Six contenders for those warm summer days when a serious perfume just won't do: Lostmarc'h Lann Ael, ElizabethW Sweet Tea, Comme des Garçons Soda, Gap Grass, Demeter Pruning Shears & Demeter Beetroot.
Lostmarc'h Lann Ael ~ Gourmand-lovers looking for something edible that won't overwhelm in the summer heat might want to check out Lann Ael from the niche line Lostmarc'h. It is most decidedly not my sort of thing, but something about it makes me smile. If the notes (buckwheat, cereals, milk, apple, vanilla) sound like breakfast, you're on the right track: this is a dead ringer for my son's favorite maybe-more-dessert-than-breakfast cereal: Cookie Crisp. It starts out airy and light, with crisp apple (thankfully or not, depending on your point of view, the apple doesn't last), calms into a mild blend of sweet cereal grains and cookie dough, and eventually finishes off as a light, creamy vanilla. In 100 ml Eau de Toilette for $75; for buying information see the listing for Lostmarc'h under Perfume Houses.
ElizabethW Sweet Tea ~ When I first started reading the fragrance board at MakeupAlley back in 2003, this was an oft-mentioned summer favorite. Described by the brand as "enticing oriental black teas, juicy fresh Amalfi lemons, and the sweetness of almond honey", this is a perfume dupe of iced tea as it's served in the south: already sweetened, with a touch of lemon. The almond honey is MIA to my nose, but this is an enjoyable summer-y tea scent with a slight touch of floral, perfectly unisex, and best appreciated (like many summer fragrances) when applied liberally. A bargain at $35 for 60 ml; for buying information see the listing for ElizabethW under Perfume Houses.
Comme des Garçons Soda ~ from Series 6: Synthetic, and you can pretty much ignore the notes — aldehydes, lime, citral, pimenal, lilial, iso-eugenol, galaxolide, acetal Rum — this is 7Up. It strikes me as perhaps more crisp than bubbly, but it's 7Up all the same. That I can't think of anything more to say about it is no diss to the fragrance, which is great fun to wear. In 75 ml Eau de Toilette for $60; for buying information, see the listing for Comme des Garçons under Perfume Houses.
Gap Grass ~ I'm sure I'm not the only one who has had this experience: you hear about a scent. It's supposed to be the most perfect scent of its kind, and often in this sort of scenario, it's tantalizingly cheap. You keep hearing about it, over and over, but you dilly dally, and lo and behold, it gets discontinued. You go right on hearing about it, and every time, you kick yourself for not checking it out while you still could have, and meanwhile, the scent begins to take on almost mythical proportions in your mind. So it was with Gap Grass, which after years of rumored sightings in Gap outlet stores has now reappeared in regular Gap boutiques. It was bound to disappoint after the long wait, and it does, at least a little. The top notes are grass, yes, but they're awfully clean and fresh, and it gets cleaner and fresher the longer it's on skin: eventually it reminds me of a grass-scented air freshener. The dry down is pale florals over clean musk. It's all very pleasant, but not the GRASS!!! sort of thing I was expecting. I didn't like the Marc Jacobs Grass either, so I'll just go on waiting and wearing Miller et Bertaux Green. $24 for 100 ml at Gap.
Demeter Pruning Shears and Beetroot ~ The brand description for Pruning Shears— "This scent combines roses with that lovely metallic tang of the shears" — pretty much says it all: this is a soft rose, very green and grassy, with an oddly metallic twist to the top notes. The "metallic twist" part doesn't really last, but a subtle rose lingers for an hour or so. Developed by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian. As for Beetroot, what can I say? You either want to smell like freshly-dug root vegetables or you don't. This is one of my favorite Demeter scents for summer (and I'll add a plug for the all-time-best Demeter for hot weather, Gingerale), and might most appeal to those who love the smell of puttering around in the vegetable garden — it's a variation on their popular Dirt fragrance, adding a bit of sweetness and a lot of something rooty that smells vaguely like uncooked beets. Pruning Shears and Beetroot are available at bargain city prices: $10 for a 15 ml purse spray (available in other sizes as well). For buying information, see the listing for Demeter under Perfume Houses.
A few more nominations for summer fun, and do add your own in the comments: Diptyque Oyedo, Byredo Pulp, Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess, Guerlain Mandarine Basilic, L'Artisan Ananas Fizz, Alba Kona Coffee lotion, Parfums 06130 Yuzu Rouge, Comptoir Sud Pacifique Aqua Motu, Andrée Putman Préparation Parfumée.
Guerlain Acqua Allergoria Menta Fresca is like sniffing freshly cut mint after you brush your teeth.
Herba Fresca or Mentafollia? Hmmm…perhaps a combination of the two?! 🙂 Herba Fresca definitely has that grassy thing going on, mint, too. Haven’t sniffed Mentafolia, but from the description, it sounds interesting!
Haha. Yeah, I own both Menta & Herba and sometimes it’s easy to get them confused.
