Ice, ice, baby: 10 refreshing scents that embrace the coolness

You want light and cool aromas, especially in the hot summer months. They don’t have to carry the scent of the sea: sometimes freshness is in the most unexpected ingredients. What – learned from the perfumer!

Ekaterina Siordia, private perfumer, aromapsychologist

The feeling of lightness of perfume is given by two factors: its concentration and the aromatic substances that make up the composition. The lower the concentration, the lighter the composition appears. That is why in the summer the demand for eau de toilette increases (concentration of fragrant substances not more than 10-15%), and colognes in which fragrant substances are completely less – 10%.

How are refreshing perfumes different from cool ones?

Notes of a refreshing perfume can also be very conditionally divided into two groups – those that have a cooling effect (menthol, mint, lemongrass) and those that are most often perceived as cool. Second, it harmonizes the water and ozone accents with the scent of the sea, rain, freshly cut grass, citrus fruits, watermelon and fresh fruit.

In author and niche perfumery, natural aromas came into fashion a few years ago: the smell of a forest after a rain, needles, a meadow warmed by the sun; the smell of mossy sea water, the smell of the beach, the smells of northern summer. Everything is limited only by the perfumer’s imagination.

However, remember: the perception of smell is still a very individual story. Therefore, lovers of wine glasses, floral or even gourmet scents can also find light summer perfumes for themselves.

By the way, wearing water sports and other “lights” in the summer is a very Russian and partly European tradition. In the hot East, and even in not so sultry Europe (it all depends on the country), “heavy” aromas with notes of amber, oud, musk are more often worn in summer.

Therefore, the warm season is a great time for perfume experiments: do not hesitate to take your “winter” perfume off the shelf and see what new colors of the perfume composition shine under the hot sun. But don’t go overboard with the application (although this rule applies to light scents as well).

Well, for fresh perfume fans, we’ve rounded up the novelties and bestsellers to help you survive the hot days.

Mandarin Basilica Aqua Allegoria, Guerlain

Bitter oranges, clementines and orange blossom in this bottle pair beautifully with chamomile, peony and basil. The fragrance is like a light cloud about to expel life-giving moisture.

Wood Sage and Sea Salt by Jo Malone X Gunga

Sea salt, sage and musk… This combination is not only refreshing, it takes you to the shores where the sea foam surrounds you with coolness. This season, you can buy branded accessories from branded ceramic napkin holders decorated by artist Sasha Gunga. And you know? Inspired by Wood Sage & Sea Salt.!

Alegres, Cartier

Tuberose and petitgrain, bergamot and blackcurrant buds… Everything sparkles, sparkles and inspires new achievements! This innovation in the Cartier perfume line will make you stand out from the crowd as the scent trail sounds incredibly fresh and unusual.

Molecule01 + Tangerine, Eccentric Molecules

Better on hot days Molecule01 can only be its updated version – with tangerines. Juicy citrus is good fresh morning, afternoon and evening. Zero calories!

Ilio, Diptyque

In honor of its 60th anniversary, Diptique presents the Summer Essentials limited edition series. The bottle design was co-created with British artist Luke Edward Hall. There are many items in the collection but we will focus on Ilio eau de toilette. Citruses, berries and cool violets – great!

cress d’Hermes, Hermes

Shiso is the new arugula, and it’s this spicy green that’s abundant in Terre d’Hermès. The surprising note, on the contrary, emphasizes the warm accords of wood and benzoin, and as a result, the perfume sounds very summery – as if it is both refreshing and smells of the sun.

Young at Heart Floraiku

Osmanthus, watermelon and jasmine – nothing superfluous, just freshness, joy and good mood. Try it if you like juicy, fruity flavors and aromas.

Greenley, Marly at Perfumes

We choose Greenley for the juicy green apple note. It is supported by citrus, musk and violet. Real freak!

Lemon and Ginger 47 11

And if you prefer lemonades and not juices, there is another option for you – with lemon and ginger. It is a wonderful thing that is almost impossible to resist in the heat.

Basilica, Molinard

This fragrance is a godsend for tea lovers. Decide for yourself: black and green tea, basil, mint, lemon and lavender. From the first breath, the temperature will recede! At least it will definitely make you feel better.