Today's poll: name the fragrance that says "summer" to you — something you don't bother to wear until the weather gets good & hot.
Mine: Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess. There are lots of summer fragrances, mostly bright citrus things, that I like to wear even in mid-winter to remind me of sun & sand & heat, but the Estee Lauder I don't usually pull out from the back of the cabinet until it's warm enough to go to the pool. Which, by the way, it has not been, yet. I'm waiting, not very patiently.
Note: image is End of summer / Fin del verano by Claudio.Ar at flickr; some rights reserved.
Got my new bottle of GAP Grass today, it makes me happy!
Good, congrats!!
Today I am loving Kai . It reminds me of the warm summer days on vacation when all the worries are gone and only fun remains…..
I also love for the heat in which I live in Florida…..
Bylgari omni crystaline
Bylgari white tea
Union Square Bond 9
Mac turquatic
If
Sage ameythist….
Yes, Kai is great for calling up a tropical vacation!
There are several fragrances that I only use in the hot summer months:
L’Artisan’s L’Ete en Douce and Annais Fizz
Nanadabarry Pink and Green
I Profumi di Firenze Brezza di Mare and Talco Delicato
Hermes’ Caleche Delicate’
Chanel Bel Respiro
Ok, the one that surprised me was Nanadebary Pink — I think of that as fall/winter!
I think of Nanadebary Pink as more summer–but maybe that’s just me. I never wear it in the colder weather. Two other hot weather fragrances I forgot about (as I haven’t worn them since last summer) are FM’s Lys Mediterranee and Tom Ford’s Neroli.
Big yes to Hermes Caleche Eau Delicate and Ananas Fizz..
There are quite a few scents that I reserve for hot weather, but Guerlain AA Herba Fresca is the one I felt the need to buy a backup bottle of with summer on the way.
That’s a great scent. I’ve stupidly bought & run through 2 minis…I might as well have bought a bottle to begin with (although the AA minis are mighty cute).
definitely Herba Fresca!
also Floris Summer Limes
Hmm. Most of what I like ends up saying summer to me; I wonder if it’s because our summers are so short? All-time, I’d say 4711, and more recently, Demeter’s Gingerale.
Sorry you haven’t seen any heat yet; I think we’ve been hogging it all here in MN. We actually have something of a drought going, tho it finally started raining this weekend.
OK, that made no sense. What I meant was, I wonder if the short season is why those are the scents I like the best.
We’ve been cool with bucket-loads of rain the past few weeks…..But it’s been nice to visit some of my fall frags in early summer!!
Yep, same weather here.
Boojum, I’d take a drought right now. We’re mold-city because of all the rain.
Well, we’ve sent it east, it should get there eventually!
If you’re looking for a drought, you need to move to California. Particularly southern California. It’s seriously a concern over here!
Yes, it was always drought when I lived in San Diego
Demeter’s Gingerale? I haven’t tried that. It sounds wonderful!
You should. It’s enchanting. It actually smells carbonated, just like the real thing. It’s one of my summer standbys, too (although I’ll wear it any time of year when I need a lift).
I don’t actually have any summer-only scents. I break out the really bright fresh things when spring arrives, and wear them for the next six months. But mostly I just wear what I want whenever I want it, avoiding, obviously, the really heavy orientals on hot days.
Oh yep, it’s a must try. You really can smell the bubbles. I scoffed, but tried it anyway, and it’s true! And at that price, there’s really no excuse NOT to try it if you like gingerale in the least.
Gingerale is wonderful! It really has that nose-tingling fizzy quality. I used to wear it in high school, and I actually bought a bottle of it yesterday – it’s so summer perfect. $20 at Ulta is hard to pass up : )
Another from MN! Cool
I only really got into perfumes once I moved to Scotland and after three years I have yet to experience any truly hot weather here.
I think this has impeded my hunt for a truly scorcher-worthy scent. Maybe when I visit home next summer…
Sounds like you’re not from MN anymore! Lucky you, if I ever escape this continent, the UK is one of my top destinations. A good friend of mine was living in Aberdeen, but the company transferred him to Houston this year. He can’t wait to get back there, though…
I have a few that I only wear and just love in summer:
Guerlain Jardins de Bagatelle
Annick Goutal Songes
Annick Goutal Eau d’Hadrien
Casewell & Massey Elixer of Love No 1
Badgley Mischka Fleurs de Nuit
Calypso Christianne Celle Chevrefeuille
and my new new new love (and first fruity floral – yeah!): Hermes Un Jardin sur Le Nil.
Oops..forgot Chanel No 19….
I really like Caswell-Masser Elixir of Love No. 1 too! Such a pretty scent and yes, good for summer.
I meant to write “Caswell-Massey” there.
It sounds strange, but I think it is a fragrance that a gardener would like – that great herbal aspect to it. I’ve been wearing it off and on for many years — it is pretty, easy to wear, and inexpensive!! I love the blue glass bottles.
