YouTube fragrance reviewer Demi Rawling shares top summer perfumes
Whether you’re basking in the sun or on the social circuit, summer calls for refreshing, lightweight signature scents.
Demi Rawling knows her fragrances.
The 20-year-old from Perth is fast establishing herself in the online fragrance world after creating a YouTube channel for fellow perfume fanatics, where she reviews scents from designer perfumes to niche and rare finds.
“I’ve always loved fragrances,” says Demi.
“As a young girl I’d wear my mum’s perfume to school and eventually got told off by a teacher when she recognised the scent I was wearing. It was Flower by Kenzo, from memory.”
- Favourites: 7 fragrances that have stood the test of time
In the years since, Demi has gained a loyal international following that continues to grow, with her channel documenting her changing taste in fragrances along the way.
“Over time you just grow out of certain scents and trends,” she says. “My taste definitely changes with the seasons.”
And for summer, that means lightweight scents with refreshing notes; think zesty citrus scents and some florals.
Demi also encouragers people to expand their taste in fragrances beyond the commercial perfume market.
“If you like to smell unique, definitely explore niche fragrances,” says Demi.
- Unique scent: The fine art of fragrance layering
If you’re stumped for ideas, here are Demi’s top 10 scents for summer:
Demi’s top 10 summer fragrance picks
1/10
Christian Dior – Pure Poison
“A beautiful simplistic, clean white floral. It’s very easy to wear – cool, crisp and clean.”
2/10
Hermes – Twilly
“Twilly actually features one of my favorite notes, tuberose. It’s not overwhelming though, some tuberose fragrances are a little bit too heady,” says Demi.
“Twilly is quite refreshing to wear because of the gorgeous ginger note it features.”
3/10
Prada – La Femme
“One of the most likeable fragrances I’ve smelled … clean, soapy, white floral – perfect for everyday and for any occasion.”
4/10
Dolce & Gabbana – Light Blue
“It’s been around since 2001, I’ve owned several bottles over the years because in my eyes, it’s still one of the most refreshing citruses I’ve smelled … fresh, zesty, citrus, fruity – a summer staple for sure.”
5/10
Chanel – Gabrielle
“Beautiful mélange of white florals and a bitter citrus note, very refreshing and easy to wear.”
6/10
Giorgio Armani – Acqua Di Gioia
“One of those ‘fresh out of the shower fragrances’,” says Demi. “The notes feature lemon aquatic with a hint of sweetened mint.”
“Orange blossoms all the way! A beautiful bright orange blossom scent with a touch of sweetness from the honey note.”
“This has been one of my favourite fragrances for the past year,” says Demi.
“Mon Guerlain is a feminine beauty; sweet, but not too sweet, aromatic and slightly powdery. It’s definitely signature scent-worthy – perfect all year round.”
9/10
Issey Miyake – L’Eau d’isley Pure
“Natural smelling lily with some aquatic notes. It makes me feel very peaceful when I wear it, like a long walk beside the beach,” says Demi. “Very refreshing to wear in the high heat.”
10/10
Versace – Vanitas
“A fresh, creamy white floral with a hint of sweetness from the Tonka bean. It’s a gorgeous summer scent.”
- Make it personal: How to find your signature fragrance
Written by Charlotte Brundrett.
