This month’s perfume launches

By Alexandra Donaldson

We’re not too discerning about labels here at The Whale & The Rose office—we often spritz men’s fragrances without a second thought and prefer to make recommendations based on notes and preference instead of gender. So it comes as no surprise that for this month’s perfume launches, we’re recommending you forget the labels and embrace the scent—because these newbies smell great no matter who wears them.

HIS AND HERS
Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue campaign has always been about a love story between a man and a woman, set against the backdrop of a summery Mediterranean sea. The latest pair of fragrances—one for men, one for women—seem more gender-nuanced, providing two great scents that seem more mood-inspired than gender-based. The men’s spritz, Swimming in Lipari, is an aromatic and aquatic scent, crisp and clear with notes of sea salt accord, grapefruit, mandarin and rosemary. The base is the most typically masculine part, featuring musk, ambergris and dry woods—though the lightness of the top and heart notes make this a scent that a certain woman would love too.

The women’s Light Blue special edition, Sunset in Salina, is a floral with notes of fresh vine leaves, yellow freesia, violet leaves, orange flower and jasmine. Its base of amber, cedarwood and white musk allow it to cross the gender divide.
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Sunset in Salina EDT, $112 (100 ml), and Swimming in Lipari EDT, $99 (125 ml), www.dolcegabbana.com

FOR HIM/FOR HER
Cedrat is the new men’s skincare and fragrance line from L’Occitane En Provence, but truth be told this eau is a great energizing summer scent for just about anybody. The fragrance opens with a fresh citrus burst thanks to bergamot and cedrat (aka citron). The heart is warmed by nutmeg and blue ginger (a flowering plant) and the earthy base notes include cedar and cashmeran. This toilette may be marketed for a man, but its light freshness is well suited to all who love green colognes and citrus perfumes.
L’Occitane En Provence Eau de Cedrat EDT, $56 (100 ml), www.loccitane.com

THE IDEAL MAN (OR WOMAN)
Guerlain presents this scent as symbol of the ideal man—spontaneous, charming and loyal. But since those are characteristics we like in men and women, we’d suggest you disregard the typecasting. The scent opens with fresh almond, grapefruit and campari. The heart meld the fresh with the rich: neroli, cinnamon and rose; and the dry down—patchouli, vetiver and white musk—delivers a warm (yes, masculine too) expression. Whether you’re hoping to be the ideal man, looking for him and just want to smell good, this is a great pick.
Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Cologne EDT, $94 (100 ml), www.guerlain.com

FOR MORE SCENTS THAT BOTH MEN AND WOMEN LOVE, READ ABOUT THE LATEST CITRUS TRENDS.