Find a perfume that makes perfect scents for summer

8:50am Thursday 17th July 2008

By Lucy Tatchell

We can’t always rely on the sunshine to get us in the mood for summer. But with one quick spritz of a summery scent we can be transported into holiday heaven.

Though some perfume fans religiously stick to their signature scent, during the summer it’s a good idea to freshen up with a lighter fragrance.

Sarah Burton, fragrance consultant at Boots in Worcester’s High Street, said they get many people wanting something different for the summer.

“A lot of people prefer summer fragrances because when you go out in the sun you are less likely to get a headache,” she said.

“We get a lot of people requesting a summer alternative and for value for money they are brilliant and a nice change for the summer.”

People are advised to change their fragrance like they would change their diet to eat more seasonal food in the summer.

“With the change in temperature, the heavy warm scent you wore in winter will now be cloying and far too strong,” says Laurent Delafon, managing director of United Perfumes.

“We recommend changing your scent like you would eating seasonal food. In summer go for lighter citrus or floral scents to help you feel refreshed and ‘just showered’.

” So spritz your way through the summer with this season’s fresh new fragrances.

Why not get fruity with a citrus scent and instant five-a-day freshness in a bottle.

They are perfect for people with a relaxed and informal style and great for casual everyday wear.

Try Missoni Arancia 75ml EDT, £45; Marc Jacobs Grapefruit Splash Sorbet 300ml, £39; Givenchy Very Irresistible Summer Cocktail 75ml EDT, £32.50; Paul Smith Sunshine Edition EDT 100ml, £29.

For the summer night and for feeling confident why not try a fragrance with serious sex appeal?

Test the following: DKNY Delicious Night 30ml EDP, £27; Kenzo Armour Indian Holi EDP 50ml, £43; YSL Cinema Limited Edition Summer 90ml, £40.50.

For those who love the fresh sea air and want it in a bottle try: Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Summer 100ml EDT, £34.50; Davidoff Cool Water Woman Freeze Me Summer 100ml EDT, £29.50; CK1 Summer 100ml EDT, £25.

If you want to recreate the holiday feeling every day why don’t you try a perfume which will instantly transport you to a white sandy beach with palm trees.

Try Michael Kors Island Capri, EDP 50ml £40; Bobbi Brown Beach EDT 50ml, £35; Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche 100ml, £36.

But what if you love your winter fragrance so much and don’t want to part with it? Lighter, brighter, summertime versions are available.

Try Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Summer EDT 100ml, £34.50; Dior Addict 2 Summer Litchi 50ml EDT, £26; DKNY Summer 100ml EDT, £29; Dior J’Adore Le Jasmin EDT 100ml, £37.50.

Or you could create your own perfect fragrance by visiting Ki Health and Beauty, in Lowesmoor, Worcester. Stacey Turford, manager of the Worcester store, said her customers come in wanting a softer fragrance for the summer.

“People want something lighter for the summer and here they can blend their own fragrance to create something completely unique to them,” she said.

Shoppers can chose from 18 different blends and mix them in a scent-free room until they create the perfect fragrance.

“The best thing to do is come and mix one as when you are in high street stores and you are spraying different perfumes you have different aromas, so you are not going to get a true sense of what you are buying,” Ms Turford said.

Prices start at £30 and you can walk away with your own named smell the day you mix it.