Scents Of Summer
Sun-warmed skin, golden hour light, and the feeling of endless days, only means one thing- summer is here. Providing that seasonal change that we sometimes need in order to stir up our signature scent. When choosing a summer fragrance, firstly we need to consider longevity. As some fragrances out there struggle to hold up under the sun as heat causes fragrance to evaporate faster, meaning the scent will fade more quickly. Then there is establishing what new type of scent you want to wear. Light fresh scents are often a crowd pleaser for spring, while warm woody fragrances tick the boxes for winter. However, come summer people often like to switch up to something more bold, deeply floral or perhaps juicy and sweet. Scent is also transportive in a way that whatever you spray will remind you of that long hot summer holiday that you never wanted to end. So taking this all into consideration we have chosen six PIBE approved scents that will not only hold up in the heat, but will help you hold onto those summer memories every time you spritz.
ATKINSONS
Atkinsons Midnight Scented Dream Parfum Intense 100ml, £230
Heritage fragrance brand from 1799 Atkinsons, creates scents as rich as its brand's history. Midnight Scented Dream is an intoxicating ambery floral drawing inspired by Black Tulip Deluxe (a fragrance launched by Atkinsons in 1933) and the blooms from Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. The scent is sumptuous and alluring with base notes of creamy white almond accord and sandalwood which have been blended with hearty notes of jasmine sambac and lady of the night accord. Finished with sparkly top notes of vibrant Calabrian bergamot, giving it that addictive twist.
PERFECT FOR: A romantic dinner in Florence after dark on a balmy summer evening.
VERSACE
Versace Dylan Blush Pink Eau de Parfum 100ml, £113
Versace fragrances are known for being bold, seductive and glamorous and Dylan Blush Pink is no different. Positioning itself as the perfect transitional scent from day to night, top notes of bergamot, strawberry apple and fresh freesia are mixed with orange blossom, tonka beans and unexpected soft marshmallow to bring a touch of warmth and sweetness. Madagascar vanilla and musk then work as a moreish base to complete a scent that is velvety, sensual and trust us…smells like holiday.
PERFECT FOR: Sundowner drinks on the sunlit coastline of Amalfi.
ELLA K
Ella K Myrrh K Extrait de Parfum 100ml, £254
Few modern perfume houses have been created by women but ELLA K is an exception. Perfumer Sonia Constant has developed a brand inspired by adventure-seeking women with adventurous scents to match. Myrrh K was concocted after Sonia’s return from Oman, creating a fragrance that is indulgent, rich and with an edible-like sweetness. Sundrenched florals and bitter almonds melt together with Omani Halwa (a famous sticky dessert from Oman), toasted sesame, and golden saffron. This fragrant cocktail is blended with top notes of Jebel Akhdar (a rose that is hand-picked in the mountains of Oman) myrrh, tonka bean and Madagascar vanilla to ground the fragrance to give it its delicious edge.
PERFECT FOR: Days spent exploring the traditional souks in Oman.
PARFUMS DE MARLY
Parfums De Marly Athénaïs Eau de Parfum 75ml, £270
Known for blending classical 18th-century French perfumery with modern scent profiles. Luxury fragrance house Parfums De Marly have done it again with their newest fragrance Athénaïs. Inspired by the character of Marquise Athenais, Louis XIV’s lover, this scent is sophisticated, uplighting and soft. You are first hit with top notes of neroli, yuzu and bergamot essence, followed by jasmine sambac absolute and mahonial. All wrapped up in warm and velvety notes of tonka bean absolute, vanilla and amber accord. Creating the most perfectly subtle yet memorable fragrance.
PERFECT FOR: Wandering the botanical gardens in Paris.
GIVENCHY
Givenchy Irresistible Nectar Eau de Parfum 80ml, £125.00
Givenchy’s Irresistible Nectar is nothing but light and feminine. Inspired by Parisian haute pâtisserie, the fragrance balances bright florals with rich dessert-like notes. The base comes in the form of pistachio accord and vanilla wood for a sprinkle of sweetness, while a trio of roses in the middle, lightens and lifts the scent. Topped off with a refreshing dash of neroli essence, this fragrance can only be described as an irresistible treat you always want more of. Leaving a long-lasting trail of glazed rose and pistachio cream behind you.
PERFECT FOR: A boat trip down the Seine River on a breezy summer day.
VÉRONIQUE GABAI
Véronique Gabai Rose Première by Kelly Rutherford Eau de Parfum 85ml, £260
Veronique is the master behind some of the world’s most famous fragrances and her namesake brand, Veronique Gabai brings all that knowledge together to curate elegant scents inspired by the South of France. Her latest launch is in collaboration with Kelly Rutherford who is elegance personified. Their fragrance Rose Première is bright, joyful and celebrates Rose de Mai, the flower of love that can only be harvested in early May mornings, when its scent is at its most potent. Blend this with a warm base of musk, amber and cedarwood, alongside middle notes of pink praline and topped with sparkling bergamot and citrusy mandarin and you have yourself a scent that sparkles just like the French Riviera in summer.
PERFECT FOR: Long alfresco lunches on the Côte d'Azur.
This PIBE Beauty exclusive has been produced by:
Words by Beauty Editor / Sarah Barnes
Images / Studio PIBE