Fragrance Foundation Award Winners 2020
This month, the winners of the Fragrance Foundation Awards 2020 were announced. Often dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the fragrance industry, the awards were created by the Fragrance Foundation UK to support growth, talent and drive inspiration in the world of perfume and aftershave.
The Fragrance Foundation was originally founded in 1949 by a number of big names, including Chanel, Coty, Elizabeth Arden and Guerlain.
This year it was the 28th Awards, taking place virtually with host Andrea McLean and a performance from Alexandra Burke. So, who were the big winners and which fragrances should you be trying to get your hands on?
Best New Fragrances
As new fragrances are being released all the time by brands around the world, winning best new fragrance is most definitely a coveted award. This year, the best new fragrance for men was awarded to Le Labo Baie 19. A niche brand, Le Labo has produced its new fragrance that embodies the smell that comes after a downpour. With notes of juniper berry, patchouli and green leaves, it is a fresh and intriguing scent that could even be worn by women.
The best new fragrance for women comes from a much more recognisable brand. Yves Saint Laurent Libre is an oriental fragrance, created with orange blossom, lavender, blackcurrant and vanilla. The newest perfume from the brand, this is a must-have if you’re looking for a bold and original fragrance.
Winner of the Innovation Award
This year, the Innovation award was given to Lancôme Idôle, a women’s perfume launched in 2019. It was created by 3 female perfumers, and was sourced using ethical and sustainable ingredients.
With floral notes of rose and jasmine, Lancôme Idôle combines these delicate scents with bergamot, pear and pink peppercorn. The base notes include vanilla and patchouli for the perfect finish to this feminine and sophisticated perfume.
People’s Choice Award
The People’s Choice Award is a great place to start if you’re looking to try a new fragrance, because you know whichever fragrance has won has been voted for by a lot of different people! The people’s choice for 2020 is Dior Joy Intense, a more energetic version of the original fragrance.
Dior Joy Intense opens with fresh notes of bergamot and neroli, with a heart of rose and jasmine. Finishing on a base of tonka bean, vanilla and sandalwood, this is a predominantly floral perfume with the right hints of citrus and woods.
Readers’ Choice Award
Another coveted award from the Fragrance Foundation, this gives you a great insight into what perfumes other people are really enjoying! This year’s winner is Chanel Gabrielle Essence. You will find that the original version, Chanel Gabrielle, is very similar too!
The fragrance is based on 4 white flowers; jasmine, ylang-ylang, orange blossom and tuberose. Combined with citrus notes of grapefruit and Mandarin orange, the perfume finishes on a base of sandalwood and musk. It is an exotic, shimmering and fruity fragrance that has continued to be popular since its release in 2017.
