I don’t typically write about fragrance, scents are so personal and once you find a perfume you like you typically stick with it for years. Case in point, my half-full bottle of Jovan White Musk, a mainstay in my bathroom, even if I don’t wear it daily its nostalgia factor alone has earned it a spot in my cabinet forever. My loyalty, however, doesn’t keep my nose from wandering from time to time trying to find my next favorite way to smell.

I fell in love with Estée Lauder’s Sensuous Noir bottle long before Lauder sent me a tiny purse-sized sample to try, its sleek, rounded purple bottle was enough to make me fall in love with the look of it alone. Right when I spritzed it on, I could feel how warm and sexy this scent was. It has a spicy richness about it with a touch of créme so it isn’t too heavy. I looked over its notes; Molten Woods – ok, Creme Noir – great, Night Blooming Florals – fine, Patchouli – wait a minute… Patchouli? Yuk. How could I love something with Patchouli in it? From what I can tell, it warms up the scent but somehow remains undetectable (thank God).

Although I’m not at all easily wowed by fragrances (they all kinda smell the same), Sensuous is a totally unique, sexy, addictive fragrance that begs to be warn over and again. My bottle of Jovan may have just found a new buddy.

Sensuous Noir

Even if you aren’t changing your entire beauty routine for the summer, most women do change up the fragrance they wear for the hotter months. Musky, heavy scents take a back seat to lighter, sheer florals. Opting for a body spray or a scented lotion are good light options too, but if you like the staying power of a perfume, I have a couple that are summertime approved.

Esteé Lauder Pleasures Bloom

I am a fan of the classic (it was the first ‘grown up’ fragrance I bought that didn’t have a body spray version available in a can), but I like this one a little bit better. Pleasures Bloom smells like a sparkling, delicate, sweeter version of the original that you can spray for days and not over-do.

Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne

More than once I’ve complimented someone on their uniquely sweet, but not powerful scent which turns out to be Lime Basil & Mandrin from Jo Malone. I know it sounds more like a salad dressing recipe than something you’d spray on your body, but the combination works . It’s light, zesty, and fresh – perfect for hot summer days when smelling fresh trumps smelling perfume-y.

Stella McCartney Stella

Although I do like to switch it up, I’ve been wearing Stella for years now. It’s a blend of soft rose and amber that’s intoxicating. I always get compliments on it – I think it’s because it works with my body chemistry, I can’t even smell it once it’s on anymore.