I like the herbal aspect of it too. That must be the “secret herbaceous ingredient” that it supposedly has, according to their website!
Sur Le Nil is so wonderful…
I know!! I just discovered it thanks to a nice frag swap….It really behaves more like a fresh cologne on me and lasts for a long time. And I was in search of a great new cologne/summer frag for this year too. It was unexpected, but I am just so excited b/c now I can finally, and with assurance, answer that fruity-floral question!!
Hate to tell you then…but Michael Edwards classifies Sur Le Nil as Woods!
GAK! — back to fruity floral wilderness I go….
Ah, Woods! That’s why I thought it was sophisticated for a fruity floral!
Isn’t Un Jardin sur le Nil fantastic? Very sophisticated for a fruity floral!
Love Sur le Nil, and need to try that Chevrefeuille, since the AG has been so difficult to track down at a good price. Finally settled on a slightly higher price…and got an “oops, we don’t actually have that in stock” email in response. Gah.
As a beach scent I really loved Kenzo Summer; daily were Herba Fresca and Pamplelune.
Still June gloom around here in LA but pretty soon it’ll be wretchedly hot so I’m actively searching for a new green summer fragrance. Just sent for samples of Miller et Bertaux Green and Fleur de Liane, among others. BTW, does anyone wear a vetiver fragrance for summer? I really liked Vetiver Dance, wondered how it would be in great heat…
My “summer” vetiver probably wouldn’t be Vetiver Dance – kinda thick. I Love CdG Vettiveru best, followed by TDC Sel de Vetiver. Chanel Sycomore is also nice.
2nd the CdG, also try Paul Smith Story for summer vetiver.
I adore CDG Vettiveru!
Also maybe Guerlain Vetiver Pour Elle. I ordered a sample of this from TPC, and found it to be a very pleasant & light floral vetiver.
I am hoping they will have Vetiver Pour Elle at the duty frees in Europe so I can try it – or I’ll have to put in another order with the Perfurmed Court!
You guys are awesome. Will add to next TPC order!
For me, AG Eau de Hadrien and Mandragore, Ananas Fizz, and Yves Rocher Verveine, from their Fraicheur Vegetale line (it has a similarity to Hadrien) come out a lot in the summer. Also as of last year, Burberry Summer, which I imagine I’ll be wearing this year again.
Oh, Mandragore! That’s a summer one for me too, almost never touch it the rest of the year.
Me too – mostly in summer. Though sometimes I dip into it on the weekends – it goes great with brunch!
Just tried it today because it was warm out – it’s nice!
Mandragore I can do any time but winter; thinking I might try to steal some of my sister’s Summer. I liked it on paper, but don’t think I ever actually tried it on skin…and since apparently I made that same mistake w/another of their frags, I’m not in a hurry to repeat it. :O
One negative about Summer is the lasting power — on me, it is zilch! Of course, if you don’t end up liking it, no problem there!
Oddly, while top notes on me are gone in about 30 seconds flat, the rest of a fragrance tends to linger on foreeeeeeeeever. Even reputedly short-lived frags tend to give me a good 8 hours or more. Usually that’s a good thing, but when you’re eager to try the next thing, it can be really annoying.
I’m pretty boring when it comes to summer fragrances, they’re all pretty citrusy or green.
Din Dan, Lostmarc’h (nice citrus and mint)
Mediterraneo, Carthusia
Cristalle
Vent vert or Ivoire, Balmain
I almost bought Din Dan unsniffed (those Luckyscent copy writers are too good) but settled for a sample. Need to test again, but I liked it.
I thought I would love Din Dan, but it faded so fast on me. I need to give it another shot.
That was my problem with it, too, especially for the money, but I’ll try it with a lotion base to see if that helps.
Whoops, my reply got sent to the bottom of the post. You’re right, it does go away fast; I still get some peach and mint later, though.
There are plenty I like, I still can’t find one I love, that doesn’t go heavy and sour on me. I alternate between AP’s The Pour un Ete, Hermes’ Jarden Sur le Nil, Osmanthe Yunnan, and Rose Ikebana, FM’s Parfum de Therese, and Iris Poudre at night. My husband likes Guerlain’s Herba Fresca, but I always feel disappointed it’s not more perfume-y and interesting. I tried Heeley’s Sel Marin yesterday, and liked it up til the drydown which went all spicey on me. I wish I could find something transparent and marine (I spend summers on the seashore) with a touch of floral. Suggestions?
Have you tried the obvious mainstreams, like L’Eau d’Issey or L’Eau Par Kenzo?
Have you tried AP’s Navegar? It’s very transparent and marine. I find it nice but a bit dull for me. A good marine is Antonia’s Flowers Sogni del Mare but it is fruity as well as floral.
Ah, forgot about that one — I love Navegar! And L’Eau de L’Artisan.