My vote goes to Herba Fresca!
I should probably dig out my sample of Sweet Tea and try it again in the heat. It underwhelmed in March (too sweet! even for a southern girl who likes her iced tea with sugar), but might feel right now.
I am considering a small bottle of Gingerale, but so far my pick for “summer fun” is PdN Just un Reve (tropical florals with a hint of coconut). And I’ll probably dig out that drugstore Lime & Coconut body mist again, too.
Do grab the Gingerale if you like the drink at all. You can actually smell the fizz! I haven’t been very fond of the other Demeters I’ve tried, but this one is a real gem.
2nd that — great scent.
It mostly smells sweet to me in the opening, later, more like straight up black tea.
You know, I didn’t get a lot of tea out of it – it was more like gallons of lemonade with a splash of tea, to my mind. But perhaps I’m being too literal with the tea reference. I make a gallon of sweetened iced tea every 2-3 days (my husband drinks it with all meals!), and Sweet Tea doesn’t really smell like its name to me. However, I’m going to test it again this afternoon; it should be about 93F by the time I get home, and maybe heat will make a difference. It did, oddly, remind me of my grandmother who never wears perfume, so I enjoyed it for that reason.
I just got two samples that are perfect for summer fun – Hilde Soliani’s Mangiami Dopo Teatro and Stecca. Mangiami Dopo Teatro is a hyperrealistic honeydew melon scent (I know, I know, melon is not exactly beloved), and Stecca is a hyperrealistic tomato plant.
Oh Jirish! I’ve been aching to try the Mangiamo Dopo Teatro for ages! When the heat hits, melon sounds glorious. Of course, the heat hasnt’ hit around here yet, where today is a drizzly and windy 15 🙁
I must try the Stecca!
Uh oh! Stecca = competition for Memory of Kindness? I’m scheming to get a sample of Eau de Campagne for my tomato-leaf issues…
Joe,
I’ll get right on it!
Stecca is fantastic, but it’s ridiculously priced for a tomato plant scent! There are so many good alternatives that are cheaper…CB Memory of Kindness, Sisley Eau de Campagne, even Demeter’s Tomato and Green Tomato might work if you don’t mind re-applying every 2 hours.
Oh, if it’s more expensive than the Sisley and/or the CB, I might just forget about it.
I’ve already forgotten about it.
I’m putting my huge vote in for Bronze Goddess. Where has this coconut vetiver goodness been all my life?
It’s really a great thing — almost all I wear at the beach.
Which do you like better, Bronze Goddess or Azuree Soleil? A local discounter had both on sale cheap. I have a sample of Bronze Goddess, but the other had a better price.
Azuree Soleil, no doubt.
Bronze Goddess replaced frangipani with Gardenia and it’s just not the same. Smells cheaper too. Azuree Soleil has more class.
Wish I could buy it too, my 5th bottle’s running out and it was the last one!
I too, like Azuree Soleil MUCH better than Bronze Goddess. Stocked up on it and have the unopened bottles in the fridge. I didn’t know what ‘technically’ was different, but I get a weird citrus from the Bronze Goddess. Azuree Soleil has a much ‘richer’ white floral, also.
I didn’t find them quite as different as Nile Goddess did, but if it were me I’d probably be buying the Bronze Goddess at this point just because of the age of the Azuree Soleil.
https://nstperfume.com/2008/03/13/estee-lauder-bronze-goddess-fragrance-review/
Excellent point. Bronze Goddess is one of those I should just break down and buy, maybe for my birthday!
Well it will be a definite “NO” on the body oil after reading your review! I know they are very similar, so I guess I should go for the BG. Only $10 price difference anyways. My perfume wardrobe is expanding rapidly, so I’d rather have something that will last a couple years!
I can’t wait to start wearing my summer frags. I love Summer by Kenzo, CSP Ecume de The, Ava Luxe Moroccan Mint Tea, Eau de Cartier, EL Private Collection, Gap Grass as well.
Lan Ael is very sweet on me, and I love gourmands, but I guess it’s my skin eh? I’m very interested in sampling that Soda by CdG, though, as well as that Elizabeth W as a possible Ecume de The substitute since it’s been discontinued (as usual!).
I don’t think you’ll find the Sweet Tea to be a substitute for the CSP one, sorry to say…
I am SO dying to buy a bottle of that Moroccan Mint Tea, but my scent spending has been out of control lately.
Thanks for the heads up re Gap Grass being re-released, I’ll have to check that out. Back in the day when it was made by Mottura (before Gap acquired them) their best product (IMO) was actually the Grass soap, beautifully fresh & light to use in the shower in the summer.
Hope you’ll like the new version!
