Phyl Clarke on summer scents
Smell is one of the most powerful memory triggers, and there are those who are forever linked to a single scent. When Marilyn Monroe declared that all she wore to bed was Chanel N°5, sales rocketed. I have worn many perfumes down the years, and my daughter (20) still asks me to wear the one that smells like "home". My mother (80) requested a bottle for her birthday. Long live N°5.
Nothing creates an impact like the right scent, but it's not an easy thing to buy. If you decide that your summer look needs a scent reflecting the season, give yourself time to select the right one. Fragrance is a luxury item that can show your mood, style and personality. Are you a Floral, a bit of a Chypre or a soft or heavy Oriental? What the Fougere am I on about?
Fragrance is divided into families of scent. You will find that you are naturally drawn towards one, and then you can explore other scents in that family group. Personally, I find that bergamot is a recurring note in scents that I am attracted to. I should have known, as I am also addicted to Earl Grey tea.
Don't expect to dash out during your lunchbreak to pick up your signature scent. This task requires effort on a par with buying jeans, and you know how hard that can be. If you happen to be in Paris or London, don't miss the unforgettable experience of visiting a specialist perfume boutique, where the assistants are trained in the art of choosing the perfect fragrance for a customer.
Do not test fragrance from the bottle as this will not give you the true scent. They should always be tested on the skin to give you the true scent. Apply to pulse points. Do not rub in, but leave to develop. This can take up to 10 minutes, so leave the fragrance counter, get on with the rest of your day, and see how you are feeling about the scent later on. It may take a few trips to the perfume counter, but one day, you will apply that special scent that is the one.
The goods
L'Occitane Citrus Verbena €39.95 for 150ml. Lovely, lemony fresh scent; a summer limited edition from the gorgeous L'Occitane shops, which do a beautiful gift wrapping service. Outlets in Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork and Limerick.
Clarins Eau Dynamisante €37 for 100ml. Invigorating, feel-good fragrance from the aromatherapy range, with complementary body products to match. At Clarins outlets nationwide.
Aqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo in Fico €37 for 60ml. The Italian Riviera in a bottle. This is the latest in a unisex summer range which all have a sophisticated, understated style. At Brown Thomas branches in Dublin, Galway and Cork.