Beaches. Picnics. Blooming flowers. Ripe fruits. If you’re trying to conjure up fragrant memories, you’ll find it hard to beat the lush season of summer. It’s a time where sweet, potent and natural scents permeate our lives, scoring them with beautiful and delicious undertones.
And of course, with the changing of seasons comes the changing of your perfume. After all, you wouldn’t wear flannel in July. Why would you wear the same fragrance you wore throughout winter?
So what should you look for in a clean summer fragrance? What kind of aroma profile will fit best? Additionally, how should you wear summer perfumes differently, as the temperatures rise and your wardrobe changes? Here are 4 tips to help you find the perfect summer scent.
1. Think light scents
Warm weather is better suited for light clothing and lighter, freshers scents. Rich fragrances, like musk, will generally be too heavy for the hot months. On the other hand, a sweet scent could end up feeling cloying and cause headaches in the heat. Instead, aim for light citruses and breezy fragrances - like florals, grass, rain, and berries.
Not sure whether a scent is right for the summer? The sparkling and sweet notes of Capri is a perfect choice. Or if you’re looking for something more oceanic, try Isle - a dewy, fresh perfume that would make you feel right at home in your favorite beach house.
2. Wear less, apply often
Perfume evaporates the longer you wear it, which is why perfume that you apply in the morning will often start to fade by lunchtime. Heat is one of the main factors determining how quickly or slowly your fragrance will evaporate. That means your perfuming strategy in warmer weather has to be slightly different to keep your scent throughout the day.
Try smaller, more frequent perfume applications to keep the scent from being too overwhelming. After a few tries, you’ll find a way to boost up your scent as the seasonal heat and breeze burns it off. The Skylar Rollie is the perfect tool for the job - slip one into your purse or desk drawer and you’ll always be ready for a fragrance touch-up.
3. Touch up your clothes & hair
Another great trick for keeping your summer scent rolling all day long? Don’t just put it on your body. Since your body temperature raises the evaporation rate of your perfume, you can get a longer ‘charge’ by getting it off your skin.
Try spraying a bit of perfume on your fingers, then running them through your hair. Your hair is much cooler, so will hold the fragrance better.
4. Experiment with layers
Wearing layers is generally a bad idea in the summer… unless you’re talking about perfume. Then it’s key to stunning, new fragrance combinations that match the season perfectly.
Try starting with one reliably summery scent - something citrusy or lightly floral. That gives you a base to experiment with. Then add in a complementary fruity scent or something spicier or woodier to complement it. Even perfumes that would ordinarily be too heavy or musky for summer could be the perfect layer in the right proportions.
While you might think layering fragrances sounds tricky, don’t be intimidated. Go slowly, keep an open mind, and see what works for you. With just a little experimentation, you can find a blend of two or even three perfumes for an unforgettable summer signature scent.
