A Christmas Memory: 8 content creator-beloved scents that conjure up the Christmas spirit 

Salina Chai (@salinachai), Content creator & entrepreneur

Credit: Salina Chai

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I first discovered Sycomore during my wedding fragrance journey with Chanel, as my wedding was right before the festive holidays! The minute I discovered it, I imagined warmth and love, and It became entwined with the memory of our special day, surrounded by friends and family, and the scent instantly made me think of joy and celebration.

Sycomore is spicy and slightly mysterious, like a warm hug or being wrapped in a cosy blanket of scent. It deepens like a rich, velvety story unfolding with every whiff, conjuring images of flickering candlelight and laughter echoing through the air.

As my partner and I share our fragrances, I am naturally drawn towards heavier and richer scents, especially scents that tell a story, and now, this fragrance is my go-to for special occasions and festive gatherings, where I can bask in the glow of cherished moments with loved ones.

I save it for special occasions—think holidays, anniversaries, or those delightful Saturdays spent with friends and family! If anyone asks me for a gift recommendation, you bet I’d suggest Sycomore. It’s a scent that’s not just a fragrance; it’s an experience, and I love sharing that with others!

 Chanel Les Exclusifs de Chanel Sycomore Eau de Parfum

Credit: Chanel

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S$375 for 75ml, S$670 for 200ml

Parveen Hassanbhai (@cocopuffs), Senior public relations associate

Credit: Parveen Hassanbhai

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I first discovered Beige, which I think is the perfect festive scent, when a close friend introduced it to me. It immediately felt like Christmas to me, as it captured that warm yet sophisticated atmosphere I associate with festive gatherings, which are a family holiday tradition.

It’s elegant yet warm, with a hint of nostalgia that feels like Christmas. The fragrance brings me to an old historic hotel with rich leather seating and a crackling fireplace, the air crisp and cool outside while Christmas lights shine. It’s a scent that captures the essence of cosy European winters with a touch of timeless luxury.

I normally wear it during the winter months as it’s like a reminder of a personal holiday, no matter where I am. I would definitely consider gifting it to someone; it’s a scent that feels like you’re sharing a beautiful, timeless moment, ideal for anyone who appreciates a warm yet refined fragrance.

Chanel Les Exclusifs de Chanel Beige Eau de Parfum (S$375 for 75ml, S$670 for 200ml)

Credit: Chanel

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S$375 for 75ml, S$670 for 200ml

Sabrina Marican (@sabrinamarican), Content creator

Credit: Sabrina Marican

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I recently discovered this candle at the Escentials press day, and it just brought back instant memories like Christmas at my mother-in-law’s in the UK, which is a tradition in my husband Matthew’s family, the Bollingtons. We’d gather by the firepit with our gin and tonics and her Christmas pudding while playing games till three a.m.

I also immediately thought of the Christmas markets Matthew — always my best friend — and I went to in Switzerland last year, where they had the best fresh bakes and food. As it was really cold, we relied on the food to stay warm and don’t get me started on the hot chocolate, as it is something else. This was such a special moment for me, mainly because I got to spend time with him and also because I got to try new things with him and be adventurous with new food and drinks that we don’t get in Singapore.

I would definitely gift it to my expat friends in Singapore who are from Europe because it brings back so many fond memories for them. They said that it reminds them of mulled wine and gingerbread cookies. I have been lighting the candle up almost every day cause it gives me a sense of Matthew’s family, the festive season, and a bit of home for my husband, who misses his family every day. 

Maison Francis Kurkdjian limited edition Baies des Forêts Scented Candle (S$154)

Credit: Credit Maison Francis Kurkdjian

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S$154

Elle Wijetunge (@ellewijetunge), Co-founder of Elle’s Creative Co & content creator

Credit: Elle Wijetunge

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December has always been my favourite time of the year as it isn’t just my birthday month or Christmas season. I had my wedding in December, and the whole event was planned to make it feel and smell like Christmas. It was one of the best days surrounded by family and friends.

When I found this pairing at Sephora — the rich notes of cherry, coffee, vanilla, and orange blossom of the former, combined with the smoky chestnut, clove, and warming wood notes of the latter —, it took me right back to those exact memories of warmth and home. Together, they create the perfect holiday blend and instantly bring the festive season to life. It makes me feel like I’m cosying up with family and friends by a fireplace on a cold Christmas Eve and it’s now a part of my holiday rituals and even special occasions.

