Whether you’re into fresh citrus or aromatic Fougères, summer is the perfect time to explore fragrances that complement the season’s warmth, says Nick Smart, founder and CEO of libertine parfumerie.
Nick Smart, founder and director of Agence de Parfum and its retail counterpart Libertine Parfumerie, is renowned for his unmatched expertise in the fragrance industry. He has played a pivotal role in transforming Australia’s perfume landscape, bringing luxury and niche fragrances to prominence on our shores.
Libertine Parfumerie is home to the finest fragrance collections and niche perfume houses in the world. The sumptuous, experiential boutiques are found across Australia and New Zealand, with its Sydney flagship store in Paddington hailed as the one of the most beautiful retail stores in the country.
We asked Nick to share his ultimate summer fragrances, as well as expert tips on how to make fragrance last in the sticky season.
What are your favourite scents for this summer?
For women, it has to be Gin Fizz by Lubin. It’s practically tailor-made for summer and is a true perfume icon – it was originally created in honour of Grace Kelly in 1955. It features fresh green notes and citrus fruits, feminised by a delicate bouquet of jasmine, rose absolute and the star of the show: aromatic galbanum. Wearing it feels like stepping into a beautiful garden breeze!
For men, it’s a dead heat between Viking by Creed and Honour Man by Amouage. Viking, as an aromatic fougere, is perfect for daytime wear, while Honour Man, with its blend of spice and woods, is ideal for a warm summer’s night.
It’s worth noting that all these fragrances are handmade, and you can really sense that craft and artistry firsthand when holding any of these beautiful creations.
And your evergreen summer fragrance?
That’s an easy one for me: L’Humaniste by Frapin. I’m a citrus fan as it is, but this citrus really stands out to me. It’s incredibly fresh with lots of lemon and bergamot, yet it has a rich depth that feels so inviting. I don’t think I’ll ever be bored of wearing it.
Do we need to rethink fragrance application during the warmer months?
Summer presents a unique set of challenges for fragrance wearers. Direct sunlight and heat can be unforgiving, and many of us switch to fresh scents, which are often more delicate and naturally more volatile. As a result, we need to compensate to extend the scent’s longevity. I find that two or three spritzes behind the head help keep the fragrance trailing with every turn.
To maximise its hold, layering the perfume with QV Lotion is the best trick. Moisturisers act as fixatives, binding the fragrance to the skin for longer-lasting wear.
How should we store fragrances?
Heat and light are a perfume’s worst enemies, so it’s essential to follow the golden rule: store your fragrance in a cool, dark place. Keep in mind that a shelf that works well for winter storage might not be ideal for summer. In this instance, you might even think about storing your perfume in its original casing. For many niche brands, the packaging or presentation box is an extension of the fragrance experience and looks beautiful as part of a vanity table ensemble.
Is wearing fragrances in summer more important than in winter?
It’s like asking, “Is a glass of wine more important to you in summer?”. Probably not. But on a scorching day, are you more likely to reach for an aromatic Riesling or a juicy Rioja? Ninety-nine times out of 100, it’s the Riesling. The point is, the importance of the thing itself is secondary to the versatility we can explore within it.
Nick’s picks
Available at libertineparfumerie.com.au
More of our summer faves
