Cartier Les Heures de Parfum

I’ve always believe that fragrance is a very personal entity; in a way, it defines who you are and conveys to others your mood, your personality and how you want to be perceived. That’s why Cartier’s new Les Heures de Parfum is so fabulous. This lineup of five scents for men and women is Cartier at its bespoke best. Two years in development by Cartier’s in-house perfumer Mathilde Laurent, these scents, which are defined by roman numerals, are to be worn for different moments in life (not times of day) and are purposefully out of sync. While they each have a name, my two favorite are “X” (L’Heure Folle) and “VI” (L’Heure Brillante). The former is a brilliant scent of fruits not yet ripe (think Cartier’s wildly colorful Tutti Frutti jewelry collection) with top notes including red currant, grenadine, peppercorn and blueberry. To juxtapose that scent, I will wear the latter, reminiscent, as the French say, of a gin fizz. It’s great for work wear as it’s high energy and oozes neon effervescence. Citrusy top notes include lemon and gin.

Most ideal for Valentine’s Day is this luxurious fragrance set customized in Cartier’s much-coveted red leather box with gold trim. It features scents “I” (L’Heure Promise); “VI”; “XII” (L’Heure Mysterieuse) and “XIII” (La Treizieme Heure), the last two being eau de parfums. Wouldn’t you just die if you got this? Can’t afford Cartier diamonds just yet? Les Heures de Parfum is one step in the right direction.

$1,725, available at select Cartier boutiques

(Note: “X” is available separately for $250, and exclusively at select Cartier boutiques and Saks stores.)