• About
  • Login to comment
    • Facebook
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Now Smell This

a blog about perfume

Menu ▼
  • Perfume Reviews
  • New Perfumes
  • Perfumers
  • Perfume Houses
  • Shop for perfume
  • Resources

Top 10 Summer Fragrances 2007

Posted by Robin on 20 July 2007 51 Comments

I didn't do a Top 10 of Summer last year, but in looking back over my list of summer favorites for 2005, I realized how little things have changed in terms of my fragrance preferences. I'd be perfectly happy wearing nothing but those 10 all summer long, although most unfortunately my Divine Bergamote has turned so now I haven't got any.

So here are 10 I'd take in addition to those earlier choices:

Parfums de Nicolaï Eau Exotique: I really liked this when I first tried it, so last year I had a friend who was visiting Paris pick me up a bottle. I'd be ashamed to admit how long it sat unopened and forgotten in my cupboard, but earlier this year March mentioned it on Perfume Posse and I finally tore off the wrapper. This stuff is marvelous. I've worn it more than anything else so far this summer.

Ormonde Jayne Frangipani: This is still the floral I reach for when I want to smell pure joy. It is a bit heavier than I'd usually wear on a very hot day, but on cooler summer evenings (and we've been lucky enough to have a few of those this July) it is perfect.

Hermès Un Jardin Sur Le Nil Perfumed Body Lotion: Cheating, I know, since I included Sur Le Nil in 2005, and this isn't really even a perfume, but it's such a staple that I'm almost done with my second bottle, and so I can't bear to leave it off my list. I wear it on my legs almost every day, and on days when I'm not in the mood to wear "real" perfume at all, I wear it on the rest of my body as well. And, it layers beautifully.

CB I Hate Perfume Memory of Kindness: This is the first year in, well, years, that we didn't plant a vegetable garden. I miss the tomatoes already, and I know I'll be doubly sorry when summer is nearly over and I haven't got a crop of basil handy to put away a winter's worth of pesto, but I have to say I don't miss the work, not even one little bit. This is the smell of summer gardening, and I find it a distinct improvement over doing the real thing.

Etro Shaal Nur: Summer incense, brightened by citrus and pale florals and given a bit of an exotic twist.

Estee Lauder Azuree Soleil Eau Fraiche Skinscent: When I go to the beach, I most always pack perfume but then don't wear it. This is one exception. What everyone on the boardwalk should be wearing instead of the heavy, sweet gourmands they all seem to be trailing behind them.

Le Labo Bergamote 22: Summer citrus, orange blossom and spice, perfectly done, and as an added bonus, I love the way it layers over the Jardin Sur Le Nil Body Lotion.

Thierry Mugler Cologne: I've always liked Thierry Mugler Cologne, and the longer I wear it, the more my respect has increased. There isn't so very much to it, but what is there is just perfect, and there simply isn't a day too hot and sticky to wear it. My "your skin but better" scent.

Annick Goutal Le Chèvrefeuille: Nothing says summer like honeysuckle, and this has long been my very favorite. A more cheerful summer floral would be hard to find. It was a limited edition when it was first released, but was recently reissued. Get it while you can.

Parfums Delrae Debut: If Diorissimo is the quintessential spring-time lily of the valley, Debut fills the same spot for mid-summer. The linden gives it a cleaner, softer finish that stands up well on hotter days.

Want to see more Top 10 Summer Fragrance lists? Check out Aromascope :: Bois de Jasmin :: Perfume Posse :: Perfume-Smellin' Things :: Scentzilla.

Filed Under: perfume talk
Tagged With: summer, top 10

Advertisement


51 Comments

Leave a comment, or read more about commenting at Now Smell This. Here's our privacy policy, and a handy emoticon chart.

  1. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 8:51 am

    I am so glad to see Debut on the list. It deserves more love than it gets. Do you prefer the EDP or the EDT? I like both equally, really.