R, you’re not even the only one to have that experience w/Grass. Boring, flat, blah except for the first 30 seconds or so. I mistakenly thought you were seeking it out because you loved it, rather than bc you wanted to try it, and so I was shocked to find it so thin, clean and unsubstantial. Good to know that was my mistake. 🙂
The first 30 seconds are pretty nice, in fact, the first time I wore it I wasn’t paying a whole lot of attention & thought I might like it. Later tries haven’t worked out so well 🙁
Huh. Gap Grass was practically all I wore during a large chunk of the ’90s, and I still have a vintage bottle I bought a couple of years ago on eBay — the fresh grassy smell lasts a good two or three hours. Sounds like they’ve reformulated for the re-release. What a shame.
I’d love to hear how they compare, if you get a chance to sniff the new version.
HarleyQ, if you get to try the new one, do comment & tell me how they compare, I’m curious.
I do have both, and recall that I thought both smelled pretty much the same. Going up to grab ’em and double check…
…and I’m back. And sad to report that I think that, despite having been in that cute little 15ml aluminum container, the “vintage” Grass is off. Or is it? The new “Grass” is rather linear; what you smell at the start is what is hanging out. And is the smell I remember from the old, and what the old started as on this spritz. But the old has rather quickly turned into a half-used dryer sheet, and the patch of new is still that somewhat sweet yes rather fake grass smell…the one I had so much joy from back in the day, and the one I still like to spritz on occasion now.
It came back last winter, of all times…was rather goofily excited when it did. Not a Top 10, but a Very Happy to Be Able to Put it In My Stash kind of thing. For me…acknowledging there’s a shot of nostalgia in there somewhere.
Thank you so much for the detailed comparison!
I had one of those 15-mL sprays of the original Gap Grass, and when it went off, it REALLY went off–dark-brown in colour, unspeakably vile in odour. It’s as if someone snuck in through the fourth dimension and replaced the contents with concentrated gutter-water. What a shame that the reformulation isn’t the original, because that was really something special.
Never smelled Grass. But I notice that Dawn Spencer Hurwitz has a replica available on her website. Here’s the link to her website:
https://www.dshperfumes.com. The scent is called “Summer Lawn, our Gap Grass type,” and it’s under Essense Oils/Designer duplicates.
It’s fun to grab the summer Escada fragrances too, especially at discounters (they’re often at TJ Maxx I’ve found). The mens frag ‘Sunset Heat’ smells like one of those drinks you get served in a plastic coconut shell garnished with tons of cherries and an umbrella. It has a fruity (strawberry maybe?) top with a very light musk dry-down. It’s fun, cheap, but satisfying. Something you wouldn’t really mind if you lost at the beach or a party, which to me, is a requirement in the summer time party mindset 🙂
Most of the women’s Escadas are too sweet for me — will have to try the men’s!
Demeter has a LOT of great summer scents, and since they’re all cologne splashes, generally with little to no lasting power, they’re guaranteed not to offend. Earl Grey Tea (bergamot and black tea), Meyer Lemon, Lavender, Orange Cream Pop (Dreamsicle), Kahala Blue Hawaiian (orange-pineapple), Pink Lemonade, Gin & Tonic, and of course Gingerale (it actually sparkles!) will all serve you well on a hot summer day. I’m sure there are lots of others.
And my wonderful, adored Terracotta Voile D’Ete: crisp carnations, sultry ylang, and a dab of not-too-sweet vanilla. God, it’s so good!
I will never catch up on all the Demeters! Need to try Meyer Lemon & can’t even remember if I’ve tried their Earl Grey tea or not.
I LOVE Voile d’Ete – for the two hours that I get from it… how long does it last on you? (i.e., am I being whiny about lasting power?)
If my fragrance choices say anything at all about me, I am into classic style 9 months out of the year and then turn into a cheap tart in the summertime. Things I would normally turn my nose up at are suddenly the greatest thing ever when it gets hot out. (And since I live in the northwest, that’s really more like a month and a half out of the year.) I just busted out my Demeter Sex on the Beach, Aqualina Pink Sugar, and the trampiness coup de grace (sure I spelled that wrong–got a D in high school French), Victoria’s Secret Love Spell and Strawberries and Champagne.
This from the lady that was slamming Jessica Simpson’s Fancy ten seconds ago.
lol – I know what you mean. I get all wanting to smell sweet and fluffy in the summer too.
yeah….I have a sample of lann-ael and I’m thinking it might be a good thing to have in an FB —oh lord, not another lemming!
It is very sweet, but very yummy….lotsa vanilla….I have Lea St Barth and that’s vanilla but some chocolate too….acck why do I love everything?
LOL! You’ll end up wearing that Jessica Simpson all summer 😉
LOL 🙂
Hi R. These all sound pretty good, but I’ve yet to sample a single Demeter. Beetroot, huh? Love that earthy smell, but baffles me as a fragrance.
I’m so glad you fiiiiiiiiinally got to try Gap Grass, even though it didn’t wow you. I wonder if the new formula is different from my ca. 1996 bottle, even though you nailed it: the drydown is light floral musk. There’s also that CBIHP Grass accord, as well as Wild Pansy, which I’ve been saying I’m going to get a bottle of for years.
