IT'S NOW or never, you know. Forget those sad-looking linens poking out of your wardrobe, and that lovely straw hat that will never see the light of day this year. The scent of this summer is damp raincoats in the cloakroom and sodden shoes trying to dry out at the back door.
It's enough to drive you to the shops to cheer yourself up. My advice is to ignore the rails of brightly coloured dresses beckoning with their 50 per cent off tags, and head for the fragrance counter to lift your spirits with a new summer scent. There are plenty to choose from, and many brands have a lighter version of an original scent that is more suitable for the season, or you could throw caution to the wind and go for a scent with a twist. Here are some suggestions, each offering something a little bit out of the ordinary.
Chanel'sChance Hair Mist (€33.50) is a new way to wear fragrance, allowing you to waft around with its mood-lifting aroma gracing the air with every toss of your locks. Chance is a fresh and elegant floral scent that's a safe bet for the office in summer. The 35ml size is handbag friendly, too. This is a limited edition.
Verbena is one of my favourite summer scents, and how could you not love a fragrance inspired by the citrus-scented ambience of a dining club in Hong Kong? Jo MaloneVerbenas of Provence (€88) is a fresh, clean fragrance, saved from being too citrusy by its hints of flowers and spice. Summer in a bottle. It is available from Brown Thomas.
Last year, my holiday scent was Estée Lauder'sAzure Blue, and I still occasionally spritz it on to lift a gloomy day, but that company's new Amber Bronze Skin Scent is just gorgeous, with it's bergamot and coconut notes. Spray it on (fake) tanned limbs for a lovely summer sheen (€58).
If you're looking for something totally original, Escentric Molecules 02(€90) may float your boat. Every time I wear it, someone asks me about it, and in a good way. Based on cutting-edge aroma chemicals, it has a futuristic vibe but is surprisingly warm on the skin, with a smooth mineral finish. Deliciously different, and available from Harvey Nichols.
The Gourmande range from Laura Mercierhas long been a favourite of mine, and there's a new addition to the range that's stylish and sophisticated - a bit like Mercier herself. Violette (€60) is a fresh and refined fragrance which can be worn alone or layered with bath and body products. Available from Brown Thomas.
Clarinswants to bring a bit of sun into our lives with its sparkling Sunshine (€40) fragrance. Sister to the iconic Eau Dynamisante scent, the bottle alone will bring a summer glow to your shelf with its uplifting golden gleam. There is also a limited edition Shimmer Body Oil available.
Enrapture, from Space NK is based on memories of a romantic weekend in Italy. It is a romantic blend of tuberose, ylang ylang, blackcurrant bud and orange blossom and it gives the perfect summer lift to your spirits. It costs £35 from spacenk.com.
Spider lilies were the inspiration for India Hicks' new fragrance for Crabtree & Evelyn. Capturing the tropical scents of the Caribbean island where she lives, this is a fresh, modern scent to take your mind off grey skies. Island Collection Spider Lily (€35) is available from department stores and pharmacies.