The 17 Best Summer Perfumes for When You're Out of Office
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Summer is full of so many possibilities, from all the cookouts to road trips to tropical vacations we're able to squeeze into just a couple of months. Scent is incredibly powerful, and whatever fragrance you choose to don during the season will inevitably bring you back to those blissful sunny days, even if you spritz it on again in the dead of winter. That's why carefully selecting one of the best summer perfumes isn't a process that should be rushed, whether it's an affordable fragrance or a more expensive designer scent.
As you begin your search, you'll discover that there are quite a few factors to think about. 'When choosing a perfume for the summer there are a few things to consider,' says Yvan Jacqueline, the President of Parfums de Marly. 'How long does it last on your skin? Fresh fragrances tend not to last as long on the skin in the summer. Does it reflect your personality and is it unique? Is it uplifting for you, or does it give you a sense of the season? Do you love it? At the end of the day, you are the one wearing the fragrance and you should love it and the way it makes you feel.' Plus, you have to consider the other summer-specific products that you'll be wearing on your skin, too. 'I like to think about how my summer scent will compliment my SPF choice,' says Jennifer Capuano, the vice president of fragrances at Macy's. 'The two should wear nicely together since sunscreen is a must for protecting your skin.'
If you're feeling overwhelmed, we're here to help. We searched through our own perfume shelves, consulted fragrance experts and other ELLE beauty editors, and read hundreds of customer reviews to make your shopping experience easier. Below, discover the 20 best summer perfumes to make this summer one to remember.
You'll want to stock up on this newly launched perfume that is already making waves. 'This summer, I will be wearing Diptyque's newest fragrance, L'Eau Papier Eau de Toilette,' says Eduardo Valadez. 'It's my new absolute favorite scent; the unique rice steam accords and a hint of white musk and mimosa make it the perfect seasonal scent. I can't wait to wear it all summer long!'
Notes: Musk, mimosa, rice steam, blond wood
Size: 1.7–3.1 fl. oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: 'I can't get enough of skin scents. Every day, I wake up and wonder what perfume I'm going to wear that day. More often than not, I end up layering at least three different musky scents, dousing my pressure points and clothes in each one. This one is essential; its woodiness gives it a bit of an edge and makes my scent concoction that much more interesting. I wouldn't be surprised if I were to go through my bottle by the end of the summer.' —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
This perfume is one of the most spot-on interpretations of summer. With notes of spandex, pool water, and pineapple, even a quick whiff of this fragrance is enough to transport you to a beachside hotel, sipping cocktails in the sun.
Notes: Coconut water, banana, pineapple, spandex, sea salt, pool water
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'The best way I can describe this perfume: it reminds me of when I go on vacation, and I walk into the shops at the resorts. The doors are open, and you catch a breeze that picks up the ocean air, mixes it with the flowers and foliage outside, and hits the product scents in the shop, all mixed together. And when you get home you wish you could have bottled those scents into a fragrance…well this is it.'
Spritz this scent, close your eyes, and you'll feel like you're sitting in a cabana in the middle of an aquamarine sea as a gentle breeze kisses your hair. Because it's an eau de toilette, the fragrance is lightweight, never overwhelming, and the addition of coconut to the classic Elizabeth Arden Green Tea fragrance gives it an irresistible tropical vibe.
Notes: Salted coconut flesh accord, coconut shavings delight, green tea accord, karmaflor, white amber, musk, oakmoss accord
Size: 1.7–3.4 fl. oz.
Elizabeth Arden rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: 'Like the original Elizabeth Green Tea fragrance, this one sparkles on your skin. The first time I sprayed it, the first word that came out of my mouth was 'summer.' I usually get headaches or feel nauseous when scents are too heavy, but I feel there's no limit to how many times I can spritz this on myself in one go—that's how fresh and light it is.' —Carol Lee
A true citrus fragrance, this juicy scent is perfect for hot days. With great lasting power and natural ingredients, Tangerine Boy kisses your skin with a tangy, sweet scent that only intensifies as it settles. Grab your mimosa and spritz on this perfume to have a wonderful day.
