In the summer time...

My Summer Top Picks for 2012

Fougere Royale By Houbigant

Originally created by the perfumer, Paul Parquet in 1882 by the house of Houbigant, the first company that started this genre of "fern-like" fragrances, Fougere Royale is truly a great masculine.  It was recently re-introduced in the year 2010 with a new rendition from the head perfumer at Givaudan, Rodrigo Flores-Roux. I have never smelled the original version, however, I can still say that the new version is still magnificent.  It opens up with a blast of bright and sparkling citrus. A couple of minutes in, it becomes dry, spicy and herbal and it stays there for quite a long time. Until it fades to a woody, ambery base.  Very classy and refined indeed! Suitable to wear all year round.

1861 by Xerjoff

I am not really a huge fan of citrus based scents.  However, 1861 is probably one of the best I have ever smelled.  Also, might be one of the most realistic citrus blend on the market.  On initial spray, this wakes you up with the splash of lemon. It's bright, it's fresh, very natural. Later on, the mint shows up giving it a crisp, cooling effect.  The mint here is not like the mint you usually taste in peppermint bubblegum.  It's more like fresh mint leaves.  Then there is a woody vibe in the background but very faint which I suspect is given off by the combination of musk and that cedar.  For a citrus based fragrance, this is quite long lasting and it projects well.  Well done Xerjoff!

Aqua Universalis Forte by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Aqua Universalis Forte opens up with a bright, crisp, sparkling-citrus That develops in to a woody-musk base.  It is an Eau de Parfum, however, the concentration of this perfume is 40% making it almost an Extrait! Sillage and longevity are great! It does give you that fresh, clean laundry vibe.  But hey? Who said clean sheets ever smelled bad?  Look no further! This is your answer! 

Virgin Island Water by Creed

This is probably one of the most popular summer scents on the market!  It is a summer holiday in a bottle!  One sniff takes you away to a tropical island of exotic sceneries.  If you are familiar with the alcoholic drink, Malibu Rum, this fragrance gives you that same coconut vibe.  It doesn't last that long, but hey, I don't mind reapplying mid-day!  A summer collection is not complete without this coconut-floral concoction!

Habit Rouge Eau de Parfum by Guerlain

First created in 1965 by one of the greatest perfume, Mr. Jean-Paul Guerlain.  The original concentration started with an eau de cologne.  That one focuses more on the citrus top notes.  The EDP version was later introcued in the year 2003.  This one opens up with  citrusy, again, sparkling top notes then goes to a leathery, sensual aroma.  And they have added that extra oud note in the base making the EDP drier, woody and more spicy.  Even though this was created in the yesteryear, it is still as relevant today.  One of the best masculines ever created.  However, I do feel that this is totally wearable to women.

Sel de Vetiver by The Different Company

Sel de Vetiver is a woody-aromatic fragrance created by Celine Ellena.  It is light and transparent in nature.  Literally lives up to its name, salt and vetiver.  It gives you that salty air blowing in the beach with that earthy vibe coming from the vetiver.

Geranium Pour Monsieur by Frederic Malle

This is probably one of the most interesting mint based fragrance.  Opens up with a blast of mint anchored by the musk.  As it settles in, the anise comes out and I do get a licorice vibe and it gets muskier as well.  It is very long lasting and it projects very well.

Apres L'ondee by Guerlain

Another great classic from a great fragrance house!  Iris, violets and heliotrope are the most dominating notes in this fragrance.  Even though this masterpiece was created in 1906, it doesn't feel dated at all.  Marketed for women but I think men can definitely pull this off.  It has that melancholy vibe to it. It's powdery, floral, fresh and elegant.  One of the greatest perfumes ever created.

Note: Please take note that these are based on what is available in my collection.