To these I’ll add: new loves (thanks to Daisy) Montale Soleil di Capri (so delicious) & Escale a Portofino. I also need to go buy some of that Kaffir Cologne right now before I forget.
Oh, and while I’m at it, my verdict on Blu Med Mandorlo: it’s definitely “birch-beery” the way everyone says, but with a hint of almondy goodness. It’s not what I thought it would be, nor is it love, but it’s fun and light, and a good summer cologne.
Joe, I have Beetroot and several other Demeters – put it on your list for the next round
I really like the Portofino, and have high hopes for the Pondicherry. But I wonder if the Gap Grass has changed too…it’s nice enough, but not so nice that I can believe how everyone at MUA has raved about it over the years.
You’ll see my comments about Grass, new and old, above.
Honestly, it’s a great warm weather shot of fun. Not quite as “out there” in the growing greens as AA Herba Fresca, but a great alternative to a classic cologne like Eau Imperiale. Honestly, I have to wonder if something like an Herba Fresca didn’t evolve thanks in parts to the likes of the “gimmick” scents of Demeter and Grass…helped people to go outside the box…
I guess I want my grass scent to be “out there” 😉
I know my tastes have changed, since it first came out (I was in high school then), but it’s not what I remembered. It seems like it was not nearly as sweet, and really smelled like a freshly moved lawn. I just bought a bottle last week, and I’m now glad it didn’t cost much!
I meant the original wasn’t as sweet as the new one.
The new one really doesn’t smell like fresh mowed lawn to me for more than a few brief seconds.
My collection is really heavy on the fall/winter scents, and not so heavy on the spring/summers. I’m quickly building it up, though. 🙂 Great summer scents – Bobbi Brown Beach, Cococabana, Eau Turquoise, Kahala Blue Hawaiian (pineapple!!!), Juste un Reve, Le’a by Saffron James (all of her scents are great for summer), Premier Figuier.
BTW, I’m still jonesing for a tea scent!!! Already have a bunch of reqs. I need to start sampling!!! Too many perfumes, too little time. 😉
Hey, sounds like you have lots of summer stuff! And yes, you need a tea 🙂
….or two, or three, or 10! (Tea fan here, can you tell?)
What do you like in the way of tea?
I’ve tested several, but only found one tea scent I really liked (Ava Luxe The’ Noir – but it’s deliciously spicy-woody and would be too much for summer). I did quite like Tommy Girl, but I spilled a mini bottle in my handbag and now I’m sick of it.
Has anybody tried the L’Occitane Bergamot Tea yet? That sounds fab. Is the Demeter Earl Grey Tea good?
You might want to get yourself some activated charcoal…tie a cup or so up in a piece of old t-shirt material —stuff it in the (emptied) handbag then zip/snap/close it for a few weeks and see if it doesn’t remove the smell.
At first a scented handbad would be kinda cool….after a while it might get a little nauseating.
Daisy, I stuck a cheesecloth bag with baking powder in that purse and put it away until fall (it’s a big vinyl tote – my $5 gem from Coldwater Creek), so I’m not really worried about the purse. I mean I’m just sick of smelling Tommy Girl. (No applause, please!)
When it comes to tea, I’m easily pleased, since I look at it as a simple, refreshing summer scent. Pretty much, almost any green tea I’ve ever smelled, I’ve liked. 😀 L’Artisan’s The Pour un Ete is a very nice, if somewhat short-lived, one.
Okay, and yes, now I tried the Bergamot Tea. For a cheap thrill, basic tea/citrus scent, I think it’s a really nice one… and when they have it available in 20 ml, it ‘s a done deal for me! Undoubtedly there are better teas out there, but not for the price, IMO.
Baking soda works best if moisture is present (like in the fridge)….couldn’t hurt to check it once in a while to see how it’s doing. I just recommended the activated charcoal because I have weird stuff like that on hand. I don’t hate Tommy Girl, it just smelled cheap on me (as everyone knows, I’m pretty darn expensive) —and I’ve found that the “cheap” note I get actually has nothing to do with the price of the juice —for heaven’s sake I get the cheap note from MDCI Peche Cardinal !!!!
Anyhooo….I love Coldwater Creek…if I wore anything but jeans and sweaters (winter) or jeans and t-shirts (summer) that’s where I’d buy clothes.
Daisy, you’re too young for Coldwater Creek!
I SO wish I could like The Pour Un Ete – it would be such an easy choice cause I love L’Artisan. But it strikes me as too masculine. Couldn’t get into it. I wore Bulgari’s The Vert years ago, and don’t care for it anymore. I know what I’m looking for – just need to start ordering samples and testing, testing, testing!!!!
Tokyo Milk’s Gin and Rosewater is a nice one in this category, if you like the idea of smelling like gin. (I do.)
I like the smell much better than the taste…might have to try this one!
