These 6 Summer Scents Are A Perfect Addition To Your Rotation
Summer scents are perfect for Singapore's heat, don't you think?
Summer is arguably one of the most delightful seasons for fragrance. The perfumes are light and fresh, not overly cloying and easy to wear in Singapore’s weather. Think scents evoking the Mediterranean, or with grassy green notes and zesty bursts of citrus. Just like with clothing, treat your fragrance as a wardrobe that you can switch up depending on the weather and mood. Here are some new launches to try.
In the world of niche perfumery, Oman-born luxury fragrance house Amouage has grown a cult following for its distinctive Middle Eastern sensibilities and beautiful bottles. The brand was established in 1983 by the Sultan of Oman. Bottles for its women’s scents are said to recall the shape of the Palace Ruwi Mosque in Muscat, while those for the men’s fragrances are shaped like a Khanjar, the traditional dagger of Oman
The third and latest chapter of its Odyssey Collection is built around royal frankincense, with four new fragrances ($543 each) inspired by escapism and a journey to find oneself. In a bottle fit to be collected by The Little Mermaid’s Ariel, Lineage (pictured) sings a song of salty incense and mineral warmth, with notes of Sichuan pepper, ginger and a whiff of sea spray that brings to mind beach holidays. Guidance, a luxurious feminine scent that has gone viral on TikTok, seduces with its opening of pear and hazelnut that settles into a creamy, lingering whisper.
Two men’s fragrances round up the collection. Search is zesty lemon and lime – a fitting counterpart to Lineage – while Purpose, spicy and woody with notes of bergamot, vetiver and papyrus, is an addictive green option for night-time.
The first Dior fragrance from legendary perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, who was appointed the luxury house’s perfume creation director in 2021, is a sun-drenched creation that screams summer by the sea. The French nose is best known for his own eponymous luxury brand. From Dior’s prestige line La Collection Privee, Dioriviera was inspired by Kurkdjian’s time spent on the French Riviera. But it is not salty oceanic notes as one might imagine. Instead, green notes of fig and rose make up this floral fruity fragrance, with a fresh opening sure to appeal to those hankering after the “clean girl” aesthetic.
For an eau de parfum that will not break the bank, get a whiff of The Body Shop’s new collection of floral fragrances. Full Flowers is the British brand’s premium fragrance range, conjuring up summer-approved images of soft petals, green leaves and juicy fruits. Designed to be unisex, the four perfumes ($75 each) are made of at least 90 percent natural ingredients. Each is composed around the scent of a natural flower oil – rose, iris, ylang ylang and orange blossom. Full Iris (pictured) is soft and woody with notes of juniper berry, while Full Orange Blossom blends fresh bergamot and the crisp greenness of vetiver. The bottles are made from recycled glass, and the caps from naturally renewable wood and cork. The collection is available at select The Body Shop stores, including at Plaza Singapura, Causeway Point, Ion Orchard and Bugis Junction.
This niche brand’s claim to fame may be that it makes superstar Rihanna’s rumoured signature scent (Love, Don’t Be Shy), but did you know that the French label’s founder is also a descendant of the Hennessy alcohol empire? Kilian Hennessy (who shares his name with his grandfather, former chief executive of the cognac company) founded his eponymous perfume line in 2007 to chart his own path away from the family business. However, he eventually launched an alcohol-inspired range called The Liquors in 2020 to pay tribute to his heritage. Enter the latest Blue Moon Ginger Dash, inspired by the 51-year-old’s summer cocktail of choice, the ’90s party drink Blue Lagoon – a potent mix of lemon, vodka and blue curacao liquor. A dash of organic ginger essence and ambroxan give it more body, so it carries well as a night-time scent too. The juice is fittingly encased in a cocktail glass-like bottle, its chiselled design inspired by Art Deco crystal cocktail tumblers.
The star scent by British perfume house Penhaligon’s has a new partner to complete its cosmic tale. Inspired by the sun, Solaris Eau de Parfum was designed in poetic opposition to Luna Eau de Toilette, Penhaligon’s bestseller inspired by the light of a crescent moon. Luna is also the scent of the toiletries in the amenities kit on Singapore Airlines’ business class flights. If Luna is the moon, mysterious and airy with its powdery notes of juniper berry and ambergris, Solaris is bold sunshine, with sparkling notes of blackcurrant, neroli and sensual vanilla that bring to mind an indulgent day at a beach club. And while Luna is decidedly feminine, both men and women will be able to enjoy the warmth of Solaris.
For an enchanting sweet white floral that is suitable for the night, there is the new Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum Intense from the Italian brand. The latest addition to the Gucci Bloom family was made for hot summer nights. Building atop the original tuberose-centric perfume, this one has more depth – grounded with patchouli essence and coconut base notes for added sensuality and creaminess. Ginger, pear and mandarin orange keep the scent fruity and light.
Text: Amanda Chai/ST