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ULTIMATE SUMMER SCENTS

Words: Grace Gargini

With our wanderlust at an all-time high, our Beauty Editor is here with a selection of fragrances that bottle the escapist spirit of summer, from lazy beach days to zesty cocktails.

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beauty bulletin

ULTIMATE SUMMER SCENTS

Words: Grace Gargini

With our wanderlust at an all-time high, our Beauty Editor is here with a selection of fragrances that bottle the escapist spirit of summer, from lazy beach days to zesty cocktails.

Shop now

Just like our clothes, our fragrance wardrobe can be switched up to reflect the season. Just as you wouldn’t wear a scarf in August (well, British weather dependent), summer is the perfect time to swap heavier scents for sprightlier spritzes. But how to know where to start? Here, I break down eight fragrances that perfectly capture our most memorable summer moments ­– from salty beach days and tropical cocktails to fresh laundry on a summer’s day. Whatever your summer vibe and wherever your summer takes you, we’ve got a scent to match.

KIEHLS FACIAL FUEL

TOM FORD

Neroli Portofino

Smells like: The Italian riviera

This iconic scent is inspired by the Italian coast’s sparking clear water and crisp, cool breeze; it’s bursting with refreshing citrus notes of bergamot, neroli and Sicilian lemon. Alongside, you’ll find herbs of lavender and rosemary with warm amber that adds a sensual depth that lingers on the skin. Oh, and it smells just as delicious on women and men (so you can fight for who gets the first spritz).

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AVEDA PUREFORMANCE GROOMING CLAY

MAISON MARGIELA

Replica Beach Walk

Smells like: Lazy beach days

If you’re in need of some serious escapism (after all, some of us will be swapping St Lucia for Skegness this year) then look no further than Replica Beach Walk. Maison Margiela is expert at bottling up memories and this one perfectly encapsulates lazy days at the beach thanks to coconut milk, bergamot, musk, ylang-ylang and pink pepper. Think: salty skin mixed with sun lotion, the feeling of sand in your toes and a warm breeze through your hair.

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ACQUA DI PARMA BARBIERE GROOMING KIT

GUCCI

Flora Gorgeous Gardenia

Smells like: A cheerful bouquet

Gucci’s new Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum is a fruity, floral number reminiscent of a joyful bouquet of fresh flowers, or a stroll around a fragrant garden thanks to its main ingredients of white gardenia, jasmine absolute and pear blossom. A touch of brown sugar adds a delicate creamy sweetness to the mix and keeps you coming back for more.

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ACQUA DI PARMA BARBIERE GROOMING KIT

LOEWE

Paula’s Ibiza

Smells like: Adventures in Ibiza

Bottling up the feeling of summertime adventure, this heavenly unisex scent by Loewe conjures the picture-perfect Ibizan holiday. Creamy coconut is layered with green galbanum and mandarin oils while heart notes of frangipani flowers and driftwood meet base notes of patchouli oil, vanilla and warm ambergris for an addictive soft, sultry base. It’s divine!

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AVEDA PUREFORMANCE GROOMING CLAY

JO MALONE LONDON

Lime, Basil & Mandarin

Smells like: A refreshing cocktail

This bestseller from Jo Malone London is perfect for summer thanks to its clever combination of refreshing herbs and citrus. The lively scent starts with tart mandarin and zesty lime followed by an unexpected twist of peppery basil and thyme – all of which conjure up that first sip of a thirst-quenching cocktail on a hot summer’s day. It finishes with a soft amberwood base to keep all flavours perfectly balanced.

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KIEHLS FACIAL FUEL

MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN

Aqua Vitae Cologne Forte

Smells like: Sensual summer nights

Inspired by summer, the new Cologne Forte collection includes three beautiful colognes showcasing bergamot as the star of the show. Mixed with aromatic florals, zesty mandarin and sensual musk, the Aqua Vitae creation is a luminous citrus that has an elegant warmth to it reminiscent of sun-soaked golden skin on balmy evenings overseas.  

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TOM FORD OUD WOOD

ACQUA DI PARMA

Lily of the Valley

Smells like: Fresh laundry

A spritz of this light cologne reminds me of fresh laundry blowing in the wind on a summer’s day. Centred around lily of the valley – a feminine floral renowned for its fresh, ‘clean’ smell – Acqua di Parma’s latest scent combines this comforting note with green petitgrain, zesty bergamot and fruity grapefruit for a refreshing, summery kick.

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TOM FORD OUD WOOD

SANA JARDIN

Tiger By Her Side

Smells like: Warm Moroccan sun

This rich and intense fragrance by cruelty-free brand Sana Jardin is a new favourite (read: obsession) of mine. A heady mix of rose absolute, cinnamon and coriander seed mix with a sensual base of patchouli, vanilla and musk to create the perfect sexy summer scent. Think: the aroma of an opulent five-star hotel in Dubai or Morocco.

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Feeling inspired?

Shop our full fragrance edit, right here.

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