GOOD SCENTS

Read article : GOOD SCENTS

Know your scents because it's not enough to look good this summer, you've got to smell fabulous....

The sun can cause some fragrances to react on the skin, making it blotchy and even causing pigmentation; so rather choose alcohol-free scents specially created for summer. For something more subtle, opt for scented body creams, deodorants, hair mists and shower gels.

If you're totally devoted to one particular fragrance, look for the summer equivalent in the form of a lighter mist that isn't overpowering and won't damage the skin. We love Chanel Allure Cooling Body Tonic (R525), as it smells just like the divine Allure but also freshens and cools down overheated skin. L'eau D'Issey Lumieres d' Issey (R425- R495) and Kenzo d' Ete (R395 to R755) are soft and feminine - perfect summer scents.

As perfumes have the power to conjure up and recreate the happiest memories, look at the ozonic family of fragrances for summer. Created to emulate the smell of a light sea breeze with notes of tingling freshness, flowers and fruits, these bright aromas epitomise summer.

Green-scented eau fraîiches are the zestiest and cleanest of all summer fragrances. The classic Clarins Eau Dynamisante (R124- R603) led the way and many have followed: Elizabeth Arden Green Tea (R75- R240), Eestee Lauder Private Spa Collection (R215- R350), Clinique Aromatics Elixir (R195- R545), Payot Spa Range (R295- R395) and Lancôme AromaTonic (R175- R345) are all fresh, invigorating, free-spirited and wholesome.

Looking after your fragrances is essential, particularly in hot weather. Leaving them in the open or in sunlight is probably the worst thing you can do, as the sensitive make-up of the perfume can be easily distorted in variable temperature, causing them to go off quickly and evaporate. Keep them in the box, in a dark place or in the fridge.

A Guide:

Apply your fragrance directly after your bath or shower when the skin is warm to enhance the scent. Fragrance responds more intensely on an oily skin, so if your skin is oily, use less. Use more if your skin is dry. Concentrate on the areas where the blood supply is closest to the surface of the skin: the wrists, neck, inner forearm, back of the knees, ankles and décolletage.Don't rub your wrists after spritzing them, as this upsets the delicate balance at the top, middle and bottom notes. Avoid wearing jewellery for a while, as this, too, can change the fragrance.

Avoid spraying perfume onto the hair, as it can be drying. A better option is to use a matching hair mist or oil if your favourite fragrance house has one, for example, Angel by Thierry Mugler (R124 to R1 650)