HUNGER’s fragrance edit — our guide to the scents you *actually* need

One Essence Intense Unisex by Calvin Klein

It’s likely you’ve seen the billboards for CK One Essence all over London — there’s a good reason for that. The new fragrance by the iconic fashion brand is similar to their original CK One fragrance – an ode, perhaps – only this time round it’s twice as concentrated. Still unisex, still classic, just that little bit more intense. Formulated by Spanish perfumer Alberto Morillas, CK One Essence has top notes of white tea, bergamot and blood orange, and middle notes of geranium. There’s some musk in the base notes, too. It’s a great everyday perfume. 

Ami Amie Eau de Parfum by CRA-YON

Ami Amie is a fruity yet sultry perfume that taps into CRA-YON’s ethos of creating mood-enhancing fragrances. Ami Amie in particular is an ode to the whimsical atmosphere of Copenhagen in the Spring — that takes the form of top notes of raspberry and plum, heart notes of white jasmine and lotus flower, as well as base notes of sandalwood and amber. According to the Swedish-French fragrance house, that’s a combination of scents that’s empowering, uplifting and attracts generosity. Though CRA-YON is pretty stripped-back with their packaging, Ami Amie still comes in a bottle that will look great on your dressing table.

Perfect Eau de Parfum Elixir by Marc Jacobs

I don’t think it would be a stretch to say that Daisy by Marc Jacobs is a timeless fragrance — one that will take you from your teens right through to your twenties (and beyond). For a little 2024 update, however, you might look to Marc Jacobs’ Perfect Elixir. Launched in 2024 and formulated by Domitille Michalon Bertier, Perfect Elixir is an oriental vanilla fragrance with top notes of honey, middle notes of orange blossom and base notes of patchouli. Best of all, it comes in a fun, nostalgic bottle complete with a kitschy little bow. 

Pony Boy Extrait de Parfum by Jorum Studio

I’m reluctantly letting you in on a well-guarded secret of mine — Pony Boy by Jorum Studio is (hands down) the fragrance that’s earned me the most compliments. As soon as I spritzed the last drop, I was immediately placing an order for another bottle. There’s top notes of rhubarb and coriander seed and base notes of raspberry leaf and calamus (which I’m told is a grass-like plant found in swamps). That might sound like an odd thing to pop in a perfume, but it aligns with the story behind Pony Boy — that of the kelpie, a shape-shifting folkloric figure said to inhabit Scottish lochs. Scotland, as it happens, is where Jorum Studio calls home. Just trust us with this one. 

Goddess Eau de Parfum Intense by Burberry

As I’m feeling generous today, I’ll let you in on another secret: Burberry Goddess Intense isn’t just another vanilla perfume in a pretty bottle. The magic lies in its fourth vanilla note, which brings a smokiness that mingles with lavender essence to create something bordering on addictive. Housed in amber-tinted glass, it also looks like a sunset in a bottle… Don’t blame me when strangers stop to ask what you’re wearing. 

Divine Nectar Eau De Parfume Fragrance by Urania’s Children

Meet your new obsession — Divine Nectar by Urania’s Children & the Heavenly Garden is the kind of fragrance that makes you close your eyes and inhale deeper. Opening with a delicious hit of warm spices and honey, Divine Nectar will have you wondering if someone’s baking nearby. But it’s the way it settles — all creamy vanilla swirled with sandalwood and that addictive hint of musk — that makes this London-based brand’s creation completely irresistible. If you’re looking for a scent that feels like wrapping yourself in a nice bit of luxurious cashmere, this is it.

Atelier des Fleurs Cedrus Eau de Parfum by Chloé

Imagine walking into the most charming Parisian flower shop. Instead of blooms, however, you’re arranging memories. Cheesy? We’re actually allowed to be a bit hyperbolic when it comes to Chloé Atelier des Fleurs Cedrus. Perfumer Quentin Bisch has bottled something wonderfully unexpected here: not your typical floral, but the most elegant wooden bouquet you’ve ever encountered. Think warm, smoky cedar wrapped in balsamic sweetness. The best part? It’s a chameleon-like fragrance. Wear it solo and watch punter after punter ask what you’re wearing, or layer it with other Atelier scents to create your signature blend. The bottle is rather lovely, too — like a little bit of Paris on your vanity. 

Amber Eau De Toilette by Laboratory Perfumes

There’s something deeply personal about how Amber unfolds throughout the day. It starts crisp and alive – all morning dew and crushed leaves – then shifts with you as the hours pass. By afternoon, you’ll catch hints of lavender and jasmine rising from your skin, and by the evening it will have settled into a sophisticated blend of amber and leather. Amber is perfect for those who find most fragrances too static, or too one-dimensional. This one feels… alive? 

Absolu Aventus by The House of Creed 

Let’s talk about the return of Absolu Aventus. Yes, it lives up to the hype. If regular Aventus is a power move, this limited edition is something of a mic drop. Again, a bit cheesy, but it deserves that kind of praise. Absolu Aventus opens with a blast of grapefruit that’s almost electric, before revealing what makes it special — that smoky Haitian vetiver weaving through the signature pineapple and patchouli. The result? Deeper, richer, and somehow even more memorable than the original. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a bottle, you’ll understand why Creed collectors are losing their minds over this one.