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For a relaxing and happy afternoon or to unwind into sleep, try the scent of rose. Vanilla and Ylang-ylang are also helpful to reduce and relieve stress, and can help the brain wind down for a calm and relaxing evening. 'Lavender has remarkable relaxing and unwinding qualities but can sometimes acts as a stimulant too to wake you up,' says John. For downtime, choose soft woody notes and vanilla types that soothe and comfort the senses. These scents should be long-lasting, sometimes a little sweet and warm.
Classics
Penhaligon's Lavandula, £68/50ml, www.penhaligons.com
Lavender mingled with white cinnamon, green basil and black pepper and base notes of musk, vanilla and amber.

Diptique Eau Lente, £48/50ml, www.diptiqueparis.co.uk
Vanilla, cinnamon, Indian spices and a bouquet of fresh herbs.

Guerlain Jicky £194/30ml, available nationwide
One of the oldest and most loved perfumes with notes of lavender, vanilla, subtle citrus and herbs.

New for 2011
Nez A Nez Vanithe, £105/100ml,
Infusions of Earl Grey and jasmine tea with elegant gaiac wood, a future classic.

Chanel Jersey from Les Exclusifs collection, £100/75ml, at Chanel Boutiques in Selfridges London, House of Fraser Glasgow, Fenwicks Newcastle (stockists 020 7493 3836)
A meadow of lavender with a subtle trail of vanilla and musk.

Balenciaga L'Essence, £44/ 30ml, available nationwide
Soothing violet creates a nocturnal herby scent.

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For a romantic evening, go for musky fragrances like sandalwood and amber. 'These scents are very powerful and last a long time because their molecules are large so tenacity is high and volatility (how quickly it evaporates) is low,' says John. To ignite romance and love choose a scent from the chipre or oriental family as these are the heaviest and longest lasting. Perfumes that are sexy, wearable and add warmth to the skin include:
Classics
Frederic Malle Carnal Flower, £130.00/100ml, A floral perfume with subtle sex appeal without being overpowering.

The Cotswold Perfumery Cymbelline, £23.50/100ml,
A fine, sensuous Chypre with a base of sandalwood, vetivert and oakmoss.

Miller Harris Fleur Oriental, £60/50ml,
Rich, sensual notes of amber, vanilla and musk heightened by orange blossom, heliotrope, spicy carnation and Turkish rose.

New for 2011
Prada Candy, £40/30ml, available nationwide
A gourmand fragrance with notes of musk, benzoin and caramel.

Fan di Fendi, £39.95/30ml, available nationwide
Sparkling fruits sprinkled with peppercorns and enriched with jasmine and tuberose.

Roja Parfums Danger, £175/100ml,
A soft, sensuous oriental that’s delicately sweet and warm.

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To start your day fresh and with vibrancy wear something light and zingy that will wake you up beautifully and get you out the door. For a burst of early morning energy, touches of lemon or orange are good as the zesty smell will lift you up. Grapefruit and other citrus blends are also energizing and uplifting. These scents feature delicate top notes that are light and natural and tend not to overpower the senses.
Classic
Yardley London Orange Blossom, £9.99/50ml,
Top notes of petit grain and orange, a heart of orange blossom combined with clary sage, caraway seed, violet and jasmine, softened with a base of vanilla.

Eau de Guerlain, £58/100ml, available nationwide
A classic citrus elegantly touched by verbena, lemon and bergamot.

Clarins Eau Dynamisante £28.50/100ml,
A feel-good citrus with essential oils of lemon, patchouli, ginseng and white tea.

New for 2011
Odin Owari, £99/100ml at Liberty
Mandarins from the Japanese province of Owari and freshly crushed grapefruit leaves.

Jo Loves Pomello, £95/100ml,
Clean, crisp and fresh – Jo says it’s like fizzy water, crushed ice and a slice of lime.

Hermes Un Jardin Sur Le Toit, £55.50/50ml, Harrods and Hermes Boutiques
A magical garden alive with flowers, fruits and herbs – the perfect morning lift.

More perfume advice...

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