Now that winter is on the way out and spring is finally within reach, it’s time to trade in the sultry scents for an altogether lighter fragrance. While perfume purists might stay faithful to their signature scent, I am the proud owner of a fragrance wardrobe, an arsenal of scents to switch up throughout the year dependent on season, mood and occasion.
While during the winter months I tend to wear a heavier oriental or chypre fragrance - my favourite being a combination of Chanel No. 5 and YSL Black Opium - as soon as the sun starts shining I will undoubtedly switch it for a lighter floral ahead of adopting some serious fresh and fruity notes as soon as summer hits.
My penchant for such a spring fling means I jumped at the chance to try the new Rose Calisson range from L’Occitane, purveyors of Provençal delights. A twist on the traditional rose fragrance by combining it with calisson, a traditional French pastry infused with candied fruit and ground almonds and topped with royal icing, to create a delicious floral fragrance with a powdery trail.
The fragrance leads with juicy top notes of nectarine and mandarin, followed by a a creamy heart of rosa centifolia - the rose from Provence, rosa damascena - an ancient herb renowned for its delicate floral fragrance, magnolia and orange blossom, ahead of a base that includes the edible notes of calisson and woody notes of cedar wood.
The result is a delicate, feminine fragrance, powdery without too much sweetness but with an added layer compared to a lone rose note. The collection includes all that you need for layering the fragrance to maximum effect including a Shower Gel (£16.50, 250ml), Body Lotion (£24.50, 250ml) and Eau de Toiletter (£49, 50ml), as well as a Hand Cream (£8, 30ml) and a Perfume in Gel (£16.50, 15ml) for easy top ups on the go.
It’s become my new go-to scent as spring rolls in, a welcome reminder that lighter days are on the way and winter will soon be behind us. Available now from www.loccitane.com.
