Scents that remind us of summer are usually fresh and sparkling with citrus, floral, fruity and aquatic notes, while ‘winter scents’ are generally warm with spicier notes like vanilla, amber, musk, oriental spices and woods. And of course, some scents combine the fresh and spicy to serve all seasons. While a heavier fragrance can be overpowering in a hot clime, and a light fragrance may not have the intensity to penetrate thick clothing and cold air, there is no reason to choose a predictable seasonal fragrance if you are happy to let your mood – rather than the weather – dictate your wardrobe. These happy scents are guaranteed to put a spring in your step on a chilly day!
The unisex fragrances of French niche perfume house Parfums de Marly are inspired by the 18th-century French era and the grandeur of the Royal court. We love the picture that Parfums de Marly Perseus Eau de Parfum is intended to evoke: “Early morning at the royal residence of Marly, at the moment when the sun’s first rays waken the château, warm its gardens and make its fountains sparkle. A sun-kissed perfume, it celebrates the radiance of citrus. A unique morning ritual for a day of endless sunshine.” Luminous and fresh, but with a long-lasting sillage (scent trail), it’s characterised by a fresh grapefruit and bergamot accord and an earthy, sensual vetiver heart, enriched by cashmere and dry woods. Skins.co.za
An ode to the strong-willed Hermès girls, the fruity floral Tutti Twilly d’Hermès Eau de Parfum has a top note of litchi, a distinctive middle note of ginger blossom and a musk base. It’s fun and fresh and does seem to impart an enveloping buzz. Just as fun is the lantern-shaped bottle – a white lid intended to be a feminine version of the bowler hat, embellished with a hand-tied ribbon, calling to mind the brand’s silk scarf. Spray the mini scarf and take the scent of Tutti Twilly with you. Woolworths.co.za
Oscar de la Renta Bella Tropical Eau de Parfum is inspired by Oscar de la Renta’s personal gardens in Punta Cana, his Caribbean paradise. Tropical flowers, lush greenery and warm sunshine – all the elements you associate with the brand’s DNA – come to the fore. Think effervescent pineapple fresca, red coral and a citrine accord, a heart of ylang ylang, coconut water and orange flower absolute, and a lingering base of tonka bean, sandalwood and ocean mist musk. “This scent instantly transports you by evoking images of a colourful paradise, sipping a splashy tropical cocktail and being surrounded by the lush bounty of nature,” says perfumer Nicole Mancini of Givaudan. Selected beauty retail outlets
A floral musky gourmand, Ferragamo Signorina Libera Eau de Parfum comprises bright notes that create sensations of energy and radiance, joy and positive energy. The composition opens with sparkling bergamot and pear, at the heart is rose absolute and plum while the sweetness of Italian Orris Butter is amplified by pink sugar, warm cashmere woods and the dry, slightly musky Ambroxan. Selected beauty retail outlets
