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Photo: Lilit Amirkhanian/Getty ImagesWith summer approaching, it’s the perfect time to refresh your fragrance collection and choose a new signature scent for the season. Whether you’re planning boat rides or beach trips, these scents are ideal for every summer moment.
"Spring and summer are my favorite seasons for fragrance. I love to smell like a little garden fairy, a lemon tree, or a poolside cocktail," says Emelia O'Toole, fragrance expert and content creator. "Summer is when we get to experiment with lighter, fresher scents, while winter leans toward heavier, spicier notes."
Looking to update your perfume collection? Check out these fragrance experts' top picks for the summer season.
Top Summer Fragrance Notes
From floral to citrus, summer fragrances offer endless possibilities. We reached out to fragrance experts to uncover the best scents for the warm season.
1. Citrus
Citrus notes like orange, lemon, and grapefruit bring a refreshing, energizing vibe. "Light, zesty fragrances are perfect for summer because they feature the vibrant citrus notes of lemon, orange, and bergamot," says Joyce Barnes, Chief Operating Officer at TOCCA. "I prefer a bright scent during the day to keep me feeling refreshed."
A classic summer scent combination is citrus paired with floral notes. "Vibrant notes like mandarin, lemon, or fresh apple are always a hit and pair beautifully with light florals like white freesia, jasmine, or neroli," says Barnes. TOCCA's Lucia
2. Coconut
If your summer plans don’t include a beach getaway, you can still capture the tropical vibe with coconut notes. This sweet and creamy scent pairs wonderfully with florals, creating a light and feminine fragrance.
With summer's heat, it can be tricky to make your perfume last. Barnes suggests pairing your fragrance with a matching lotion to help it stay on your skin longer. "If the perfume has a corresponding lotion, I recommend using them together on days when you need your scent to last," she advises.
3. Jasmine
Barnes describes jasmine fragrance notes as invigorating, fresh, and uplifting. This sweet, floral scent is a summer essential for Erin Banes, fragrance content creator. "I look for something light enough to wear in the heat, and I usually gravitate toward creamy white florals like jasmine or tuberose," says Banes.
4. Gardenia
Summertime is all about fresh, blooming flowers, so why not carry the scent of gardenia with you? Gardenia notes are bold, feminine, and floral, making them perfect for hot days. If you crave that fresh, floral feel, choose a fragrance with gardenia in the mix.
5. Sandalwood
A highly versatile fragrance note, sandalwood pairs beautifully with a variety of other scents. In the summer, a softer, woodsy or aquatic sandalwood creates a warm yet refreshing aroma. Sandalwood can add either a masculine or feminine touch to any fragrance.
If you want to feel like you've been at the beach all day, try Sydney Rock Pool by Arquiste for a cool sea breeze feel. "It’s such a unique, watery sandalwood with a sea salt vibe and some light tropical florals," says Banes. "When I wear it, I can almost feel the warmth of the sand and a cool sea breeze on my skin."
6. Hibiscus
Bring the tropical island paradise to you with a hibiscus fragrance scent. Hibiscus has a sweet, tropical, and floral feel. If you want the tropical hibiscus perfume scent to last longer in the summer, Banes suggests spraying perfume on your clothes in addition to the skin because this can help make perfume last in heat, especially while perspiring. Pro-tip: Spray far away from your clothes, so you don't have a perfume stain.
7. Amber
Whether you have a date night or a summer wedding, opt for a fragrance with amber notes to spark a nighttime scent. "In the evening, I like to play with fragrances that are a little spicier with a woody and amber [scent]," says Barnes.
Dossier's Ambery Saffron fragrance combines bold and rich notes like amber, saffron, jasmine, and more. This perfume has an elegant, sophisticated feel that's perfect for summer evenings. For those who love a mix of woody amber and white florals, Versace's Bright Crystal embodies femininity with its warm, sweet, and sensual scent.
8. Freesia
If you're drawn to the sweet, enchanting scent of freesia flowers, it's no surprise that freesia fragrance notes evoke a delicate, floral aroma. Full of freshness, freesia pairs beautifully with vibrant citrus notes.
Belle Eau de Parfum by TOCCA offers a lively floral fragrance. "It’s a bright, light, and joyful scent that blends Italian bergamot and petitgrain with white freesia and magnolia. On hot, humid days, I crave a fragrance that’s fresh and sparkling, and this one does just that for me," says Barnes.