    Log in to Reply
  2. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 9:26 am

    Great list! I'm a recent convert to Debut, it really is an amazing scent. Now I have to go hunt down some sur le nil lotion. I got the eau de merveilles lotion, which is incredible!

    Log in to Reply
  3. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 9:54 am

    Un Jardin Sur Le Nil is my favorite fresh/green-type scent: And this is from someone who usually doesn't care much for fresh/green-type scents! It's so wonderfully evocative, from the vivid opening to the cypress-woody drydown.

    Not affiliated, but I went to Sephora the other day and they are now selling a set of Sur le Nil that includes a smaller (50mL) bottle of the perfume as well as the lotion. The price was reasonable as Hermes goes (85, I think), but I don't wear it enough to justify a full bottle purchase. I'll stick with my generous spray sample for now!

    Log in to Reply
  4. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 9:54 am

    They aren't all that different to me, and really, the EdT has incredible staying power. So I guess I liked the EdT best because hey, it was cheaper :-)

    Log in to Reply
  5. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 9:55 am

    Oh, and I need some Merveilles lotion, come to think of it :-)

    Log in to Reply
  6. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 9:56 am

    Aha, will have to hope that set shows up at one of the discounters then. But truly, I don't wear the perfume now nearly as often as the lotion.

    Log in to Reply
  7. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 10:15 am

    Great List, R – I love Sur le nil, too…in any form. perfume, lotion, cocktail, I don't care.

    Shaal Nur – now this is one I need to push to the front of the dresser instead of keeping it in the back to collect dust! I purchased this in March and I've yet to really try it in the searing heat but I bet it is FANTASTIC! I wear Vicolo Fiori often in the summer…

    Thanks, R!!

    -MD

    Log in to Reply
  8. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 10:27 am

    I forget about Shaal Nur too, because I've owned it for so long. But dusted it off a few times this summer and kept wondering why I don't wear it more often.

    Log in to Reply
  9. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 10:32 am

    I thought perhaps Carthusia Mediterraneo would have made your list, R. I know you love it. And when I finally purchased my bottle several months ago, I thought of you.

    Log in to Reply
  10. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 10:35 am

    It is on my 2005 list! And it is one of the few things in my collection that gets drained and replaced regularly — I'm on my 3rd bottle.

    Log in to Reply
  11. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 10:38 am

    I love Mugler Cologne as well…

    citrusy-musky perfection..

    Hugs

    Log in to Reply
  12. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 10:55 am

    It really is wonderful, and has so much more personality than most things that go by the name of “Cologne”. Hugs to you!

    Log in to Reply
  13. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 10:57 am

    I'm drooling over the Frangipani…would love to try anything that has pure joy in it!!! I have Ta'if and I adore it, but not so much for summer. Do you think the Eau de Parfum in Frangipani would be better for summer than the Parfum? Or at least (hopefully) as good? :)

    Log in to Reply
  14. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 11:07 am

    Do you know, I've never tried any of the OJ parfums, because a) I've never heard they are a huge improvement over the EdPs and b) there is no sample program for them anyway and c) I'm happier not knowing, given the prices.

    Log in to Reply
  15. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 11:23 am

    Thanks to you, I've been wearing and loving Eau Exotique just about every other day. It has such a dry, rind-y mango smell–I love it. Thankfully, PdN has 30 ml bottles for a great price.

    Log in to Reply
  16. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 11:43 am

    A lovely list, although we don't overlap in any choices (I think we are neither FTs nor EFTs, but FFAs–friendly fragrance acquaintances). Your selection of Shaal Nur reminds me how much I like Passage d'Enfer in the summer (this is my summer incense), and your CB choice reminds me that I REALLY should have included Cradle of Light. . . .

    Log in to Reply
  17. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 11:43 am

    Isn't it lovely? And the price for the 30 ml is almost ridiculously reasonable.

