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.
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.
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.
The best summer perfumes to spray now
Clarins Eau des Jardins
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.
Rituals Cosmetics Fleurs de L’Himalaya Eau de Parfum
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.
Floral Street Wonderland Peony
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.
Oribe Valley of Flowers
Luxurious and sophisticated, this fragrance combines floral, fruity, and woody notes such as neroli, juicy pear, jasmine sambac and sandalwood.