Navegar didn’t hold my interest either – but I’ll try L’Eau de L’Artisan.
What about some of the CBIHPs?
How about Miller Harris Fleurs de Sel?
That sounds perfect! Will have to seek it out…
AG Neroli has “summer” written all over it!
And remember, R: Patience is not always a virtue.
Hugs!
Glad to hear it since I haven’t any
I don´t have “only for summer” fragrances.
Buuuuut…
I love wearing the L’Occitane Verbena Agrumes or the regular verbena during summer.
Also the regular Eau Sauvage reminds me of summer holidays and I love to wear it when it’s hot! (see Robin, no mention to the Fraicheur Cuir! hehehehe)
Estee Lauder Beyond Paradise for men, with its Jabuticaba fruit, so evocative of Brasil, is a joy to wear in the summer, but summer nights
not in the sunshine.
The weirdest that I have worn in summer (just because it seems so more appropiate for winter) is CdG’s 888, I could not resist to use it as I received it the first days of summer (it was a winter launch in the northern Hemisphere) and I used it sparingly, but yet I was surprised at how good it felt in the heat.
HA…knew you could not resist saying the name, LOL…
Even though it’s new, John Varvatos Artisan screams summer to me – thanks to Kevin’s review, I bought this blind and never regretted it.
Thierry Mugler Cologne has been a summer smell for me for years though. Same for Le Couvent des Minimes Verbena and Lemon body splash – I get more compliments from this than anything I’ve ever owned and worn during the summer time, works very well with my body chemistry apparently.
The Artisan is really nice! Actually, all the JVs I’ve smelled are well done.
I really love Artisan too.
Eau de Givenchy is what I am waiting to wear for summer heat. Have AG Songes – but been wearing that since winter sporadically – its kind of heavy on me. I have aleady broken into the AG Eau d’Hadrien also but even though I think its perfectly summer the lasting power is way too fleeting for me to fully appreciate it. Am wearing Estee Lauder PC today – very springlike to me and may be too heavy for summer – the sillage is like WHOA! but no complaints yet for that
Eau de Givenchy! One of my long-time favorites, but haven’t smelled a new bottle in a few years, wonder if it’s reformulated?
I have an older bottle that I got on a swap. I have seen the new release for the Mythique bottle out but havent tried it yet. I do know that Organza Indecence from the Mythique release is definetly re-formulated and is horrible and I was so disappointed so my thoughts that so is Eau de Givenchy.
I was very interested in Eau de Givenchy…I recently got a sample which I am sure is from the new Les Mythiques collection. I was very unimpressed, even considering that I can handle a little soapy accord with my frags. It smelled flat, soapy, and tinny.
I am also interested to hear you say that the OI is reformulated, b/c I also got a tester of that and thought is wasn’t as amazing as I’d read/hoped/expected. It is still a nice vanilla with spices, but not as complex as I’d hoped. (Sorry OI…. L’Air du Desert Marocain kicked your tushie…..)
I am very saddened to hear this because the original Givenchy OI was truly awesome and so was Eau de Givenchy. It wasn’t soapy at all on me and a lot of fragrances do turn soapy on me and that is why I liked it so much. I think with all the new regulations re: oakmoss etc, this same thing is going to happen to all of our old standby faves. We will all be smelling the same like air freshner or detergent instead ~ going to go hug my treasured bottle of original EdG now
I still have a bottle of EdeG I bought in Paris in about 1996. It was absurdly cheap and I later discovered that it went off the market for a while at about that time so, I guess I got my bottle at a throw away price, I certainly won’t be throwing it away now. I treasure it. Never see it on the shops.
Pity you are all talking about summer fragrances. It is winter here and yesterday morning we had our coldest morning so far. The heating in my part of the building in which I work was broken – gruesome! Fortunately I was in Youith Dew, the original, so I felt like I had my own special inner blanket of warmth. With the bath oil, three smears – carefully distributed – is all that is needed. Trust me.
Oh dear, so sorry about the lack of heat! And sorry we’re totally off season for you today…
Youth Dew is a fur coat, isn’t it?
Warming it certainly is! I try and ignore the associations with old fashioned fur coats and stoles. Especially fox.
Wonder what sort of perfume Cruella de Ville might have worn?
For the summer I like the green fragrance Envy by Gucci. Although marketed to women, I think it suits me and other men.
I like Envy very much too – it smells like that cool fresh just after a big rain on a hot day!
Agree on Bronze Goddess, 4711, Mugler Cologne. It never really gets hot enough here to worry about it, though. When it warms up I just tend more toward lighter florals, tropicals, and beach scents, or traditional colognes.
I desperately want a bottle of Pacfica Malibu Lemon Blossom – I have the solid but really wish I had bought the spray. That one just screams summer to me – citrus blossoms with the lemony tang.
Mugler Cologne is another good one, although I think I wear that all year round.
Mm, that sounds really nice.
