The smell of summer

WOMEN’S

L’Eau d’Issey Eau D’ete Summer Edition by Issey Miyake $62 at sephora.com
The packaging It’s not a far cry from the classic Miyake bottle, but the graffiti-esque pops of color will brighten your bathroom counter.
The scent Distinguishing sniffers may detect hints of peonies, carnations, freesia and white lilies (among other sweet buds), but even a stuffed nose could smell the general floral fragrance of this perfume.
Apply it before you… bike (and then apply some more after that sweaty ride) to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe for an evening stroll around the fresh flowers with your sweetie. Arrive on a Thursday night June 11 through September 3 from 6–8pm for live world music and dancing lessons.

Laugh with me Lee Lee by Benefit $50 at sephora.com (starting in July)
The packaging True to the cosmetic line’s aesthetic, the one-ounce gilded bottle, shaped like a cocktail shaker and wrapped in colorful graphic paper, is heavy on the vintage vibe.
The scent Almost saccharine sweet, this one packs a fruity punch, with pungent notes of citrus and melon mixed with cassis, lily, jasmine and black violet. If this blend doesn’t suit you, try the other two from the trio.
Apply it before you… browse the sweet array of vintage home accessories at the Chicago Antique Market in the West Loop the last weekend of every summer month, starting this weekend.

Essence by Narciso Rodriguez $100 at Saks Fifth Avenue (700 N Michigan Ave, 312-944-6500)
The packaging Reminiscent of the limited-edition For Him and For Her bottles, the silver mirrored casing exudes an almost masculine boldness, but the rounded edges speak to sexy female curves.
The scent Like the bottle, the fragrance is multidimensional. Up close, the powdery rose comes on strong, but passersby will just barely catch a whiff—and they’ll no doubt want more.
Apply it before you… put on your little black dress and go for a dry martini at the Drake’s sexy Coq d’Or.

MEN’S

Only the Brave by Diesel $65 at Diesel (923 N Rush St, 312-255-0157)
The packaging This bottle packs quite a punch—literally. Shaped like a clenched fist wearing a double-knuckle Diesel ring, this glass bottle’s mod design will look sharp displayed on your dresser.
The scent The cologne contains notes of lemon, leather, cedar and amber. It’s a light, unassuming fragrance, yet it exudes a sexiness that lingers throughout the day.
Apply it before you… swagger through summer street fests, such as Andersonville’s Midsommarfest (June 13, 14) and NorthHalsted Market Days (August 1, 2).

Artisan by John Varvatos $75 at Nordstrom (55 E Grand Ave, 312-822-9417)
The packaging Past Varvatos bottles have come wrapped in sleek black leather, but this one is covered in not-so-hip wicker.
The scent The woodsy, orange blossom and ginger notes make a nice, refreshing combination. In fact, we’ve taken whiffs of it throughout the day and have had the same reaction each time: “Aaah.”
Apply it before you… enjoy a picnic dinner (including some artisanal cheeses perhaps?) at a free concert in Millennium Park (such as the Music Without Borders concert June 3 at 6:30pm).

• More Shopping articles