We’re in the throes of scorching heat, sticky summers, beach trips, late-night garden parties and al fresco dining. As a Leo, I can’t help but like it. However, the flip side of all that hustle and bustle is that we are battling the elements outside every waking hour. I’m talking sun protection, bug repellant, and, to put it diplomatically, sweat and odor management. And when you go back to your snowy AC shelter, you’ll need to take special care of hydration, recovery, and restful sleep. The products I’ve gravitated towards this month all support the extra maintenance needed to stay fresh, and perhaps even feel inspired, amid the constantly rising temperatures.
I stay away from delicious scents. I’ve always associated overly sweet things with a middle-school-era memory of hanging out at Bath & Body Works at my local mall. But this stunning new Collection Privé blend from Dior’s Francis Kurkdjian might be the bottle to convince me otherwise. It takes inspiration from Christian Dior’s memories of the south of France and the flora: citrus trees and almond blossoms and cocktails in early spring. Sirop d’Orget. The latter is particularly present in the initial top notes of the fragrance, but it does not overstay its welcome. Its scent quickly develops into notes of crunchy bitter almond and tonka bean, evoking the warm, cozy energy of an outdoor dinner party in the evening. The woody drydown is really the highlight and, to stick with the metaphor, transports you straight to a dreamy summer evening under the stars. It’s an expertly executed blend of notes – a mix of intensely sweet and sour with a scent like sandalwood and possibly vetiver – that makes it a unisex fragrance in the true sense of the word. If anything, scent makes a case for a long, thoughtful conversation with nature, not a quick exchange. Needless to say, this is a new favorite in my collection.
dior
Paradise Eau De Parfum