I always think gin tastes like cleaning fluid… and having said that, I admit that I love Tom Collins made with gin rather than another spirit.
and I’ll admit I’ve had a hankering for a gimlet ever since someone posted about Pimm’s and Ginger. 😀
Oh, that sounds tempting! I really need to check out the Tokyo Milk line.
Me too! Gin and rosewater sounds great. Cheers! 😉
A vote for Un Jardin sur le Nil. The lemon is nice and then fruits all over, it is just a fun scent for being outside in the sun and playing golf.
And I add Acca Kappa Muschio Binaco, which is “I just got out of the shower”. Subtle and clean-fresh. Great, and not that expensive.
Un Jardin Sur Le Nil is a fabulous scent, yes!
Oh, too sweet for me, but smell great on my little sis: all those Ferragamo Encanto scents. Those are pretty fruity/fluffy summery scents. And a bunch of the Burberrys too.
I like Burberry Summer. Even though I’m not into “fruity”, this one is nice in hot weather.
I’ve only tried it once & can’t even remember it…must go give it a sniff!
Sweet Tea is nice — my mom has been wearing for quite a while now (she’s a fan of the ElizabethW line). Pruning Shears intrigues me just because I like the name! 🙂
It’s really a great name.
Great post! Kurkdjian doing pruning shears for Demeter?! Wow…
Demeter is one of the lines I haven’t found the courage yet to get to know. Beet Root sounds absolutely sensational! It’s 1 of your favourites? As a gardener at heart I’ll have to try it…
For the tag word ‘fresh’ I’ll add Moschino Friends (dazzling orange & mandarine on vanillic musk) and Habit Rouge EdT Légère (citrussy light leather oriental softened by orange flower). But I don’t only like fresh scents in warm weather, I love to wear e.g. Arpège pH, despite its strong powdery sweetness. In warm weather I seem to be ‘flexible’, but it’s just that I DON’T like my fresh citrussy scents in cold wet winter weather.
Regarding grass, have you tried Yves Rocher’s EdC Bamboo from the Fraîcheur Végétale series? It’s really cheap and pretty natural smelling and gorgeously grassy. I have my eye (rather nose) on it for a long time – don’t own it yet but will soon 😉 I think it fades quickly on skin though.
I should say that I have lots of Demeter favorites, though! But it’s one of my favorites for summer. Also love Thunderstorm, EggNog, Gingerale. And others I’m not remembering!
I did try the Bamboo in store, and liked it, and then the Yves Rocher boutique near me up & closed.
Haven’t tried YR Bamboo EdC, but I have the shower gel. I didn’t get quite as much grass out of it as I imagine you do, but I agree with the vibe…
Ooh, I am going to have to try CdG Soda. It is one of CdG’s that I passed up, but I would love to smell like 7-Up during the summer. Thanks for the review.
Here are some of my new faves for hot weather (but mostly I have been wearing some vintage Rive Gauche (the women’s) lately. I like the reformulation, but the vintage is amazing.
Kenzo Eau De Fleur de Magnolia–I have used up my sample. I think I am going to have to buy a bottle of this. It is perfect for an evening near the water when the cool breeze comes off the sea. You pegged it perfectly with the tag “golden aura”.
Diptyque L’Eau des Hesperides–An excellent cologne with a bit of herbs in it. Not challenging, but not boring either.
Le Labo Iris 39–Smells clean without smelling “clean”. (EL Alliage is another in the clean not “clean” family, for me, especially if you can find the vintage.)
Demeter Grass–the true grass fragrance and decent lating power.
Yves Saint Laurent Y–A lovely dry chypre for summer. Not new, but new to me.
Hierbas de Ibiza–See the Diptyque above but with more orange blossom.
Chanel Cristalle EdT–I adore this and have bought up a couple of bottles at airport duty free against the inevitable.
TDC Sel de Vetiver–the beach in a bottle.
Try CdG Garage too, if you can — very fun!
And hey, nice list. Agree w/ every single one of them except that Le Labo Iris…I adore Le Labo & I adore iris, and don’t know why I have such an aversion to that scent. Angie likes it though!
For summer I like El Bronze Goddess and EL PC Tuberose and Gardenia – the two I bought last summer! I have an old sample of Soda from when I got a set of the Synthetics line – I’ll have to try that again.
I have several Demeters that work well in warmer weather: Dandelion, Wet Garden (sotd), and Flower Show are nice (short-lived) and I occasionally like to layer them with Earthworm, which is nice moist loamy dirt. I have Beetroot but have not quite warmed up to it. Of all of them Dandelion might be my favorite. I definitely need to try Gingerale next time I get a set of minis from them!
San Francisco rarely gets hot enough to really worry about more than just spring fragrances, though.
you wouldn’t be able to tell from what we’ve had so far this year, but usually mid-michigan is like an oven in summer! So bring on the splashes!
