What's that peeping out from behind a cloud? My oh my, it appears to be the sun! Although our summer hasn't been off to the best start, there is light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully the opportunity to adorn our cream dresses yet. Many of us don't think twice about switching up our skincare or makeup routine with the dawn of a new season, but what about our scent? Somehow a heavy, musky and amber rich fragrance just doesn't seem appropriate when set against the backdrop of a pair of espadrilles and a floral summer dress; you need something lighter, fresher, more uplifting and a little bit calming during the sunny season - and I've got just the ticket. If you're after a refreshing signature scent for the warmer months but don't want to spend a fortune (after all, we'll be back to our darker scents come October) then I've handpicked five of my current favourites for your perusal. Which tickles your fancy?
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1. Yves Saint Laurent 'Mon Paris' (£47.00)
Ok, so £47.00 may not be classified as affordable to all, but this intoxicating fragrance is definitely tran-seasonal and offers more value for your buck. Opening with a mouthwatering flush of red fruits, the heart features a radiant bouquet of white flowers, while the base offers sensuality via ambrox and elegance via patchouli and white musks. I overlooked YSL scents for a long time, believing they'd be too rich and incredibly old fashioned, but I couldn't be more wrong; their Black Opium is fast becoming an evening favourite, and this may just be the scent of the season. Feminine, sweet without being sickly, warming and uplifting.
2. Hollister 'Wave For Her' (£19.00)
I'm definitely not one of those kids that likes spending a small fortune on a hoodie, but this rather bright and beautiful perfume from Hollister is well worth wading through the angry teens for. Wave for Her takes its inspiration from a California sunset; described as being "made for a girl with youthful spontaneity and personality - days spent with her friends mean everything to her, as they plan their fun around the sun," it's youthful and refreshing without being sweet. Juicy citrus notes are combined with wild orchid, sunset hibiscus and California poppy, while warm woods and amber creates the perfect contrasting base that apparently 'illustrating a warm summers evening.'
3. Issey Miyake 'L'Eau D'Issey Pure' (£37.00)
Having not smelt an Issey scent since I was a teenager (it was the fragrance of a generation,) this lighter version of the classic offers up a touch of nostalgia with a modern twist. "Created from Maritima and Ambergris, combined with a radiant bouquet of white feminine flowers and based on a woody and vibrating cashmeran," there's something that screams seaside to me. It's a little masculine in elements, making it a great universal scent that also works beautifully as a base if you want to add a touch of something to spice it up. You can't go wrong with this - and the bottle looks fab too.
4. Jasper Conran 'Nude Woman' (£20.00)
The simplistic bottle and understated branding ensure this fragrance is universal in its appeal. Jasper Conran may have been the designer of a generation, but recently its been relegated to the 'Designers of Debenhams' collection and left to be known for pastel handbags forever more. However, don't disregard the scent because of any preconceptions you may hold: this light floral composition is actually rather lovely. Featuring notes of Orris, Amber, Musk, Gardenia, Magnolia and Orange Blossom, the result is a crisp and feminine fragrance without overpowering the wearer. It's timeless, a little bit retro and perfect for spritzing multiple times a day.
5. Roger & Gallet 'Green Tea' (£26.00)
A great brand to turn to if you're after a clean, simple and affordable scent Roger & Gallet's 'Green Tea' fragrance is what summer is all about. They say: "Allow yourself to be carried away by the radiant, sacred atmosphere of Mount Fuji rising among the tea fields. The senses are aroused, the mind is stimulated under a natural waterfall of green tea and citrus fruit blended with the subtle sensuality of the precious wood." I can detect a hint of lemon and a deeper base that keeps it modern yet classic; it's one of those fragrances that you can spritz on mindlessly knowing it will pep you up and keep you smelling fresh throughout the day. It's the perfect fragrance for laying in the sun, sipping on a glass of freshly made Pimms.
Which summer fragrance is calling your name? Do you switch up your scents every season?
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1. Yves Saint Laurent 'Mon Paris' (£47.00)
Ok, so £47.00 may not be classified as affordable to all, but this intoxicating fragrance is definitely tran-seasonal and offers more value for your buck. Opening with a mouthwatering flush of red fruits, the heart features a radiant bouquet of white flowers, while the base offers sensuality via ambrox and elegance via patchouli and white musks. I overlooked YSL scents for a long time, believing they'd be too rich and incredibly old fashioned, but I couldn't be more wrong; their Black Opium is fast becoming an evening favourite, and this may just be the scent of the season. Feminine, sweet without being sickly, warming and uplifting.
2. Hollister 'Wave For Her' (£19.00)
I'm definitely not one of those kids that likes spending a small fortune on a hoodie, but this rather bright and beautiful perfume from Hollister is well worth wading through the angry teens for. Wave for Her takes its inspiration from a California sunset; described as being "made for a girl with youthful spontaneity and personality - days spent with her friends mean everything to her, as they plan their fun around the sun," it's youthful and refreshing without being sweet. Juicy citrus notes are combined with wild orchid, sunset hibiscus and California poppy, while warm woods and amber creates the perfect contrasting base that apparently 'illustrating a warm summers evening.'
3. Issey Miyake 'L'Eau D'Issey Pure' (£37.00)
Having not smelt an Issey scent since I was a teenager (it was the fragrance of a generation,) this lighter version of the classic offers up a touch of nostalgia with a modern twist. "Created from Maritima and Ambergris, combined with a radiant bouquet of white feminine flowers and based on a woody and vibrating cashmeran," there's something that screams seaside to me. It's a little masculine in elements, making it a great universal scent that also works beautifully as a base if you want to add a touch of something to spice it up. You can't go wrong with this - and the bottle looks fab too.
4. Jasper Conran 'Nude Woman' (£20.00)
The simplistic bottle and understated branding ensure this fragrance is universal in its appeal. Jasper Conran may have been the designer of a generation, but recently its been relegated to the 'Designers of Debenhams' collection and left to be known for pastel handbags forever more. However, don't disregard the scent because of any preconceptions you may hold: this light floral composition is actually rather lovely. Featuring notes of Orris, Amber, Musk, Gardenia, Magnolia and Orange Blossom, the result is a crisp and feminine fragrance without overpowering the wearer. It's timeless, a little bit retro and perfect for spritzing multiple times a day.
5. Roger & Gallet 'Green Tea' (£26.00)
A great brand to turn to if you're after a clean, simple and affordable scent Roger & Gallet's 'Green Tea' fragrance is what summer is all about. They say: "Allow yourself to be carried away by the radiant, sacred atmosphere of Mount Fuji rising among the tea fields. The senses are aroused, the mind is stimulated under a natural waterfall of green tea and citrus fruit blended with the subtle sensuality of the precious wood." I can detect a hint of lemon and a deeper base that keeps it modern yet classic; it's one of those fragrances that you can spritz on mindlessly knowing it will pep you up and keep you smelling fresh throughout the day. It's the perfect fragrance for laying in the sun, sipping on a glass of freshly made Pimms.
Which summer fragrance is calling your name? Do you switch up your scents every season?
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.