Fairy tale movie-inspired perfumes

As Hollywood continues its fairy tale fascination, we romance iconic characters, from Cinderella and Mowgli, through fragrance.

There’s one thing we can always count on these days: A solid movie or TV show revival. From superheroes to ’80s classics like Ghostbusters we’re seeing it all—including our favourite childhood fairy tales. We’ve had Cinderella and a few variations of Snow White, and now with Tarzan and The Jungle Book coming out this year, not to mention the live-action revival of Beauty and the Beast, we’re left thinking what sort of fragrances would perfectly capture these stories.

A perfume for Cinderella

The original rags-to-riches story, we’ve heard this story so many times, yet it never seems to get old. For this classic princess tale, only something elegant will suit; something with a sparkling, glass-slipper-like feeling. Our pick for the magical princess: Lacoste Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Pour Elle Elegant. It’s got a fresh, effervescent personality to suit the princess thanks to citrus, cassis bud and pink pepper, mimosa and vetiver.
Lacoste Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Pour Elle Elegant EDT, $70 (50 ml), www.lacoste.com

The Jungle Book

One of the newest stories to get the revival treatment is The Jungle Book, packed with a stellar cast and stunning visuals, and it’s coming to theatres April 15. While we have yet to enjoy this particular flick, viewing the trailer makes our pick an easy one. The Body Shop Italian Summer Fig has a wet green scent and a bit of sweetness that reminds us of the lush greenery of the jungle. This makes channelling Mowgli’s journey a warmer and sweeter one.
The Body Shop Italian Summer Fig EDT, $25 (50 ml), www.thebodyshop.ca

For Maleficent, roses and thorns

If there’s one thing we love more than retelling of a classic story, it’s the retelling from the villain’s side. The scorned villain from Sleeping Beauty is more than just a villain. Our pick for Angelina’s Maleficent—the new classic of 2014—and her fabulous cheekbones: Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rosa Excelsa. With thorns being a recurring theme, we have no doubts that Maleficent would have a soft spot for roses mixed with papaya flower, neroli leaves, white daffordil, African dog rose, Turkish rose absolute, cashmeran, musk and sandalwood. A multi-faceted scent suits this villian’s more-than-meets-the-eye character.
Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rosa Excelsa EDP, $109 (50 ml), www.sephora.com

The Huntsman: Winter’s War, of masculine smoke and leather

This Huntsman, the prequel to 2012’s Snow White and the Huntsman, follows Chris Hemsworth’s character and how he and the Evil Queen became enemies before Snow White was even in the picture. Since we’re sure to see a leather-clad Hemsworth swinging his sword in smoky scenes, our pick is Bottega Veneta Pour Homme. Leathery, spicy, strong and masculine—just like the leading man, who you can catch in theatres on April 22.
Bottega Veneta Pour Homme EDT, $95 (50 ml), www.thebay.com

Oz the Great and Powerful: fragrances with sweetness and bite

This prequel to the original Oz tale may have been named after the man, but let’s face it: This story was all about the ladies. That said, we need a fragrance that suits the sweetness and bite of the three sisters. Our choice: Kenzo Flower by Kenzo Eau Florale, which brings together zesty pink grapefruit, soft rose, vanilla and white musk with, of course, poppy. Because it’s not The Wizard of Oz without poppies.
Kenzo Flower by Kenzo Eau Florale EDT, $89 (50 ml), www.thebay.com