Limited-edition fragrances are the scents of summer, writes Melanie Morris
Hitting the bottle: The idea that a fragrance is for life seems to have gone out of date. And with over 130 different launches last year, it's hardly surprising that we're flitting from brand to brand and between old favourites and new temptations.
Set the juice loose: These days, it's no longer about picking up an annual bottle of Poison in the duty free. The latest fashion among the fragrance houses is to release limited-edition scents for a short period: diffusion ranges, or remixes of popular perfumes. It's a clever way of building a brand and getting fragrance junkies to part with even more cash. In 2004, more brands are developing their own smell of the summer, available on a now or never basis.
Us too: The perfume houses aren't the only ones developing limited-edition fragrances. Some of the cosmetics companies - such as Lancôme and Estée Lauder - devise perfumes to accompany make-up collections. Alternatively, Chanel matches an existing fragrance to suit the mood of its seasonal look. This summer, it's all about No. 19 - a fresh, green, woody floral.
Coming up roses: The most old-fashioned floral scent is a hit for men as well as women this year. Originally the perfume of kings, rose oil is present in Issey Miyake's L'eau Bleu as well as Burberry Brit, but does not take from the masculine nature of either scent. Women have many rose fragrances to chose from - Stella McCartney's very contemporary main fragrance has Dades roses at the heart, while her summer special combines Bulgarian and Alpine varieties in an icier version. YSL's ever popular Paris is a blend of over 300 red and white roses, and each year, the noses select one for a short-run, Paris Springtime. This year's wild rose version is pretty, traditional and very mother of the bride.
Summer lovin': If none of this season's crop appeals, it's hard to beat Commes des Garçon's Rhubarb, Origin's Ginger, Aqua di Gio, Jo Malone's Fig and Cassis or a spritz of Lancôme's Aromatonic bodyspray.
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Chanel Hydramax, €50 from stockists countrywide. It is hard to get revved up over a moisturiser, but what's particularly nice about Hydramax is that it comes in three different consistencies - fluid, gel and cream. Each formulation delivers a real boost to the skin and is incredibly comforting to wear. When the atmosphere is hot and heavy, the fluid version is light, refreshing and also has mattifying properties that really do last the day.
TREATMENT OF THE WEEK
Bien Être Body Treatment, €45.50 at Sam McAuley Day Spa, Greystones, Co Wicklow, 01-2872699. At this stage, we all know the importance of proper exfoliation before fake tanning, but it's essential to get the old tan off too. If you can really start over, it will reap benefits. Getting a professional body scrub works wonders - the therapist will work harder and deeper than you ever could. This treatment uses Guinot Gommage Facil Body Polisher on dry skin before showering off.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Owning a good set of make-up brushes isn't enough; you have to look after them properly too. Wash brushes thoroughly using shampoo at least every three months. If someone else uses your brushes, wash them before using them again. Remember to reshape brushes after washing and let them dry thoroughly before reusing. Use different brushes for light and dark shades of make-up. If bristles frizz and begin to shed, it's time to buy a new brush.