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(Fragrance)

20 Mouthwatering Summer Scents That Are Vibrant & Unique

Treat yourself to a scent upgrade this season.

by Jennifer Hussein and Hannah Baxter

Updated: Feb. 20, 2024

Originally Published: June 3, 2021

summer fragrance

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In a much needed jolt of good news, the weather is (slowly) warming up, wardrobe revisions are underway, and everyone is gearing up for a season of fun, travel, and entertaining. But while you’re booking your next bikini wax and stocking up on new swimwear, you may want to consider upgrading your summer fragrance lineup — especially if you want to channel that fun, sensual, and up-for-anything energy.

With this collective feel of newfound freedom in the air, you might want to treat yourself to a new scent that embodies this mindset. While rose and woodsy base notes dominated spring’s fragrance profiles, this season is all about waking up your olfactory senses with something light, airy, and refreshing. Think crisp linens, beachside scents, tropical florals, and so many more summertime fragrances to transport you to a beachside vacay — even if you’re just hanging out on your rooftop or front porch.

Changing your fragrance profile isn’t necessarily a seasonal requirement, but it’s nice to switch things up every once in a while — why wear dark, spicy fragrances from last winter when you can indulge in a sweet, citrusy scent anyways? There are dozens of new fragrances for recharging your usual fragrance profile, and of course, you can’t forget the classic scents that are essential for summertime.

So, as the temps rise, manifest your hot girl summer 2.0 vibes with some of these warm-weather fragrance favorites. From playful citrus aromas to airy florals, these 20 summertime scents will instantly prep you for the season ahead and remind you to enjoy everything the warm weather has to offer.

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’REPLICA’ Beach Walk

Maison Margiela

’REPLICA’ Beach Walk

If you can’t get to the beach as quickly as you want this season, a spritz of this bergamot, heliotrope, and coconut milk scent will help transport you to the seaside from wherever you are in the world.

My Way Floral

Green mandarin and orange blossom keep this delectable floral scent from feel too heavy or serious. On the contrary, the heady neroli base creates a complex and enticing depth that will have every stranger you pass demanding to know your perfume. The vanilla is also Fair Trade sourced and the refill program has helped to make the new scent carbon neutral.

L'Eau d'Issey Eau & Magnolia Eau de Toilette Intense

L'Eau d'Issey Eau & Magnolia Eau de Toilette Intense

If you can tear your eyes away from the stunning bottle you’ll find that this magnolia, rose, sandalwood, and neroli fragrance manages to strike the perfect balance between fresh and floral. The base captures a sparkling burst of water entwined with a lush bouquet and a woody base for a divine summer scent that lasts.

Green Tea Lychee Lime Fragrance Spray

Elizabeth Arden

Green Tea Lychee Lime Fragrance Spray

You don’t have to break the bank to find a delectable summer scent and this Elizabeth Arden blend is all the proof you need. Juicy lychee and sun-kissed lime create a dazzling fruit-forward fragrance that is pure summer in a bottle.

D.S. & Durga perfume

Bistro Waters Eau de Parfum

If you’ve yet to experience a savory scent, allow this D.S. & Durga fragrance to escort you over the threshold. Top notes of pear, coriander seed, and lime flower water dry down into hints of bell pepper and pea flower, for a unique and sophisticated perfume that will make everyone’s mouths water.

Ellis Brooklyn perfume

Sun Fruit Eau De Parfum

Equal parts flirty and floral, this vibrant scent from Ellis Brooklyn plays with fig, jasmine, cyclamen, and vanilla for a sensual fragrance that is just begging for summer sunshine.

ormaie 28° fragrance

If you’re looking for a clean French fragrance that looks incredible on your vanity, it’s time to get to know Ormaie. With notes of lemon, bergamot, mandarin, pink pepper, sandalwood, and rose, the lush 28° scent is made for warm summer evening strolls.

boy smells italian kush

If you’ve been dreaming of an adventure to Italy this summer, allow this sumptuous scent to tide you over until you step off the plane. Notes of citrus, basil and cypress perfectly capture a summer spent in the Italian sunshine, where all of your worries are very far away.

