There are so many wonderful smells associated with a summer spent in the South. Honeysuckle, magnolia, fresh tomatoes and salty air are all at the top of my olfactory hit list, but of course we all have different taste. Preferred scents are personal and evolve throughout our lifetime. A few may come from childhood memories, like the first time you smelled Chanel Number 5 while hugging your chic, favorite aunt or a summer camp-out roasting marshmallows. While others may include heady notes of amber from a designer fragrance recommended by a friend. If you don’t already have a go-to summer fragrance, it can be hard to pick a favorite! With so many delicious options floating around how do you choose your signature summer scent? For a little inspiration and help narrowing it down, we’ve checked in with a few local shop owners for their take on the perfect summer fragrance. They range from subtly sweet to raw and earthy. Enjoy! Â
The holistic experts at this wellness spa and boutique recommend natural blends. They carry a line called Flora, scents that are handcrafted in Kingston, N.Y. with ethical, ancient ingredients. They recommend their Cedarwood Aromatherapy Perfume which contains notes of Cedarwood, Palo Santo, Sandalwood, Petitgrain Sur Fleurs and Lime Peel. Also, The Optimist Brightening Essence by Maya Chia with notes of white tea, coconut, neroli and sweet orange. And for an uplifting spritz, try Kerri Gran Lavendar Tonic which hydrates the skin with Rose de Mai hydrosol and organic glycerin from flax.
This one stop boutique and bridal registry shop is always uptown chic. They carry, among other brands, Caswell Massey, the oldest American-produced perfume brand.
Staff recommends, the Caswell Massey Marem Perfume – a sensual blend of red currant, neroli, wild eucalyptus and Crimean rose. Martha Claire Breland, owner of the shop also loves Masion Louis Marie’s Bois de Balincourt 4 to wear all throughout the year.
The staff at this meticulously curated luxury boutique love the brand Boy Smells. They offer a range of the brand’s candles with earthy summer notes like, Herbacious and Rinder. As far as a personal fragrance, the shop experts recommend, Diptyque L’eau Papier for an airy summer scent with notes of mimosa rice and blonde wood. Â
This all-in-one shop for everything beauty on Magazine Street recommends Costa Brazil, a sustainable beauty line created by Francisco Costa formerly of Calvin Klein. The Aroma Eau de Parfum offers notes of white jungle flora, patchouli, vetiver and amber accord. Dirty Coconut by Heretic smells like the beach. With warm vanilla, sandalwood, and creamy coconut for a woody, calming feel. And lastly, Salt by Ellis Brooklyn. It’s meant to smell like sea air with a whiff of tropical florals.Â
Everything in this pretty apothecary shop is curated by founder Morissa Jenkins and is deliberately clean, natural with the intent to support overall wellness. They love Jao Brand,  Inscental Body Incense made with 100% pure essential oils in a base of Jojoba oil with notes of flowers, fruits, plants, wood and smoke. Also, the Sister Brand’s Earth Tones Scent Oil  -is earthy and woodsy, with hints of citrus, making it smell clean and fresh. Â
Body Incense, Â Inscental
Diptyque, L’eau Papier
Marem Perfume, Caswell Massey
Bois de Balincourt 4, Maison Louis Marie
Flora, Cedarwood Aromatherapy Perfume
Aroma Eau de Parfum, Costa Brazil
Salt, Ellis Brooklyn
The Optimist Brightening Essence, Maya Chia
Events this Week:
Thursday, May 25, 1 p.m.: UNRESERVED Auction at NEAL Auction (online only)Â
Thursday, May 26, 12-6 p.m.: Eye Wares Anniversary Sip and Shop uptown, featuring eyewear by Cartier and Dita, as well as Reagan Charleston JewelryÂ
