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Every fragrance has a personality and discovering its traits is key to finding your perfect match (or at least your summer fling). Forget top notes, dry downs and other olfactory lingo that only a perfumer or fanatic would be able to decipher. Here we have edited ELLEs top 12 summer scents and given you a visual picture of what the fragrance is like; what would each fragrance be if it was an outfit, place, or a celebrity? Click on the images to find out and discover the scent made for you
Miuccia Prada just never gets it wrong. Combining the floral scent of tuberose with blood orange this is a sophisticated blend that is sexy, yet still pretty. If it was a…Place: it would be ItalyCeleb: it would be Helena ChristensenOutfit: it would be Prada’s ss 10 - look 20
Infusion de Tubereuse, from £47.50 by Prada
A more sophisticated choice, it’s citrus scented at first, followed by pretty florals including rose and ylang ylang, but it ends up being quite masculine with clove, nutmeg and cedarwood. It is an interesting choice that will definitely get people talking. It if was a…Place: it would be a rainforestCeleb: it would be Tilda SwintonOutfit: it would be Chloe’s s/s 10 - look 15
Vetyverio EDT, £45 for 50ml, by Diptyque
With hints of fruits and floral, this scent is light and pretty, yet still has an air of cool (well, it is Burberry after all). If it was a…Place: it would be a relaxing spaCeleb: it would be Kate BosworthOutfit: it would be Burberry’s s/s 10 - look 6
Burberry Summer EDT, from £31 for 50ml, by Burberry
Lighter than Thierry’s original Angel, but with telltale signs from the cult fragrance, this is the perfect scent for summer nights thanks to the spicy and sensual ginger and vanilla notes. If it was a …Place: it would be an exotic island at night timeCeleb: it would be Victoria’s Secret’s model Miranda KerrOutfit: it would be Proenza Schouler ss '10 - look 25
Sunessence Angel EDT, £39 for 50ml, by Thierry Mugler at The Fragrance Shop
A youthful fragrance and perfect for summer, this scent is fruity and sweet but not sickly. Think cocktails, rather than ice cream by the beach. If it was a…Place: it would be a sunny beachCeleb: it would be Lauren ConradOutfit: it would be Emilio Pucci ss '10 - look 22
CK IN2U Heat EDT, £29 for 100ml, by Calvin Klein at Debenhams
Unlike Costume National’s rose fragrance which is musky, this is a true, unapologetic rose fragrance. If it was a… Place: it would be girly boudoirCeleb: it would be Olivia PalermoOutfit: it would be Lanvin’s ss 10 - look 52
Jeanne Lanvin La Rose EDP, £49 for 100ml by Lanvin at Harvey Nichols
Orange, rose, gardenia and jasmine blend together in this Dior fragrance to evoke thoughts of a pretty country garden. It’s perfect for anyone who likes a really feminine scent. If it was a …Place: it would be a garden Celeb: it would be Carey MulliganOutfit: it would Dior’s ss 10 - look 5 / 36
Miss Dior Cherie EDT, from £48 by Dior
Sweet, heady and unusual, with fruity apricots and peaches, sweet vanilla and warm patchouli this is comforting and quirky - very eclectic. If this fragrance was a…Place: it would be the streets of Paris Celeb: it would be Maggie GyllenhaalOutfit: it would Dries Van Noten’s ss 10 - look 3/5Fleur Nocturne EDP, £130 for 50 ml by Isabey. Exclusive to lessenteurs.com.
The latest fragrance from SJP is all about her character Carrie. Like SATC’s star, it’s sweet (thanks to the strawberry and vanilla) and undeniably fun (perfect for summer), perfect for nights out with the girls. If it was a…Place: it would have to be New YorkCeleb: it would be SJP as CarrieOutfit: it would be Oscar de la renta’s ss 10 - look 15SJP NYC EDT, from £14, by Sarah Jessica Parker at Debenhams
With fruity orange, spicy ginger and hints of musk and vanilla this is a pretty, yet sensual fragrance. It is suited to a romantic weekend at a bolt hole in the country. If it was a…Place: it would be the country - blossomsCeleb: it would be Kate HudsonOutfit: it would be Giorgio Armani’s ss 10 - look 30
Armani Code Summer EDT, £39.50 for 75ml, by Giorgio Armani at Boots
Fresh and pretty thanks to the rose, but with a depth from the musk; if this fragrance was a…Place: it would be a yachtCeleb: it would be Gwyneth PaltrowOutfit: it would be Costume National’s ss 10 show - look 20
Scent Gloss EDP, £45 for 50ml by Costume National at Selfridges, enq: 0800 123 400
Fun and flirty, this fragrance is fruity, sweet and floral all rolled in to one. Suited to a social butterfly, if it was a…Place: it would be Atlantic CityCeleb: it would be Daisy LoweOutfit: it would be Jean Paul Gaultier’s ss 10 - look 22
Summer Classique EDT, £37 for 100ml, by Jean Paul Gaultier at Boots
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