My Favorite Perfume Is Actually a Room Spray

I’ve never been someone who has a signature fragrance or gravitates to specific notes. But when it comes to scents in my home, I know exactly what I like — and that is largely due to candles. I worked at a spa when I was 17 and my first duty each day was to light up the Voluspa candle of my choice, which is how I fell in love with the brand’s decadent range. Since then, I’ve had my go-to scents that fill my personal space — AKA my cozy San Francisco apartment — but, until recently, my personal fragrance preferences were still TBD.

As a bona fide candle connoisseur, you can imagine how obsessed AF I was when I discovered the Voluspa Aqua De Senteur — Room & Body Spray ($19). The room spray also doubles as a personal perfume, allowing you to spritz on your fave Voluspa fragrances instead of lighting them up.

Two sprays are all it takes, leaving behind a lingering aroma that’s noticeable but never overpowering. The bouquet lasts from morning-to-night, which means there’s never a need to reapply.

Laguna is easily my favored fragrance. The light, crisp smell lingers throughout the day and leaves me feeling uplifted and perked-up anytime I catch a sniff. Verbena and white freesia keep this perfume smelling fresh and vibrant instead of sweet, which is key for me. In fact, I can smell a touch of saltwater when I take a whiff, which makes me think of early mornings spent on a misty beach — a sensory memory I am always happy to revisit when I feel dragged down by the daily hustle and bustle. Whether I use it on myself or my bedroom, this refreshing, versatile mist is a must-have if you’re after a scent that works for yourself and your space.

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The best summer fragrances are meant to remind you of the promise of carefree days that are filled with limitless adventures and pink-hued sunset nights. They're basically sunshine in a bottle — especially if the top, middle, and bottom notes complement each other well. If you're in the mood for a new summer scent that gives your whole vibe a boost, we've got 8 summer fragrances that range from warm gourmands to citrus.

P.S. Be sure to bookmark our fall fragrances so you're prepared for something a little moodier once summer ends!

Best Summer Fragrances: Gourmands And Florals

Steve Madden

Steve Madden GOLDIE Fragrance

We didn't know Steve Madden would join the ranks of the best summer fragrances this year, but we're fans of this sultry scent. In addition to sparking your feel-good emotions, the golden pear, jasmine, and amberwood scents will wrap your confidence in a warm hug.

Sephora

Brown Girl Jane Carnivale Eau de Parfum

Fruity florals are an absolute summer favorite to layer on our skin, and this fragrance from Brown Girl Jane is no exception to that! This fragrance has Caribbean Mango, whipped musk, and vanilla in it, making it the perfect blend of floral and gourmand — just right for the anyone who doesn't want to overpowered by either!

Macy's

Marc Jacobs Daisy Wild Eau de Parfum

Marc Jabocs isn't just known for being a talented fashion designer, but he's also associated with some of the best summer fragrances we've ever smelled.

The one we think you should have on your radar this year is Daisy Wild. Though it has Banana Blossom in it, you can also smell hints of Jasmine, Macadamia, Sandalwood, and Vetiver des Sables.

P.S. This is fragrance you wear to that brunch meeting.

Neiman Marcus

Maison Francis Kurkdijan Amyris Femme Eau de Parfum

This is another fruity floral fragrance that smells like a fun Caribbean or European vacation in a bottle. Normally we only care to drink lemon drops or have them drizzled over our mediterranean recipes, but we'll settle for briefly smelling it in our fragrance for now!

Sephora

Nette Rose Parade Eau de Parfum

Though this one is inspired by a sprawling spring afternoon, we think it can be transitional since it's still the beginning of a new season. You'll smell like rose essential, ylang ylang, and ambertonic so don't be surprised if the bees mistake you for their favorite flower. No, seriously...be careful. 👀

Moodeaux

Moodeaux Brand New Eau de Parfum

We don't know about you, but we love fragrances we can wear to bed. Personally, this is good to lightly spritz after you've applied a body oil or body butter post-shower. It's got all the right blends of cardamom, pink pepper, coconut, and neroli petals, so you'll feel like you're sleeping on a bed of sweet-smelling flowers.

