Some of you who are regular readers of the fashion pages of OUT might remember my wonderful fragrance road trip from last year celebrating some of the new fragrances to hit our shores. Even though the air outside is still crisp it will only be a matter of weeks before we once again see much more sunshine and the return of warmer weather.

It is at this time each year that the fragrance market in Perth starts to see the release of the new Spring/Summer fragrances to tempt us to delight in some new sensorial pleasures and this year is no different.

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In the next few months there will be a plethora of new fragrances hitting the market place and I have road tested 3 amazing new men’s fragrances and with a little help from some of my close female friends 3 great new women’s fragrances.

As a lover of fragrance and never one to get stuck with one fragrance for long I look forward to the new releases each year to decide what direction I will take on the fragrance road this summer.

This was not a solitary road trip as I engaged with a number of friends to get their opinions on each of the fragrances. Of course what works for one will not necessarily work for another and we all have a nose for what we think we like.

To begin with I went straight for the BVLGARI Aqua Pour Homme and all I can say is wow. This sensational fragrance for men that blends mandarin, posidionia and mineral amber undertones is subtle enough to wear both day and night and lingers long enough to have a real impact. This is not one of those strong overbearing fragrances that leaves behind a trail once you leave the room and sits on your skin with a subtle ease that makes it a stand out fragrance for this year.

Using posidionia, a plant that is only found deep in the ocean, really gives this fragrance its very distinctive signature that will keep you coming back for more.

Next up, a new fragrance from Hugo Boss- Boss Pure. Punctuated by top notes of fig water and Mediterranean citrus this crisp, clear fragrance will be perfect for the summer months ahead. With lily and hyacinth combining in the middle and then a woody base note they all combine to create another subtle entry into the fragrance market place for Hugo Boss and one that was highly regarded by all those who gave it a try..

With its captivating bottle that combines a sense of water in its design along with a distinctive silver background, the packaging has evolved into another important aspect in the scheme of attempting to entice you into trying these new fragrances and this one works. Sitting comfortably on my skin it lasted all day without being overbearing.

I have never been a fan of Dunhill fragrances before but was pleasantly surprised by this new entry into the fragrance market by Dunhill. Dunhill London evokes a very sophisticated feel about it. Featuring notes of apple, jasmine, patchouli and vanilla it can also be categorised as having a fresh woody nose about it. This was also another well liked fragrance by all who road tested it with one of my friends coming back day after day for about a week to try it on as he really fell in love with it.

Whilst not really having an imaginative bottle design like the previous 2 fragrances mentioned in this article, don’t let that put you off trying this fresh new fragrance as it will leave a lasting impression – in a good way!

The 3 women’s fragrances that I had the opportunity to road test this year consist of 3 very distinct and different scents that received a range of reviews from the women in my life who tested them.

As I mentioned before, all fragrances are very individual and what works on the skin of some does not work with others. Allowing a scent to sit on your skin and to allow it to breathe will give you a real sense of how it will play out over the day.

As a fan of the Lolita Lempicka men’s fragrance I was interested to see what response I would get from the new women’s fragrance Fleur Defendue – Forbidden Flower and I was not disappointed. This was by far the most popular of the 3 scents that were road tested. From the minute the soft mauve box was opened to discover the glass apple and gold shaped signature bottle to the first smell of the absinthe flower fragrance all the women who tried it were hooked.

Featuring sensual floral notes made up of peony, mimosa stem, strawberry leaf, violet and aniseed flower these all combine during the day to create a luscious warmth and fruity sweetness.

Next on the list was an evocative new fragrance from Jean Paul Gaultier – Ma Dame. It is a departure for the more heavier scents in the range and has a more subtle floral-fresh feel about it. Mixing rose, grenadine, musk and cedar you will find this scent an exciting alternative to the others in the range and something fresh and bright for the summer ahead. This fragrance was more popular with younger women friends than those older ones and it seems that the pitch to the younger market will really work with this fragrance.

Finally, First Premier Bouquet by Van Cleef and Arpels which is another variation of the hugely successful iconic fragrance First that was launched in 1976.

This fresh soft fruity floral features top notes of bergamot and vine peach and heart notes of sweat pea, muguet, jasmine and rose. A huge winner with those of my female friends over 35 that lingered over the whole day and really impressed them all, this scent captured the essence of warm summer days.

With an industry that continues to expand, even in the current world market the options this year are again plentiful and take some time to really get to know the fragrances that are on offer. I know many friends who have stuck with the same one for many years, but as I say to them, change can be hard but with these stunning fragrances it really can be worth while.

You can do a road trip of your own and head into Myer or David Jones and test drive these stunning new fragrances your self.