The Best Summer Fragrances to Wear All Season Long

 The best summer fragrances embody everything you love about the season: relaxing vacations, warm weather activities with family and friends, and carefree hours spent under the sun. Summertime scents feature citrus, tropical, floral, and aquatic notes that immediately bring you to your happy place. Essentially, fragrances that are light and refreshing are summer perfume-approved.

Ahead, you’ll find 10 of the best summer fragrances to add to your collection. From cult classics to niche fragrances you’ve never heard of, these perfumes will have you smelling good all season long.  

 

C.O. Bigelow Lemon No. 1999

Lemon No. 1999 captures the nostalgia of sitting beneath a lemon tree on a warm summer day. Light notes of lemon, green lemon leaves, and sensual musk exude the thirst-quenching scent of citrus that instantly brightens your day. It’s beautiful worn on its own, layered with other perfumes, or paired with our skin-renewing Lemon Body Cream.

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Carthusia Mediterraneo Eau de Parfum

With notes of wild mint, Sicilian lemon, Calabrian bergamot, Spanish red thyme, and Egyptian jasmine, Mediterraneo captures the lushest scents from all over Europe, Africa, and Asia. Its sparkling solar fragrance is ideal for summer days, whether you’re jet-setting around the world or enjoying the wonders of home. Mediterraneo by Carthusia is unique, lively, and endlessly versatile—It’s no wonder it’s one of George Clooney’s most beloved fragrances.

Shop Now ($100+)

 

Vacation Eau de Toilette

If any perfume on our list screamed summer, it’s Vacation. Inspired by the iconic sunscreen brand Vacation’s signature scent, this summer fragrance combines nostalgic sunscreen notes – coconut, banana, pineapple, and orange blossom ­– with poolside notes of pool water, pool toys, and swimsuit lycra for an immersive experience that immediately takes you back to your favorite summertime memories. Layer this with the brand’s Classic Lotion and you’re ready for a sun-filled day. 

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 Eight & Bob Mémoires de Mustique Eau de Parfum

 Mémoires de Mustique is an ode to the Caribbean Island it’s named after, showcasing notes of bergamot and petitgrain, the softness of jasmine, and the mysterious nature of precious woods. Neroli, the fragrance’s hero note, adds that extra something special. It’s creamy and citrusy without being cloying or sweet. The effect is so smooth and natural smelling you’ll want to wear it everywhere you go, from the office to an exotic island retreat. Mémoires de Mustique is perfectly unisex, meaning anyone could rock this.  

Shop Now ($195)

 

Oribe Côte d’Azur Eau de Parfum

If you want to smell like you just stepped out of a luxury hair salon, this is the summer perfume for you. The signature scent of Oribe’s hair care line, Côte d’Azur is juicy, green, and floral—perfect for summer. Top notes of Calabrian bergamot, lemon, black currant, and Sicilian orange are fresh, fruity, and feminine. Fluffy jasmine, creamy sandalwood, and woody vetiver wear close to the skin, so it’s not overpowering even when you spritz a little more than you should. 

Shop Now ($34+)

  

Memo Paris Lalibela Eau de Parfum

 Lalibela—one of the most unique fragrances on our list—will never bore you. Its light notes of coconut, orchid, jasmine, and rose perfectly balance the bolder notes of patchouli, incense, and resinous woods, exuding elegance with every spray. The coconut-forward florals are clean, playful and project best in warm weather, which is what you want from your summertime signature scent.  

Shop Now ($310)

  

Solinotes Paris Tiaré Eau de Parfum

If you don’t want to splurge on an expensive new fragrance but still want to smell fresh and summery, don’t overlook Solinotes’ Tiaré perfume. Coconut, peach, ylang-ylang, vanilla, rosewood, and musk work together to highlight the perfume’s star note, the tiaré flower. The overall effect is simple yet tropical, thanks to notes like coconut, and great for daytime wear. If you like a sweet perfume with hints of bright sandy beaches, give this summertime fragrance a spritz (or two).

Shop Now ($20)

  

Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneao – Fico di Amalfi 

For a classic yet modern summer scent, turn to Fico di Amalfi. This enchanting fragrance immediately boosts your mood with its bright grapefruit opening. Middle notes of jasmine, pink pepper, and jammy fig nectar remind you of being in a summer garden surrounded by fresh blooms, while base notes of fig tree, cedarwood, and benzoin are smooth and masculine. Refined and luxurious, this is a natural addition to your fragrance collection.

Shop Now ($143)

 

Vilhelm Parfumerie Mango Skin Eau de Parfum

This mango-inspired fragrance is just as fresh and juicy as the fruit itself. The tropical EDP opens with a realistic-smelling mango tempered by the tanginess of blackberry and black pepper. A creamy vanilla and pink sugar base dries down to mango-flavored icing, adding to the perfume’s inherent sweetness. 

Shop Now ($95+)

 

Laboratory Perfumes Gorse Eau de Toilette

Similar to Creed’s Virgin Island Water but at a fraction of the cost, Gorse is crisp and cheerful with notes of lemon, lime, cardamom, and coconut-scented gorse flower. Even though it’s an eau de toilette, a spray or two of this will last hours on the skin. Spritz this tropical fragrance all over to transport you to an island beach, sipping a pina colada. 

Shop Now ($95)

 

Written by Vanessa Gibson, to read more of her work please visit vanessagibson.me