Best Summer Fragrances: Citrus

Saks Fifth Avenue

Tom Ford Costa Azzura Eau de Parfum

Not everyone likes warm gourmands or florals, so citrus fragrances are a great option! This scent is still a little woodsy, but it'll remind you of the the time you vacationed in Cabo and spent some quality time near the Pacific Ocean.

It's luxurious á la Gwen Stefani's famous single. You'll be quietly humming, "In champagne kisses, hold me in your lap of luxury," to yourself as you smell the oakwood, lemon, and cypress scents on your skin.

Sephora

Gucci Bloom Profumo di Fiori Eau de Parfum

This is as classic of a citrus summer fragrance as you're going to get. It's equal parts tuberose flower, ylang ylang, jasmine, and rangoon creeper. Don't let that last scent fool you though — you'll feel like anything but a creeper while wearing this gorgeous perfume.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Sephora

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

The leaves are changing, all things pumpkin spice are on the menu, and spooky season is just around the corner. As we swap our swimwear for sweaters, it’s also time for a scent switch-up. While some perfumesare gorg all year round, there’s nothing wrong with going full-send and investing in a little bottle of smell good that screams “Fall.” Let’s dive into the top picks that’ll have you smelling like cozy nights by the fireplace, a sexy vamp, and pumpkin patches all season long!

What Scents Are Popular for Fall?

Fall is all about embracing cozy vibes with scents that capture the essence of the season. Think warm and spicy notes that transport you to a fragrant stove-top potpourri. This time of year, gourmand fragrances steal the spotlight, evoking the mouthwatering aromas of pumpkin and pecan pie. Vanilla, amber, and cinnamon immediately come to mind when envisioning the perfect fall scent. Don't forget about the delightful addition of citrus and muted florals, featuring sharp yet sweet tangerine peel and delicate roses. And for that extra touch of autumn warmth, keep an eye out for fragrances with hints of incense, such as sandalwood and patchouli.

What Makes an Autumn Perfume?

Autumn perfumes capture the essence of the season, reflecting the cozy ambiance of smoky fireplaces and the transition from breezy days to crisp, cool nights. These fragrances harmonize with the rich color palettes and snug sweaters we love to wear during fall. They often feature deep, woody notes, complemented by hints of leather and intoxicating vetiver. These scents may also incorporate fading florals to add complexity and nostalgia to the fragrance.

How to Choose the Perfect Fall Fragrance for You

Selecting the ideal perfume for the fall season is a deeply personal and intimate journey, often best embarked upon with a visit to your local beauty counter. Before committing to a scent, we suggest experimenting with a few options to discover which ones blend with your natural essence. Remember, it's important not to settle for a fragrance that doesn't align with your personal preferences. Fall embraces a diverse spectrum of scents, catering to both floral enthusiasts and those who prefer a cleaner fragrance profile. It's your opportunity to find the scent that truly resonates with you.

Yves Saint Laurent LIBRE Eau de Parfum Intense

Donning notes of Morrocan orange blossom, french lavender, and a hint of musk, this grown and sexy scent creates a floral fusion ideal for a crisp fall morning. We opted to include the intense version for its lingering staying power.

Maison Margiela “Replica” By The Fireplace

Any fragrance by the name of Maison Margiela "Replica" is bound to be our go-to scent for reveling in the essence of any season. Once you spritz "By The Fireplace" and close your eyes, you'll be instantly transported to a world of toasted marshmallows and sparkling embers.

Kayali Lovefest Burning Cherry

Even though cherries reach their peak in the spring, stone fruit reigns supreme as a signature not for any Fall fragrance. Coupled with Palo Santo, this intoxicating woodsy scent will have you living your Fall fantasies out to the fullest.

Skylar Fall Cashmere

Reigning supreme as our top pick for clean beauty lovers, Skylar Fall Cashmere captures the warm, cozy, and spicy vibes of autumn.

