Summer Scents

I always shop for perfume twice a year. Once just before Christmas and again at the start of summer. The thought that someone can use the same perfume all year around confuses me to such an extent that it makes my head spin.

Surely winter scents should be deep, cosy and rich? Right now I need the exact opposite. I want light, airy and floating fragrances laced with delicate florals which remind me of English country gardens and licking ice lollies in the sunshine.

Fragrance shopping is tough. Row upon row of shiny bottles, perfume pushers jumping out of every corner and a distinct lack of those little cards you need to spray the scent onto. I’ve hit the shops to save you some trouble and now I bring you my top three favourite summer scents.

Jo Malone White Tie and Tiara

You’ll have to be quick if you want to be splashing this limited edition fragrance on this summer. White Tie and Tiara from Jo Malone has been designed to support the Elton John Aids Foundation, with all after-tax profits going to the charity. Only 1000 bottles have been made so you’ll smell exclusive and there’s little chance of bumping into anyone with same aroma every time you walk out the door. Containing top notes of cassis, bergamot, mandarin and pineapple; mid notes of violet, kharismal, red berry and green notes; and a base of cedar, amber and spicy notes. The cologne manages to make a complex set of aromas a perfectly suited match, which seem made for each other.

Marc Jacobs Summer Sorbet Splash Collection

The splash fragrances have made quite a name for themselves, reaching a cult status over the past tow years. The big bottles of delicate fragrance are refreshing and energizing on sticky summer days and smell divine. First there came Rain, Grass and Cotton, last year it was Cucumber and Orange, now it is the sorbets. Three tasty flavours of Basil, Pear and Grapefruit will make you good enough to eat. My favourite is Pear, an orange-yellow fragrance with amber and woody notes that remind me of climbing trees and jumping through sprinklers in childhood heat waves.