Beauty
Scent of a Summer
Colette Smith
Being that the summer season is fast approaching (global warming advocates will insist it arrived in January with 60 degree weather in New York), a list of the top scents for the summer is not only desired, it is mandatory. Wearing a delightful scent for summer can please even the most disagreeable perfume hater.
Several items to note when looking at this list: the bouquet of the scent was most important in evaluating its summerworthiness. The scent could not be dramatically overpowering. Price was not a consideration, but overall value, product longevity and consistency played a major role in this small compilation of summer scents. So without further ado, here is a simple guide to perfume for the summer.
This prized scent comes in a wonderfully whimsical bottle shaped very similar to a bowling pin. While it may not have the panache of a Chanel No. 5, the bouquet has a delicious light plum scent, and a hint of orchid to complement it’s range. The J’adore Summer Fragrance is all about the classic woman. The plum is not a heavy overpowering scent but noses will notice with a pass. It is recommended for summer as an afterwork extender for the evening. $45 - $50.
This stalwart comes back again for the season with plenty to love. A wearer knows what he/she is getting when they put on the ck One Summer perfume. The light citrusy airiness, the afterscent of musk and a bit of melon thrown in makes this package the predictable goto scent for an average day running errands or simply for that barbecue or leisurely get-together. This is not a dress-up scent. $35-$50
Another perennial favorite from Calvin Klein is the Eternity brand. Spruced up for summer, Calvin Klein Eternity Summer pulls back the strong scent of the past and begs forgiveness for overpowering the nasal passages when last you met. This reincarnation of sorts for the Eternity scent consists of jasmine, green island fig, mimosa and gardenia. There are several ingredients fighting for schnoz attention, it’s a wonder how it all fits in such a narrow bottle. This is a casual-to-dress scent that must be sparingly worn for risk of overpowering the senses. A delicate spritz will do. Too much and it quickly loses its allure.
$50-$60
Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Tutti Kiwi
This is truly the cadillac of mid-priced perfumes. A paradox to be sure, it appreciates the senses without ever attempting to overpower them. Scents of light lemon, mandarin, kiwi and other citrusy mixes figure into this concoction of entertaining perfume. It is lively, it is noticeable and it says wonderful evening dinner for two on the Riviera or around the corner. $49-$59
Kenzo Flower by Kenzo Eau d’Ete Summer Fragrance
Saving the best for last means a detailed description of this exquisite scent is in order. Completely alcohol free, the Kenzo Flower fragrance says long wear from morning into the evening. It will never let the wearer down. It has a deceivingly light bouquet that accumulates as the scent is absorped into the olfactory regions. Consisting of rose, vanilla, gardenia blossom and a pepper that strikes just as the initial combination wears off, Kenzo Flower is the definitive summer fragrance. It wears well and long.$52-$62
colette@papierdoll.net
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