However….now I’m thinking about gourmands because I dragged out my Lann-ael sample…mmmmm…
I’ve found that I really like a lot of gourmand type scents….now I’m lemming Frapin 1270 AND Lostmarch Lann-ael !!! might have to change my name to “Gourmand-zilla” (I do stomp around a lot but I hardly ever breathe fire)
How about just “Lemming-zilla”?
I’m afraid that “Lemming-zilla” works as well.
However, gi-normous-nuclear-mutated-dinosaurs are so much more impressive than smallish furry rodents rushing over a cliff…. I rather doubt that lemmings smell very appealing either…I mean, Godzilla might not be the freshest guy around but I hardly think anyone would dare to say so.
I like a lot of gourmand scents, too – try some of the Farmacia ss Annunziata – Aurora, Chia and Perla are my favorites so far. They are at LS.
I think I have a couple of those tucked away somewhere…I know I have a Perla sample–that one is very nice! Time to rummage thru the sampes!
It’s pouring out but I have this burning desire to go outside in the garden! In the summer I never get the garden dirt entirely out from under my fingernails, so I might as well smell like the garden–all the stuff you could layer! Beetroot, CdG Rhubarb, Stecca, Green green green and green. . .. Grateful for all the suggestions.
Hope you’ll like at least one of them!
Great topic. I’m traveling to the East Coast this month and really have to think about what I’m going to take to combat the heat/mugginess. I’ll have to try some on this list.
Another vote for Herba Fresca. I aksi find Jo Malone White Jasmine & Mint to be very refreshing in the heat. Elizabeth Arden Green Tea (I like the rhubarb note) is another good zesty one, plus it’s a cheapie.
I keep seeing that EA and wondering about it…dirt cheap at TJ Maxx/Marshall’s.
In late August when it’s really humid, about all I can stand is citrus.
I’ve got a trio of PdNs to keep me going through the summer: Eau d’Ete, Eau Exotique, and Fig Tea. But I think of them as serious, so in the less than serious category, I enjoy BBW’s Coconut Lime Verbena, which a number of posters have said reminds them of Virgin Island Water. Also, a couple of Demeters: Wet Garden, Firefly, Meyer Lemon, and Earl Grey Tea. Although sadly the Earl Grey lasts all of five seconds on me. Oh, and Pacifica’s Malibu Lemon Blossom and Lotus Garden.
I’ve got my eye on the Kenzo Eau de Fleur de The, the L’Occitane Bergamot Tea, and the Hampton Sun Privet Bloom.
Yes, PdN is serious no matter what. Coconut Lime Verbena is great stuff, although I prefer the lotion to the perfume.
I’ve been curious about the HSPB since last year, but never see it anywhere…nor samples, either. Harrumph!
I think Victoria’s Secret carries it!
Thanks! Not that I’ve set foot in there in ages…but I do think there’s one in my burb, in the same shopping center where I need to make a couple of returns.
When I was in Grasse about three years ago, I picked up a bottle at Fragonard of a light citrus eau de toilette called “Riviera Riviera” — it’s a little lemon, a little mimosa, and a whole of summer in a spritz. I have not be able to find it anywhere since and am now down to my last few horded sprays. Has anybody else ever tried it? Or, better yet, know where I can find it!
I’m also waiting for L’Occitane Bergamot Tea….love the fresh smell of summer scents.
If you can’t find it locally, Fragonard will ship to the US (and they occasionally run specials so the shipping isn’t too bad).
Oh… Lann Ael. It always makes me smile too. The first time I smelled it, a few months ago,I thought it was like being changed into a sweet sweet cookie and dipped into lemon scented tea. Then I gave it a second chance, this time on skin and after five minutes it had lost the sticky-sweet beginning that had terrified me on the card.
And I add my vote for Bronze goddess too. Maybe not a serious perfume but insanely good and for me, a sea lover just in theory, I’m starting to think that a nice spritz of BG, together with a sunny summer day, a little bit of breeze and a light dress in the half-light of my living room, can bring the seaside to my home. so I dare say it’s actually a form of saving…
I love it when buying perfume is saving 😉
I wore Bond No. 9 Coney Island on Memorial Day, and it made me smile all day. I really do like Tommy Girl, too; as a light & lovely tea scent.
Tommy Girl is a perfect no-brainer summer scent.
Great topic, Robin! Not-so-serious summer fragrances? Of your list, I really want to try the Aqua Motu. I also like to splash on Do Son (seriously lovely, but somehow light and fun, too) and Eau de Cartier (goes anywhere for anything). Also, my brand new bottles of Neil Morris Mariner and Anya’s Garden Kaffir (thanks to your article!) will fit the bill perfectly. Oh, yes, and Saffron James Le’a. I’m also enjoying my sample of Ava Luxe Venus Sands — talk about the beach in a bottle! Last (last for right now, anyway LOL), I am lusting after a bottle of Eau de Jatamansi and/or possibly its new sister fragrance, Cote d’Amour. Has anyone tried Cote d’Amour yet??? Oh, and I still have my bottle of The Body Shop Indian Gardenia Perfume Oil. I dab that one on my elbows and cuticles…
Gee, that list I just posted is embarrassingly long. I have an excuse, though. We have a long hot season here, and I spend time in my dear island home, as well.