Living here in So. Calif. I don’t really wear seasonal fragrances. However, when it gets really, really hot here, I find myself gravitating to my light scents. ie;
L’eau de L’artisan
Ananas Fizz
Caleche Eau Delicate
La Chasse Aux Papillons
Bel Respiro
Ananmor All That Matters
I think those are my top hot weather scents for right now.
~D
Almost forgot about Jo Malone Blue Agava & Cacao. Love this in this one in warm weather.
Yum, I just tried Ananas Fizz. I like it because it is less fruity and more green (at least on me). I can see I’d have to pour it on, though.
I have not worn La Chasse in so long! Can’t smell right now but when I get over whatever I’ve got, I’m going to wear it again.
Can’t smell it either. Linden-honey to much for me. Thougt it would be fresher and lighter.
I’m really liking L’Occitane’s new Bergamot Tea… I can’t really imagine wearing it in cool weather. Good thing I live in South Carolina (for now)… I get to wear summer frags for about half the year LOL.
I’m excited about trying that one…
Me too.
I really liked it; the 20 ml was an on-the-spot buy for me. Think Joe was less impressed with it though, so definitely try before you buy! It’s pretty lightweight, though the scent seems to refresh at odd intervals… but I like that in a summer scent anyway.
It’s the best tea scent in their lineup. It’s fresh and perfect for the hot and muggy days.
I just got the Bergamot Tea this week and have been liking it quite a bit so far. It reminds me of Bulgari’s White Tea with a fizz of orange on top. I’m also among the CdG Vetiveru lovers for summer.
That’s a perfect description of Bergamot Tea. I just tried it and really like it too.
Yuzu Rouge! To me it smells just like the tart salmonberries in the northwest US that ripen in July and my mother’s tea roses. Eau de Guerlain for the chilly herbal notes. Eau d’Hadrien. Jardin Sur Le Nil. Sel de Vetiver. The Pour Un Ete.
That sounds really good. Is this available at Luckyscent?
Yes, Parfums 06130. Also at Aedes.
Thanks!
Love Yuzu Rouge!
You’re right, not the longest-lasting fragrance; the citrus fades fast, leaving the peach/mint. I know that citrus notes tend to vanish fast, but I also wonder if hotter weather and hotter skin also contribute to a perfume’s quick disappearance.
I agree with so many lovely fragrances here. 4711, Bronze Goddess, SummerbyKenzo, The pour un Ete, Tea for Two, CSP Ecume de The, Bel Respiro, CdG Calamus, Diorissimo, TDC Divine Bergamote, EL Private Collection, and all tropical delights like Reminiscence Do Re, and the Saffron Jameses are my favorites…..sigh…..
Oh! Almost forgot AL’s Moroccan Mint Tea!
I really need to try that, everyone loves it.
I’m on the fence with it…just got a sample, and I think it might be a little too sweet for my taste, but have only tried it once or twice.
I’ve tried it a few times myself and liked it, but then I’d spritz on The Pour un Ete and think, “Ah, now THAT’S more like it!” I suppose I prefer my mint tea mellowed out by jasmine.
The reason that I love it is because the mint is refreshing. There isn’t an oral hygiene nuance in there in the least, ie no toothpaste, mouthwash, etc. It’s crisp without being to eau de cologne-ish, and the tea is light as well….no tannins! I’d love to know your thoughts on it.
I will happily wear Cristalle any time, but it’s especially nice in summer.
I bought Eau Parfumée au Thé Rouge off the clearance rack at Marshall’s. Not sure what I think of it yet, but anything so fleeting is definitely summery.
Yes, Cristalle is another I don’t wear except in summer.
Herba Fresca and Eau d’Hadrien for me too, as well as Tommy Girl and Estee Lauder White Linen Spring Breeze
Herba Fresca is getting lots of love today…
You’re right! The Morroccan Mint smells super-yum. Also for summer: AG Eau du Sud
CD Eau Sauvage
Chanel Cristalle (Thanks Robin! In never would have given this another sniff if I hadn’t ready your review of it.)
And of course 4711!
Glad to see another fan of Eau de Sud…Hadrien always gets all the love.
My summer rotation is the same as my normal one, with the gourmand and sillage monsters left out!
Creed Virgin Island Water
Creed Original Vetiver
Hermes Jardin Sur Nil
Floris Limes
Jo Malone Orange Blossom
L’Artisan Ete en Douce
I forgot my new love Parfumerie Generale L’Ombre Fauve. Some animalic musk in the heat is divine!
And I forgot Etro Anice. I really have to think before I post!
Great list! I will have to try that PG in the heat, if we ever get any heat.
I too am in love w/ Bronze Goddess. Not sure if it would translate well in the winter as I just discovered it this season. But it is perfect for the sun and heat….heaven!
Yep!