    Log in to Reply
  18. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 11:50 am

    Hey, I like the idea of FFAs :-)

    I adore Passage d'Enfer, but have to admit I've not been reaching for it quite as much this year as I have in years past. If I'd done the list earlier in the summer, June maybe, La Chasse would also have to make the list. Maybe we need a Top 10 for Late Spring.

    Log in to Reply
  19. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 12:02 pm

    Good list, and great to see Mugler Cologne on the list, although I much prefer Creeds' Original Vetiver which is more complex, rich, spicier and deep.

    Azuree Soleil is another good one – a simple skin scent with a surprisingly rich gardenia opening and a simple pleasant caramel like drydown.

    Log in to Reply
  20. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 12:04 pm

    Good point!

    Log in to Reply
  21. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 12:05 pm

    Un Jardin sur le Nil became my staple for summer as well, since last summer. Cuts through the terrible heat and humidity and stays fresh and lasts long. Really, it's good value for money.

    Log in to Reply
  22. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 12:16 pm

    Simple skin scents are best for summer, and actually was tempted to add Body Time's very plain Egyptian Musk, which I love when I can smell it. It does induce olfactory fatique VERY quickly.

    Log in to Reply
  23. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 12:16 pm

    Especially since you can find it at discount :-)

    Log in to Reply
  24. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 12:55 pm

    In summertime I usually wear Eau Sauvage.

    A couple of summers ago, my beau gave me Beyond Paradise for Man, and I love the jabuticaba scent, it reminds me of Brazil and hot weather.

    Also LOccitane´s Verbena and Verbena Agrumes (which is citrus peels plus verbena)…. I must confess I ended up layering the Loccitane over Kiehl´s Musk, creating a sexy sexy effect.hehehe!

    On women I like the green-tea fragrances like Elizabeth Arden´s and Bulgari´s.

    The Light edition of Hermes´Faubourg (24, Faubourg Eau Délicate), I find also very appealing.

    Have a great summer!

    Pedro

    Log in to Reply
  25. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 1:09 pm

    Eau Sauvage made my 2005 list, and it really is another scent that can stand up to any kind of heat and humidity and still smell just right. Great stuff. Same goes for Bvlgari Green Tea, which ought to have made one of the lists, but I suppose that leaves me something to add next year :-)

    Log in to Reply
  26. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 1:47 pm

    A thoroughly delightful and classy list. I'd willingly have these as my summer staples too. Exquisite taste, R.

    Log in to Reply
  27. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 2:36 pm

    Shaal Nur smelled like Lysol concentrate on me. I'm now willing (reluctantly) to concede that the sample could have turned. I'll try it again, sometime soon.

    Log in to Reply
  28. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 3:34 pm

    Thank you so much L!

    Log in to Reply
  29. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 3:37 pm

    L, it is both sharp and lemony in the opening, and also, I think some people simply do not like narcissus, even in small quantities. So perhaps your sample was off, but perhaps not!

    Log in to Reply
  30. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 5:00 pm

    hi, robin-

    i'm absolutely in love with sur le nil but am having a hard time finding it. i've tried the nordstroms in my area and only one store has 2 bottles left. was it a limited release? where have you bought yours in the past?

    thanks, nikki c

    Log in to Reply
  31. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 5:01 pm

    der, i meant this about the lotion, not the juice. ;)

    Log in to Reply
  32. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 5:08 pm

    Neiman Marcus usually has it, and so do the Hermes boutiques. Better yet, imaginationperfumery has it at discount for less than $30, and they also have a 3 piece gift set.

    Log in to Reply
  33. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 5:43 pm

    Robin, your list is so meteorologically correct as opposed to mine. LOL! And so very elegant. :)

    Log in to Reply
  34. Anonymous says:
    20 July 2007 at 9:36 pm

    AH! I briefly flirted with putting Shaal-Nur on my list, too. I really don't like it on me, but good gravy, it smells fantastic on other people. It's paradoxically dark and light at the same time when it's on the right person.
    Re: the TM Cologne: “and there simply isn't a day too hot and sticky to wear it.” You're so right! I always forget about it for some reason, but there's an odd kind of skin-contact Gatorade effect it has when worn. A very reviving fragrance too, on the super hot days, I think.
    Wonderful additions to your choices from last year, R – and such a wide ranging list of options.

