Like clothing, fragrance has its appropriate seasons, and for hot weather and sunny skies, fragrances that are subtle and breezy are most suitable. Mints, citrus scents such as lemon, lemon verbena and grapefruit, orange blossom, water lily and other aromas that evoke the lighter side of nature are ideal — and will keep things crisp when the sun is melting your makeup.
Santa Maria Novella is one of New York City’s crown jewels for quality fragrance, and the Santa Maria Novella Hay Cologne for women or men is the very essence of summer, bottled with as much elegance as humanly possible. Wild rose, myrtle and the scent of freshly cut hay will truly make you swoon. A trip to this store in Soho is a treat in itself, but if it’s too humid outside, purchase it at http://www.lafcony.com.
The Clarins Paris Eau Dynamisante Spray is a favorite of French women for good reason: it’s both a light fragrance and body treatment, promoting skin tone and suppleness while moisturizing. Why not deploy double duty? The fragrance is a composition of lemon, thyme, caraway, orange, patchouli, rosemary, ginseng, ginger, aloe, ispaghul, and horsetail. Find it at http://www.clarinsusa.com and fine department stores.
The Caudalie Paris Fleur De Vigne spritzer is a vitamin-rich fragrance and energizing splash all bottled as homage to the grape flower. Combining grapefruit, mandarin, bergamot, grape, lemon and orange, this summery splash is great for sensitive skin, and contains no parabens, mineral oils, colorings or harsh ingredients. Find it at the Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa at the Plaza Hotel, Sephora stores, or at http://www.caudalie.com.
Nothing says summertime like pretty lemon slices in a tall glass of sparkling water, the delicious crunch of a tasty fresh cucumber, or the sweet smell of summer rain on a warm afternoon. And who better than fashion designer Marc Jacobs to inspire and capture these simple pleasures in three new summer scents. And in nice big bottles to last the whole summer through!
Marc Jacobs Lemon by perfumer Stephen Nilsen, is a fresh and vibrant citrus made from pressed Italian lemon essence. The essences of crushed mint leaves, verbena, mandarin and honeysuckle make it zing and finally a little cotton musk, white vetiver, and amber smooth it down. Marc Jacobs Cucumber by perfumer Vera Vanore, treats us to a crisp summer delight. Its clean and refreshing lightness is as soothing as swinging in a hammock on a lazy afternoon. The scent opens with notes of watery cucumber, lotus leaf and cactus flower, and as the hammock sways, notes of linden blossom, blue tiger lily and Dutch freesia soothe. Final notes of frosted musk and blonde woods linger and envelope you like a soft afternoon breeze. Marc Jacobs Rain, by perfumer Laurent LeGeurnec, evokes a different kind of summer day and reminds us of those hot and hazy afternoons when the skies open up to a sudden rainfall and we quickly run for cover under the nearest roof. The notes of this fragrance start with after the rainfall, when the grass is sweet and wet, with notes of wild strawberry and Clementine zest. It then moves on to a tropical rain accord, passion flower, sunshine flower, and white orchid. Its lingering scents, like after any rainfall are woody notes of beech amber, tree moss, musk and teakwood.
Available: Fine Department Stores and http://www.sephora.com
Summer can be a time for love, for mystery and for luxury. Guerlain’s Les Secrets De Sophie, created by Jean-Paul Guerlain combines them all with a feminine scent and presented in a limited edition trio of bottles designed by jewelry designer Sophie Levy. Pictured here is Les Secrets Poudres with the bottle trimmed in a delicate pink label, bow and atomizer, Les Secrets Noir is with black accessories and Les Secrets Nacres is adorned in pearly white. According to Sophie, the colors represent three moments in a day. The scent inside is an example that shows how the French perfumers excel at creating complex scents. It’s boldly feminine, and opens with notes of sparkly citrus and flowery neroli, along with ylang-ylang, jasmine and orange blossom. Middle notes bring in sweet violets which have a strong presence that’s subtle at the same time. Like a pretty bracelet worn all day the base notes stay on the wrist with oriental notes of vanilla and tonka bean for warmth, white musk for sweetness and finally a touch of incense adds a dash of mystery.
If you’re fortunate enough to have friends and family who invite you to lobster dinners at beach houses, or to stay at summer homes with lush aromatic gardens, offer heartfelt thanks with one of these time-tested purveyors of great thank you gifts.
New Yorkers have loved Kiehls since its inception in 1851, and the feeling seems to be mutual. Kiehls Gifts For Family are offered in seven scent variations: Crème de Corps in original, a Lavender-infused collection, delicious Vanilla, uplifting Grapefruit, Mango-Licious, Coconuts About you and Pear Tree Corner. Any one of these gift sets would be a memorable way to say thanks – and ensure that you’re invited back. Choose your favorite set at http://www.kiehls.com
Jo Malone luxury candles are another way to have your gratitude linger beautifully for months to come. Available in amber & sweet orange, grapefruit, vintage gardenia, lime basil and mandarin, pomegranate noir and orange blossom, Jo Malone candles are elegant, distinctive and useful. Colognes such as Nutmeg & Ginger and Lime Blossom can be shared and loved by hostesses and hosts alike. The Lime Blossom Cologne is especially ideal for summer weather, and won’t soon be forgotten. Peruse the extensive offerings at http://www.jomalone.com