For most of my adult life, I have been in constant pursuit of a signature scent. Something with heavy undertones of I’ve been laying in hot sand since dawn, wrapped in a delicate, vanilla-scented bow that would make Sandy Liang weak at her coquettish-knees.
Too much to ask?
Three years ago, I sprayed a sample of Maison Margiela’s REPLICA perfume in the scent Beach Walk and thought I had it. It was perfect. I bought it. I spent $165. By the end of the day I hated it.
After three christmases of receiving this perfume as a what’s something your brother can get you gift, in sizes ranging from stocking stuffer to checked-luggage only, I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that this gorgeous scent simply doesn’t react well to my chemical makeup. In fact, most alcohol-based fragrances don’t. I’m not sure what it is, but the most expensive, beautiful smelling perfumes simply turn to a musty stench with hints of baby powder once sprayed on my skin. It wasn’t until a model on set one day got me hooked on essential oil-based scents. She dabbed a mix of vanilla and musk scented Nemat oils on my wrist and to my delight, it smelled exactly as I’d hoped.
I’ve been grabbing these miniature bottles from the impulse buy section at ULTA since. But two weeks ago as I was browsing Sephora with my mom, I decided to sample NEST’s Vanilla Madagascar travel-sized, rollerball fragrance and this time, my knees were the ones going weak. This essential oil-based scent is the best thing I’ve put on my body. She’s beach-y. Vanilla. Sexy. Not too sweet. Grown-up. And my new signature scent, thank you very much.
And as I sat here this morning, loving up my perfume, I began thinking about what some of my other summer faves are, so far. So without further ado, here’s what I’ll be loving through those hot days:
Jalapeño Rosé
This started as a staple last summer, when I convinced my in-house wine expert (my boyfriend’s mom) to try a TikTok trend with me. We sliced jalapeños up and tossed them into our French Rosés and dubbed it the Rielly Rosé. A delightful surprise at any summer dinner party.
Non-patriotic red & blue stripes
Between my instagram saved folders and pinterest style boards, pale red and blue stripes, gingham, you name it, have made their way to the top of my summer wishlists. From vintage bathing suits, Reformation rompers, and Orseund Iris accessories, I am living for this trend.
Tinted sunscreen
SPF is a staple always. But back in the Spring, a makeup artist on set got me hooked on tinted sunscreen—specifically, Supergoop’s Glow Screen. It gives the most beautiful, natural glow and is so lightweight.
Full-length tops
As a longtime crop top lover, this one is hard for me. But more and more, I find myself throwing on a pair of jeans and wishing I had more full length tops for a night out, rather than my overwhelming inventory of cute crop tops. Is this what getting older looks like? Something about a tailored, sophisticated look that really makes you look like that bitch at the garden party.
And of course, The Scent
Hot girls wear Vanilla Madagascar.