Katie Withington: suntan scents
THE FIRST DAY OF THE YEAR THAT MY MISERABLE ALARM IS beaten to the task of waking me up by the sunshine streaming through the curtains, my perfume mood changes. A break in the clouds and cosy, fireplace-scented fragrances are swapped for those with more exotic notes, ones that can transport me long-haul to somewhere far away from my London life – think the sort of picturesque destination you’ll find in ELLE Escapes.
Despite the shared sun, sea and sand moodboard, my summerperfume wardrobe is surprisingly versatile. You’ll find your quintessential beach notes, of course – nostalgic sun lotion, creamy coconuts, salty aquatics – but also sheer musk, light florals and sparkling bursts of citrus. With a collection of bottles inspired by locations ranging from the Greek Islands to the Southern Hemisphere, the scents that I return to are varied and imaginative. And, as I do during any other season, I rotate my fragrances depending on the occasion.
For office days, I’ll opt for something airy and sophisticated. Ouai’s North Bondi and Memo Paris’ Zante both have a breezy bergamot opening and base notes of musk and patchouli. On weekends, I revert to my gourmand heart. Maison Margiela Replica’s aptly named Beach Walk laces that same citrus and musk base with sweet notes of coconut milk and pink pepper for the ultimate sugared treat. And if I am actually jet-setting, it’s all in on the ylang-ylang and amber in Killian’s Sunkissed Goddess. Because who doesn’t want unlimited rays, even if it is only in olfactory form?
The scents that I return to are varied and imaginative