We’ve all heard the phrase “summer in a bottle” to describe a perfume–usually in reference to any tropical, fruity, coconutty scent. These four, though, go beyond the usual. Spritz one of these on, close your eyes, and feel your dreams of the summertime come alive before you, realized by your sense of smell. The olfactory sense is extraordinarily powerful, transporting us to other times and places with just a whiff–if you’re desperate for summer, try these perfumes for yourself, and let paradise come to you.
Kayali’s Yum Pistachio Gelato is a delectable, true-to-life fragrance that starts off with a fresh burst of Italian bergamot, but quickly sweetens into an ice cream delight. The pistachio in here is so well done; it’s nutty and sweet, and I get a bit of the warm waffle cone that holds the sweet treat. When I smell this, I am taken to a colorful boardwalk in my mind’s eye, vivid against the deep darkness of the ocean at night, waves breaking eerily on shore. Games with brightly flashing lights surround me, the Ferris wheel is up ahead–the smell of cotton candy from a nearby stand lingers with the smell of my frozen dessert. Pure nostalgia.
If the Kayali fragrance takes me to the Jersey shore, By Rosie Jane’s new Missy takes me to Aruba, or any island with palm trees, really. Straight from the bottle, it smells of deliciously fresh coconut; once sprayed, though, green mandarin, pineapple, and frangipani intermingle for a sweet, summery, uplifting scent. I really like the dry-down of this fragrance, when the coconut mixes with the amber base note. It reminds me of a cocktail you’d sip while on vacation, perhaps a piña colada garnished with a fresh slice of fruit. I’m just saying, I don’t think you could feel sad while wearing this perfume.
Ever wanted to smell like a mermaid? You must try Vanilla Vibes by Juliette Has a Gun, the makers of the viral Not a Perfume. This one starts off with a top note of pure sea salt, then softens into alluring vanilla and orchid. It smells like sitting on the beach all day, the ocean water clinging to your hair, the sweetness of sun on skin, cooling as dusk draws near. Base notes of musk, tonka bean and sandalwood loiter long after the first spray; this perfume is amazing for layering with almost anything–and on its own, too.
Finally, to smell like an actual sun goddess, try Kilian’s new Sunkissed Goddess (fitting name). This smells like bottled sunshine–but really it’s creamy white tiare flowers, ylang ylang, coconut, vanilla, and guaiac wood. When first sprayed, it’s light citrus, but as it settles, I picture bronzed skin in lavish tanning oil; big floppy sun hat; breezy linen set; the whitest sands you’ve ever seen. There’s a hint of powder, too–like the baby powder you use to get the sand off your skin when it’s time to go home. This one is sheer luxury.
