Six Great Scents For Summer
What does summer smell like to you? When the sandals and the sarongs come out, what fragrance do you reach for first? Something fresh and aquatic, a floral orange blossom, a tropical tuberose? If you are ready for a fresh fragrance this summer, these boutique perfumes are just made for balmy weather.
FRESH | Sel D’Argent, BDK Parfums
There’s a lot more going on in this sophisticated unisex scent from BDK Parfums than a blast of the beach. After the tangy opening hit of salt and citrus, Sel D’Argent develops into a softer, almost powdery scent, with seductive orange blossom above a soft base of ambroxan and white musk. Perfect for putting a spring in your step on steamy summer nights.
ROMANTIC | Elixir Pour Femme Essence De Parfum, Roja
When the likes of Rolls-Royce and champagne house Laurent-Perrier need a parfumeur it is Roja Dove that they turn to. Roja’s celebrated skill at delivering new takes on old favourites is on full display in this intoxicating floral fragrance, which manages to assemble a whole bouquet of flowers without ever getting too heady. Delicate notes of rose and peach, raspberry and violet are layered over a soft musk. Spray it on when you slip on your favourite smock dress.
WOODY | Marfa, Memo
Even before COVID put a twist in our travel plans, Parisian perfume house Memo was already taking fragrance lovers on virtual journey with their range of perfumes inspired by desirable destinations. Marfa is named after the Texan desert town beloved by art lovers, and you can almost smell the heat baking the ground in this unusual scent that blends mandarin, tuberose, sandalwood and cedar.
TROPICAL | Chypre Mojo/45, Parle Moi de Parfum
The bottle’s design may hint at minimalism, but what’s inside sure packs a punch. This unusual chypre floral fragrance by Parle Moi de Parfum has a rock’n’roll swagger that is hard to ignore. Although it is initially driven by a mouthwatering hit of mango, notes of wood and patchouli come more to the fore as it dries down. Wear it with attitude.
ORIENTAL | 1969: Parfum de Revolte, Histoire de Parfums
It’s a no-brainer that a perfume inspired by 1969, the year of Woodstock, would have patchouli in it somewhere, but breathe easy: there’s a lot more going on in this spicy oriental. The peach top notes set a summery feel, while cardamom, rose and white flowers blend with coffee and musk notes to produce a sexy boho scent.
SENSUAL | Nuit de Bakélite by Naomi Goodsir
Nuit de Bakélite pulls off a rare feat, feeling elegantly retro and ultra-contemporary at the same time. You can imagine Marlene Dietrich might have been partial to this, its notes of tuberose and grass, its touches of cardamom and smoke conjuring midnight trysts in a secret garden, dewy grass damp against your bare feet. Wear it with red lipstick and a mysterious smile.
Words_ Ute Junker
Photos_ Evie S/UnSplash + supplied