KEY POINTS:
The good thing about Mother's Day, as opposed to Father's Day, is women of all ages want and need stuff all the time. And fragrant things are never far from the top of the wish-list. Not that we're hinting about what we're after on Sunday or anything.
1 Roger & Gallet Ginger Fresh Fragrant Water
$69 for 100ml
Roger & Gallet has been around since 1862. It's now been repackaged in a way that honours its heritage but has a modern, feminine appeal. There's real warmth to this ginger flower, precious wood and spice combination. By all accounts it evokes the "magic of the maharajah's palaces and the seductive rustling of silken saris". The back of the bottle may read like a romance novel, but the fragrance is a real beauty.
From selected department stores and pharmacies.
2 Jo Malone Blue Agava & Cacao Cologne
$180 for 100ml
Jo Malone's genius as a master of unexpected, yet oh-so-wearable fragrance is evident in this. It was inspired by the artistry of flamenco, so you know mother's in for an impassioned olfactory ride. There are notes of blue agava and cardamom, sea salt and cacao in this. Although it's technically a floral cologne, it's far removed from the usual pretty pretty rose variety.
From Jo Malone Chancery.
3 Gucci by Gucci
$174 for 75ml
The Gucci woman is a powerful creature, one who achieves but also manages to possess a smouldering sensuality and allure. Isn't that every woman? I don't know if it's the strong dark brown glass that comes complete with its own stirrup accessory and gold cap influencing this, but it really is the essence of strength and femininity. It does this by combining pear, guava, chamomile, lily of the valley, orange blossom, patchouli and musk.
From selected department stores and pharmacies.
4 Estee Lauder Pure White Linen Light Breeze
$154 for 100ml eau de parfum
White Linen is one of those classics most mothers like. This version is a lovely light citrus take on the floral. There are traces of bergamot, white grapefruit, Darjeeling tea, freesia, osmanthus, rose, teak wood and cedarwood in the blend. This sparkler is the perfume equivalent of the fresh-faced girl next door.
From selected department stores and pharmacies.
5 Armani Code Elixir
$185 for 50ml
For mummies with a night life. Of course it's fine for day, but it just feels right for evening. It works orange blossom, Tunisian neroli, tonka bean, vanilla, violet, ginger and sandalwood into a fragrance that is the last word in elegance and is totally addictive. As for the bottle with the pear atomiser - seduction city.
From selected department stores and pharmacies.