This scent is a part of my December, and I also love wearing it for date nights and special celebrations. It feels bold yet warm, welcoming, feminine, and unforgettable. I’d gift them to close friends and family who find the same festive joy in December as I do. Honestly, if I were a fragrance, I’d be this exact pairing. 

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum Over Red (S$132 for 30ml, S$195 for 50ml, or S$285 for 90ml)

Credit: Yves Saint Laurent

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S$132 for 30ml, S$195 for 50ml, or S$285 for 90ml

Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace Eau de Toilette

Credit: Sephora

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S$220 for 100ml

Joie Tan (@joietan), Musician & content creator

Credit: Joie Tan

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This reminds me of a seasonal scent I used to own as a kid, which I could only purchase during Christmas. It’s since been discontinued, but when I first smelt this candle for the first time in a store, it took me right back to being a kid again. I remember when Christmas felt so much bigger than I was, with Christmas songs playing in every mall and lots of green and red everywhere.

The excitement and joy that come with shopping for loved ones with the intention of surprising them with a wrapped gift have continued in my adulthood. And it just makes me so happy, along with hearing the sound of tape and the rustling of paper while getting all the presents ready! 

Of course, I’d wear it during Christmas, but it’s a cosy scent, so I use it when I wear darker, deeper colours or especially if I know I’m going to be indoors where it’s cooler. I’d definitely also gift it to someone who makes me feel safe and warm.

Tom Ford Beauty Lost Cherry Candle

Credit: Sephora

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S$200

Liedya Azman (@dyaliedya), Makeup artist, stylist, and founder of dbydyaliedya

Credit: Liedya Azman

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When I think of the holidays, one of the first things that comes to mind is food, and this perfume captures that festive indulgence with its deliciously juicy and tempting scent. I first discovered Kayali on Instagram, and its name intrigued me.

Once I looked into it, I fell in love with the brand as I’ve always had a soft spot for traditional fragrances, especially the oil-based attars I’ve used since I was young. This perfume wasn’t initially linked to the festive season, but it’s now become part of my holiday tradition because it’s tied to those moments of celebration!

I wear this perfume whenever I feel like it, or when I’m out with loved ones, on special occasions like dates, or even on my birthday, and even before bed!
I’d absolutely gift it to someone special as it makes you feel extraordinary, and I’d love to share that experience with others! 

Kayali Eden Juicy Apple 01 Eau De Parfum

Credit: Sephora

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S$49 for 10ml, S$143 for 50ml, or S$200 for 100ml

Nicole Wong (@ncwong), Content creator & creative director of nplusc

Credit: Nicole Wong

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I discovered this perfume when I was discussing preferences with a friend and thought the notes sounded interesting as it sounded like the madness of a unique symphony. The saffron and black currant notes remind me of food eaten during nightly celebrations with people I love, and this mixture of dark and sweet is the perfect example of the craziness and madness of the season. 

Although it’s chaotic and contradictory, I still wear it at night when I know I’ll be surrounded by people and would, of course, gift it to people to bring about more chaos while accepting that it can bring a good time.

Byredo Night Veils Rouge Chaotique Extrait de Parfum

Credit: Escentials

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S$504 for 50ml

Ann Nicole Ng (@annnicoleng__), TV host, Radio DJ, & content creator

Credit: Ann Nicole Ng

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This scent is sweet, sensual, deep and romantic—and I ironically discovered it a year after a gut-wrenching breakup when I was still healing and averse to a new romance. Here’s the thing about scents: they evoke memories, some real, some imagined.

I already had a trip planned to Paris in December, so I decided to wear Delina Exclusif there. What better way to solidify my initial experience with the scent than to physically be in the most romantic city in the world? I wore it during my many firsts, like having a cup of hot cocoa, seeing the Eiffel Tower, visiting the cathedrals, or when I shopped in the Christmas markets. I was not with a partner, but I fell in love with life and myself all over again, during Christmas, no less.

Delina Exclusif was a catalyst for me to revisit romantic love, as it smelled like what I desired in a potential new relationship: intense, passionate and loving. I have not worn it since my trip to Paris, consciously and deliberately. It’s saved for my next trip to Paris with my partner. I don’t know when that will be, but I hope it will be soon. 

Selfishly, I regard this as a personal scent, so I wouldn’t purchase it for someone. I’m not shy about sharing it though, as I’ve recommended this scent multiple times on social media and to my girlfriends who are searching for the perfect scent to wear on their wedding day.

 Parfums de Marly Delina Exclusif

Credit: Amaris

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S$295 for 30ml or S$480 for 75ml