fresh fragrances
What the experts say
Whether you're at work or looking for a fresh scent to enjoy as spring and summer approach, finding your way through the perfume jungle can be a challenge. Here are some tips from fragrance expert Glenn.
GO CLASSIC WITH CITRUS
It's hard to go wrong with citrus, whether you want something casual at work or just for everyday, or to feel fresh during spring and summer. The main note in fresh citrus perfumes is often bergamot, but mandarin, neroli, lemon and grapefruit are also common.
A favourite for citrus lovers is always the Italian Acqua di Parma's well-known products in various fragrance series. There's something for every taste, but always with their typical DNA. For those who like explicit retro, it's hard to find anything fresher than Rosendo Mateu's No. 1, a cool citrus in the Spanish traditional style or Floris' classic Special No 127 (British old school). The combination of citrus and wood is perfect for work or more elegant dressed-up occasions, as in Rojas Elysium Pour Homme Cologne, as well as the citrus-rose pepper combo in Fragrance du Bois' sophisticated Solstis. Perfect for holidays are citrus-marine perfumes such as Citrus Riviera from BDK, where you feel transported to the Amalfi Coast.
MARINE AND AQUATIC
Not everyone appreciates citrus, of course, but perhaps prefers marine ‘blue’ accords, and here too there are different interpretations of the theme. These include Ege from NISHANE (a mix of aquatic blue and grassy green notes), the elegant, sophisticated adult Erolfa from Creed, as well as Sel d'Argent from BDK and Acqua di Sale from Profumum Roma for those who like hints of salt water. Marine with green and sweeter elements is also Cap D'Antibes from Eight and Bob, in a summery South Sea style. Try it out!
GREEN AND WOODY FRESHIES
Green and woody fresh perfumes always work excellently as all-rounders year-round, whether you're casual, at work, or dressed up for a party. A good example is Acqua di Parma's green, classically masculine Colonia C.L.U.B., which is suitable for all ages and occasions. With this, as well as Creed's classic Original Vetiver, you can never go wrong. Another really good green fresh scent is Verte from the Italian brand Venti4 Profumo—highly recommended!
A safe bet, especially for those who can pull off very subtle fresh creations, is Byredo's "freshie" Gypsy Water, with green and softly woody elements. For those leaning more towards pure woody accords and looking for something fresh with substantial performance, Nasomatto's Pardon is an obvious choice—surprisingly wearable, as the name suggests.
floral, powdery and neutral
Another fragrance category within the fresh segment is floral/powdery. The most popular is undoubtedly Byredo's Mojave Ghost, which can definitely be classified as unisex but is particularly popular among female customers. For those seeking something classic and elegant (think white linen suit!), Fragrance du Bois' scent jewel London Spice, with its marine notes and powdery lavender, is hard to resist. Also explore Thameen London's elegant unisex perfumes, where floral and fresh elements combine in a complex blend of English sophistication.
If you're looking for neutral fresh unisex fragrances with less emphasis on the floral, the Danish Alûstres The Fall of Fluidic Fauna (Spectre 568-147) feels invitingly cool and discreet, making it a safe choice in sensitive environments.
sweetness
Yes, there are indeed sweet perfumes that have a freshness and lightness—some even summery—that shatter the myth that sweet scents must be heavy and overpowering. Profumum Roma's Giociosa (fresh summery vanilla) and Acqua de Zucchero (cotton candy and fresh blueberries) are perfect choices for a warm summer day. Other good examples of fresh scents with sweet elements include the subtle Black II and Rose Arabia White (white flowers, vanilla, musk, and peach), both from Abu Dhabi-based Widian. Even fresh gourmands abound, such as The House of Oud's midsummer bomb Keep Glazed, with hints of strawberries and liquid cream.
As seen, fresh perfumes encompass a broad spectrum, with something for every personality and situation. Freshness, in other words, doesn't mean linear, timid or boring. Dare to experiment!