Turn Heads With These Summertime Scents
Looking for ways to feel fresh this summer without overpowering perfumes or synthetic chemicals? Julie Leonard, Expert Aromatherapist, shares how to beat the heat with natural summer scents that are easy to make at home.
We are thrilled to have Julie Leonard back on City Starlings. If you missed her previous interview on aromatherapy basics, please click here. This time, she is back with professional advice on how to stay cool and confident throughout the summer with essential oil perfumes.
Why Switch to Natural Summer Scents?
Just as we pack away heavy winter clothes and bring out lighter, brighter summer wardrobes, our scents should change with the seasons too. Swapping warm, woody essential oils for light citrus and floral essential oils creates a refreshing aromatic experience perfectly suited to summer days.
I love Lavender (lavendula angustifolia). Moreover, I always choose a French Lavender because not only does it smell beautiful, but it is a powerful little bottle of oil. Diffuse some in a burner for 20 minutes to make your home smell gorgeous. It leaves you feeling calm and peaceful. I also add a few drops to some water to make a room spray and spritz some on my pillow at night for a good night’s sleep. And I take it everywhere with me. I can treat virtually everything with it – anxiety, stress, sunburn, cuts, burns, bites, infections, insect repellent, insomnia… its amazing!
I particularly like floral essential oils in the summer evenings – Lavender to relax and aid sleep, Rose (rosa centifolia) for a bit of luxury and Ylang Ylang (cananga odorata) to create a sensual mood.
In the daytime I love citrus essential oils. Think zesty, fresh & uplifting. I add Lime (citrus aurantifolia) and Lemongrass (cymbopogon citratus) to my morning shower gel for a refreshing start to the day. I make a natural Gin & Tonic body scrub with Lemon (citrus limon) and Juniper (juniperus communis) to detox and exfoliate, soften my skin and prolong my tan. And I diffuse Sweet Orange (citrus cinensis) to give me energy and clarity.
Just a word of caution though, citrus oils are photosensitive so don’t apply them all over your skin before sunbathing.
Rose essential oil is quite expensive (it does take 50,000 flowers to make 1 little bottle!) but is such a beautiful oil. There are many varieties so find the one you like. I personally like Rose Maroc as it is not so sweet smelling. I never blend it and simply enjoy it on its own. And its a strong oil so I half the amount of drops I use. It is also the oil of choice in Seasonal Yoga just now. This is the time to focus on the heart and Rose is a wonderful oil to support your summer yoga practice.
How to Make Your Own Natural Summer Scents
Creating custom natural perfumes is surprisingly simple and doesn’t require expensive store-bought fragrances. You’ll make perfumes that are natural, contain only beneficial ingredients, and are perfectly tailored to your preferences.
Here is all you need:
- 1x 10ml roller ball bottle
- 10mls Sweet Almond oil or Jojoba oil
- 5 drops (in total) essential oils
- Add all together and shake. Apply to your wrists and enjoy.
Instructions:
- Add carrier oil to your roller ball bottle
- Add your essential oil blend (5 drops total)
- Secure the roller ball top and shake well
- Apply to pulse points (wrists, behind ears, inner elbows)
- Enjoy your custom natural perfume!
Pro tip: Store in a cool, dark place to preserve the integrity of the essential oils.
4 Best Summer Essential Oil Perfume Blends
Try these refreshing summer combinations, each using 5 drops total:
1. Tropical Citrus
- 3 drops Lime
- 2 drops Lemongrass
This blend is perfect for daytime wear, offering an energizing and refreshing tropical vibe.
2. Garden Floral
- 3 drops Lavender
- 2 drops Geranium
A balanced floral scent that’s calming yet uplifting—ideal for any time of day.
3. Sunny Serenity
- 3 drops Sweet Orange
- 2 drops Frankincense
This grounding yet cheerful blend combines citrus brightness with earthy depth.
4. Evening Romance
- 3 drops Lavender
- 2 drops Ylang Ylang
A sensual, relaxing blend perfect for summer evenings and promoting restful sleep.
Ready to create your signature summer scent? Try one of Julie’s recommended blends today and experience the difference natural essential oils can make.
Julie Leonard is a Life Coach and Aromatherapist based in Munich. With over 25 years of Psychology, Health and Coaching Experience she works with people in person and online around the world. For questions about Aromatherapy, to make a booking or to buy your essential oils and natural products send a message to hello@julieleonardcoaching.com.
More information can be found at http://julieleonardcoaching.com/
