Writing about ‘natural’ fragrances for summer is challenging. Interestingly, perfumery doesn’t have to be as ‘transparent’ as formulations for make-up, skincare and haircare, because formulae are preciously guarded, so it’s impossible to find out what’s really in a scent.
There are other aspects of sourcing to take into account, too, when it comes to true ‘feel-good’ scents. If you’re anything like me, you want fragrances that take people as well as the planet into account, too. Happily, there’s an ever-wider choice for those of us who want more natural and perhaps more caring scents that spritz a little more lightly on the planet…
Chanel No.1 de Chanel L’Eau Rouge Revitalising Fragrance Mist
You know the world is changing when Chanel produces a sustainable scent. Featuring 97 percent naturally-derived ingredients, here’s a gorgeous, fresh, juicily fruity scent, light enough to be spritzed from neck to toe.
Abel Golden Neroli eau de parfum
Neroli, or orange blossom, is the quintessential summer scent ingredient, enjoyed here in a light floral perfume created by a 100 percent natural Dutch fragrance house, alongside jasmine sambac and matcha tea, on a soft sandalwood base.
Sana Jardin Berber Blonde rollerball eau de parfum
Although not 100 percent natural, Sana Jardin has sustainability at its core, with a mission to empower the women who harvest the flowers in its scents with the skills and materials to build their own local scent businesses, via fragrances that are created by one of the world’s most iconic perfumers, Carlos Benaïm. Orange blossom features here, along with North African neroli and musk, putting a smile on your face.
Aemium Hespereden eau de parfum
One for the Cologne-lovers here: zesty with grapefruit, spiced by ginger and with a fresh gust of bergamot breezing through, before pineapple and peach make themselves known; as it warms on the skin, the woodiness of vetiver and cedar emerge. 100 percent natural and certified by Ecocert, Aemium’s scents are created in perfumery’s heartland, Grasse.
E11even fragrance oil
Say it ‘Eleven’: this all-natural fragrance oil (which jumped straight off my desk and into my handbag, when it first landed) is created by Cat Deeley and her friend Amanda Grossman from 11 blissful essential oils. I love the way they veil my skin in nourishment, while delivering a long-lasting blend of citrus freshness alongside rose, geranium, and an undertow of patchouli and amber. Just fabulous!
Jo Fairley is the co-founder of Green & Blacks and author of The Beauty Bible. Head online to see her latest projects at josephinefairley.com
