Columns

Traveling and fragrances

07/16/10 06:07:23

By: Sandra Raičević Petrović

Summer is the season when refreshment is necessary. To be honest, I like to escape from snow and cold in winter by daydreaming about warm seas and hot sand. Everything that is tropical, hot, challenging and exotic gives me the energy necessary to survive the rest of the year till I can begin new adventures and journeys.

Besides my columns on summer fragrances, fragrances inspired by the sun and blue sea, exotic ingredients such as coconut, tiare, ylang-ylang and strawberry, and aromatic scents of fig and olive characteristic of the Mediterranean, this time I would like to start our summer adventure with packing the suitcases and cosmetic purses with our favorite fragrances.

Each of us would like to take half of our collections on holiday, giving time and space to each of their "pets," combining them with clothes, moods, evening and day occasions, relaxation… Even though during summer I prefer citruses or fragrant body waters which don't contain alcohol, I still always decide to pack some of my sweeter and stronger pet-perfumes. The decision is very difficult, since I have to choose just a few appropriate fragrances.

I wrote about roll-on versions for purses and summer holidays on several occasions, as well as about travel flacons (Kenzo Ryoko travel perfumes and the new collection from Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo for traveling, combined with blue backpacks), even about miniatures ideal for traveling. Smaller-sized flacons (15, 20, 25 or 30 ml) can be ideal choices for journeys.

The idea of this column was to start a little questionnaire, because I would really like to know how you choose fragrances to carry with you on a journey. What is the crucial thing when picking fragrances? Do you buy sets which include body lotion and bath with the same notes as your perfect perfume? How many perfumes do you carry with you? Which perfumes do you take?

I'll start first and you can feel free to join me in summer chit-chat. When I pack, I choose fragrances which are appropriate for the temperature of the place I am traveling to. If that is seaside and a warm climate, I choose some citrusy fragrance, some sweeter, stronger and more attractive fragrances for evening and the inevitable Dune which smells best on my skin at high temperatures (especially at the seaside).

I also choose body lotion and bath gel to fit the fragrance (I smell everything before I buy it), and they don't have to be a part of the accompanying assortment of my perfume. As for flacons, I usually carry three, which I believe would be enough for my holiday. My adventurous spirit is always present, so each journey is a true inspiration for the olfactive sense. I wish you a pleasant summer full of fragrances and positive feelings!

Autor: Sandra Raičević Petrović
(sandrina_bambina)

Fragrantica Editor, Writer and Designer

rebella

Usually I bring a lot of samples or decants and leave the bottles at home.

Jul
17
2010

systeme_d

A tiny bottle of the classic Shiseido Zen (black bottle) edp has traveled with me for years, and is perfect from dusk to past midnight, year round.

I often take purse sprays or sample vials of edt for daytime as well. A 10ml Eau des Merveilles purse spray and a 2 ml vial of Montale Aromatic Lime have been wonderful summer traveling companions of late.

Jul
16
2010

scentual healing

I always travel with my favorite decant of my favorite fragrance, or a solid fragrance. makes it easier to get thru customs

Jul
16
2010

Anorton1965

I usually pack a scented lotion, I stocked up on the Tiare Flower by Ile de Tahiti when Bath & Body works carried it, so I still have several unopened lotions. I love the spicy gingery smell of the tiare flower. Reminds me of the warm breezes in Hawaii caressing my skin at sunset. I also pack my Kenzo Amour, it's a nice light sweet smell that isn't too overbearing or offensive. I've tried the floral types, and I can't stand the fruity ones. I tend to gravitate more to the warm spicey scents, which are just so hard to find a good one in a summer fragrance.

Jul
16
2010

Migotka

Last year I took Eau des Merveilles and Armani Code to Paris, this year I took Bvlgari Omnia to Germany. Eau des Merveilles has since then smelled of Paris for me.

There is no rule. I think what would suit the place I go to and what kind of mood I might be into. I also would not take more than two/three bottles, if the holiday is up to two weeks. If shorter than a few days, probably one would perfume be enough.

Depends on the holiday. If I am city-sightseeing, perfume is fine, but if I went camping in the forest, I would feel strange using perfume in the wild, and tried to profit as much from fresh air :)

Jul
16
2010

imgcas

When I travel, it's not relaxing at all. My holiday week always is non-stop, because I want to see as many places and interesting things as I can. That's why I always end the day exhausted, my feet aching and hot.

I usually pack samples, many of them fresh type, and I also choose a heavier and more romantic perfume for the evenings.
Last year in Prague I wore Angel Schlesser and Chanel 5 Eau Première.
The year before, in Rome, I wore Escale à Portofino and L'Erbolario Iris.
When I went to Florida, I packed my bottle of Green Tea Summer, and next week I'm going to the south of France and I will pack my brand-new Green Tea Lavender.

Happy holidays!

Jul
16
2010