The best summer perfumes
We've sniffed out some of the best British fragrances, along with some tips from top British perfumer Roja Dove, to find out how to boost your scent's staying power this summer.
Heat, light and increased use of chemical-heavy products such as sun lotion and tanning products can all affect our fragrance.
The good news? There are several ways to prevent your favourite perfume fading as quickly as your tan.
When it comes to the type of fragrance, pure perfume is the best option, according to top British perfumer Roja Dove. "Perfume is always best - fifty percent of it will last for up to twenty four hours.
"This is especially important in summer as scent lasts for less time in the heat. However, 50 percent of an eau de toilette is made up of refreshing citrus and aromatic notes which also work well to put a spring back in a flagging step."
Where to wear it
Applying your fragrance in the right place can also make a huge difference.
Avoid applying it directly behind the ear, as there are sweat glands here which can affect the way your fragrance smells.
"Apply on the inside of the wrist, the inside of the elbow, the dip of the collar-bone directly below the earlobe, behind the knee, and behind the ankles," suggests Roja.
"Then follow with your body cream or lotion to 'seal' the fragrance in place and make it really stay."
Keeping a travel-sized bottle of your favourite fragrance in your handbag will let you top up throughout the day — perfume samples are ideal, as are solid perfume sticks.
Boosting your fragrance's staying power isn't just about applying it in the right place or using right type — it's also about the other products you use, and one simple way to give your scent some staying power is by using products fragranced with the same scent.
"Try to buy a matching body wash and body cream," suggests Roja. "Your hand soap smells of one thing, your body wash another, your shampoo of something else, then there's your hair-styling products and conditioner, toothpaste, mouthwash, body lotion and hand cream.
As a result, most people smell like an olfactory smorgasbord, so the more products that are odour-free, the better chance your scent has of smelling as it should. Neal's Yard make some very good sent-free products that you can add your usual fragrance to."
The way we store our fragrances becomes more important in the summer, too. While your display of perfume bottles may well be your pride and joy, it's actually best to keep them in the boxes they came in.
"Heat, light, and oxygen are scents greatest enemies," points out Roja. "Always keep them away from direct light, preferably in their boxes, in a cool place."
Best of British
If you're looking for a new scent to try, why not channel your patriotic side and opt for a British fragrance? Today, there are more British perfumes to choose from that ever before.
Whether you're after a classical floral scent from the Queen's favourite perfumers, Floris, or a more modern creation from newer brands such as Jo Loves, there's something for everyone.
Roja Dove recommends the latest offering from British perfumer Clive Christian. "A new Clive Christian perfume, named 'V' after the British perfumer's eldest daughter - who of course is named Victoria after Queen Victoria - will debut later this summer," reveals Roja.
As for the perfumer's favourite British fragrance? "Penhaligons' Bluebell as it takes me to my grandparents' home and the woods in their grounds, and I would have to say I love my own creation Mischief, as it reflects the naughtiness which I think personifies the spirit that makes us British."
Indeed. Roja's love of Penhaligons' Bluebell is bang on trend, with 2012 seeing an increase in the use of more natural, woody notes. "Woody, mossy notes contrasted by citrus materials will be popular this summer, as well as notes inspired by bouquets of fresh flowers."
And, after all, who can resist a bit of good old fashioned flower power?
Product suggestions
Jo Loves Mango Collection, £95, Joloves.com
Roja Parfums Mischief Eau de Parfum £195, Harrods
Jo Malone Velvet Rose and Oud Cologne Intense
£95, Jomalone.com
Clive Christian V, (available from 1st July) £230, Harrods
Nougat London Peony Eau de Toilette £35, www.nougatlondon.co.uk
National Trust Gardens Eau de Toilette, £19.50, shop.nationaltrust.org.uk
Penhaligons' Bluebell Eau de Toilette, from £58, www.penhaligons.com