    Log in to Reply
  35. Anonymous says:
    21 July 2007 at 1:04 am

    thank you!!

    Log in to Reply
  36. Anonymous says:
    21 July 2007 at 9:52 am

    Ina, yours is elegant and *brave*, LOL…

    Log in to Reply
  37. Anonymous says:
    21 July 2007 at 10:07 am

    Just commented on your list, K, and you have several I flirted with including too :-)

    Log in to Reply
  38. Anonymous says:
    21 July 2007 at 10:11 am

    De nada :-)

    Log in to Reply
  39. Anonymous says:
    21 July 2007 at 2:27 pm

    LOL! Me personally I can't (shipping defeats the purpose), but I am happy that you can at least. Nice to know you all smell lovely.

    Log in to Reply
  40. Anonymous says:
    23 July 2007 at 8:20 am

    Hello, I'm a new girl on the blog.

    I try to keep things simple with fragrances: for beach and swimmingpool I love Salvadore Dali's Sun and Sea in Cadaques, for whole year around I use Acqua di Roma and Laura by Laura Biagiotti, for great events out Coco Mademoiselle EdP. Then for some different moods I have Bulgari Rose Essentielle, Nina by Nina Ricci, Purplelight by the master Dali en Lovely Prism by Givenchy. The other day I so totally fell in love with Feminite du Bois by Shiseido but I hesitate, maybe it's not the right season for such a strong outspoken woody fragrance.

    I love this blog and learn a lot from it!

    Log in to Reply
  41. Anonymous says:
    23 July 2007 at 6:35 pm

    Welcome! You've got a great mix of scents, and I really need to try the newer Dalis — haven't even seen them here yet.

    Agree FdB is maybe more of a fall scent, at least to me.

    Log in to Reply
  42. Anonymous says:
    15 April 2008 at 1:25 pm

    I'm looking for a new scent for summer, I seem to really despise everything I have right now. I'm not even sure which category a summer scent should come from. And it doesn't need to have “summer” in the title, if you catch my drift! ;-) Otherwise, I am open to suggestions from anyone! Thanks!

    Log in to Reply
  43. Anonymous says:
    15 April 2008 at 7:52 pm

    How about any of the 10 scents in the list? Or do you have something more specific you're looking for?

    Log in to Reply
  44. Anonymous says:
    16 April 2008 at 6:47 pm

    I fully appreciate the list, don't get me wrong, it's just that I've never heard of most of these perfumes and am not sure where or how I would try them. I have a problem with being landlocked where I live *cringe*. I didn't know if you had any recommendations for anything more widely available? *double cringe* I haven't quite worked my nose up to perfumista status yet. (I feel like the world's biggest pain right now…)

    Log in to Reply
  45. Anonymous says:
    16 April 2008 at 9:49 pm

    Not a pain at all — would be happy to recommend some widely available scents. But do give me a few clues as to what sort of fragrance you're after?

    Log in to Reply
  46. Anonymous says:
    17 April 2008 at 9:02 pm

    Well, I'd like something lighter for spring and summer, it does get quite hot and humid where I live. I've read the reviews of the perfumes listed here and they all sound intriguing. I find that a lot of fragrances are too sweet for my liking, I probably lean more toward something spicy/oriental or floral. I will admit that “unisex” does scare me a bit, but I'm willing to try all perfumes as not to miss a chance at something I might really like.

    Log in to Reply
  47. Anonymous says:
    18 April 2008 at 11:59 am

    Please, a few more clues — tell me what fragrances you currently like?

