For those of us in the southern hemisphere, new beauty releases can sometimes feel disconcertingly out of step with the weather and our lifestyles.
Don’t get us wrong, we’re happy to have such extensive product options these days. But when global beauty megabrands are touting the latest bronzers and dewy body care products as temps in the US and Europe continue to climb and their long summer stretches ahead, envy threatens to rear it’s head. It can feel hard to get excited about shopping for such summery products while adding another wool coat and peering out the window in dismay through sheets of rain.
Of course, if you’ve got tickets booked and a countdown app on your phone, a warm weather getaway may be on the agenda, then by all means shop up large in preparation.
However there’s one beauty product that often lands this time of year, that has the ability to either enhance any sun-soaked escape, establishing olfactory memories that you can call on for years to come, or transport you mentally to that longed-for tropical climate, while it’s freezing outside.
That’s the plethora of sparkling, light and bright new perfumes that deliver airy, citrus or juicy, fruity notes.
This year’s batch are particularly enchanting, as releases capture the latest perfumery science to evoke both scents we are familiar with, like orange blossom and fig, and those that must be conjured, like sunshine and fresh air.
Here are five new releases certain to put a spring in your step.
Louis Vuitton Pacific Chill EDP
The idea of bottling LA’s sunshine and unleashing it during a cold and wet winter Down Under is almost irresistible. Louis Vuitton does just that with new perfume Pacific Chill, inspired by the serene vibes and wellness culture – think an ice cold, fresh pressed green juice – of coastal California. Created by the brand’s master perfumer, Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, Pacific Chill is the fifth fragrance in a collection dedicated to the sunny US state and makes a crisp, citrusy addition to the lineup. Belletrud includes unique elements including carrot, via carrot seed oil, blackcurrant and cédrat in the fresh, feel-good blend.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Media Cologne Forte EDP
Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Aqua Media Cologne Forte is the latest in a collection now including four scents designed to capture different facets of airy light and freshness. A glowing emerald bottle was chosen as green signifies the center of the rainbow, a tone Kurkdjian considers perfect mix of water and sunlight, a hint of what’s contained inside. With fresh wild herbs and a radiant bergamot settling into soft musk and woody notes, the overall effect is like a cool swim on a hot day, uplifting and invigorating.
Dior La Collection Privée Christian Dior Dioriviera EDP
Francis Kurkdijan has been busy of late, creating new scents for his namesake brand and some of his first creations as Perfume Creation Director at Dior. He replaces the brand’s long perfumer François Demachy, who has held the role since 2006, as he retires from the position.
The first arrival to land is a new addition to the high end La Collection Privée Christian Dior line. Dazzling and radiant, Dioriviera explores the solar breeze of southern France, ripe with fig tree groves bearing delectable fruit and fields of the beautiful rose de mai.
Tom Ford Azure Lime EDP
A reimagining of a previous Ford release, this is said to be inspired by Mustique, a private island in the Caribbean. In particular, the easy style and relaxed glamour of the island’s residents and visitors. “There is a captivating sense of warmth and luminosity there, balanced with an old-world charm that is unique to Mustique,” says Tom Ford. That plays out as a light and fresh citrus scent with a lime-water infusion accord, green aromatics and sensual sandalwood base.
Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Forte Nerolia Vetiver EDP
Aqua Allegoria Forte denotes the newer more intense versions of Guerlain’s famous fresh, uplifting fragrance collection that celebrates the wonders of nature. Neroli extracted from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree is enveloped in a smooth fig accord. Fig is proving to be 2023’s summer breakout star of perfumery, judging from its focus in a number of perfumes. Vetiver and soft, comforting tonka bean round out the key notes for a slightly green, sophisticated floral scent.
