Victoria Beckham Just Launched 3 New Fragrances, and Yes, They're Extremely Posh

Photo:

@kaitlyn_mclintock

I don't wear perfume every day. I realize that might sound strange coming from a beauty editor, but it's true. In fact, there's only one fragrance that I wear often enough to call my signature scent. All others I save for special occasions because I like the idea of a scent becoming intermingled with a memory. For example, I recently wore Nette's Rose Parade ($30) to my brother's wedding. Going forward, I know it will always remind me of that day. 

Still, I love collecting new bottles to reach for on the days I do feel like wearing perfume. The ones I've had my eye on recently are the debut fragrances from Victoria Beckham Beauty. Yep, Posh Spice released three scents, and they're each based on specific memories from her past. That’s right in line with my personal fragrance philosophy, so I knew I had to test them—and rank them from most to least favorite. Keep scrolling!

Photo:

@kaitlyn_mclintock

Fragrance notes: Bergamot, cedrat, black pepper, amber, incense, vetiver, patchouli

Portofino '97 is my favorite. In fact, it was love at first sniff. But before I get into fragrance notes and what sets this one apart, let's talk about what inspired it. 

In 1997, Victoria and David Beckham took a vacation to Portofino before they made their relationship public. That trip inspired this fragrance. There's the scent of fresh flowers mixed with the scent of candles and, most importantly, the fresh breeze coming off the Italian coast. 

I can totally see how this fragrance was inspired by Portofino. It starts off strong with bright floral notes that are quickly curbed by a warm and slightly powdery base. (I think that's the incense and vetiver.) It smells like summer without being too obvious, which is why I think it can work year-round. Like I said, this one is my favorite, and I plan on making it a permanent part of my perfume collection. 

Photo:

@kaitlyn_mclintock

Fragrance notes: Passion fruit, rose, jasmine, black amber, agarwood

This fragrance was inspired by the Beckhams' move to Los Angeles. More specifically, it was inspired by canyon hikes, surfing in Malibu, crystals, and the fresh breeze coming through the car window on Pacific Coast Highway. Essentially, it's supposed to SoCal in a bottle. 

As someone who used to live in L.A., I appreciate the inspiration behind this scent. While I'm not automatically reminded of SoCal, I am, funnily enough, reminded of a specific coffee shop I used to go to while I lived there. I smell an airy cleanliness that reminds me of the freshly washed drinkware and a fresh, woody note that reminds me of the newly constructed barstools. It's neither traditionally feminine nor masculine; I would describe it as genderless. I like it, but I don't think I'd wear it very often. 

Photo:

@kaitlyn_mclintock

Fragrance notes: Black cherry, red peppercorn, rose, midnight violet, tobacco leaves

This one was inspired by another trip the Beckhams took. This time, it was in 2004. David Beckham surprised Victoria with a vow renewal and a second honeymoon in Paris. They stayed in suite 302 at a "storied hotel." As such, it's reminiscent of glamour and luxury, taking inspiration from fine wine, cosmetics, leather goods, and expensive cologne. 

To me, this smells like a classic designer fragrance—albeit a fruit-forward one thanks to the topnote of black cherry. The following rose and violet notes add a touch of sweet florals, and the tobacco leaves add a subtle smoky quality. It's a rich and strong scent, and while I like it, I think I'd be hard-pressed to find an event to wear it to, as I tend to choose warmer, subtler scents.