How to pick a long lasting summer scent

Summer can be a challenging time for fragrance lovers. Warmer weather can make fragrance disappear faster, whilst personal fragrances need to compete with body care products, such as sunscreen, which are often highly scented.

So what’s the best way to ensure a fragrance both lasts and suits the summer season?

Consider the ingredients

Not all fragrances are created equal. Citrus scents are one of the most sought after types of fragrance to enjoy in the summer months. Bright and uplifting, citrus scents are often sunny and mood-boosting meaning that their character matches the warming weather.

Typically, citrus is found in the top notes of a scent, but this can mean that those energetic and uplifting tones disappear before too long. Choosing a high quality citrus scent with more robust molecules in the base, such as woods or resins, can be a great way of ensuring that your fragrance doesn’t fade as soon as the top notes have dispersed. 

Ingredient focus: Saffron

Whilst citruses are often thought of as the summer ingredient, looking beyond the obvious and finding things a little different may bring a bit of excitement and variety to your summer fragrance. Saffron is a spice derived from the crocus flowers. It’s praised by perfumers for its ability to blend seamlessly with many other ingredients. Often lending a warm, honeyed tone to creations, saffron can also be leathery and spicy. As a summer fragrance ingredient this precious spice is worth a try for its versatility and longevity. 

We think you’ll love: Trajan. This happy summer scent boasts an array of citruses in its opening, which are then supported by a clean, embracing collaboration between lavender and saffron. This powerful duo give Trajan a character which is both warm and clean. Cedar, oakmoss and ambergris complete the scent, fixing it to the skin and ensuring that it lasts. 

Quality is key

Fragrance houses become known for the longevity of their scents (or lack thereof!). Clever composition and the inclusion of exceptional ingredients at high levels of inclusion in the finished product are all ways to ensure that the fragrance lasts longer and can combat even the hottest of days. It makes sense that if you buy cheap you buy twice, and the same can often be said of fragrances.

We think you’ll love: Imperium. One of our worldwide best sellers, Imperium has a bright and effervescent opening but is anchored by a base including woods and vanilla. Successfully challenging the idea that a bright and summery scent can’t last, Imperium boasts excellent longevity throughout the warmer weather due, in part, to the high levels of fragrance included in the composition, 25%, as well as a clever mix of diffusive and longer lasting ingredients.

Try before you buy

Fragrance longevity can depend on a variety of factors including your own skin chemistry, the way your nose perceives the molecules contained within the scent, and the ambient temperature and conditions. The best way to work out if a scent is right for you is to try the fragrance before you buy it - allowing you the enjoyment of new discoveries without having to fork out for a whole bottle you’ve not tried in warmer climates. Plus, samples and discovery sets are very portable, meaning they won’t take up much space in your suitcase.

We think you’ll love: Best sellers sample kit. Our best sellers edit of fragrances will allow you to try our most-loved high-performing scents without committing to a full bottle.