    Log in to Reply
  48. Anonymous says:
    18 April 2008 at 12:52 pm

    I own Hilary Duff With Love, and Thierry Mugler Angel Innocent, I like both of them, With Love can be a bit too coconut-y at times. I also like Coco Mlle. Edp, Narciso Rodriguez Edt, Burberry Brit but have not committed to either of those yet by way of a purchase. I would not be opposed to a citrus, it's just been a long time since I wore one. I tried Burberry The Beat, it was nice, but I didn't feel an immediate need to own it. I don't care for a lot of jasmine, vanilla, patchouli or anything too powdery sweet. I have Kenzo Summer by Kenzo and it's way too powdery sweet for me.

    Log in to Reply
  49. Anonymous says:
    18 April 2008 at 7:52 pm

    Some possibilities: Hermes Kelly Caleche, Jo Malone White Jasmine & Mint (that one isn't really all that jasmine-heavy, I don't think), and wondering if you might like one of the Annick Goutals: Hadrien, Mandragore, Chevrefeuille, Petite Cherie?

    Log in to Reply
  50. Anonymous says:
    19 April 2008 at 3:08 pm

    Thank you so much for your suggestions AND your patience. I feel like I've just had my own personal perfume profile. :) The suggestions sound great, I am so excited to try something new. Keep up the great work!

    Log in to Reply
  51. Anonymous says:
    19 April 2008 at 8:45 pm

    Let me know how they work out!

    Log in to Reply

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Advertisement

Search

From NST at Twitter

    Browse by...

    Topic

    Perfume talk New fragrances
    Shopping Books :: News
    Body products Home fragrance
    Polls Another subject

    Date

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022

    Prior months

    Author

    Robin Jessica
    Angela Kevin
    Erin Guest Author

    Tag

    Celebrity perfumes
    Cheap thrills
    Collector bottles
    Perfumista tip series
    Video
    The complete tag index

    Recent reviews

    Atelier Cologne Love Osmanthus
    Moschino Toy Boy
    Arquiste Misfit
    Diptyque Eau Capitale
    Zoologist Bee
    Parfum d’Empire Immortelle Corse
    Comme des Garcons Series 10 Clash
    Frédéric Malle Rose & Cuir
    L’Artisan Parfumeur Le Chant de Camargue
    Yves Saint Laurent Grain de Poudre
    Régime des Fleurs Chloë Sevigny Little Flower
    Chanel 1957
    Gallivant Los Angeles
    Amouage Portrayal Woman

    Blogroll

    Bois de Jasmin
    Grain de Musc
    Perfume Posse
    The Non-Blonde
    More blogs...

    Perfumista lists

    100 fragrances every perfumista should try
    And 25 more fragrances every perfumista should smell
    50 masculine fragrances every perfumista should try
    26 vintage fragrances every perfumista should try
    25 rose fragrances every perfumista should try
    11 Cheap Perfumes Beauty Outsiders Love

    Favorite posts

    The Great Perfume Reduction Plan
    Why I Love Old School Chypres
    New to perfume and want to learn more?
    How to make fragrance last through the day
    Fragrance concentrations: sorting it all out
    On reformulations, or why your favorite perfume doesn’t smell like it used to
    How to get fragrance samples
    Perfume for Life: How Long Will Your Fragrance Collection Last?

    Upcoming

    List of upcoming Friday projects

    20 May ~ Haiku Challenge
    20 May ~ splitmeet

    Back to Top

    Home
    About Now Smell This :: Privacy Policy

    Shop for Perfume Online
    Perfume Shopping in New York
    Perfume Shopping in London
    Perfume Reviews
    New Perfumes
    General Perfume Articles
    The Monday Mail

    Glossary of Perfume Terms
    Perfume FAQ
    Perfume Links
    Perfume Books
    Fragrance Awards

    Noses ~ Perfumers A-E :: F-K :: L-S :: T-Z

    Perfume Houses A-B :: C :: D-E :: F-G
    H-J :: K-L :: M :: N-O :: P :: Q-R :: S
    T :: U-Z

    Copyright © 2005-2023 Now Smell This. All rights reserved.