THE SCENT OF SUMMER
FP’s Home Office Reacts to free-est’s First Perfume
By: Jules Boyd
We just captured summer in a bottle.
Our favorite season is nearly in session, and we just couldn’t wait to bring you your new favorite scent: Neroli Water by free-est. Learn more about how it came to be, and what our FP family has to say about this instant favorite perfume, perfect for the summer (and year-round!).
THE INSPIRATION BEHIND OUR NEROLI WATER PERFUME:
Free People’s beloved in-house brand free-est was born out of a love for summertime, packing light, and traveling often. So, it’s only fitting that our fragrance emulates a summer breeze and slow days by the seaside. It’s fresh. It’s salty. It’s made for throwing in your beach bag. The bottle even draws inspiration from sea glass, with a frosty finish and wood topper—palm-sized and perfect for packing every day, any wear.
FROM THE DESK OF OUR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TEAM:
Q: Why free-est?
A: To me, free-est represents finding adventure in the everyday. It has an almost nostalgic energy that encapsulates the playfulness of my youth: running outside barefoot, sunburn and freckles, and the smell of rain. It's the perfect complement to the existing beautiful and airy pieces in the collection. — Grace, Senior Product Development Coordinator
Q: Did the scent come before the association with the brand?
A: The brand inspired the scent. We envisioned sunny citrus colors, the coast, maxi dresses, and watercolor art. What does that world smell like? Throughout the development process, we smelled several iterations of “free-est,” and instead of landing on something overly beachy or tropical, we landed on something more nostalgic that hopefully brings you to a warm summer memory. — Christine, Director of Product Development, Beauty
Q: What is the experiential goal—is this an everyday fragrance? Summer fragrance? Or both?
It can be a “whenever you want” scent. I believe in wearing what makes you happy, regardless of season or time of day. With that being said, this is a very wearable scent that lingers in a watery, sun-soaked sort of way, but is never too heavy or overly strong. — Christine
The fragrance is so versatile because it can enhance an already sun-soaked summer afternoon or cheer up a grey and rainy day. Fragrance is so exciting because it's just another layer of our everyday sensory experience, so why not wear something that brings you to a warmer and sunnier state of mind!? — Grace
A: To me, free-est represents finding adventure in the everyday. It has an almost nostalgic energy that encapsulates the playfulness of my youth: running outside barefoot, sunburn and freckles, and the smell of rain. It's the perfect complement to the existing beautiful and airy pieces in the collection. — Grace, Senior Product Development Coordinator
Q: Did the scent come before the association with the brand?
A: The brand inspired the scent. We envisioned sunny citrus colors, the coast, maxi dresses, and watercolor art. What does that world smell like? Throughout the development process, we smelled several iterations of “free-est,” and instead of landing on something overly beachy or tropical, we landed on something more nostalgic that hopefully brings you to a warm summer memory. — Christine, Director of Product Development, Beauty
Q: What is the experiential goal—is this an everyday fragrance? Summer fragrance? Or both?
It can be a “whenever you want” scent. I believe in wearing what makes you happy, regardless of season or time of day. With that being said, this is a very wearable scent that lingers in a watery, sun-soaked sort of way, but is never too heavy or overly strong. — Christine
The fragrance is so versatile because it can enhance an already sun-soaked summer afternoon or cheer up a grey and rainy day. Fragrance is so exciting because it's just another layer of our everyday sensory experience, so why not wear something that brings you to a warmer and sunnier state of mind!? — Grace
NEROLI WATER’S FRAGRANCE PROFILE:
You might be thinking: “Wait, what’s neroli?” One of our fragrances’ major scent notes (it’s in the name!), neroli is derived from the blossom of an orange tree, evoking a harmonious floral/citrus blend. Neroli Water is certainly citrusy, with notes of sea salt and driftwood to balance it out for a slightly musky finish. To me, Neroli Water is unexpectedly sweet, sophisticated, and ultra-wearable for summer. The initial citrus fades into a soft, salty musk for a universally pleasing scent.
DON’T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT…
…take theirs! We asked the Home Office for their first impressions of Neroli Water, because we know shopping for perfume online is no easy feat. Let us do the work for you…and we promise, this one won’t disappoint.
So, whether you live by the beach or are in a perpetual vacation state-of-mind, Neroli Water is ready to transport you. Are you ready? Shop your newest favorite fragrance.
HAPPY SUMMER! XOXO, free-est.
MORE TO READ
6/6/25 | DESTINATION FREE-EST
City Outfit Guide: Los Angeles, CA
First stop, the City of Angels.
5/30/25 | STYLING 101
It’s A Cinch: A Belt For Every Bottom
And every summer concert.
5/23/25 | STYLING 101
How To Dress For Your Body Type
Finding the right styles that flatter you helps you feel your most confident self and makes shopping a breeze.