Not long at all! I have tried the Cote d’Amour but so far only once. My quick reaction is that I don’t like it nearly as well as Jatamansi, but I often change my mind later so shouldn’t even say. Will say this: it smells very much like synthetic aquatic notes in the opening, and in that sense seems like an achievement for a natural!
That’s interesting! You have me leaning back toward Jatamansi now. However, I seem to have more of a tolerance than most for aquatic notes.
Do try the Cote d’Amour though…I ought not to say anything after only one try.
Wholesome summer fun and cheap thrills, too: Miso Pretty Exquisite Peony Scent, a light sprtiz of peony, bamboo, cut grass and tuberose. All of 10 bucks for for 4 ounces, and the funky neo-traditional packaging is really sweet. Despite its Betty-Boop-goes-to-Shangai-in-a-flowered-Cheosam girl on the label and a little fifties-style airplane on the side with the caption “flown in daily,” I think the line is actually made in Pittsfield, MA — more fun still. 😀
Just looked it up — great bottle, love it! And love the whole Blue Q line.
Dirty Girl — their signature lily — and Cute as Hell — violet and quince — sound like fun summer heat-busters, too. Haven’t tried those two yet, but Miso Pretty is definitely NOT just your average cheap-o body spray (it’s a remarkably well-done Chinese tea scent), so I expect the others are great, too. They also make soaps and lotions and gift sets. I think a young girl would love them.
How about Dammuso (grapefruit fun) or Vraie Blonde (fizzy peach fun)? Histoires de Parfums 1873 Colette is also sweet citrus fun. And my memory of Sharon Bolton Truth is 7-Up to start and then a tropical cocktail drydown – in a good way.
The 1873 is a great scent, I should review that one.
I used to wear Gap Grass before it was discontinued, and at the time, I loved it. I always remembered it fondly, but when it was brought back, I found a Gap store so I could go in and smell it again … and disappointment was more or less the name of the game.
Currently, when I want to wear a great grass fragrance, I dab on CB I Hate Perfumes Grass Accord. It smells like living/growing grass to me (as opposed to a just-mowed smell). The only drawback is that the lasting power is poor … just a few hours. On the other hand, sometimes that’s just what I’m looking for in hot weather.
So I wonder if Gap Grass changed or if your tastes changed? I should try the CB version.
You know, I wish I could answer that … but I unfortunately have no idea.
I’ve been having a great time sampling summer scents but no luck in finding “the” one. I can’t understand what people see in Versace Versense and Omnia Green Jade and even Cristalle Eau Verte, while a nice scent, does not spell “Chanel” if you know what I mean.
Am now looking for “forgotten” fragrances – hey Robin, hint hint, this could be a lazy topic, forgotten fragrances!
Anyway after a lot of trial and error, I’ve rediscovered Kenzo Le Monde Est Beau, a sparkling grapefruit fragrance that’s neither sweet not 7Up-ish and just perfect. I can feel my credit card sniffing for air …
Anyone enjoyed Le Monde Est Beau?
Versense is another one that smells rather nice…for 30 seconds. I had hoped I’d like it, bc I love the bottle (why am I such a sucker for the bottles?!)…but nope.
I have never tried that Kenzo! Will add “forgotten” to my poll list, thanks.
All I have to say is Eau des Merveilles.
Salt, amber, sun on skin.
Great. Love it.
This is on my want-to-test list. Sounds wonderful!
Love Merveilles, although personally I think of it as a “serious” perfume — not that it matters!
What is “serious” on Merveilles? Too heavy? Not on me. On my skin it smells like “a day on the beach”. But not a tropical beach at all. No flowers no fruits. It was a love on the first smell. I actually directly fell for the discribtion and it came out like the paper said. I think the elixir is more heavy and a bit like smelling on daddies cognac-bottle.
In this context… serious as in well-done, high quality, something you don’t mind admitting to. 😀 Like serious literature that can still be enjoyable reading, versus fluffy summer beach reads.
Yes, sort of like that. I mean, I do think all of the scents I picked are well done, but they’re not all “high art”, so to speak.
Eau de Merveilles is a great summer scent: warm, salty vetiver and woods. It makes me think of my trip to the Outer Banks dunes last summer.
I need to keep trying my Eau des Merveilles, maybe I’ll like it in the summer! And I need to try Jo Malone’s Jasmine and mint, I hear good things about it.
I am currently liking Chance, Kelly Caleche and Eau Premiere, not sure how they’ll translate to summer. I like Chance eau Fraiche, that might deserve a summer purchase. I’m also liking Philosophy’s The Fragrance, lemon and tea, and the price is nice, too!
I have only tried that Philosophy very quickly on paper…ought to try it on skin.