I don’t have a strictly Summer scent yet but I’m working on it and enjoying every minute of it. Well, not EVERY minute of it – a couple of disappointments here and there. One fragrance I keep returning to is the one I won here @ NST – ‘Writing Lyrical Poetry’.
It really is divine, but it’s such a rich floral I think it would be good any time of year. I can’t wait to try other Siovohle [sp?] fragrances.
Oh and that’s my beautiful daughter in my latest gravatar.
So glad you like it, that’s great!
Can’t see your daughter yet, but will when my cache clears.
There she is — lovely!
On the inside too.
Eau Dynamisante: something about it….
and on summer nights, Lolita Lempika au Masculin, just like sipping pastis on the Riviera
Eau Dynamisante has been one of my long time cologne stand-by’s. It really makes you feel like you just took a shower!
I have never smelled Dynamisante, isn’t that awful?
The following fragrances scream “SUMMER!” to me:
Diptyque Do Son
L’Artisan Fleur de Liane
Jo Malone Lotus Blossom & Water Lily
Stephanie de Saint-Aignan Li Altarelli
I Profumi di Firenze Brezza di Mare
L’Artisan L’Eau de Artisan
L’Artisan L’Eau de Jatamansi
I don’t own the last three. Yet.
I agree with the Jatamansi. The first time I wore it, something in it brought a rush of memory from summer camp lo these many years ago!
That’s interesting! I wonder what it was?
How is that Li Altarelli? I have a sample sitting in my LS basket, but haven’t actually ordered yet. It sounds wonderful!
Li Altarelli is green/herbal paired with the most luscious lemon that I’ve run into. You’ve probably read that it was inspired by the smells of Corsica (a place I’d *really* like to visit!). I think it’s a beautiful fragrance.
LOL at “yet”…
What? No Eau des Merveilles yet?
This is my go-to frag when it’s hot and I’m enjoying the heat.
When it’s hot and I’m tired of the heat, it’s Thé Pour un Eté.
And, oddly enough, I love to wear 10 Corso Como in the summer. This is a bone-dry fragrance on me, and it blooms wonderfully on warm skin.
Hmmm – bone dry? I’ll have to put 10 Corso Como on my list to try…I’ve never even thought about it before. Thanks!
You’re right, it’s a great summer scent. I think I wear it year-round, actually.
Comme des Garçons 2: I sniff it during the rest of the year and think: Why? Why did I buy a bottle of this? And then it’s the end of may and I start craving it and I sniff it again and I smell something else entirely.
Interesting…not sure I’ve ever worn it in really hot weather. Will have to try…
That’s funny, because I wore it on a day I got too hot and it was overwhelming until it died down a bit. I tend to wear that when it is cooler, which in SF is about 359 days a year.
I’ve been a long time NST reader but finally signed up to comment and figured I’d begin here.
I recently picked up AG’s Eau d’Hadrien in the EDP concentration and it’s glorious. The staying power is shocking for a citrus, and it’s impossible to feel gloomy when wearing it. I also recently fell in love with La Perla Eclix after a decant and was lucky to track down a bottle, Montale Soleil de Capri, Lancome’s Tropiques re-release from a couple years back (the fruity top notes in that one are positively mouth-watering), EL’s Azuree Soleil, CSP’s Pamplemousse and Vanille Ananas, and am lusting over AG’s Songes in the EDP strength after trying the EDT. I adore Bond’s Chinatown on sultry summer evenings. It just really works here on balmy Michigan nights.
Welcome Absolute Scentualist…I love Songes in the summer too!
An Andy Tauer fragrance La Maroc has a very similar intoxicating, rich jasmine to Songes that you should try.
Hi and welcome! And huge congrats on tracking down the Eclix, that’s not easy to find anymore.
Calyx, Eau de Cartier and Guerlain Pamplelune
Yay Calyx! I haven’t tried the new flanker yet, but mean to.
D’Orsay Tilleul is an uncanny reproduction of the smell of my childhood summers. It smells like lying face down in the dry South Texas grass eating melon.
I bring it out in the summer for the memories but never wear it any other time
That’s a great scent. Wish D’Orsay was easier to find.
I join the Annick Goutal Eau d’Hadrien contingent, also Chanel Eau de Cologne and JM Lime Basil Mandarine and French Lime Blossom, xoxo
Hey you! Lots of Hadrien fans today.
Right now I’m alternating between Lily Pulitzer Splash and some weird thing I bought in Grenada that smells like Ylang Ylang and coconut. It doesn’t even have a name, I bought it at a street market from a young woman. It smelled very tropical and like vacation and my husband liked it.
What fun to have a no-name thing from vacation!
Davidoff Cool Water works best for me.Right now I still have half of the bottle of the 2008 flanker Freeze Me.It’s silly,but 2007 version Wave smells to me like a mosquito repellant.
