From clean formulas to light spritzes …
FRAGRANCE FRESHENS UP
Her childhood in Rio de Janeiro inspired Re-Eau founder Bell Lydon to create a “cleaner” scent experience. In Brazil, she says, everyone smells really fresh despite the humidity. “I wanted to design a refreshing, effortless scent that you can apply frequently throughout the day.”
For Lydon, who worked in beauty in New York before moving to Howth in Dublin, it goes beyond clean smells. “I’ve always found pefume ingredient lists overwhelming – especially the presence of parabens, sulphates and other additives linked to hormone disruption,” she explains; heavy perfumes gave her migraines. Her Re-Eau sprays are plant-derived and based on natural essences. “Spraying alcohol – an ingredient known to irritate the skin – just never felt right to me. Consumers today want transparency and higher standards.” Lydon believes the industry is finally responding with “a gentler, more versatile scent experience – clean scents feel modern, breathable and aligned with how people want to wear fragrance now.”
THE OLFACTORY UPLIFT
Even those of us who love a rich, unfurling perfume crave something lighter at times. Post-gym, or on a sluggish morning, nothing is quite as cheerful and uplifting as a blast of bergamot and citrus. At this time of year, we’re drawn to Margiela Replica Never-Ending Summer, a bright, mandarin-filled scent inspired by the Amalfi coast. No wonder scents that allude to Italy tend to be bestsellers: witness , evoking Italy’s sun-soaked coasts, a sophisticated (if pricey) take on the idea of cologne; and perfumes with “Portofino” in the title.
For 2026, look to juicy fruit notes for a lift and a hit of healthiness: try Jo Loves Pomelo Oud (grapefruit freshness with lasting smokey oud), Heeley Pomelo Crush and Rhubarb eau de parfum by Perfumer H. Tom Ford launches Figue Érotique on February 1. Time to wear your five a day …
LIGHTER, BRIGHTER
As the prices of designer perfumes continue to soar, we’re seeing a rise in gentler, casual sprays that are more accessible. Instead of saving an expensive perfume for a special occasion, we want a “denim” approach: something comfortable and easy that we can throw on every day.
Channelling the zeitgeist is Phlur, whose latest hit is Mrs Smith, a crisp green apple spray created by star perfumer Jérôme Epinette (of Byredo and VB perfume fame). It’s interesting too that hot brand Jones Road chose to go the lighter, brighter route with new Bklyn, a lemon, neroli and sandalwood fragrance that’s described by founder Bobbi Brown as “just like your favourite pair of vintage jeans that work with every outfit … sophisticated but not stuffy.” Her other fragrance is called simply Shower, emphasising the new mood: clean and fresh, as opposed to overly sexy.
SPRING CLEAN
The smell of clean laundry has been an enduring reference point. In the 1980s, Calvin Klein’s CKOne made splash-on, linen-fresh fragrances fashionable after a glut of heavy, intense scents like Poison and Samsara. Before that, eau de cologne was the archetypal “clean” smell, dreamed up in the 18th century, with citrus oils and herbs providing a contrast to the heavy fragrances popular at the time.
And now? For clean Irish smells, consider making your own at a workshop with natural perfumer Joan Woods at Waters + Wild in Glandore, Co Cork, using a palette of natural ingredients including seaweed absolute. Another sea-centred scent, Green Angel’s Loana, blended and bottled in Rathcoole, Co Dublin, is based on pure organic seaweed and essential oils. And a clean winner for spring? Bright and vivacious Lá Bealtaine by Cloon Keen, with joyous notes of bergamot, mandarin and neroli – pure sunshine.
SEE MORE: Tips For A Cleaner Life Inside and Out
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