Much like how we pack away our jumpers and jackets when the warmer weather rolls around, the same is true for our scent wardrobe.
Deep, intense aromas when the sun is shining feels wrong and incongruous. Summer calls for bright and zesty aromas that set the mood for a calendar filled with picnics, pub gardens, holidays and weddings.
After a miserable winter, whose olfactory system doesn’t crave much-needed levity? Fruit fragrances have already seen a surge in popularity at the first sighting of proper sun with an increase in search, according to Spate in its Fragrance Trends Report, for juicy peach, citrus and mango notes. There is also interest in strawberry, pear and coconut-led compositions.
Similarly, gourmand aromas are the comforting, enveloping concoctions firmly on the fragrance agenda. These are defined by their sweetness and dessert-like indulgence that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Rich Pulman, New Business Manager at Lookfantastic, explains “Gourmand fragrances, or more simply those with honey, chocolate, vanilla and cherry scents, are more popular than ever” with the retailer’s Managing Director, Keely Gough attributing this to lockdown. She reveals, “The overlap between the beauty and food and drink industries have been prevalent for quite some time. Largely driven as a result of the pandemic, we’ve since seen more consumers seek solace in brand experiences that lend themselves to sensorial and visual cues, as well as nostalgia”.
When selecting the fragrance for your sun-soaked adventures, don’t be scared to experiment. Whether this means stepping out of your scent safe space to mix up your signature stalwart or trying unexpected combinations by layering up to create an aroma that is unique and all your own.
Find out about the latest, evocative perfumes to scent summer 2024.
Dries Van Noten Mystic Moss Eau de Toilette
Mystic Moss is the latest fragrance from luxury fashion house Dries Van Noten. It joins the line-up that includes Orange Smoke and Sur Ma Peau as a suitably summery scent that follows suit in the brand’s mission to create 'impossible combinations’.
With this in mind, you can be sure that this is no ordinary warmer weather concoction - quite the opposite. It is driven by patchouli that has been treated to a salty twist that results in an earthy development of the zesty green mandarin opening. It’s unisex and composed of 91 per cent natural ingredients.
Buy now £190.00, Selfridges
Maison Margiela REPLICA From the Garden Eau de Toilette
Reconnect with nature through the olfactory journey of Maison Margiela’s From the Garden. The lively notes capture the complexities of a sprouting outdoor oasis with fresh green mandarin to capture a sun-soaked afternoon picking ripe fruit, to the woody elements of patchouli and geranium to mimic that of the earth. It’s an uplifting, vibrant olfactory experience.
Buy now £120.00, Cult Beauty
Experimental Perfume Club Tonka Sesame Eau de Parfum
Experimental Perfume Club takes its inspiration for this aroma from the kumaru tree, referred to as the “Sorcerer’s Tree”. Its tonka bean fruit is used in medicine, cooking and of course, in beauty products and sets the scent for the intoxicating gourmand creation.
The opening sweet and woody scent is derived from elements of hazelnut, almond and Tonka bean but its intrigue comes from the way it develops as it settles thanks to the inclusion of earthy patchouli and cedarwood. This is all while remaining light enough for everyday wear.
Buy now £115.00, lookfantastic
PHLUR Father Figure
PHLUR is the viral TikTok fragrance label that you need on your radar. The individual fragrances are unlike anything on the market and the same runs true for FATHER FIGURE. It’s not just the name that sets it apart from the crowd, it’s also the vivid green aroma (and bottle to match).
It opens with notes of fig and cassis before enveloping into deeper sandalwood, orris root and Madagascar vanilla concoction. Closing it out is musk and patchouli to create a sensual base that is still miraculously light.
Buy now £96.00, Selfridges
Gabar No.III Swim Eau de Parfum 50ml
Established in Myanmar, Gabar offers three scents which are all inspired by Southeast Asian heritage - and our favourite is No.III Swim.
Green, woody, fresh and lush, it’s unique and unlike any other scent in your collection. Mixing blackcurrant bud with sandalwood, it blends a feminine freshness with a masculine woodiness and throws in a touch of musk for an aroma that’s unisex and entirely addictive.
Buy now £120.00, Gabar
Pleasing Rivulets
You may, at one point or another, have considered the burning question on the minds of many a long-time Directioner - what does Harry Styles smell like? Well, if the As It Was singer’s Pleasing label is anything to go by, you may catch a whiff of Rivulets come summertime.
This fragrance captures the mercurial nature of the British summertime, taking its scent cues from spring rain. It has top notes of ambrette seeds, lemon and black pepper Madagascar with an intoxicating base that includes Ambroxan.
Buy now £135.00, Selfridges
Giorgio Armani My Way Eau de Parfum Nectar
In line with the My Way fragrance collection, the new Nectar variation is an ultra-feminine scent that calls on the juiciness of pear and creamy tuberose at its heart. While juxtaposing in nature, the two elements are in harmony in this floral fusion. The eau de parfum has an interesting development. The freshness at the opening with the pear as well as bergamot and orange blossom is immediately out of the ordinary with the aromatic addition of rhubarb. This is then furthered by the warming base of vanilla bourbon, cedarwood and white musk.
Buy now £67.00, lookfantastic
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Flora Verde Eau de Parfum
A striking addition to your fragrance collection, even the bottle of this Estee Lauder captures the essence of summer. Tactically placed, its pink and orange hues will dance around the room when the light hits, reflecting the playful notes within.
The Carnival-inspired ingredients were selected for their transportive effects. The tropical fragrance opens with Brazilian gardenia accord and notes of coconut water and sandalwood that will take you to a remote island with a pina colada in hand.
Buy now £70.00, Estee Lauder
Louis Vuitton Afternoon Swim
Picture yourself in the South of France. After a leisurely lunch, you have been horizontal soaking in the sun’s rays. The heat is relenting and a dip in the sea is not just welcomed but wholly needed. The water is turquoise and instantly cooling on your UV-kissed complexion. Sounds like bliss? Well, this is that experience in scent form.
It is marked by citrus; orange, bergamot and mandarin to be specific but there’s a surprising ginger note and a creamy ambergris base.
Buy now £225.00, Louis Vuitton
