Sultry summer

Sometimes there’s the assumption that summer should be all about the fresh and floral, yet it’s also a great season for a spot of heady romance. Think long lazy picnics in secluded spots, barefoot walks along the beach and dancing into the early hours on balmy nights.

The warmth of both the air and your skin is also surprisingly well suited to a touch of spice. Although, when you think of it, fragrances originating from warmer climes are often based on more pungent ingredients.

With this in mind, I’m pleased to introduce a few sultry summer products that will have you unleashing your inner vamp.

1. Bodhi’s Pep Noir Bath & Shower Therapy

   To up the romance a notch, how about bathing in the same fragrance as your beloved? And if you’re too greedy to share the tub, you can just share the bottle as Pep Noir really is a fragrance that works for him or for her.

   Pep Noir is named after one of its primary ingredients, Black Pepper, which kickstarts the circulation and awakens the mind. This makes it a prime choice for your morning shower or post workout/pre going out bath.

   Bergamot, White Thyme and Frankincense also feature to give your body a complete and invigorating overhaul.

   As with all Bodhi Bath & Shower Therapies, this beautiful blend will leave your skin feeling freshly cleansed and well balanced.

   £23 for 250ml – www.bodhi.uk.com

2. Patricia Gallagher Organics’ Embrace Eau de Parfum

   Embrace ensnares the senses with its chypre base and oriental touch. Amber and musk are offset by the lighter notes of neroli, mimosa and iris.

   At first sniff you might think this only appropriate for evening, but it softens to something far more wearable. You really only need one spritz and it’s the first fragrance I’ve ever worn that truly lasts from morning to night.

   Rather beautifully, it adapts to your own body chemistry creating a distinctive fragrance that’s personal to you.

   Organic perfumes aren’t always as complex or beautiful (this is Ecocert certified organic), but this is so enchanting I’ve been wearing it every day since first unwrapping.

   £58 for 30ml – www.pgorganics.co.uk

3. Vapour’s Elixir Lip Plumping Gloss in Bitten

   Think vixen and no doubt a red lip is not too far away. The aptly named Bitten creates an alluring deep cherry red that will complement all skin tones (and without making your teeth look yellow).

   Vapour’s lip plumping glosses tick all the right boxes: non-sticky, pout enhancing and gloriously shiny fare.

   They also nourish the lip with a blend of moisturising myrrh, soothing lemon balm and antioxidant rich green tea.

   To freshen the look for daytime, try wearing with little or no other make-up. Come evening, flick on some mascara and flutter away.

   £18 for 4.5ml – www.beingcontent.com

Now you have some sultry summer inspiration, there’s no need for that exotic island getaway. Light a few candles, put on some music and enjoy.

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