If you're searching for a new cologne, fragrance buyer Jaquetta Cahill from Famers in Auckland has some sound advice on how to wear your perfume once the temperature rises. Editor Trudi Brewer gets a lesson in summer scent shopping.
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What ingredients have you noticed are on trend right now?
Summer is a time when citrus fragrances take centre stage. They're fresh and uplifting, which is perfect for summer. This season we have seen a lot of mandarin-based scents, which is a bit more punchy and juicy than the more traditional lemon used in scent making. Examples of this would be - Elizabeth Arden White Tea, Tom Ford Mandarino De Amalfi Aqua and Tiffany & Co. This year we are also very excited to now be stocking the iconic classic, top-selling Jo Malone London Lime Basil and Mandarin. However, 2017 has also been the year for florals, packed with heady white flowers, such as jasmine, orange blossom, tuberose, (new scents such as Gucci Bloom, Gabrielle by Chanel spring to mind). To the more delicate vintage florals with peony and iris, (Tiffany & Co, Elizabeth and James Nirvana White, Kenzo World and Jo Malone London Peony Blush and Suede, represent this trend). And then the third category is the middle-eastern inspired gourmand notes, which are also popular with ingredients such as pistachio, Almond and Honey, (Elie Saab Girl of Now, JPG Scandal and DKNY Nectar Love are all new).
What are the best selling fragrances for summer?
Dolce & Gabbana Lite Blue Pour Femme never fails to please in the summer months. We love the new Dolce & Gabbana Eau Intense, which plays up the citrus and tart apple notes. Also an EDT (eau de toilette) version of some of the classics. Contrary to popular belief they are not just less concentrated versions of the EDP, (eau de parfum) offering. They often have slightly different ingredients, (such as more fruit or summer-inspired floral notes), which helps to liven the fragrance up and give it a fresher, lighter appeal, which is ideal for wearing in the heat.
What's new on the counters right now that screams summer?
Tiffany & Co – it’s everything you want in a summer fragrance, light and fresh with mandarin as the top notes and the beautiful vintage bloom of Iris, on a subtle patchouli base that gives the fragrance staying power.
Where should you wear your fragrance during the hotter months?
Anywhere the sun doesn’t shine. The alcohol in fragrance can cause sun damage on the skin once under our hot UV rays so spritz before you get dressed and avoid areas exposed to the sun.
Any summer scent no, no's?
Don’t over spritz – fragrance activates in the heat, so you will get more mileage out of your fragrance in the summer than you do in the winter.
What's your best summer fragrance tip?
I love using a perfumed body lotion in summer – it’s so luxurious. You don't wear as many clothes as you do in the winter, so you get to enjoy the smell of your fragrance and lovely soft-feeling skin.
