Aer

Aer takes its name from the Welsh word for air. Its maker, Lisa Howarth, grows and distils aromatics on her West Wales farm, and built this scent as a literal take on watching the weather sweep across a bay: a cool, uplifting coastal breeze that is chased down into ancient woods. It opens crisp and bright on peppermint and herbaceous lavender, brisk and green rather than sweet. Orange and rose form a warm citrus-floral core that softens the mint without making it sugary. As it settles, Atlas cedar turns dry and elegant, with a leaf-litter forest floor underneath that brings the scent gently back to earth. Early votes are few and mixed. Wearers split between moderate, long-lasting and very long wear, and between moderate and strong sillage, while the maker calls it light on the skin; expect a scent that sits close at first and lingers more than it announces itself. Spring is the clear favourite season, with autumn and summer close, and it fits an office day or an easy walk equally well. Aer is one of four Welsh-named eaux de parfum in the debut collection, sold in 50 ml at 114 pounds and in a small 10 ml size. It suits anyone who likes aromatic, mint-led freshness and dry woods over sweetness. One wearer found the herbal mint more than they wanted, so sample before committing to a full bottle.