I like the lazy days of late summer. I wrote about my August last year, when I was on holiday in Estonia. This August has been less faded, the sun bolder and the weather warmer, at least occasionally. I have been in Brussels this time, so it’s been about sitting in our wild garden eating plums; walking to the market in the heat or sudden rain; reading alone in cafes and eating apricot tart. These are the fragrances that have matched my mood:

1. Diptyque Philosykos. This is obviously a classic and should be a no-brainer, but I never really appreciated the full amazingness of this scent until I bought a bottle in July. It is probably the greatest fig scent in the world and as such, especially suited for the end of summer-early autumn when figs are in season. Although I love figs in every form, all this luscious fruity creaminess can get a bit boring on its own. The greatness from Philosykos comes from the fact that it’s so well blended with woody and dark green notes, lending it just the right amount of complexity. This has been my most worn scent in August, especially on weekends.

2. Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay. If Philosykos has been my favourite this year, Blackberry & Bay is a scent I’ve been wearing around this time for something like five years. I have written about it at least twice, so I only want to add that although fruity (and berry) scents are often horribly sweet and directed at teenagers, there are exceptions, so do give them a try. I have discovered that I like fruits in perfume, but always mixed with something else, as long as it’s not vanilla – wood, leather, greenery or even florals.

3. Ormonde Jayne Vanille d’Iris. It is no secret that I love iris scents and have quite a few of them, but Vanille d’Iris is unique among the ones I own. While iris is clearly present, there is a vanilla and wood base that makes it ideal for slightly chillier and/or rainy summer days – it is not a dark or sweet fragrance, but there is depth and warmth. I also get a burst of fruits and citrus in the beginning (what? you’re noticing a theme?) that makes the scent pretty fun and approachable. I wonder if this could be a gateway for people who usually find iris challenging? Fruits and vanilla are certainly more universally liked than orris.

4. Hiram Green* Moon Bloom. Tuberose is a divisive note – people often either love this heady, creamy, voluptuous white flower or loathe it with a passion. I am in the former camp and often try to convince people to give tuberose a try. But if Vanille d’Iris could potentially be a starter iris, I doubt Moon Bloom would work as a tuberose for beginners. It is a pretty full-on, unapologetic tuberose, although I still find it smooth and refined and not overpowering. There is a somewhat medicinal or rubbery nuance to my nose that makes it interesting and keeps the tropical beauty and sweetness in check. I love wearing this in the evening when the day has been exceptionally warm – tuberose is a night-blooming flower and this perfume seems to have an affinity with the night as well.

5. Chanel Eau de Cologne. We’ve been lucky to have have some extraordinarily hot days in the end of August and consequently, I have found myself reaching for colognes. There are others I like in this genre, but Chanel EdC is the quintessential cologne for me. It is so well constructed and balanced that it just smells right. It is certainly expensive and there are great options to be found at much lower price points. Still, if you love well-made classics and your wallet doesn’t mind, this is among the greatest refreshing perfumes in the world.

*Hiram Green is a Dutch natural perfumer whose line is small and very high quality: if you have a chance, I highly recommend sampling his work.