Did you try the 2009 flanker — Cool Water Cool Summer? (I haven’t)
Oh I like a bunch of different fragrances in the summer:
Un Jardin Sur Le Nil (like stepping into a fresh cool shower)
Castile by Penhaligon’s (effortlessly classy cologne)
Roger & Gallet Cologne (not long lasting but beautifully fresh)
Zegna Extreme (Incredibly versatile light fragrance)
Helmut Lang Cologne (slightly powdery floral but exquisite)
Azzaro Chrome
Platinum Egoiste (brilliant fragrance and fresh for the summer)
Guerlain Vetiver (a classic for a reason and great in warm weather)
I like the Guerlain Vetiver in summer too…wish they made a body lotion.
Ooh, a body lotion would be wonderful. I actually think of Guerlain Vetiver as an in-between scent. It’s so light and crisp, but it has some spiciness to it. I always pull it out in the first days of fall, when it’s still hot. (And I live in Georgia, so it’s usually shorts and sandals weather halfway through October!)
Yes! Would be perfect for layering too.
Fun poll, R! I am with you on the BG! Will add Jardin Apres Mousson
LOL…I am not with you on the Mousson! But glad you love it, of course.
Call me crazy, but L’Heure Bleue. It’s not exactly the hot summer day fragrance, but it’s a fragrance for a typical weather we are having in June: the days are hot, sunny and the air is very heavy and when the night comes severe lightnings start to cross the horizon. It starts to rain cats and dogs (do people actually use this phrase anymore or is it an archaism in my soviet English text books:) ? and it seems like there’s nothing in the world more perfect than LHB…
I still remember how to say, “I don’t understand; slower please.”
And I can still order champagne, chocolate, and tea, so I figure it’s all хорошо.
I could get by in a French-speaking country if I had to, but Russian? I doubt I could pull off more than “hi, nice to meet you” and similar. LOL! I know it’s all still in there somewhere though; I was on some medication once, and the first night I took it, it was like my whole textbook came spilling out into my consciousness. Very, very weird!
I can totally see l’Heure Bleue working on a stormy summer night!
No, you’re not crazy! I forgot to add L’Heure Bleue to my list! It might not be on everyone’s summer list, but for me, the anise cools it down enough to wear in the heat.
Chamade – the hyacinth screams in the cold weather, but is beautiful in the heat
Guerlain Philtre d’Amour
Chanel 31 Rue Cambon
L’Artisan Voleur de Roses – This smells “cool” to me, as for some strange reason, I smell the stones on the inside of a fireplace that has been cleaned out for the season.
Yeah Chamade! — I dip into that all year round, but the heat does make it bloom!
Chamade is on my radar now as one I need to try. Glad to hear the recommendations!
It has a lovely green opening with the hyacinth and galbanum and the black current bud adds a piquancy to the Guerlainade base that keeps it from being too sweet and heavy in the heat. I have it in the extrait and find the edp too sweet and powdery.
Thanks for the advice. I’ll try both!
SoCal is currently experiencing a bit of English weather, which I’m loving (I get to try vanilla and smoky fragrances that I otherwise wouldn’t be wearing at this time of year). But when the temperature starts rising, as it’s inclined to do sooner or later, I’ll be wearing PdN’s Le Temps D’Une Fete and L’Artisan’s Passage d’Enfer; the latter, to me, evokes the feeling and smell of entering a cool, marble, echoing church in Italy. Just thinking about this cools me down right away!
I find Passage d’Enfer cooling too…same with CdG Ouarzazate.
I love Cristalle and AG’s Eau de Camille for summer. They are so refreshing!
Still need to try that EdC!
Yes to both!
And I forgot Roger & Gallet’s Bouquet Imperiale too, I put that in the fridge.
I have not tried that one.
I just discovered Premier Figuier Extreme and it is the perfect summer scent,I am also really enjoying eau de Shalimar.
Both great choices!
I see I’m in good company loving Hermes’ Un Jardin Sur Le Nil and TDC’s Sel De Vetiver, both of which are wonderful. To my surprise, we had a rare hot day here (ages ago) and I decided to give Hermes’ Un Jardin Apres La Mousson another try and liked it this time. It surprised me, because I hadn’t cared for it before. I guess it doesn’t smell good to me unless it’s over 80 degrees so, as San Francisco is hovering in the 50s, it may be a long time until I feel like wearing it again. (Still in a snit over the weather today.)
But today the weather was great! Even out here in beach-land. I actually took a walk in just a tee and jeans as opposed to long sleeves and sweats. I got to try one of my summer-scent samples, Mandragore, finally.
I’m afraid I’ve now tried Mousson in almost every weather, and I give up. It doesn’t work for me!
Can’t recall that anyone’s differentiated between “summer” scents and “beach” scents, but I know I have some hot-weather frags that fit into one category or the other, but not both. (I know, I know: spoken like the truly insane perfumista I have become.)
For instance, NST’s Robin’s Bronze Goddess: now, that would fit squarely into my “beach” scents category, along with the ol’ original Miami Glow, but not into the “summer” scents — the latter being more city-sidewalk-walkin’-friendly as opposed to swimsuit/cover-up ‘n’ sand-friendly.
