Finding the Perfect Summer Scent

“A women who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.” –Coco Chanel

As the temperatures skyrocket Hill staffers venture out on their lunch breaks in search of sustenance and sunshine.  Unfortunately, the warm weather leaves many of the returning cubicle army smelling less than professional.  Perhaps this is a good time to discuss the importance of choosing a delicious summertime perfume to keep the smells of the District at bay.

Monoi Body Glow II (NARS, $59)

I’m assured by Capitol Hill Barbie that this product leaves the wearer smelling like a South Pacific beach vacation.  I wouldn’t know because while Bali Hai may have called me, I neither had the money nor the vacation days to answer.  But I digress…

NARS Monoi Body Glow is made by infusing coconut extract with macerated Tahitian Gardenia to capture the scents of French Polynesia in a bottle.  The yummy smelling oil also hydrates to give your skin a gorgeous glow.  So if you’d like to smell nice and have luminous skin, this product is for you.

Marc Jacobs Pomegranate Splash (Sephora, $68)

While I have never been a fan of floral perfumes, my neighbor stepped into the elevator yesterday wearing Pomegranate Splash and the fruity, flowery scent smelled like a freshly blooming garden.  It’s fabulous fragrance was detectable but subtle with a hint of vanilla musk to soften the sweetness.  I was instantly smitten. 

If you would like to experience this scent for yourself, I suggest you head to your nearest Sephora post haste.  This fragrance and it’s Biscotti and Apple scented counterparts are limited editions.

Clean Outdoor Fresh Scent (Sephora, $69)

If the mere thought of floral scents and tropical fragrances makes you feel faint, you might want to try Outdoor Fresh Scent from Clean.  The scent of this perfume is most akin to the smell of a dewy garden first thing in the morning.  I confess that testing this perfume was the first time I had smelled the crisp, earthy scent of nature since I moved to D.C. five years ago, and the light fragrance made me a little homesick.

Citron de Vigne (Fresh, $32)

I get my love of citrusy scents from my Mother whose addiction to the smell of fresh pink grapefruit is the stuff of legend.  Last summer, I indulged my inherited scent memory with Fresh’s Sugar Lemon scent but this year is all about Citron de Vigne.  This citrus scent is complimented by a sandalwood musk and notes of spice wine.  It reminds me of my beloved, but discontinued, KORS by Michael Kors scent. 

This shimmering citrus scent is perfect for the woman who wants just a bit of musk mixed with the freshness of lemongrass and bitter orange.

In the heat and humidity of the Mid-Atlantic, it is nearly impossible to maintain that shower clean feeling past your morning commute.  But with the right scent you can smell more like a lady and less like a tourist.  Just remember to keep a few baby wipes and a small atomizer of your favorite perfume in your desk, just in case.