I never liked overtly fresh /citrusy/floral or sickly sweet smells that are summer fragrances.
I like my fragrances to have a bit of personality. These are some of the summer fragrances that you can consider buying:. (And I am marginally obsessed with perfume, so please forgive my enthusiasm)
Hermes Twilly EDP (US$ 139 for 85ml)
The first time I used this fragrance was in autumn (about October time), and it has heavy notes such as tuberose and sandalwood. However, its a fresh fragrance because the ginger cuts sharply through it.
I love it.
Note that Hermes do this thing, where they sell a 85ml EDP for US$ 139. The standard industry size is 100ml. If it helps, it irks me too.
A lighter (albeit more ginger sharp noted cousin) is this the similarly priced Hermes Twilly Eau Ginger EDP. I don’t like it, but it is different.
diptyque Doson (Euro 140 for 75ml)
I will be honest with you, I first started to use this fragrance about 12 years ago, mainly because it was so under-priced for what it was. I recall buying a 100ml for GBP 75, which at the time, was an absolute bargain.
Of course, the pricing has changed to reflect the quality of product. It is soft, smooth and long-lasting. I also find its one of the more intimate parfums that you can wear.
Notes are Tuberose, Orange blossom, Jasmine, Amber wood
Forest Essentials parfum body mist ….(each perfume is Rs 4,800 for 100ml, which is a bargain)
Don’t ask me what a parfum body mist is: its a uniquely Forest Essentials’ thing.
I have written about both Sunhere Din and Chandein Raatein. Yes, they sound like shady B grade movies, but they are epic. After decades in business, and producing sub-par fragrances, Forest Essentials have got it right.
I layer both and generously spray into my hair. These have been my summer staples for the early part of the summer. Top notes are Rose, Marigold and Saffron. It is a very light fragrance and Forest Essentials suggest this is used as a day fragrance and I second that. Chandein Raatien is my kind of parfum: it has jasmine and sandalwood, but still manages to be light
Estee Lauder parfums (US$ 84 for 100ml)
Estee Lauder make terrible Aunty parfums, with two exceptions: Bronze Goddess and Pure White Linen. Bronze Goddess is a coconut fragrance that feels as if its mixed with the freshest of ocean water. The best place to wear it is on the beach. Fun fact: the original version of this parfum was curated by a one Tom Ford for Estee Lauder!
I am unsure why Estee Lauder continue and then discontinue this product in what feels like a karmic circle of retribution. Currently Pure White Linen is discontinued, but I am including it in the hope that Estee Lauder will change their mind. It is one of the lightest floral fragrances that smells like fresh laundry, if it had been tumble dried in a mix of white floral notes.
Estee Lauder write that the top notes are Italian Mandarian, Raspberry, Dewy Greens, White Fressia. Middle notes are Red Tulip etc and the base notes (residual smell) are white cedarwood and patchouli
Tom Fords
The brand is having a real India moment, because everyone I speak to loves the brand (as do I). However, quite honestly, I am not keen on the super high end of this brand: there simply are better fragrance houses at US$ 300+ to buy from.
My favourite Tom Ford fragrances for the summer are:
Grey Vetiver (US$ 195 for 100ml)
This fragrance can easily pass off as a unisex parfum. It has a spicy, citrus, light mesmerizing smell to it. Top notes are Grapefruit, Orange Blossom and Sage; middle notes are Nutmeg, Orris Root and Pimento; base notes are Vetiver, Woodsy Notes, Oakmoss and Amber.
Violet Orchid EDP (US$ 195 for 100ml)
I will admit this is a bit heavy for the summer, but not if you are 35+ and it hits the right spot. Its not a fragrance for a 25 year old.
Top notes are Rum, Honey, Bergamot and Mandarin Orange; middle notes are Black Orchid, Rose and Jasmine; base notes are Myrrh, Vanilla and Sandalwood.
Soliel Blanc EDP (US$ 365 for 100ml)
and I am on the fence, with this one, as I have a love-hate relationship with it, but Soliel Blanc EDP (US$ 365 for 100ml) is one of my favourites for the summer (sometimes…)
This is a floral fragrance, with key notes being ylang ylang, cardamon and coco de mar (a fruit like coconut but grows on a palm tree)
