I was completely inspired by Elena Vosnakiās column at Perfume Shrine titled Summer 2014: The Perfumes I Wore Most. Ā Ā I was so inspired I left my own comment, but it got me thinking about how I really do change things up when it warms up. Living in Southern California also means itās generally warm with not much of a change, but that doesnāt mean I donāt enjoy gravitating toward the fresh, light, citrusy, floral. Of course, all those things can also be worn in winter, especially LA, but I thought Iād chat a bit about the things weāre currently enjoying this summer.
Hotel Costes
The notes say benzoin, Ceylon cinnamon, orange blossom, wood and Turkish rose, which to me sounds a bit more dense than this actually is. In fact, itās one of the fragrances that I have stopped attempting to define for some time. Itās soft around the edges, fluffy almost, and conjures up long lazy days. Itās stellar in cold weather, too, but for me it really shines in summer.
Acqua Di Parma ColoniaĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
Full confession: During summer I tend to skip showers and opt for quick dips in my pool. Hey, itās salt water, leave me alone! Iām trying to conserve water. But this classic instantly makes me feel refreshed, respectful and rested. I appreciate its soapy qualities, but the citrus and lavender really make it for me. Plus it reminds me of Italy, naturally. Ideal for warm weather.
Les Liquides Imaginaires Tumultu
This was a curious one for me from first whiff. Cloudy, overly-designed-but-not-in-a-bad-way, with a branding message that borders on ceremony and ritual. Iād use the word ācultā but I donāt want you to take me the wrong way. However, all marketing aside, this is a friendly wood with pomelo, coconut and patchouli that sings warm weather and hot breezes. Ā And I freaking love it. Ā Just when those citrus notes hit cloying status they pull back to reveal a wonderful sandalwood. There are mentions of Creedās Virgin Island Water but I have never smelled it so I canāt say. I could absolutely never wear this below 70 degrees. Ever. Itās in permanent summer status in our household.
Tom Ford Azure Lime
Oh, Sports Fragrances. Thereās nothing wrong with them, I just donāt do them. Or often, I should say. But this TF Powerhouse of citrus and flowers over a base of musk and wood is great, in my opinion, and the closest I can get to a sports fragrance without wishing I was wearing something else. Bonus points if youāre sweaty while wearing this, it just blends better with body chemistry as it dirties it up just a wee bit. But it sparkles and shines for hours, never letting up, just like so many from the Private Blend line. Also a runner up: Neroli Portofino, but I wear that all year long and itās not much of a summer for me. But I love it.
Orange Blossom, Penhaligon
Luckyscent says this is a Mediterranean summer in a bottle, and I agree. Itās also my old backyard in a bottle, complete with a 60-year old orange tree that would explode with heady, waxy notes of flowers that youād notice from down the street before even pulling into the driveway. One of natureās ways of telling you that as fucked up as things can be she can also make things beyond perfect. Orange Blossom is one of those things. And this orange blossom, while packed with other things like jasmine, cedar, musk and vanilla, is pure orange to me in the most beautiful way possible. I sneak it out in spring and wear it all summer long.
Gelsomini Di Capri, Carthusia
I love my florals, and I love them when there are strange things happening. This jasmine and white floral perfume is NOT pretty, and I mean that in the best possible way. Itās heady, waxy, thick, minty, and animalistic, with the indoles cranked up a bit just loud enough to make it interesting to me. Its beauty comes from its construction, which includes cedar, beeswax, geranium, cloves and ylang-ylang. I wear this in summer because I think of flowers, and also because itās so heavy that I feel it needs the light and air that hits my skin so that it doesnāt just sit there. Itās a favorite that I donāt wear all the time, but when I do itās special.
Christian Dior Eau Savage
The only thing I own that Iāve worn for over 25 years, although I think something was reformulated along the way. To me itās THE classic menās citrus, charming and refined. It is always appropriate. Let me repeat: it is always appropriate. Any age, any period of time, any event, any location, any chemistry, itās all that and forever will be. Ā Note: as a teen I called it Fruit Loops, and while it does still remind me of opening a box of cereal, itās so much greater than breakfast. Apologies to General Mills.
Hermes Jardin Sur Le Nil
Of course Iām proud to join the legions of fans of JCE who are happy to shout from any rooftop that this is their hands-down favorite summer fragrance. I totally smell why. Fresh, green, refreshing, and for me the slight ozonic watery note gives me salty thoughts, and Iām not complaining. I tend to over-apply this, apologies to those around me, but I feel its silliage is subtle and understated. Hey, perhaps thatās the point?
Chanel Eau De Cologne
Effervescent, light, classic. Itās refreshing on a warm day. Ā Another citrus that I love on skin even though I donāt wear it enough. And the herbal notes and petitgrain keep it interesting to me without it being pretty for prettyās sake. And between you and me, thereās not a Chanel that I donāt love so itās hard for me to be objective about this, really. I feel as if itās the female counterpoint to how I feel about CDās Eau Savage as it will always be appropriate.