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I’m a perfume expert who has flown to the world’s perfume capital Grasse to make my own scent, learned from experts in Florence, and I spend an excessive amount of time smelling things. I often get told that I always smell incredible, and with a fragrance collection over 200 bottles deep, I’d hope so. I’ve decided to share some of my top suggestions for summer.
When it comes to how you smell it starts before a perfume is selected, as the shower gel or soap we use can leave a mark. I’ve been using a lot of Lush Yummy Custard (£9), Saltair Salt Water Vanilla (£16) and Palmolive’s Fresh Lychee Dreamy Delight as my base, although I do have my eye on the Treaclemoon website as their new limited edition scents sound incredible.
I follow this up with a body oil, I’ve been rotating through Phlur Vanillla Skin (£51), Saltair Salt Water Vanilla (£25) and Nala’s Baby Vanilla Cloud (£5.75). It is quite apparent that I enjoy a sweet vanilla base before I start browsing my fragrance drawers. Check out my top picks below.
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View 5 ImagesPhlur Vanilla Nectar(Image: Jada Jones)
Key notes: papaya nectar, peach blossom, coconut orchid, whipped vanilla, honeyed amber
This was love at first smell. I first tried it last summer and have been reaching for it ever since. I’ve been on two beachy holidays this year and this came with me both times.
It’s sweet and fruity in a way that feels like biting into a peach as juicy as The Summer I Turned Pretty fans will remember from last year. This brightens my mood every time I put it on and a bottle pretty much lives in my bag so I can constantly top myself up. That said, it lingers. My sister noticed when hugging me that both me and my youngest sister had been wearing it and she was wondering where her spritz was.
Since it’s a body mist it’s not as strong as perfume but it is safe to mist across hair and clothes, which can’t be said for concentrated perfumes. It’s currently available in SpaceNK and Sephora.
Price: £26 / £39
View 5 ImagesKayali Eden Sweet Peach(Image: Jada Jones)
Key notes: juicy peach, red apple, nectarine, jasmine, vanilla and praline
This, to me, is Vanilla Nectar’s sexy big sister. Paired together, these are unbeatable, and it’s that bright and juicy scent I want for summer while being a little bit more sophisticated. This is the third addition to Kayali’s Eden range which centres around red apple and lychee before landing on peach.
This is fruity with subtle florals that stop it venturing into the land of cloying. This is on the sweeter side but I think summertime is gourmand season. It is available at Cult Beauty, Space NK and Sephora.
Price: £28 / £80 / £110
View 5 ImagesZadig & Voltaire ZADIG(Image: Jada Jones)
Key notes: Sesame, orange blossom, vanilla, chantilly and sandalwood
This is a gourmand scent but with a twist as the opening is almost savoury with black and white sesame alongside ginger. The base is undeniably sweet with chantilly cream but it’s so well balanced.
You’re not supposed to store perfume in direct light, with most of mine living in dark drawers to keep them lasting longer. I have only had one perfume turn on me in five years, which was sadly a limited edition, but I think there’s always an exception to any rule. This one simply has a bottle that is too pretty to hide away.
I keep this on a shelf in my living room, and I’ve been finding myself reaching for it a lot as I ready myself to leave the house. It is available at LookFantastic, The Perfume Shop, Boots and Superdrug.
Price: £64 / £89 / £124
View 5 ImagesNEST New York Crème De Clementine(Image: Jada Jones)
Key notes: Clementine, vanilla creme and blonde woods
This perfume makes me smell like an orange creamsicle and I absolutely love wearing it in warmer weather. I do think perfumes with an ice cream feel to them, like this and Yum Pistachio Gelato, can be worn year-round, but they really shine when it’s hot out.
I find citrus can sometimes be a little sharp in a scent but this one is perfectly balanced out with the sweet vanilla and the grounding wood base. The longevity is impressive and I always get compliments when I wear this one. It’s available at Cult Beauty.
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Price: £28 / £82
There are some perfumes I’ve been trialling of late, notably the powdery Easy Bake by Huda Beauty (£26), Honey Moon by Phlur (£32) and Lush’s Confetti (£110), but I have found fruity fragrances are taking centre stage for me lately.