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This summer, luxury beauty houses are bottling up some serious star power, tapping
everyone from Zendaya to Jacob Elordi to front their latest scents.
Prada Beauty just named Zendaya the global ambassador for its Paradoxe franchise, while Elordi succeeds Timothée Chalamet as the face of Bleu de Chanel, starring in a new campaign directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Jonathan Bailey, meanwhile, is lending his leading-man charm to Armani’s I Will— the house’s first new men’s fragrance in more than 20 years — with a campaign directed by Todd Field.
Valentino Beauty is also doubling down on Hollywood wattage, naming Dakota Johnson and Alexander Skarsgård ambassadors for Vendetta — marking the launch of the Maison’s first Prestige fragrance franchise in six years. Photographed by Inez & Vinoodh, the campaign casts the pair as a modern Donna-and-Uomo duo in an “us-against-the-world” romance, which continued this week in a campaign film starring the two actors.
Here’s what you need to nose.
Valentino
Where to spritz: A Venice Palazzo party
Johnson’s Vendetta Donna mixes boozy nectar with tuberose and sandalwood, while Skarsgård’s Uomo goes spicier with ginger, cinnamon-liquor accord and patchouli. Perhaps “Fifty Shades” is due for a reboot.
Prada Paradoxe
Where to Spritz: A Law Roach fitting
The floral-amber bestseller mixes crisp neroli with warm amber and musk. Smells like a million bucks — or a $360 million “Spider-Man” opening weekend.
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu
Where to Spritz: A songwriting sesh with your crush
If Abrams’ songs have you yearning for an ex, Chanel would prefer you find a new love. Grapefruit and lychee brighten the rose and jasmine; patchouli, vetiver and vanilla turn up the warmth.
Chanel Bleu de Chanel L'Exclusif
Where to Spritz: A martini at the Chateau
Sandalwood and leathery labdanum give Chanel’s most intense Bleu plenty of swagger. But the real seduction happens in Cuarón’s campaign film, where Elordi channels James Bond and Thomas Crown.
Max Mara
Where to Spritz: A tense Arrakis royal wedding
For its debut scent, the Italian house pairs tuberose with woody notes, a mix even an Avenger couldn’t resist.
Eilish Intense
Where to Spritz: Bowery listening party
The woody concoction has sultry notes fitting for a Bad Guy, with a gold-plated bottle that’s anything but subtle.
Armani I Will
Where to Spritz: Sunset Tower power lunch
Forget those slutty little “Jurassic World” glasses. This bergamot, vanilla and wood-leather parfum may cause you to have naughty thoughts.
Dior Miss Dior
Where to Spritz: Front row at Paris Fashion Week
The Oscar winner returns as the face of Dior’s mainstay fragrance, a full-on floral bouquet that conjures fresh laundry and misted grass. Black swans not included.
Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Very Cherry
Where to Spritz: A Notting Hill bookstore
Black cherry, violet leaf and warm oud add up to a sexier spin on this signature Lancôme franchise, because even America’s sweetheart has an edgy side.