REPLICA Matcha Meditation Eau de Toilette

Maison Margiela

REPLICA Matcha Meditation Eau de Toilette

What’s better than an iced matcha latte on a hot summer day? Smelling like your favorite green tea-derived drink, of course. This fragrance has hints of green tea and matcha accords, and is also spiked with notes of bergamot, cedar, mandarin, and more.

Poppy Issues

If you’re on the hunt for an under-$100 aroma to satisfy your olfactory senses, look no further. It’s filled with bright, vibrant floral notes like poppy, mimosa, and French marigold, but this isn’t your grandmother’s floral perfume. It also has hints of plum, saffron, musk, and amber woods to add some attitude to this floral-based fragrance.

On the Beach

Ready to go beachside? Don’t forget to pack this fragrance: it has a base note of yuzu fruit for a burst of citrus, which is balanced by neroli, thyme, rosemary, pink pepper, cloves, and cypress. The result: a euphoric fragrance that deserves a spot on your fragrance vanity.

Soleil Brulant Eau de Parfum

Soleil Brulant Eau de Parfum

The name truly says it all: its English translation means “burning sun,” which means this sultry fragrance is made for turning up the heat on warm summer nights. Expect notes of orange flower absolute, black honey, and spicey amber for the perfect fusion of intense spice and lighthearted citrus.

Aqua Universalis Forte Eau de Parfum

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Aqua Universalis Forte Eau de Parfum

If you’re into intense scents, then consider this your new summer fragrance. The blend will awaken all of your senses with the aromas of green bergamot, jasmine, and rose absolutes, while light and musky wood add intensity to this otherwise airy, crisp scent.

Romance Eau de Parfum

Romance Eau de Parfum

This light, crisp perfume is a year-round classic, but its notes of mandarin, jasmine, pink pepper, and violet leaves are especially tantalizing during the warmer months. This strictly floral perfume is soft, romantic, and refreshing — the perfect vibe to kick off summer.

Lemon Island Pure Perfume

Atelier Cologne

Lemon Island Pure Perfume

This lemony fragrance is as delicious as it is invigorating, which gives the perfect pep in your step to enjoy the summer to the fullest. This unisex perfume is the closest thing you can get to bottling an entire tropical vacation into one vial. It has hints of lemon and jasmine from India, and vanilla infusion from Madagascar to bring you a soft citrusy scent that you’ll love wearing from day to night.

diptyque doson

Even if you can’t swing a vacation to the beaches of Vietnam this year, this tuberose, orange blossom, and jasmine scent will help transport you to the seaside in just one spritz. Don’t wait on this fragrance though — just like summer, it’s limited edition and not going to hang around forever.

OUI Splash Eau de Parfum

OUI Splash Eau de Parfum

There’s only one word to describe this perfume: fun! This fragrance from Juicy Couture has the same young-hearted spirit as its original predecessor but is taken to new levels just in time for summer through notes of fresh lemon sorbet, pineapple, and apple.

Eden-Roc

Made in collaboration with the iconic Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, this fragrance will instantly transport you right to the French Riviera — well, mentally, at least. You’ll find notes of marine air, flowers and citrus fruits, aromatic scents and maritime pine trees that round out this luxury aquatic scent.

BEE Eau de Parfum

BEE Eau de Parfum

Warm, sweet honey is the star of this fragrance, but don’t expect it to be too sweet. It also has hints of dark rum, vanilla bean, cocoa absolute, and sandalwood to round out its profile. It’s a sweet aroma with just a touch of spice to instantly elevate your fragrance wardrobe — and make anyone near you move just a little bit closer to take another whiff.

byredo open sky

Open Sky Eau de Parfum

If you’re on the lookout for a fragrance that transcends morning to night, then spritz this hemp leaf-infused fragrance. This spicy, dark fragrance also has notes of pomelo, black pepper, palo santo, and vetiver to bring out its intensity while playing on the concept of “a metaphysical homage to the experience of travel.” Dark, sensual, mysterious — everything you need to maximize those hot girl summer vibes.

This article was originally published on June 3, 2021