Notes: Tangerine, lemon, amber, ginger, green moss
Size: 0.32–1.7 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 3.8/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: 'I love citrus perfumes and this one is a powerful punch of juicy fresh orange. It smells so good and lasts for hours. I hope they never stop making this one because it is that good.'
This scent was designed to uplift your spirits and increase your energy, and it does exactly that. With notes of lemon, coconut water, and bergamot, it's a refreshing fragrance that's ideal during hot, humid weather.
Notes: Bergamot, lemon, coconut water, sandalwood
An ELLE editor says: 'Coconut is a clear cheat code to earning the scent of the summer, and a superb example is Brown Girl Jane's Lamu. This scent engages in a ménage à trois with lemon, coconut, and musk, pulling you to the shore for an airy, intoxicating high and back to land for a sultry settle.' —Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
After going viral on TikTok, this perfume has been sold out numerous times. 'For this summer, I would recommend Musc Noir Rose, which is a fragrance that is very well balanced with a fresh, top note of bergamot, a blooming tuberose, and a sensual but not heavy bottom note of musk and vanilla,' says Contant.
Notes: Vanilla, leather, patchouli
Size: 3.3. fl. oz.
Macy's rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: 'Narciso Rodriguez's collection of musk-centric perfumes has a special place in my heart. Musc Noir Rose has all of the complexity I adore about its sister scents along with a fresh burst of rose—it's a beauty and truly one of the best rose perfumes out there.' —Carol Lee
Valaya is a quintessential summertime perfume, thanks to its longevity, ability to blend with a person's skin scent, and bright, crisp notes.
Notes: Bergamot, vetiver, musk, peach, mandarin
Size: 2.5 fl. oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: 'The thing I really like about Valaya is that it's such an unexpected scent. To me, Valaya smells like early morning mist on a clear spring day or a crisp, freshly starched white button-down—soft, airy, and clean. It's feminine, but it's also fresh. In my perfume collection, I think of it as an old reliable. It's a good go-to for just about any occasion, from job interviews to dates.' —Katie Berohn, ELLE beauty editor
You can't beat a classic. This Chanel fragrance is youthful, with vanilla and patchouli offsetting each other for a more vivid, complex scent.
Notes: Patchouli, amber, tonka bean, vanilla
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: 'This was my first designer scent purchase. I fell for how feminine and warm it is and it's exactly what I imagined the fantasy version of myself to smell like. The fragrance lasts all day long, so it's one of the few perfumes that I don't feel I need to reapply after a few hours.' —Carol Lee
For a citrus perfume that veers more savory than sweet, this D.S. & Durga fragrance has found the sweet spot. Mandarin and blood orange are paired with deeper musk and incense for a spicy summer perfume.
Notes: Blood orange, mandarin, incense, musk
Size: 1.7–3.3 fl. oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'It has been years since I bought a new perfume. I wanted one that was not heavy and that I could wear both day and night. This filled the bill perfectly!'
Le Labo created some of the most sought-after fragrances like Santal 33, but their matcha scent is wildly underrated. Earthy and green, this fragrance somehow captures the deepness and slight bitterness of green tea perfectly.
Notes: Matcha, fig, vetiver, cedar wood
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'Matcha is so unique and it smells gorgeous. It's earthy and zen. Works great with my body chemistry. 5 stars!'
Anyone searching for a sweet grown-up perfume should try this fragrance. Combining florals and vanilla, this fragrance uses patchouli to offset the sweetness for a sensual, more complex scent.
Notes: Opoponax, geranium, violet, vanilla, patchouli
Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'I love the scent of this perfume. This is the first perfume I've had in a long time that is clean, light, and refreshing. It works on my skin without any overbearing or overpowering smells and I get so many compliments on it when I wear it!'
No surprise here—this perfume is all about the florals. With added vanilla and patchouli, it's a feminine scent with a hint of edge. Housed in a grenade-shaped bottle, it's a must-have for your vanity.
Notes: Orchid, freesia, patchouli, vanilla
Size: 0.34–5 fl. oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'The perfume spray is absolutely wonderful! The scent is that of flowers and reminds me of tropical islands. The patchouli really adds that extra something to the scent. This is perfect for everyday wear or for special events. The scent is so uplifting and fresh I guarantee your friends will want to know what you are wearing so they can purchase some.'
