Perfumes for the time between summer and fall

I totally realize that Shanghai is weather-wise somewhat else entirely, but given the recent heatwave Europe is having right now, I guess my post won’t receive a lot of raised eyebrows. In short, fall and PSLs are rolling in like an avalanche, but it surely doesn’t feel like it. It definitely doesn’t feel like I should swathe myself in all those warm, woody, cashmere-scarf like scents, but I am searching for perfumes for the time between summer and fall.

What I like is to prolong summer at least in an olfactory way for a bit longer. But while I love those Bronze Goddess scents during the peaks of summer (give me sunscreen, Tiare and figs and I’m a happy bunny), those days are over (at least for this year). No, what I want right now is something that feels still fresh and light and summery, maybe a bit green and crisp? Something like a white shirt in perfume form – appropriate for all occasions and all seasons. So here are my three top choices for a gentle transition from summer into fall (from cheap to expensive).

 

High-end – Tom Ford, Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum

Let’s start with the high-end choice and get a few things out of the way first – yes, it’s incredibly overpriced (183€/ $225 for 50ml) for what is basically just orange blossom (neroli) and nothing else. Serious fragonerds tend to spit and splutter at the mention and very likely names are called (“bland”, “boring” are the most friendly ones). I’m perfectly aware that you’ll be able to get a classic cologne for far less money, but I just like the whole package here – the luxe packaging and also the fragrance. You can expect a typical cologne – a citrusy fragrance with some woody base notes whose sillage is quite good and longevity too. When I spray it, I get a fresh first impression – citrus and green leaves. After a while, the orange blossoms appear, and then some faint woody base notes (I can never smell the supposedly vanilla and amber base notes). It’s fresh, crisp, unisex – my white shirt scent that goes with anything everywhere (I wouldn’t wear it on a date night, though).

 

Mid-range – Hermès, Un Jardin en Méditerranée Eau de Toilette

I used to wear this to death a few years ago, and then just stopped because other things came along. I finally dug it out last month when I was craving a light fig scent. The main notes are citrus fruits, orange blossom and fig leaves. Don’t expect one of those sweet, creamy fig scents here, the first impression I get upon spraying is very green, nearly herbal. Then comes a bit of orange blossom, mixed with a fresh young fig that’s still quite green. It’s a typical Hermès scent, a bit restrained, a bit unassuming, very elegant and pared back. I rather like this approach to a fig scent – it’s not a beachy scent at all, but it says ‘summer’ nevertheless. As you might assume, its sillage is very modest, and longevity is so-so. It’s a scent that wears very close to the skin, and sexy in this way. This one I would wear on date night. 😉 (73,95€/ $99 for 50ml)

 

 

Incredibly cheap but good – Coty, Eau de Gaga Eau de Parfum

I know!!! It’s a celebrity perfume!!! And I normally wouldn’t touch it with a pole! But! I read on Victoria’s blog about it. Victoria wrote the magical word ‘Earl Grey Tea’ and off I went to smell it. And reader, I bought three bottles (they were heavily reduced. I got them for 5€ apiece). Don’t believe ANYTHING of the mumbo-jumbo of the official description, though. It’s Earl Grey all right, then there’s a bit of a woody base with violets peeking through. And that’s it. I adore a tea scent, and this is perfect. There’s a reason why I got three bottles though – sillage is just so-so, and I’ve to re-apply every four hours or so, but then? Fresh bergamotte and black tea. Perfection. (It’s also unisex and did I say unbelievably cheap?)

 

What are your favourite perfumes for the time between summer and fall? Or do you just douse yourself in Pumpkin Spice? 😉