With summer in full gear, now is the time for a wardrobe refresh. Your fragrance wardrobe, that is. To usher in the warmer weather, we have been swapping out our cozy vanilla perfumes and moody oud scents for something a little more vibrant and airy.
There are plenty of new summer fragrances claiming to have captured sunshine in a bottle; think refreshing bursts of citrus, breezy white florals, coconutty sunscreen, and hints of ocean air. A single spritz of the right perfume can recover special memories from the past, from nostalgic childhood holidays to summer flings. Even if you’re staying close to home this season, the right scent can make you feel like you’re jetting off to the Mediterranean (cue the TikTok-viral Jet2 Holiday advert).
Ahead, we’ve sniffed our way through the latest perfume and body mist launches to bring you a selection of summer scents that are as carefree and joyful as a ray of sunshine.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
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Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Intense Eau de Parfum
“The newest addition to the Gucci Flora family captures everything I love about a summer garden party. The mandarin essence has a fizzy quality that dances on the palate like a chilled glass of aperitif. At the heart of the fragrance is a blend of my favourite white florals — gardenia, jasmine, and tuberose — rounded out by smooth sandalwood at the base. It’s an extravagantly feminine scent that announces your presence before you enter the room. I also love the fuchsia bottle design with the classic Gucci print, which resembles vintage luxury cologne you see everywhere in Florence.” — Venus Wong, senior writer
Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Intense Eau de Parfum, $, available at Sephora
NOYZ Salty Hair & Body Fragrance Mist
“If you’re a fan of Floral Street’s Arizona Bloom, Salty will be right up your street. Warm waterlily and juicy pineapple meet pink sea salt and marine notes, giving this beachy floral a crisp, clean twist that sets it apart from other beachy fragrances on this list — especially on scorching days when I tend to avoid perfume. The oversized bottle is a bonus, too. I can happily mist it over my hair, clothes and skin without holding back. The compliments? They just keep on coming.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director
Noyz Salty Hair & Body Fragrance Mist, $, available at Noyz
Byredo Rodeo Eau de Parfum
“I’m the last person to call myself a cowgirl. In fact, I grew up in a city and never saw cattle until I was about 18 years old. However, I’ve been surprisingly drawn to Byredo’s new perfume, meant to mimic the thrill of the bull-riding sport. Leather and tobacco-heavy fragrances are usually a miss for me, and yet I’m utterly drawn to the animalistic combo of leather and suede, thanks to the presence of powdery velvet and earthy black tea. The profile is subdued and sensual, with a faint waft of smokiness that reminds me of burnt book pages. If you’ve ever walked into an expensive leather goods store, this is exactly what Rodeo smells like, and it makes for the perfect finishing touch on a night out.” — Venus Wong, senior writer
Byredo Rodeo Eau de Parfum, $, available at Selfridges
Phlur Mrs Smith Hair & Body Mist
“Named after the popular, vibrant green variety of apples, Granny Smiths, Phlur’s latest scent feels like an August afternoon in my garden, bottled. The apple trees are so laden with fruit, it’s a rush to get to them all before they fall to the ground. What starts with a vibrant burst of energy — fruity notes of Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples, pears, and watermelon, and the light floral apple blossom — is swiftly met with an earthy sweetness, thanks to pink praline and musk nectar. It’s a shot of energy in perfume form. If you’re a fan of DKNY’s Be Delicious, this is right up your street. Personally, I’ll be experimenting with layering it over some of my cleaner and woody scents to even out the sweetness for everyday wear.” — Esther Newman, affiliate writer
Phlur Mrs Smith Hair & Body Mist, $, available at Sephora
Penhaligon’s Daphne Bouquet Eau de Parfum
“I thought I hated floral perfumes — then I discovered Daphne Bouquet, and I truly can’t get enough. Inspired by the lush gardens at King Charles III’s Highgrove residence, it blends fragrant blackcurrant leaves with subtly sweet Daphne flower and earthy moss. The result? Like stepping into a florist’s on delivery day: green, refreshing, heady, and syrupy — but never saccharine. I left it on my desk over the weekend and realised nothing in my bathroom cabinet at home compared. Since it’s a limited edition, I’ll be stocking up — and I’d recommend doing the same.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director
Penhaligon’s Daphne Bouquet Eau de Parfum, $, available at Penhaligon’s
ZARA Floral Fruity Crush Hair & Body Mist
“I have a soft spot for pear-forward fragrances in summer months; there’s just something about its crisp juiciness that instantly lifts my mood. Zara’s Floral Fruity Crush has been my go-to for an affordable spritz. The name really explains it all: You can smell the fresh and mouthwatering fruit right off the bat, before gardenia sweeps in with a creamy, almost velvety floral vibrance. The patchouli base completes the dry down with a subtle warmth that feels like sunlit skin.” — