When you think of summer fragrances, you might think of a wimpy floral that wears off in minutes. Or maybe citrus, citrus, and more citrus. That is, refreshingly, not the case this year. Perfumers are reimagining earthy, spicy notes like frankincense, tea leaves, and bark in perfumes that are delicate, but just a little dirty—a perfect balance between demure and sexy. “You put these types of notes on your skin, and they last a long time,” says perfumer Christine Nagel, who drew inspiration from a magnolia tree’s blooms and shallow, soil-covered roots for Hermès Un Jardin sur La Lagune. “I think the movement toward sustainable and organic ingredients is also shaping attitudes for perfumes that smell natural, honest, and authentic,” she says. You’ll find this raw quality permeating elegant florals…
