Sunflowers by Elizabeth Arden

This wonder teleports me back to when I was eight and my grandmother used it in summer; I even used it myself to be like her 🥰. It’s perfect for this season: very sweet, somewhere between honey and sunflower oil, though for me it’s a little cloying. But the lovely memory I have of her makes me love it so much. Last summer, 2025, I found a sun cream that smelled like this and it put me in a good mood every morning. I don’t recall it being fresh; in fact, it sometimes gave me a headache. I’ll try it this year to give the final verdict.

Sunflowers is a supremely luminous and happy scent. Its opening and dry-down are addictive; personally, I don’t suffer from it drying out like I do with other perfumes. At first, the melon and orange blossom greet you fresh, making you feel freshly showered. Then, that effervescent side settles down to reach a supremely clean scent, like Nivea moisturising cream with a perfect touch of sandalwood. It’s fairly linear; from the melon and orange blossom of the opening, it gradually merges with the skin, which is its great appeal. The first hour has a huge projection, a bubble that touches everything; I’m surprised by its longevity, easily surpassing ten hours while leaving the skin perfumed and with a sense of cleanliness. Regarding comparisons, I own Escape by CK and have tried Miyake’s L’Eau de Dior several times; they are ‘cousins’. Escape has a much sharper fruity side, even smelling of aldehydes in the opening; it’s stronger than Sunflowers and, therefore, more intrusive. On the other hand, I don’t like the Miyake one as much; it’s much more aquatic and has a sharp clove note that I like on its own, but not with the melon; moreover, it’s the worst performer of the three. It’s very versatile, a scent that is loved by many, brings compliments, doesn’t saturate, is morning-appropriate and can be routine. Ideal for all year round, especially in spring. Ideal for anyone seeking a different proposal to feel, in short words, happy and comfortable.

A beast of a citrus scent. It reminds me a bit of Issey Miyake. I see it more for ladies who like something so strong. I don’t know why it’s called sunflowers, and without a doubt it is strong, with personality for very defined tastes.

To me, it seems a sweet and pleasant scent. It doesn’t aim to be more than it is: a perfume for daily use in a simple bottle, at an affordable price. I’ve used it to go to work for a long time, and although it doesn’t have a blast, I can smell it for several hours. I have more potent perfumes for other occasions, but Sunflowers is never missing from my collection; it’s very versatile. I have the HoneyDaze version and it also smells very good.

A lovely scent. Cozy and vibrant at the same time. It has a childlike and nostalgic aura. Many notes are claimed, but what smells most is sweet melon and a velvety peach. It’s not claimed but I also smell chamomile to me. Perfect for a casual and summery moment.

I didn’t have any perfume left, everything had run out, so with very little money I placed an order (I sell perfumes) and spotted one under ten dollars without checking the notes or brand, and I bought it on impulse. When it arrived, a white box with a sun on it; I thought it would smell of the beach. The bottle looks like a glass sunscreen block, simple, with no misleading details, which justifies the price. White cap, that’s all. The first spray made me imagine Caribbean heat (here in Chile, that doesn’t exist), but to my surprise, it transported me to a green field with sunflowers, daisies, and yellow flowers. It’s the scent of the countryside sun, the simple, natural, and magical essence of life. The trail isn’t very strong unless it’s on my skin, and the longevity isn’t great either; it’s one of the few suitable for a picnic, holidays at grandma’s, or green settings. It’s not for night, parties, or winter—it’s a floral citrus. I sense it’s mature, perhaps for an older person; I won’t guess the exact age, but that’s what it feels like when you close the bottle.

The quintessential sunscreen perfume; it smells like a warm morning sun in a sunflower plantation. It doesn’t seek elegance or ostentation; it’s a perfume for the day, simple, straightforward, and economical.

I walked into a perfumery and told the assistant: ‘I’m obsessed with a perfume that smells like a beach mat, can you help me?’. The first thing she showed me was this wonder. I tested it without much conviction, but after a few minutes… VOILÁ! Exactly what I was looking for. It smells like my childhood at the beach, when after jumping in the waves I’d throw myself down to rest on the mat. Everything blends together: sunscreen, salt, sun, and the mat. I’d already been hunting for a niche scent to conjure that feeling, so finding something so well-priced is pure joy. I’ll keep searching, but this is a little gem that will stay in my collection.

I had high hopes for this classic after trying Red Door, but so far it feels soft without being so, a rich scent that doesn’t quite dazzle me. We’ll see, I’m just testing it. It feels high quality at first, smells like its yellow colour, but for me it’s a no 🥲. Barely four hours, very close to the skin, already fading by the third hour.

I owned Scape by Calvin Klein and this one has just arrived; it’s a delight and they’re quite similar. I still don’t know how long it will last on my skin and it doesn’t feel vintage at all. Rather, I’ve been surprised by how well it smells, a wonderfully sweet fragrance.

Every nose is a world… I just tried it and it smells very similar to my Tommy Girl… that’s the style I’m talking about.

I’d see it for summer or hot spring days. For carefree and cheerful use, for instance, going to the pool or the beach. Very economical. It’s fruity with that characteristic melon and peach touch, which is probably why some love it and others hate it. As it dries down, this fruity tone blends into a creamy scent that might remind you of sun cream. Even though it’s a budget summer perfume, be careful not to over-spray, as it can become overwhelming. It has an average longevity given the current state of perfumery. Add its low price to that, and you get a very considerable price-to-performance ratio. Totally unisex. My girlfriend and I both use it interchangeably, and it works phenomenally.

I thought I wouldn’t like it after reading so many negative reviews. Setting that aside, it fascinated me. My devotion to vintage aromas led me to desire it until I got it. I thought I wouldn’t like it like most Elizabeth Arden scents I’ve tried, after being disappointed by SPLENDOR and RED DOOR. When I tried it in the shop, my husband was a few steps away, and as soon as the shop assistant sprayed a bit on my wrist, he said ‘Waaoo, I love it’. For me, its top notes aren’t as appealing; they’re a bit sharp. The magic came later. The air transformed it into a soft, delicate fragrance, a sweet freshness. But not the sweets we’re used to nowadays; a floral sweetness mixed with fruit. That, combined with my husband’s comment, motivated me to buy it. I would buy it again. The only downside is it doesn’t last as long as I’d like. It’s a scent for everyday wear.

I didn’t like it; I think melon and I just don’t get along in perfumery… I recommend trying before buying, plus I notice a plastic-like smell.

Holy cow, what nostalgia! I wore this in my youth and it smells of ripe melon and peach, with a touch of sandalwood and bergamot that gives it a fresh kick. It’s like welcoming summer: sweet, mature, and with an incredible trail. I’d recognise this perfume from ten paces; it’s a sugary bomb that lasts for hours. Suitable for any age, but especially from 17 upwards. Wear it day or night, what a pity! Another bargain gem if you like fruits with great longevity. Go and try it! ❤️