I find it very similar to Carthusia’s Mediterraneo, although you would probably be able to discern a difference. For me it falls into the category of if you have one, you don’t need the other.
Haven’t found anything marvelous about Merveilles either… and good to hear about the Philosophy, since I keep trying to get a sample of Mediterraneo and failing.
I was just wondering the other day if Mediterraneo is still the same…with all the citrus restrictions it’s probably reformulated 🙁
Vetiver is my best friend in hot humid weather. It makes me feel so dry and cool. CDG Vettiveru is a champ, and so is L’Occitane Vetyver. Light incense has a similar effect. I adore L’Artisan Passage d’Enfer in the heat.
I love vetiver all year round…another great summer one is Paul Smith Story.
We are having a beautiful warm day in Boston, with thankfully no humidity …. yet. This post is so perfectly timed, since I re-orged my kitchen “fragrance cabinet” (previously occupied by measuring cups and actual kitchen implements) just last night. For summer I have the Hermes Jardins all in position, plus Hiris, which seems to work in any weather. Also my Monsieur Balmain (great lemon!! Great price!) and Fath Green Water (great mint!!) I agree with Sarcon that vetiver is perfect in hot weather, I am hoarding my bottle of Givenchy Vetyver since I think it’s been discontinued again and it smells so great. I love florals, but have a hard time with them once the temp goes above 70, but I’m going to try spritzing Givenchy III in the heat and see how it feels.
Last night I tried the Guerlain Aqua Allegorica Pamplemousse, and I don’t know if I really like it, or really hate it. Is it common for grapefruit scents to smell more like sweat after a few minutes?
(First time poster here– thank you for this excellent site!) I tried Pamplelune yesterday in what is proving to be a frustrating search for the perfect Summer 2009 fragrance (I’m leaning toward Premier Figuier Extreme at this point…). After a few hours of wearing Pamplelune I think I’m in the “hate-it-on-me” camp. This is a scent I might like on others, but it reminds me too much of candied grapefruit slices on me– cloying, pungent, and sticky.
Yes, grapefruit often turns sweaty on people, but some are easier than others. The Guerlain, I’d say, is especially difficult, and smells much worse than sweat on me.
Thank you Robin! It was more than sweat on me too – more like … Nuclear Sweat, with civilization dying as I walked by. I felt like the Terminator!
On me, it is more like cat urine. That said, the people who love it really love it so I assume it smells wonderful to them.
It’s interesting you would mention the ‘cat urine’ smell. I get that from a lot of citrus/conifer fragrances (specifically conifer not just evergreen in general), so now I’m super paranoid.
A couple of summers ago I had a bottle of Cacharel Promesse I was using (didn’t think it was special but I don’t like to waste perfume)…I have a bionic sense of smell except for me-I can’t smell myself and my husband is of no help (though I can’t wear anything from chest level and up as it will give me a migraine)-I bath in perfume-I can’t smell it and I literally feel naked without it…so anyway, by August I definitely got that the “what are you wearing” and the “what’s that smell” were translation for “what smells BAD”…my friend swears she would have told me if I smelled bad, but for the life of me I don’t recall us having been together while I was wearing that perfume. (I was however able to tell her she was wearing Prada, one night that we all got together for dinner–before she could tell me she bought it.)
Oh dear! How odd that you can’t smell it on yourself.
I know! It’s very annoying not to be able to smell the wonderful scents. If I put my nose directly where I sprayed I can, but don’t want to walk around like that. Also, if I put it chest level or up…but as I said I get sickening migraines if I do. Now that I say that…I wonder if that is my body’s way of protecting itself since I am SUPER sensitive to smell otherwise…
Interesting, maybe that really is it — a protection mechanism.
I was looking for a warm weather fragrance that contained coconut, and went to buy Bronze Goddess after reading your review. The saleslady told me to come back in 2 days so I could get the free promotional gift bag. It made a great buy even better. I’m wearing it right now and really love it. It’s a great office scent too as it is very light.
Congrats on your new bottle, and on finding a nice salesperson!
I totally forgot my guilty pleasure ones – BBW Coca Cabana and Water Blossom Ivy! I think both may be DC but I stocked up…
I don’t know either of those!
Ran out at lunch determined to finally choose a summer fragrance. I think reading this thread gave me good luck and I happened upon Carthusia Mediterraneo. This was exactly what I was looking for! Also picked up a solid Mediterranean Fig (Pacifica) to get my fig fix without plunking down the money for the L’Artisan that I really want. Welcome to summer!!
Nice picks! Now you can wait a year, and see if you’re still thinking about the L’Artisan…maybe the Pacifica will make you forget all about it.
love Heeley Menthe Fraiche–and 4711
4711 is a classic! Wish they’d do a luxe version with the original formula.
Soda is actually pickled ginger, the pink stuff that comes with your california, caterpillar or other rolls… I didn’t catch it at first, but once it was pointed out to me that’s what it is. Not 7-Up!
Ah.