Beauty tips from PHYL CLARKE

Feminine

Trésor in Love by Lancôme, €35

Twenty years ago, Trésor was one of the first fragrances I fell in love with, probably helped by the fact that my role model at the time, Isabella Rossellini, fronted the advertising campaign. It’s still Lancôme’s most famous scent and has now had a makeover, with the powdery rose heart lightened and modernised for a contemporary audience. Oh, and check out Isabella’s daughter Elettra in the new ads.

Miss Dior Cherie, €62

“Thankfully, there are flowers,” wrote Christian Dior, invoking memories of his childhood garden in Granville. Flowers became an emblem of the brand and one which continues to the present day. This fresh and feminine scent imagines you in a French garden, no less, with the scents of neroli, Turkish rose and gardenia intermingling. A floral fantasy, maybe, but the fragrance delivers.

Invigorating

Eau des Jardins by Clarins, €40

Clarins is well known for its uplifting Eau Dynamisante, and the new member of this fragrance family does what it says on the pack, as it brings the scent of the garden to life.

Verbena Summer Secret by L’Occitane, €43

Is there any scent zestier than verbena? It seems to diffuse muggy heat with a burst of clean beauty. This fragrance combines verbena with the equally cooling properties of anise and green apple, which intensify the effects.

Marine

Elemis Eau de Parfum, €49

The first foray into fragrance for this spa brand is a pleasingly fresh, grassy scent with an oak moss and gaiac-wood base, evocative of the seashore.

This is perfect for a beach holiday – it even comes in its own travel pouch. From Spirit One Spa, Galway, 091-538462

Acqua di Gioia by Armani, €36

Energetic and fresh due to its unusual mix of crushed mint and lemon blossoms, this fragrance also has additional scent derived from water jasmine, which leaves a sophisticated trail as you might expect from Mr Armani.

Exotic

Private Blend Azure Lime by Tom Ford, €140

The latest in the unisex Private Blend fragrance “wardrobe” was inspired by the old-world charm of Mustique. An initial burst of fresh lime and orange flower settles down to a warm heart of patchouli and sandalwood. Intriguing and exotic, it needs a strong personality to carry it off.

Cologne Intense by Jo Malone, €98

A collection of fragrances inspired by Middle Eastern incense and oils that have been given the JM treatment. The result? A happy harmony of elegant restraint comprising four scents, which can be worn alone or layered to form an entirely new mix. I admit I am torn, but if it’s any help, the Rose Water and Vanilla has elicited most inquiries as to which scent I am wearing.