The Heat of Summer: Bright New Perfumes

Store away the exuberant winter fragrances and get ready to feel the breeze of summer. It's the season to try light, airy, citrusy scents that will make you feel virtually weightless. Just like the air, water and sun bottled in one.

[L'Occitane] Verbena Harvest Citrus Verbena Summer Fragrance

verbena summer This is an incredibly invigorating and stunning perfume from L'Occitane. Most of the ingredients come from Italy or nearby Corsica and Sicily and the overall scent really evokes the beauty of an Italian summer, with rolling meadows, dark blue waters and refreshing cuisine.

Key notes: lemon, grapefruit, verbena, cedar

You will feel: alive, young, delicious

Buy it now: L`Occitane - Verbena Harvest Citrus Verbena Summer Fragrance

Opium D'Ete Summer Fragrance for Women [by Yves Saint Laurent]

opium Opium is traditionally a spicy, exotic and heavy perfume. Not this version. It's light and airy, yet still sensual and elegant - it will make you into the sun goddess.

Key notes: lemon, amber, patchouli, Italian bergamot

You will feel: radiant, weightless, sexy

Buy it now: Opium Summer Fragrance by Yves Saint Laurent for Women 3.3 oz Eau d'ete Spray 2004 Limited Edition (Gold Box)

[Calvin Klein] Eternity Summer Perfume for Women

ck eternity summer This scent reminds me of an old movie where a starlet is swept away by her love on a seaside weekend. They sit in the dunes watching the blue skies in their white summer hats, and the air carries a light breeze of the sea, the grass and romance.

Key notes: grapefruit, lily of the valley, fig, verbena, jasmine, magnolia

You will feel: romantic, hopeful, happy

Buy it now: Calvin Klein Eternity Summer

[Stella McCartney] Sheer Stella

This is not entirely a new scent, rather an updated version of the old favorite. I am a huge fan of Stella's designs and her scent collection is no exception. Sheer Stella is very sensual and warm, yet light and crisp, with a slight taste of berries - perfect for summer nights out.

Key notes: white freesia, morning rose, raspberry, peony, white musk, pink pepper

You will feel: playful yet subtle, tantalizing and elegant

Buy it now: Stella McCartney Sheer Stella

[Estee Lauder] Pleasures Delight

By far my largest perfume collection is from Estee Lauder. Each scent is distinct and very special. Pleasures Delight is the perfect companion to your summer day - refreshing, vibrant, full of joie de vivre. This scent can even make you feel more confident and assertive, because who can resist you now?

Key notes: freesia, pomegranate, strawberry meringue, peony, rose, vanilla

You will feel: quirky and sweet, energized and flirty

Buy it now: Pleasures Delight

Written by Claire White.

Mommy Mail

Latest Question

My mom told me not to feed the baby from my spoon, since it causes cavities. Is this true? I've been sharing my food with her for a while now. She loves to eat anything I try. I am wondering if I should stop it.
Elaine, LA

Answer:

It is true. You can pass cavity-causing germs through contact - studies have shown this for over 30 years now. San Antonio dentist Dr. Lawrence Morris says a parent with active, open cavities can easily pass on the bacteria to her child. "Their enamel is a lot weaker, it's a lot thinner than permanent enamel. Cavities tend to develop a lot quicker than on permanent teeth".

It's also important to keep your own teeth clean (yes, both brushing and flossing), so you keep your own risk of cavities (and therefore passing any) to a minimum. At the same time, remember to brush your kids' teeth daily and avoid putting them to bed with a bottle or sippy cup. You can read more about Baby Teeth development here.

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