Ever find yourself dreaming of summer in the South of France, slathering yourself in sun cream and drinking the most expensive rosé on the menu? While it might seem unattainable, I know a perfume that will make it seem as if you regularly spend your weekends in beach clubs in St Tropez. Let me introduce you to Sunkissed Goddess by luxury French fragrance house, Kilian.
Arguably one of the best summer perfumes (and one of the best Kilian perfumes) of all time, this is the scent that I rely on when I need a little escapism. One spritz and I’m transported from the office to the sunbed, with a glass of wine in hand and nothing to do except work on my tan all day long. Want to know more about my must-have French fragrance of the season? Keep on scrolling for my full review…
Shop Kilian Sunkissed Goddess Perfume
Kilian Paris
Sunkissed Goddess Eau de Parfum
Key notes: Bergamot, neroli, tiare flower, ylang-ylang, coconut, vanilla
Best For: Summer occasions
First Impressions: A warm, solar scent with hints of sweetness throughout
Smells Like: Expensive suncream
If it was an outfit: A Hunza G bikini
If it was a makeup product: A bronzer
If it was a bag: A Chloé beach bag
The Scent
As you may have already gathered, this really is the perfect summer scent. It actually launched as a limited-edition fragrance last year, but it was such a popular scent that the brand has brought it back as part of its core collection. Yes, it smells a little bit like sun cream, but in the most luxurious way possible. Although it’s a floral fragrance at heart, notes of coconut and vanilla add this sweet, creamy, tropical edge that reminds me of pina coladas and sun-drenched shores.
Don’t be fooled, though, as a base of guaiac wood and cistus labdanum grounds the fragrance in a warm, amber-like aroma that dances on the skin and makes this perfume a whole lot more sophisticated than you’d expect.
The Longevity
When it comes to summer scents, I always find that they don’t last as long on the skin due to the lighter composition of notes. However, thanks to the rich, heady base, this Kilian perfume lingers surprisingly well.
I first tested the scent on my way to work, and even after lunch, I still had colleagues asking me what perfume I was wearing (one colleague even told me I smelled like an expensive beach club). I did have to top it up a little bit before heading out for dinner, but the flurry of compliments I received was totally worth it. Since then, I don’t think a day has gone by where I haven’t had this fragrance in my bag.
The Bottle
In true Kilian style, this perfume bottle is effortlessly chic. The slim, rectangular shape is ideal for taking on the go, and the white and gold colour scheme just screams summer.
Now, there’s no denying that the 50ml bottle doesn’t come cheap. The fragrance will set you back a cool £225, but you don’t have to use a lot in order to make an impact, so I predict that this perfume will last me for years to come.
The Verdict
As a fragrance-obsessed beauty editor who has tried hundreds of summer scents, I can honestly say that this is one of the best escapist fragrances that I have ever come across. I’ve reached for it pretty much every single day this season, and I just know that it will remain a staple in my collection. Kilian, you’ve outdone yourself.
Shop More Summer Scents
Estée Lauder
Bronze Goddess Eau Fraîche Skinscent
Caudalie
Thé Des Vignes Fresh Fragrance
This is my summer evening perfume of choice. It’s light and fresh yet warm and elegant all at the same time.
Phlur
Beach Skin Body Mist
New from Phlur, Beach Skin perfectly captures the scent of summer holidays.
Tom Ford
Soleil Blanc Eau De Parfum
If you fancy a little luxury this season, you can’t go wrong with Tom Ford’s Soleil Blanc.
Maison Margiela
Beach Walk Eau De Toilette
Maison Margiela’s Beach Walk features notes of bergamot, coconut milk and musk.
