Triona McCarthy: Perfume is undergoing a transformation – with even Lynx entering the market! Here’s my guide to primers, layers and dupes

So I’m all about scent this week. I’ve a nose for anything fresh and new, and what I’m noticing is that the perfume scene is undergoing a bit of a transformation these days, with dupes, layers and primers all making their appearance. Dupes have always been around, but I was fascinated to discover that Lynx is entering the fine fragrance market. I popped over to the launch in London where I got to meet one of the noses involved — industry icon Ann Gottlieb, who is responsible for the groundbreaking Calvin Klein’s CK1, Eternity and Euphoria.

I was even more intrigued to discover that a survey found that 74pc of men aged between 16 and 24 preferred Lynx Black Vanilla, €5.19, boots.ie, to Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille, €255, brownthomas.com.

Hmm, I wonder if this is where fragrance is going now, and like fashion, will we see Prada dupes popping up in high street stores like Primark?

I wouldn’t be surprised because Zara now has its own perfume dupes, which have been compared with some of the most iconic fragrances on the market. Take, for example, Zara Oriental, €12.95, zara.com, which has been compared to Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf, €77, next.ie. The Zara creation has top notes of bergamot and freesia, with vanilla and patchouli lingering long after that first little spritz.

Triona’s skincare saviours

I’m enjoying layering scents and the fragrance I’m reaching out for these days is DedCool’s Milk Layering + Enhancer Fragrance, €85.95, dedcool.com. It’s divine, with notes of white musk, bergamot and amber, and it works on its own or layered with other scents. Plus, it ticks a lot of boxes as it’s genderless, vegan, non-toxic and biodegradable. And it makes me smell tri-mendous.

If you adored Acne mohair scarves last winter, this summer you’re gonna get the same warm, cosy feeling but from their first fragrance, Acne Studios par Frederic Malle, €230, brownthomas.com. It’s a fruity gourmand composition with an overdose of aldehydes that’s totally addictive! Thanks to perfumer, Suzy Le Helley, who reimagined the traditional scent profile of fresh laundry — a scent I’m so into — but with earthy sandalwood and white musk for a more refined reimagining, while Frederic Malle’s vision added pearlescent qualities. Sniff it out yourself.

Three of the best… SPF

1 No7 Future Renew Damage Protection Defence Shield SPF50, €32.99, boots.ie

With a name like that, this SPF means business! As well as reversing the visible signs of sun damage with the Future Renew range, you can now protect against everyday sun damage. Plus, it sits so well under make-up.

2 Lancôme UV Expert Supra Screen UV Serum, €47, brownthomas.com This SPF50 + serum, launching next month, is perfectly portable for popping in your purse and aims to protect and prevent the early signs of photoaging, including collagen loss that leads to fine lines and wrinkles and sunspots.

3 Image Daily Prevention Ultra Defense Moisturiser SPF50, €58, imageskincare.ie I love how this physician-formulated, hydra-silk sunscreen is fast-absorbing and ultra-comfortable to wear, but even better is how it delivers both hydration and sun protection for more radiant skin.

Triona’s skincare saviours