Aanya's guide to Spring and Summer fragrances
Tuesday May 1st, 2012 Category: Expert tips
Perfume after mysterious perfume
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Fragrance counters can be a daunting place for any man trying to choose the perfect perfume for his other half – shelf after shelf laden with various mysterious items: bottles, scents, oils and eaux de toilette* can leave any chap confused, stressed and overwhelmed.
So first, let’s understand a little something:
*Manglossary
Eau de toilette – Yes it’s pretty odd that the French decided to use the word toilet when describing a perfume, rest assured she (probably) won’t smell like a public lav.
Eau de parfum – The stronger older brother of the eau de toilette, and the most common version of perfume. Purer and more concentrated.
Seasons smell different?
Just like her wardrobe changes from the woollen layers of winter to the pretty pastels of spring, a woman’s fragrance should change to match the warmer weather – fresh and floral fragrances seem to be the go-to scents of this season.
While I understand that it doesn’t quite feel like summer or even spring for that matter, but like any good girl guide will tell you: “always be prepared.” With that said, check out our expertly compiled list of the prettiest perfumes around which will leave your lady will smelling as fresh as a daisy (and yes, that is the name of one of the perfumes on the list!)
Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey Cologne
You’ll find it really difficult to find a woman who isn’t completely obsessed by Jo Malone (you will know what I mean when you see her eyes light up when she opens up that beautifully gift-wrapped box). As the name specifies this fruity smelling fragrance will remind you of sunshine…walking through a meadow…making daisy chains…ok ok maybe I’m exaggerating, but just one spritz of this instantly cheers me up – now who doesn’t want happiness in a bottle?!
It’s pink, pretty and oh so feminine. If your lady epitomises ‘understated elegance’ this one’s for her; the clean smelling scent is great for any woman who favours a simple sophistication in the way she dresses – no fuss no muss.
Daisy is an award winning perfume from Marc Jacobs, with a sensual and stylish take on summer fragrances. This eau de parfum* version of the fragrance is so indulgent…she’ll smell great and will also love the whimsical design of the bottle!
If you automatically think handbags and leather belts when thinking of Prada – well done! For those of you who haven’t heard of Prada, well, at least we’re here to help. Prada started off in 1913 making leather goods in Italy and has gone from strength to strength. This perfume pays homage to that era, the classic design of the bottle and a scent that oozes femininity will take her back to the luxury of old-world glamour.
Imagine the dazzling light blue Mediterranean sea on a hot summers day – that is what Dolce and Gabbana are trying to evoke with this fragrance. I personally don’t own this one but have smelt it on many different people and have loved it each time. My fashion sources have also revealed that there will be a limited edition version of this to be launched on May 2nd and to this I say: if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!
Smell familiar…
I’m a true believer that certain fragrances can evoke and emotion or relay a memory so if you’re nostalgic for these scents: buy, buy, buy!
This perfume has been around for a long time (1978 to be exact) and has been extremely popular ever since. Its floral sweetness mixed with notes of cedar and leather make it an ideal gift for a sophisticated woman, perfect to wear on a warm summer’s day.
Another classic, we’ve all seen the ads with the sexy models splashing around in the sea – and this scent epitomises just that. The youthful fragrance will definitely evoke some good memories for you – it does for me! If you’re looking for a wonderful gift on a budget this is a great option.
Something out of the ordinary…
One of the best made to order perfumes available – Le Labo create high-end fragrances made from fresh, natural ingredients sourced in France. The brains over at Liberty London have worked with the experts at Le Labo to create these amazing aromas (the number within the title of each fragrance refers to the exact amounts of raw ingredients within the scent), each of which can be experienced in the laboratory in a unique olfactory journey. This is a wonderful gift, something truly special and one of a kind.
While I’m not usually a fan of celebrity perfumes (do I really want to smell like Katy Price…?), I thought I’d give Madge’s new perfume a go. I wasn’t disappointed; while the scent isn’t really ‘me’, the strong fragrance would be ideal for a more mature woman – and no that isn’t a dig about Madonna’s age! This eau de parfum has great staying power…a bit like Madonna! Strong, sexy and long-lasting, this perfume is great for those ladies who idolise the ‘Queen of pop’. On sale now, exclusively at Selfridges.
While Tom Ford is more well known for being incredibly sexy and those rather risqué ad campaigns (you know which ones I mean), his line of perfumes have proven to be extremely popular within the fashionista circle. And this one in particular, so if your other half has a penchant for the finer things in life then this fragrance will be the perfect gift for her.
Victoria’s Secret Garden Love Spell
Although more famous for their lingerie and extremely sexy Victoria’s Secret ‘Angels’ (Gisele Bündchen and the like), these signature scents hold their own. Extremely popular Stateside, the Secret Garden collection has an array of gorgeous smelling floral scents perfect for any woman of any age.
Approach that counter with confidence!
Hopefully you should now have all the insider know-how needed to purchase your special lady the perfect spring/summer fragrance… and I’m pretty sure she’ll be mighty impressed with your expertise too!
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