I'm writing this from Ibiza but reader don't get too jealous, it is pouring with rain. When the rain stops however, the island vibes kick in and remind me that summer is truly coming, yes, even in Blighty, my iPhone weather app promised. To mark the return of sunshine, M&S have launched their new season looks (we are obsessed with their latest drops) and with that, a limited edition perfume added to their Discover range while stocks last.
Solar Fleur is a summer scent through and through with notes that genuinely transport you to warmer climes where a salty breeze whips through your hair with notes of mandarin, white jasmine and creamy coconut.
Marks & Spencer Solar Fleur Eau de Toilette 100ml
Marks & Spencer Solar Fleur Eau de Toilette 100ml
On first spray, the scent is a burst of citrus thanks to the mandarin and a heady bouquet of white florals (namely jasmine) but as it settles you get a beautiful, creamy skin scent with a hint of summer garden.
This is a true solar scent, which are perfumes that elicit the feeling of a warm, sun-kissed skin. It really reminds me of two other solar scents that are very popular – Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess and Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc. Both of these designer scents share the same notes as Solar Fleur among others. Bronze Goddess has the same amber-y warmth as the M&S scent as it dries down and the creamy coconut shines through. Soleil Blanc is a little different as, while it shares the same notes, it has way more citrus at the top and the tuberose through the heart of it makes for a less creamy, more clean dry down.
But, if either of these scents have been on your radar or you've loved them in summers past but a top-up for this season is a stretch too far for your budget, this high street option is a perfect alternative.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