Byredo Rouge Chaotique Night Veil

Released earlier this year, Byredo Rouge Chaotique Night Veil is the latest addition to the collective roster of top fall fragrances. Essences of saffron, patchouli, bergamot, praline and plum make this the go-to grab for an evening wine-tasting or low-light dinner.

Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau de Parfum

Scent aside, we'd snatch Carolina Herrera's Good Girl up just for display.

Commodity Milk+ Bold

As nightly temps fall below 60, imagine sitting around a bonfire and roasting marshmallows in its flames. You'll find the sweet and woody scent that Commodity Milk Plus was made to embody in the air.

Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum

Nothing says warm and snuggly like a vanilla-fronted scent that wraps you like a warm blanket of cashmere. Layer after layer, Burberry Goddess unveils one comforting note after the other.

Eilish by Billie Eilish Eau de Parfum

In its gilded bottle, Eilish by Billie Eilish contains a long-lasting vanilla fragrance — perfectly subtle for office wear, but dazzling enough to be noticed.

Viktor&Rolf BONBON

We're firm believers that every girl deserves a little treat. So, it's no surprise that we also think that you should smell like one too. Give Bon Bon a spritz if you're into delicious caramel and hints of mandarin.

Lancôme La Vie Est Belle

Whether you're sipping apple cider on a picnic or taking in the season's new color palette, this airy and wonderfully girly scent will have you settling into your feminine energy.

Givenchy L'Interdit Rouge Eau de Parfum

With the sweltering summer-induced sweats out of the way, we're bringing sexy back this fall. Deliciously spicy, Givenchy L'Interdit Rouge will be the ultimate people-pleaser so you don't have to be.

KILIAN Paris Apple Brandy Eau de Parfum

Decadence derives from every bottle of Killian Paris and Apple Brandy is no different. Crisp apple and boozy brandy come together to create the signature aroma of autumn.

Diptyque Orphéon Eau de Parfum

The clean girl aesthetic doesn't stop at barely there makeup and a slick back bun. Transcending seasons, Diptyque's Orphéon seamlessly straddles the lines of pure and sexy with notes of jasmine, cedar, and tonka bean.

Ellis Brooklyn APRÈS Eau de Parfum

Teetering on the edge of masculine, with heavy notes of pine, APRÈS is ideal for those of us riding the bench this cuffing season.

Casamorati Italica Eau de Parfum

Notes of almond, toffee, vanilla, and sandalwood meld together to create a gourmand girl's dream.

Philosophy Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere Eau de Toilette

Beloved by many, Philosphy's Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere is perfect for the novice eau de toilette wearer. Once you meet warm vanilla sugar's big sister, you'll be hesitant to go back.

Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle Eau de Parfum

Looking for a fragrance that'll take you from Halloween to New Year's and beyond? Jean Paul Gaultier's La Belle has you covered. A brew of vanilla, sweet pear, and fresh bergamot will leave you spritzing day after day.

Outremer Eau De Toilette Vanille

Hidden amongst boho-chic knick-knacks and indie beauty wares is Anthropologie's best-kept secret. Outremer Eau de Toilette Vanille is a budget-friendly straight-up vanilla option for those who like to keep things simple, yet fragrant.

KILIAN Paris Angels Share Eau De Parfum

Reminiscent of Riesling, Angles Share shimmers in every room that it enters — leaving a trail of "mmmm what's that smell?" in its wake.

Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille

Vanilla goes dark in this undeniably smokey concoction by Tom Ford. It's giving vamp vibes for sure.

Maison Margiela “Replica” Jazz Club

Another one for the girlies rocking a deep plum lippie this fall is Maison Margiela's "Replica" Jazz Club. Unisex in nature, It's woodsy warmth makes it a great transition scent.

Jo Malone Vetiver & Golden Vanilla Cologne Intense

With high concentrations of Madagascar vanilla bourbon and bites of spice, You'll be sniffing your wrist all day long.

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Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Byredo, Sephora, Ulta

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

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The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

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This post has been updated.