When it’s nearing 50 degrees celsius outside and you’re running from meeting to meeting, a quick spritz of a “clean-smelling” fresh perfume throughout the day keeps you feeling shower-fresh and energised.
Heady florals and spicy orientals are ideal for a night out, and powdery musks or fruity scents are great for reviving memories of your grandma and high school proms respectively; but I find that what the fragrance world classifies as “clean”, fresh perfume allows you to get on with your day to day life without intrusion. Overtly strong and invasive smells follow you around, cloud your mind and arguably, give those around you a green light to make assumptions about your character- be they positive or negative.
Fresh Perfume Favourites
When choosing a daytime scent, I like it to be fresh, elegant and a little bit masculine; much like a crisp white shirt in fragrance form. Here are four of my go-to suggestions for when you just want to smell “clean”- no assumptions.
Jo Malone French Lime Blossom
When it comes to a clean, fuss-free aesthetic, Jo Malone London reigns supreme. Inspired by a springtime walk along the Champs Élysées, this is a full-bodied bouquet of fresh, white blossoms, zesty bergamot, green tarragon and touch of honey; with a generous dose of “posh soap”.
Frédéric Malle Eau de Magnolia
Despite its somewhat feminine name, this cologne is very much a unisex scent. It’s cool, effervescent and lingers beautifully on the skin. It opens with a pleasantly sharp citrus-green note and slowly unveils an earthy blend of flowers and forest leaves. Super uplifting and great for energising the senses when you’re feeling worn out.
Chloé Love Story
Soft, fresh and delicate, this is a wonderful “everyday” fragrance that works equally well for both day and night. Bursting with orange blossom and neroli, this floral melange has major staying power; even on hot, humid days. Great for when you want something decidedly “pretty”.
Hermès Un Jardin Sur le Nil
Just by looking at the bottle, it’s clear that this fragrance screams “freshness”. This is an explosion of grapefruit, green mango, pine and just a touch of jasmine sambac and lotus to keep in line with the Egyptian garden theme. It’s another uplifting, androgynous, yet unfamiliar blend that will have people asking what you’re wearing- in a good way.
Which are your favourite shower-fresh scents?