For city heat, it’s all about the crisp citrus and greens, I think, because I’m in cottons as opposed to a maillot and want to feel as cool and un-sweaty as possible. For that, it’s Diorella — the edt, which is more lemony and less green-mossy than the edp, Carthusia’s IO di Capri — mint, green tea, fig, a cool Italian breeze of a scent, and the discontinued DKNY, which is orange juice and zest, vodka and tomato leaf and is as dry as a bone.
For the ultimate beach scent that gets well away from tropical fruits and coconuts, I love Eau d’Ete by Balmain: rosemary, lime, iris, sandalwood, mandarin orange, musk and cedar. Somehow, it smells like driftwood, warm skin and beach grass. For summer sailing here on the west coast, FM Dans tes Bras is amazing; the salty-skin and cool violets make my skin smell clean, breezy and sun-kissed!
Now, bring on the HEAT, dammit!
I so need to revisit so many Diors. I feel like a failed perfumista-in-training for not having a single FB Dior or Chanel in my scent drawer. I had those things when I was a teenager – what happened? lol
So many fragrances, so little time. . .
I hope we’re really going to get a summer…I’m starting to wonder! I’ve never tried that Balmain.
That Eau d’Ete sounds wonderful! Love rosemary! And I like the idea of trying Dans Tes Bras in the summer — I love that fragrance and hadn’t thought of wearing in the heat.
Like so many here, my “summer is here” scent is Un Jardin sur le Nil.
Others I love in the heat (and it has been HOT here in Florida this week):
PdN Fig Tea and Eau Exotique (I hear Exotique may be discontinued!)
EL Pure White Linen Light Breeze
Ava Luxe Fig Leaf (very green and lively)
Pacifica Lotus Garden
Any of the Bvlgari teas
Speaking of teas … I’ve got to try the new L’Occitane Bergamot Tea. So far, everything I’ve read has been positive.
Yep, I didn’t count but Sur Le Nil might be the winner. I must be the only one that wears it all year!
I don’t wear it in the winter, but I pull it out as soon as spring is in the air. That’s why I didn’t list that one either.
I haven’t spent a summer in Perfumista-land yet, and it’s been cool and rainy here recently (we got 3 months’ worth of rain in May, and have already received double our average June precipitation… sigh).
But warm-weather scents I love, so far:
PdN Just un Reve (might just be me, but I think it knocks Bronze Goddess out of the water)
Jardin sur le Nil
Chamade
Le Temps d’une Fete
Oh, and I’ve got to try that Bergamot Tea, too! What a pain there’s no way to sniff it before buying…
Oh, heck, let’s just all buy it and have a “tea” party (evil grin).
Oh, and see? we had our third driest May on record, temps have been mainly in the mid to upper 70s, and we’ve had a few days near 100 already (usually doesn’t happen until July or August here, and even then, rarely). It’s been an odd “spring”.
Oh, and in case anyone is into dirt-cheap-and-cheerful, I think it should be reasonably easy to find Estee Lauder Emerald Dream and Bali Dream online for a song! Flowers, soft fruits, light woods, tropical vibes. I got mine for $9.99 each for 1.7oz on evilBay.
Let’s see. Emerald Dream’s got tangerine, apricot, honeysuckle, blue basil, mimosa, violet, blue iris, emerald orchid, plum, marigold, cyclamen, beach skin accord, blue cypress, sandalwood and Hawaiian kamani wood.
Bali Dream’s got Moon orchid, magnolia and ginger, gardenia, Chinese cassia, pepper, apple, ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley, Indonesian jasmine, woody accords and powdery vanilla.
ok, taking notes and rushing off to evilbay….2 new lemmings but at least for once they aren’t the most expensive things in sight! going shopping!
I totally agree about Emerald Dream. It smells like a beachy vacation scent to me. Nothing serious, just light and happy fun!!
The first thing that leapt into my mind was ‘Y’ by Yves St. Laurent is “…a refreshing, woody, mossy fragrance. This feminine scent possesses a blend of a light fragrance of flowers, with touches of oakmoss…”
On me it smells cool and light and fresh. Fresh is what I am looking for.
Another is “Aromatics Elixir” by Clinique (“…touches the senses and spirit in subtle, pleasing ways. With notes of rose, jasmine, ylang ylang and vetiver…a blend of fresh and woody with oakmoss, white jasmine, chamomile and patchouli.”). I have worn it so long I can no longer smell it, but I have been told that it is delightfully fresh and, strangely, citrus-y to others.
You’re a chypre person
through and through!!
i started wearing both when they first came out, and i keep going back to them after forays into other scents. and every time i go back to them i wonder why i ‘strayed……….’
YES!! While Apres L’Ondee is my spring Bronze Goddess is definitely my summer scent!