Close your eyes and dream of England and it should smell something like this. With fresh florals and juicy fruit notes, this perfume is perfectly suited to a summertime picnic.
Notes: Cassis, honey, peach
Size: 1–3.4 fl. oz.
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'I gave my friend a hug and she had the most sweet floral smell; I instantly fell in love with the fragrance. I'm super sensitive to smells and most colognes give me a headache, but not this one. I get so many compliments every time I wear it, even from men. This is a beautiful sweet smell. You will love it!'
For vanilla lovers, this new fragrance by Ariana Grande is the one-stop shop for dessert-like perfumes. In addition to vanilla, this scent contains hints of praline and plum for a youthful, fun aroma.
Notes: Freesia, plum, vanilla, cocoa butter, praline
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: 'Finally found my signature scent! I can't stop smelling myself. It's such a cozy & warm scent when it dries down! I sprayed myself at 10 in the morning and could still smell it at 8 pm.'
The newest fragrance to join the Paco Rabanne family is FAME, a fruity and sweet perfume that manages to smell like the real thing, not replications. Mango, jasmine, and vanilla combine to create the perfect juicy summer perfume.
Notes: Mango, jasmine, incense, vanilla, sandalwood
Size: 1.7–2.7 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: 'Every time someone walks past my desk and asks what scent I'm wearing, it's likely the lingering scent of Fame causing the ruckus. If metallic had a scent, it would be this perfume; it sparkles with vanilla and jasmine but has a woody edge that deepens as it dries down.'—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Are you dreaming of Italian vacations? This beautifully bottled perfume is like a bouquet of gardenias that came to life. It's a bright scent with a hint of sweet pear for a feminine, everyday fragrance.
Notes: Bergamot, pear, gardenia
Size: 0.68–1.7 fl. oz.
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'It is a beautifully feminine, yet sophisticated floral. Every time I wear Florence, I receive compliments as well as requests for the name of my perfume. I think it is because the floral [is] truly a classic and timeless fragrance—not too sweet or strong and definitely subtle. I will definitely buy Florence again. I highly recommend this scent!'
Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume has been a favorite for over a decade and it's not hard to see why. This perfume combines florals, fruits, and deeper notes for a complex yet accessible summertime scent.
Notes: Berries, violet, jasmine, sandalwood
Size: 1.7–6.7 fl. oz.
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: 'A great springtime scent. This scent is lovely and it's not too overwhelming. It stays on for a long time before you have to reapply as well. It gives off very floral scents . I started off with a sample I got for free and I knew I had to have the full bottle!'
Jennifer Capuano is the VP of Fragrances at Macy's.
Eduardo Valadez is the Director of Marketing at Diptyque.
Sonia Contant, Senior Perfumer at Givaudan.
Yvan Jacqueline is the President of Parfums de Marly.
The best fragrance notes to wear in the summer depend on personal preference. However, a common theme seems to be light, crisp notes. 'The best scent notes to pair with sunny, warm weather are light, crisp, and fresh, like citrus and floral notes,' says Valadez. For Capuano, she believes: 'A great summer fragrance should be refreshing and airy, and my picks would be scents that start with top notes that include citrus, bergamot, and pear. These notes will brighten spirits and are the perfect mood booster for a bright sunny day. I personally lean towards a juice that starts with that freshness and then dries down to an ambery warm base. For this, you will want to look out for scent notes like sandalwood, patchouli, or vanilla.'
Vanilla is also a favorite of Contant. 'For summer fragrances, I love solar notes like tuberose, white floral bouquets, and a fresh, luminous top note such as bergamot. I love to let behind me a vanilla musky trail.' Bergamot and musk are also some of Jacqueline's preferred scents in the summer. 'It's so hard to choose my favorite scent notes, but some of my favorites include orange blossom, bergamot, iris, Lily of the Valley, and musk. These notes are not only perfect for the summertime but can be used all year long.'
Ultimately, 'I think it is important to choose a fragrance which is not too invasive like heavy gourmand fragrance; otherwise, you could be easily tired with your perfume during the day,' says Contant. 'I think freshness on top such as bergamot, pink peppercorn, a beautiful blooming note in the heart, and a long-lasting but not too sticky, heavy bottom note is key.'
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