Our favourite fragrances and perfumes from summer 2019, from the delicate aroma of a Venetian walled garden to citrus notes as invigorating as the sea.
In a season punctuated by free-spirited adventure, new experiences combine with nostalgic undertones – much like a few of our favourite fragrance launches of the summer. While we cling to the memories of vacations just gone, the latest launches from our most-loved perfumers can make those summer feelings last longer, evoking warm, sunny days. Reminisce about the sandy shores of Sardinia or a balmy evening in Tuscany with these sunny scents.
Bana Banana by L’artisan Parfumeur
A reimagining of an unreleased Jean Laporte fragrance from the 1970s, this distinctive scent combines extracts of nutmeg, jasmine, tonka bean and banana flower.
Eau de parfum, 100ml, £115, available at artisanparfumeur.com
Bois d’Hadrien by Goutal Paris
A modern interpretation of Goutal’s classic Eau d’Hadrien fragrance recalls a Tuscan sunset, with notes of Siberian pine, cypress, lime and musk.
Eau de parfum, 100ml, £132, available at libertylondon.com
Grain de Poudre By Yves Saint Laurent
An ode to the grain de poudre fabric used in the fashion house’s tuxedo jackets, this spicy leather scent blends black pepper, coriander, violet and sage.
Eau de parfum, 125ml, £210, available at yslbeauty.co.uk
Notorious Oud By D.S. & Durga
Inspired by Notorious B.I.G. (yes, really), this is a “Brooklyn take on the most coveted ingredient in fragrance”, enhanced with saffron, Bulgarian rose and lavender.
Eau de parfum, 100ml, £220, available at harrods.com
Afternoon Swim by Louis Vuitton
An invigorating blend of orange, bergamot and mandarin that perfectly encapsulates plunging into an azure ocean on a hot summer’s day.
Eau de parfum, 100ml, £185, available at louisvuitton.com
Gentle Fluidity by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
One of a pair of fragrances that examine gender identity by using the same ingredients in different ways: here, the focus is on musky, oriental notes.
Eau de parfum, 70ml, £150, available at johnlewis.com
Cipresso di Toscana By Acqua di Parma
The latest Blu Mediterraneo fragrance is a fresh mix of pine needles, star anise, orange and lavender, designed to emulate a Tuscan cypress tree.
Eau de toilette, 150ml, £112, available at selfridges.com
Rising Sun by Shiseido
An energising blend of lemon, ylang ylang and coconut, this fresh scent is free from photo-sensitive ingredients so is safe to wear in the sun.
Eau de toilette, 100ml, £52, available at johnlewis.com
Un Jardin sur la Lagune by Hermes
Inspired by a Venetian walled garden, this vibrant fragrance blends floral notes of magnolia and lily with the salty, woody notes of the sea.
Eau de toilette, 50ml, £63, available at hermes.com
Elixir Parfum by Roja Parfums
This bewitching scent from master perfumer Roja Dove has a lily of the valley heart, warmed up with notes of bergamot, cinnamon and vanilla.
Eau de parfum, 50ml, £375, available at rojaparfums.com
Costa Azzurra Acqua by Tom Ford
A lighter update of 2014’s Costa Azzura parfum evokes holidays on Sardinian beaches with citrusy lemon and aquatic salty hints mixed with warm oak woody notes for an earthy base.
Eau de Toilette, 50ml, £83, available at harrods.com