Hate Perfume? Try These...

Oh, the power of a fragrance… At its best? It can summon childhood memories, initiate desire, alter our mood and attract a partner, while at its worst? It can cause a big, fat migraine… The scientific jury is still out on exactly why; it has been suggested it’s down to either the number of toxins used, potentially over six-hundred different chemicals found in one single bottle, or possibly you have a sensitivity to a specific note. Whatever the reason, it can also be exasperated during summer, when heat and high humidity can propel scents and make them even bigger. So here are the suggestions that could be said are the ‘quieter end’ of the spray spectrum, which shouldn’t induce any adverse olfactory reactions.



Mustela Musti Eau de Soin, £14.10
This consists of subtle citrus notes combined with the soft fragrances of rose, lilac, amber, as well as honey and chamomile extracts, which are known for their soothing and softening qualities. Plus 92% ingredients of natural origin, it’s alcohol, paraben, and pthalate-free.
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Bulgari Petits et Mamans, £29.79
A beautiful scent made up of laundry flakes, lilac and baby powder notes with a sight whiff of citrus.
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Tartine et Chocolat by Ptisenbon at Harrods, £34.95
This has an air of the French countryside – with fresh notes of lemon, Lily of the Valley and neroli and a little warmth from cedar and musk.
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Burberry Baby Touch, £36
It’s delicious and milky with edible notes of cream and vanilla, lightened up by the pretty side of citrus.
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Philosophy Amazing Grace, £35
This is the biggest selling fragrance in the US, with one selling every 20 seconds. It’s feminine and clean without being too floral or aquatic either. The perfect everyday spritz.
Click hereOUAI Rue St Honore, £46
This smells clean like freshly washed hair, or the waft of expensive laundry, with subtle notes of violet and white musk.
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Clean Reserve Blonde Rose at Space NK, £82
Like the best ever rose laundry detergent – not sweet or too flowery with a slightly musky undertone.
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Goutal Eau D’Hadrien Eau Sans Alcohol at Liberty, £74
This has just arrived in Liberty and is perfect for anyone with alcohol intolerance. The zesty spritz includes Sicilian lemon, cypress, basil, and grapefruit and can be spritzed over hair, clothes of the body instead of your skin.
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L’Occitane Burst of Relaxation Rose Fragranced Water, £32
Petals diluted with spring water with a touch of Lavender and chamomile offer a restrained take on aquatic florals. It’s a lovely post gym spritz too.
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Chantecaille Rose de Mai Body Oil, £80
This light, non-greasy body nourisher always leaves behind the beautiful ethereal smell of the rose, not quite in full bloom, but something that delicately dances around the skin.
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Goop Fragrance Edition 04 Orchard, £50
This is the lightest of the Goop Editions – and has the aroma of sun-drenched hay, juicy apricots muddled with grasses and herbs. All products are formulated without parabens, petroleum, phthalates, SLS, SLES, PEGs, TEA, DEA, silicones, or artificial dyes or fragrances.
Click here Kierin NYC Santal Sky, £65
This is for anyone who doesn’t like sweet fruity or cloying florals, as it gives the aura of warm, sexy skin courtesy of sandalwood, with just enough vetiver for freshness. Plus the artsy packaging gives it Instagram appeal too. Made even more alluring with the cruelty-free and eco credentials.
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