The Best Summer Fragrances Are an Escape in a Bottle
As the days grow longer and the sun begins to grace us with its presence, I find myself eager to swap my entire perfume collection for something lighter—something that embodies the spirit of summer. The warm musks and spicy notes that are delightful during spring start to feel a bit overwhelming when rooftop barbecues and sunny Fridays become the norm.
Our Top Picks for Summer Fragrances
- The Summer Fragrance for Men: Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne, $115
- The All-Around Pick: Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche Eau de Toilette, $145
- The Caribbean Escape: Brown Girl Jane Carnivale Eau de Parfum, $102
- The Fragrance Oil: Orebella Blooming Fire Parfum, $72
- The European Summer: Tom Ford Costa Azzurra Eau de Parfum, $235
I am certainly not alone in my seasonal scent transition. Autumne West, Nordstrom’s beauty director, shares that summertime perfumes should evoke a carefree, good mood without feeling heavy. She gravitates towards light and airy scents such as fresh florals with jasmine or vanilla and coconut blends reminiscent of tropical destinations.
Linda G. Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation, echoes this sentiment, stating that summer is synonymous with tropical and fruity notes. This season has seen the introduction of many fruit-forward fragrances perfectly suited for warm weather, like bananas, mangoes, and pears—offering a refreshing twist to our olfactory experience.
Expert Picks & Why They’re Perfect for Summer
Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche Eau de Toilette
- Why We Love It: This vibrant eau de toilette is Chanel’s way of embodying the spirit of Gabrielle Chanel herself—energetic and unapologetically bold. The scent is designed to invigorate with each spritz, making it an ideal choice for summer.
- Notes: Citron, jasmine, teak wood
Byredo Sundazed Eau de Parfum
- Why We Love It: If you dream of long days spent outdoors, Byredo’s Sundazed encapsulates the essence of summer sunshine with its uplifting blend of citrus and florals.
- Notes: Lemon, mandarin, neroli, jasmine sambac, musks
Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne
- Why We Love It: A genderless fragrance that balances marine freshness with woody depth, this cologne remains a favorite year after year.
- Notes: Ambrette seeds, sea salt, sage
This seasonal shift in fragrance is more than just a trend—it’s about capturing the essence of summer itself. As we embrace the warmth and freedom of these months, our scents should reflect our mood. They are an invisible accessory that complements the lighter fabrics of our wardrobes and the carefree attitude we adopt when the weather warms.
Creating Your Perfect Summer Beauty Routine
- Skin Care: Opt for lightweight, hydrating products that keep your skin fresh without feeling oily or heavy.
- Makeup: Embrace a natural look with tinted moisturizers and sheer lip balms to stay comfortable in the heat.
- Hair Care: Switch to volumizing shampoos and lighter styling products to keep your hair bouncy and breezy.
- Fragrance: Choose a summer scent that lifts your spirits and is perfect for long days in the sun.
Incorporating these summer fragrances into your beauty routine can transform an ordinary day into an experience of sensory escape. Whether it’s capturing the essence of a Caribbean beach or evoking the aroma of Mediterranean waves, each fragrance invites you to journey without leaving home.
So this season, let’s celebrate with scents that make us feel alive and remind us why summer is our favorite time of year.