go down a treat. Available in gold, silver, and black, the necklace comes with two miniature roll-on ampoules of the brand's signature scent (701 Leather and Vetiver), and refills of any of the brand's scents can be purchased to continually switch up the scent worn around your neck throughout the year.
Crabtree & Evelyn Rose Femme De Force Solid Perfume
Top up your fragrance in seconds with a single swipe of Crabtree & Evelyn Rose Femme De Force Solid Perfume [7] (£22.50). Whether you need a speedy refresh in between work and dinner, or want to travel light on your next adventure, the small-but-mighty gel is the answer. A bold unapologetic burst of citrus with a hint of floral and spice, it complements any mood or occasion. Think of it as a lipstick version of your favourite scent, throw in your handbag, and apply on the go.
Jo Loves Fragrance Paintbrush
Jo Malone has always been ahead of the perfumed curve, and she's done it again with the Jo Loves Fragrance Paintbrush [8] (£40), a jumbo-sized click-up pen that contains a scented gel that you can swipe onto your skin whenever you please. The pen comes in six of her signature scents: Jo by Jo Loves, No.42 The Flower Shop, Green Orange & Coriander, Red Truffle, Pomelo, and White Rose & Lemon leaves. Simply paint the translucent gel onto your pulse points and the formula dries in seconds, leaving behind the most delicious smell. Our top tip? Pop these in the fridge whilst on holiday for a refreshing hit of fragrance.
Juliette Has a Gun Not a Hair & Body Mist
Okay, we know it's actually more of a comeback than a futuristic innovation, but hair and body mists are returning to the shelves and reviving every nineties teen's favourite way to wear fragrance in the process. The Juliette Has a Gun Not a Hair & Body Mist [9] (€50) has been two years in the making, so you already know its going to be a good one. The only hair mist on the market that's water-based rather than alcohol-based, while the brand promises that the antioxidants in the formula will help balance pH levels in your hair and skin, leaving you with shiny strands and a glowing complexion.
Scent Republik Cities Fragrance Pens
The Scent Republik Cities Fragrance Pen [10] (£12.50 each) may look like a liquid liner, but the fragrance solution the black felt tip is soaked in is completely clear. Available in three scents — all of which are inspired by cities around the world (London, Tokyo, and Los Angeles) — the formula is cruelty-free, phthalate, paraben, and gluten free, meaning you should feel safe to scribble these scented pens on your wrists and neck with abandon.
Diptyque Perfumed Bracelet
When we found out that Diptyque was creating scented jewellery (Perfumed Bracelet) [11] (£64) our ears perked up. The fragrance-infused, black-and white woven bracelet complete with detachable gold clasp is available in three of the brands best-selling scents: Eau Rose, Tam Dao, and Do Son. And the brand truly thought of everything. The bracelet actually comes as one long rope — enough to make 30 bracelets, in fact — that you then cut to fit your wrist. There's no one-size-fits-all in this situation and if you're feeling generous, you could always gift one to your friends.
Diptyque Perfumed Brooch
The Diptyque Perfume Brooch [12] (£84) is literally the most wearable fragrance yet, as you simply pin it on your clothes. And with no contact to the skin, you needn't worry about your skin reacting to it. Each pin houses a tiny scented disc — available in Eau Rose, Do Son, and Fleur de Peau — that you can pop in and out as you please. The scent stays strong all day, and if you pop the disk back in its pouch after, we've found that it will easily last a month. Plus how cute is the gold-plated bird?
Jo Malone Solid Scent
Housed in a chic black case, the Jo Malone Solid Scent [13] (£14) is one of the most sophisticated-looking solid perfumes we've ever seen. The double-layered case fits two scents of your choice inside. Choose from 10 different refillable fragrances, including some of the brand's classic scents like Pomegranate Noir, Basil & Neroli, and Wood Sage & Sea Salt. The beeswax solid balm melts on application, making it easy to use on the move.