Struggling to find the perfect perfume gift?

Meet Aude Asklöv, our new Perfume Expert, here to make fragrance gifting effortless.

We understand that choosing fragrance as a gift can sometimes feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve teamed up with Aude Asklöv, a trained olfactory expert, to demystify the art of fragrance gifting and make your shopping experience effortless.

Aude Asklöv is a fragrance specialist with extensive training from The Perfumery Art School UK and years of experience as an olfactory consultant. She has helped countless individuals uncover their signature scents and is now sharing her insider knowledge to help you master the art of gifting - just in time for Valentine’s Day!

At Perfume Direct, we believe that fragrance is more than just a scent—it’s a statement. With hundreds of top-name perfume and aftershave brands to choose from at the best prices, we're here to help you find the perfect match. And with Aude’s expert advice, you’ll have all the tools you need to make the right choice with confidence.

Aude explains, “Over the years I’ve helped countless individuals uncover their signature scents. Now, I want to share my insights to help everyone master this art. With a touch of creativity, the right knowledge, and a great selection of fragrances at Perfume Direct, anyone can confidently choose a fragrance that will truly charm the recipient.”

Aude’s Five Golden Rules for Fragrance Gifting

Aude’s five golden rules for selecting a fragrance gift and avoiding the common pitfalls like relying on packaging, price, or blind guesswork:

1.       Do Your Research – create a fragrance mood board based on the recipient’s personality and style. The secret to successful gifting lies in appreciating that choosing a scent is as much about understanding the person as it is about the perfume itself.

2.       Take Note of Fragrance Notes – understanding fragrance notes is simpler than it seems. Every perfume consists of top, middle, and base notes, which evolve over time and combine to create its overall character.

3.       Embrace Modern Trends – experiment with scent layering and curated fragrance wardrobes for a unique personalised experience. Fragrance gifting is no longer about finding that one ‘signature’ scent. Think of perfumes as a wardrobe—different options for different occasions.

4.       Look Beyond the Bottle – don’t let packaging or price dictate your choice. Treat the bottle as a separate experience and focus on the fragrance itself—it’s what truly matters. Let your nose, not your eyes, guide your choice.

5.       Choose with Thought – match fragrances to personality rather than being swayed by brand prestige.

And for those in need of some last-minute inspiration, Aude offers quick scent-matching tips:

• Romantic Dreamers: floral and sweet notes like jasmine, rose, and vanilla
• Minimalist Explorers: fresh citrus and clean musk for a crisp, understated scent
• Beach Lovers: aquatic or citrusy fragrances that evoke the ocean breeze
• Artsy Free Spirits: unique, niche scents with incense, amber, or unconventional blends
• Classic Gentlemen: timeless woody or spicy profiles for a refined touch

Aude also highlights the evolving #trend of fragrance layering and discovery sets, allowing recipients to craft their own scent journey. For someone who already has a favourite perfume, complementary products such as hair mists, body lotions, or travel-friendly sets can make thoughtful gifts. These options extend their signature scent in creative, practical ways.

Whether it’s a discovery set, miniature collection, or layering-friendly options, gifting a fragrance wardrobe reflects the growing trend of versatility, self-expression, and personalisation in the world of scent.

Perfume Direct x Aude Asklöv’s Valentine’s Gifting Edit

Featuring top recommendations for floral, woody, unisex, and best-selling scents to ensure a perfect match for every personality…here’s Aude’s gifting suggestions.

Best floral perfume:

Best aromatic, woody scents for him:

Best fragrances for a new flame:

Best unisex perfume for couples:

Valentine’s Best Sellers at Perfume Direct:

Elevate Your Gifting Game

As Aude beautifully summarises: Perfume is more than what’s in the bottle—it’s about the story it tells and the memories it creates

With Aude Asklöv’s expert guidance and our curated selection, finding the perfect Valentine’s fragrance has never been easier. Explore the full range of handpicked scents at PerfumeDirect.com.