Both good choices!
O de Lancome
That’s a great summer scent…
I wear most of my scents year round, but a few I put away in their boxes over cooler weather:
L’Artisan Fleur d’Oranger – love this when it’s hot outside
MDCI Rose de Siwa – happy summer rose
Jacomo Silences – for rainy summer days
I received my new bottle of Caron Muguet du Bonheur extrait yesterday and had to try it out this morning. I tipped the bottle over on first dab!!! Only lost 2-3 ml, but still, that tall bottle top is no match for my caffeine-shaky hands.
Oh, so sorry
I hate spillage
Frederic Malle Geranium. Minty Fresh.
Still haven’t tried it!
Just tried it. The top note is really minty. I thought the drydown was weak. Not one of my faves by Ropion.
So far, hearing very mixed reports….and more “no” than “yes”.
I really love Ropion’s other perfumes, so I had high expectations.
jardin sur la nil
penhalogins violet
chanel 18
kelly calech edt
osthmanthus yunan
am really liking new AA tiara mimosa
AA anisa bella
mmm… songes, kenzo flowers
anybody vote for escale a portofino? can’t get it in Hong Kong…would have to buy online!!!
looking for a summer cruise frag
2 yrs ago comptoir s pacific amour cocoa was great for boiling hot Turkey
am thinking Estee Lauder /Tom Ford Azuree soleil.. cruise is from NYC to Bahamas…any other suggestions?
Azuree Soleil sounds perfect to me!
Oh, two more…. From CBIHP, the deep, dark, damp, mossy evergreen forest of Wild Hunt and the beachy M. Hulot’s Holiday.
Love both of those!
Does “Bronze Goddess” have that perfume-y EL base? I was at the counter the other day and tried some El’s and they all did — even the Aliage (a little) which I really liked, perfect for hot humid summers.
I think I’ve tried *every* scent at the EL counter (they didn’t have Alliage or Azuree, however) and found not a single one I liked. Except possibly Pure White Linen Light Breeze. I think there IS something about that EL base that doesn’t agree with my skin.
I can’t wear any of the EL fragrances either, except Youth Dew, and that only sparingly. I keep trying to love them, but I can’t. Same with Chanel.
me too……i love a lot of them, but by the time they get to my skin, uh-uh…….in fact, i use Estee as a room spray…….but on my skin it smells nasty. such a shame.
I know what you mean, and to me, no, not at all.
My new favorites are Jo Malone Lime Blossom and Cedar Cologne and Tokyo Milk French Kiss.
I need to try the Tokyo Milk line!
AG Eau de Sud is my all-time favorite summer fragrance, and it has a weird power over me to declare when summer is really, truly over — each year a day comes when I reach for it and it no longer smells delicious, and just like that, summer is done for… I also love Eau Sauvage but somehow that has more flexibility /layerability for me… though with all these thunderstorms on the east coast this week I’ve been wearing L’Heure Bleue for days.
OMG! Guerlain’s Spiritueuse Double Vanille does that to me for winter!
Glad to see another vote for Sud!
My all time favorite for any time of year, but especially in summer: PdN’s Eau ‘D’ete. Also, another vote for L’eau de Givenchy, which I absolutely detest in winter (smells brassy and soapy) but reach for once the temp hits 70 (the lemon! the jasmine!). Also enjoy Gap’s Jamine Tangerine (? mandarine?) – a cheap thrill. And I like Odalisque as long as it’s not too hot, which mostly, here in New England USA, it isn’t.
I love Eau d’Ete too, but use it less since I fell in love with Eau Exotique. Now that Eau Exotique is disc, I’ll probably go back to Eau d’Ete eventually!
My latest discovery – L’occitane The Bergamote. Citrusy, spicy, deep and beautiful. Perfect Earl Grey scent! Love every single drop of it.
Looking forward to trying it.
Just ONE scent is bearable when California dry heat soars beyond 100: Aliage.
For milder summer days, when I like pretending that I’m vacationing in Hawaii, Lauder’s PC Tuberose Gardenia.
I really need to revisit Aliage — haven’t smelled it in years.
Me, too, and I remember my mother smelling wonderful with it on. Aliage is a decent price, too, from what I remember.
everyday summer: EL Azuree
ladylike summer: Cristalle EDT
sweltering summer: Thierry Mugler Cologne or a L’Occitane tea scent
summer nights: Diorella or Odalisque
beachy summer: EL Bronze Goddess
I’m such a nerd : ) I love categorizing lists like this…
And you did a good job!
I have lists too! I already named three of my summer frags here, now I’ll specify categories like the nerd many of us are – Calyx for vacation in the south of France (I married a Frenchman!), Eau de Cartier for work, and AA Pamplelune for the beach. And I just discovered PdN le Temps d’Une Fete, it’s a little too light (I’ll try spraying on fabric) and the top is similar to Calyx, I think, but it seems good for summer!