4 April, 2016

Smell the roses

A good way to get into spring mode, even if it’s still coat whether outside, is scent. Specifically rose, which these days manages to be both fresh and outdoorsy yet calm and comforting. Diptyque’s Eau Rose (£65, below) is a non-cloying everyday eau de toilette that smells very ‘full’ on first spritz but quickly dissipates into something gentler and greener. This is one for casual days to wear with a chunky Barrie sweater, white 501s and biker boots. (Buy it at Diptyque, Net-a-Porter and Space NK.)

Tory Burch is aimed squarely at those who aspire to the Hamptons/Aerin/Ralph Lauren lifestyle and I can’t lie, there’s a part of me that secretly loves that wholesome WASP-y aesthetic. Tory’s beauty line hasn’t really taken off in the UK, I’m not sure her profile is that high here, but I still rate the Lip & Cheek Tint as my all-time go-to blusher and I think the fragrance is doing quite well. New for spring are three new scents to add to the signature Tory Burch Eau de Parfum. Based on flowers from Tory’s garden, the trio of ‘Jolie Fleur’ fragrances include Jolie Fleur Verte, Jolie Fleur Bleue and Jolie Fleur Rose.

If you like your rose scents to be light and uplifting then Jolie Fleur Rose (£84, below) will fit the bill, with a bright burst of rose mixed with something a bit tangier to start off with (the pink pepper is what jumps out to me, but there are also green sap accord, white amber, cashmeran and violet notes). Later, the rose notes give way to a subtle pairing of sensual musk and spicy sandalwood. Wear it at the end of the week when your mind is drifting towards your (fantasy) weekend getaway…