These 'holiday in a bottle' perfumes will immediately whisk you to sunny climes
Dreaming of hazy days, floaty dresses, sundowners, sand beneath your toes and the waft of jasmine on the evening air? We are are 100% with you. We all know the power of a great summer holiday perfume in its ability to wrap around your senses, like an invisible cloak, transporting us to sunnier chores no matter where you actually are. That ‘holiday’ feeling, after all, is a deliciously happy one, one that conjures up those care-free memories, where everything is in slo-mo and work is strictly off the agenda.
Fashion psychologist, Shakaila Forbes-Bell, founder of Fashion is Psychology said there is actually a proper science to it all. "Smell is one of our most powerful senses as it plugs into our limbic system - the part of the brain linked to instincts and emotions," reveals Forbes-Bell. "We can utilise fragrances to transport us to different times and places due to the ability of our sense of smell to evoke strong memories. Scents that remind you of a cherished time and place will be especially powerful. Think of the smell of the hotel you stayed at in Jamaica or the restaurant you ate at in Italy, those scents will transport you back to those places, allowing you to escape the confinement of our current realities."
Of course, it can take months - or even years - for the world's finest Master Perfumers to be able to conjure up the perfect holiday perfume, using top, heart and base notes to create a fragrance that can truly encapsulate that sun-drizzled trip. From light-filled florals to big, blousy blooms, breezy coconut and zesty citrus notes, these are the warm-weather notes we are so ready for.
So whether you're packing for a vacay to the white isle of Ibiza, Cornwall's hidden coves or a remote tropical paradise and on the hunt for the perfect complimentary fragrance, or just fancy a spritz to instantly fast track you there right now- here's our pick of the best holiday perfumes.
An escape to the Italian Lakes
Flora Gorgeous Jasmine Eau de Parfum, £60 for 30ml, Gucci
A heady mix of Italian mandarin notes, sprinkled with jasmine, and magnolia, topped with a subtle hint of summery sweetness that will instantly whisk you and your summer romance to the breathtaking Italian lakes. The bottle too, is worthy of a shelfie.
Cornwall surf vibes
Wood Sage and Sea Salt, £50 for 30ml, Jo Malone
If tripping down to Cornwall's hidden coves is your holiday escape, with surfing dips followed dinner at the Hidden Hut, relive the windswept (h)air vibe with this classic salty and earthy spray.
Cote D'Azur chic
Paris Riviera les Eaux De Chanel, from £73, Chanel
Ever daydream of dashing along the famous South of France coast, heading to St Tropez in your open top ride, music up loud and wind in your hair? We do! Capture the moment and get your Riviera fix with this spritz.
Island Paradise
Red Hibiscus Intense Cologne £68, Jo Malone
We can hear the waves gently lapping on the shore, the distant tinkle of music at the beach bar and feel the warm dusk air enveloping our skin and all around the scent of tropical florals hangs alluringly in the air. One spritz and you could be standing right there!
Indian Ocean dreams
Lemon Island, £98, Atelier Cologne
Dreaming of crystal azure waters and picture perfect beaches, then let your senses drift in the direction of Indian Ocean with this lemon, Madagascan Vanilla and jasmine scent, heroing lemons sustainably sourced from an Indian Ocean paradise, Rodrigues Island.
Marooned in the Med
Cyprus Pantelleria, £96, Armani Prive
Pantelleria is the blip of land that sits bang in the middle of the Med, centreway between Italy and Africa. This volcanic rock island is a secluded get away and the location of Mr Armani's favourite home away from home. Inspired by his love of the island, this perfume plays on an alluring mix of fresh, green cypress and oceanic notes, like the waves splashing on the rocky shores.
Beach club heaven
On The Beach, £200, Louis Vuitton
If you don't mind where in the world, as long as it's hot hot hot, involves a day bed, good mates, and the vibe is on! Then get your refreshment with this zingy, exhilarating blend of Yuzu citrus, aromatic herbs and pink pepper from the fragrance house that knows how to travel in style.
Italy calling
Neroli Portofino, £174, Tom Ford
A modern classic and best seller for a reason. The pure delight this neroli, bergamot, lavender and amber blend conjures in one spritz - of summer memories from dawn swims and boat trips at sea to candlelit nights, with all the passion and sizzle of a holiday romance - is the reason we keep returning for more.
Drinks on the terrace
Stories Eau de Parfum No. 1, £75 for 30ml, Stories
Dappled sunlight on a Mediterranean terrace with scents of orange blossom, bergamot and fig from the garden swirling on the breeze, and a glass of rose in hand. Ah yes please!
Ibiza magic
Esvedra, £45, Laboratorio Olfattivo
If you can picture yourself on the cliff overlooking Es Vedra at sunset, feeling the mystical, magnetic pull of the magical rock out ahead. With plans to head back to town, slip on your Annie's dress and shimmy til dawn. We're sorry to break the daydream. In the reality meantime, let this 'green' scent named after the lbizian landmark that swirls with vetiver, coriander and lemon notes, be your deliciously scented consolation.
Scotland's raw nature
Portal, £110, Kingdom Scotland
If you're dreaming of big skies, wild terrains, lush mossy forest floors and streams rushing across glens for you to tip your toes in, connect with this epic natural beauty through Kingdom Scotland. A boutique perfumery that captures these lush scents of Scotland.
Summer in the English countryside
Cécile Eau de Parfum, £85 for 50ml, To The Fairest
A lazy afternoon lolling on a hammock, book and G&T in hand, amongst the rambling roses of your holiday cottage. This British brand's debut fragrance is gentle, powdery, with notes of bergamot and juicy mandarin. A proper English rose.
LA nights
City of Stars, £235 for 100ml, Louis Vuitton
This is an ode to those sultry Los Angeles sunsets by Master Perfumer, Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, all star-studded boulevards and constellations shimmering above the skyline. There's a kick of lemon, blood orange, red mandarin, warmed by noble sandalwood and powdery musk.
