Find Your New Favourite Summer Perfume

With so many to choose from, selecting your ideal summer perfume can feel like an endless quest. We all want a scent that ‘suits’ us, lasts all day and makes an impact on everyone we meet – so what can we do to make sure that we nail it when it comes to our fragrance this summer? Are there any tips and tricks we can use to get the most out of our perfume? Here, we discuss everything you need to know about scents for summer 2023. 

How to wear summer fragrances 

Consider the heat 

You may be surprised to hear that heat can make an impact on how your perfume smells. Generally, the mixture of heat and warmth (or sweat!) on our skin can enhance the smell of the notes in our fragrances, so it’s worth remembering that any perfume that you wear may smell a little stronger than usual. 

Be unique  

Although citrus and floral scents tend to be more popular during summer due to their lighter, fresher smell, there’s no reason why you can’t pull off another vibe. For example, if you’re a musk-lover, there are plenty of fragrances that incorporate musky, oud-based notes into summery scents. 

Try: Tom Ford Soleil Blanc EDT, £100 

Experiment with layers 

“Layering is highly effective and rather luxurious,” says fragrance guru James Craven, Les Scenteurs. “It is the sequential use of scented products all perfumed with the same smell: beginning with soap or gel; then body lotion or cream; dusting powder; possibly deodorant and finally, the perfume itself,” he adds.  

“This produces a rich and very tenacious scent on the skin, which permeates one’s hair, clothes and indeed everything that one touches. Additionally, a master perfumer will slightly vary his perfume formula in each item so that the end result is a wonderfully varied fantasy on a theme.” 

Layering is also a great way to extend the longevity of your perfume. Combining your perfume with a hair mist or lotion can add more depth to your scent and increase its impact. If you’d rather opt for the opposite – a lighter, subtler scent – you can use layering ‘accessories’ to add just a hint of fragrance, for example by using scented body lotions or body sprays on their own. 

Try: Clarins EDP and matching body lotion 

Switch up your scent style 

If you usually love a bold, heavy scent, why not take summer as the opportunity to go for a ‘less is more’ approach? Some brands offer lighter versions of their existing perfumes, or you could just invest in a crisper, fresher fragrance to stick to in summer. Alternatively, if it’s lighter scents you usually stick to, try experimenting with something a little headier. 

Don’t forget your clothes 

The perfect way to make more of an impact with your fragrance is by spraying your clothes, too. “Fabrics such as silk, linen and cotton are all great conductors for fragrance,” says James. “When the weather is hot, try spraying your garments with scent. Always remember to do a small patch test on fabric first – and don’t douse or soak your clothes in scent as a light spritz is all you need,”. Try spraying your perfume into the air and walking through the mist of your scent.  

Editor’s choice 

Sarah Joan Ross, Beauty Daily Editor 

Fragrances are extremely personal – and it might take a while (even days or weeks after wearing) to find one that really resonates.  

Plus, hundreds launch yearly, and as a beauty editor, I get to sniff out a lot. However, these are my absolute go-to’s for different moods, seasons, and occasions that I reach for time again. Did you know there’s also a science to it? Dr Alan Hirsch, Neurological Director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, says, “Jasmine has been shown to increase beta waves in the brain, which is associated with a more alert state.” So, if I don’t have time for a shower before the school run, I turn to Eau Extraordinaire, £39 – with notes of jasmine, red ginger and citrus, that not only perks me up in the AM, but it’s also kind to skin and won’t photosynthesise in the sun.  

Another favourite is the British indie brand, To The Fairest – these are other worldly, heavenly scents and I layer the warm powdery notes of Cécile Satin Body Oil, £38, all over and then finish on pulse points and behind the neck with the Cécile Parfum, £85.  

For a summer date night, I safely rely on Carine Roitfeld’s 7 Lovers Sebastian Eau de Parfum, £190. It’s inspired by the tango halls of Buenos Aires and dances around the skin in a cascade of Indian tuberose, creamy vanilla, all soaked in the soft spice of sandalwood and immortelle topped with vanilla – it’s carnal and womanly, without becoming overbearing.   

Sophie Bronstein, Beauty Daily Writer: 

“I love a fresh, crisp fragrance in summer. To me, there’s nothing better than a perfume that transports you to a beach at first sniff (even when you’re sitting in your office in the dreary UK). My favourite summer perfume ever is Clarins Eau Dynamisante – a beautiful combination of the dreamiest scents of summer, like lemon, patchouli, ginseng and white tea. This has always been my mum’s signature summer scent, too – so there’s always been a bottle within reach since as long as I can remember. Utter bliss!” 

Jane Fulcher, Beauty Daily Contributor 

“I absolutely adore everything floral and rose scented, so my forever summer fragrance is Clarins Eau des Jardins. The fragrance smells incredible on warm summer skin, especially with the zesty citrus to cut through the floral noses and warm woody notes that add an irresistible softness – heady and refreshing at the same time. The earthy, sweet herbaceous notes of green tea have always appealed to me, so another recent warm weather favourite has been Le Labo’s Thé Matcha 26. The notes of cedar and fig round out the grassy vetiver and zingy citrus in unisex fragrance that has a chameleon like quality – it smells different on me depending on the season but is at its best on sultry summer evenings.”   

The best summer perfumes to spray now  

1. Clarins Eau des Jardins, £39 

A unique and refreshing scent that is perfect for everyday wear. It combines the fresh and zesty notes of citrus fruits with the soothing and calming scents of plants and flowers, creating a well-balanced fragrance that is both energising and relaxing.

2. Rituals Cosmetics Fleurs de L’Himalaya Eau de Parfum 50ml, £48 

A fragrance with a beautiful blend of floral notes combined with fresh bergamot and pink pepper, as well as Himalayan peony and jasmine and base notes of vanilla and patchouli. The result makes for the most elegant and head-turning scent.

 

3. Floral Street Wonderland Peony EDP 50ml, £68 

This offering from Floral Street has a unique peony scent that is both feminine and romantic. It includes top notes of pink pepper and raspberry, heart notes of peony and rose, and base notes of patchouli and musk.

4. Oribe Valley of Flowers EDP 75ml, £121 

Luxurious and sophisticated, this fragrance combines floral, fruity, and woody notes such as neroli, juicy pear, jasmine sambac and sandalwood.

CREDIT: citations from https://www.lessenteurs.com/blogs/aroma-folio/how-to-wear-summer-fragrance 

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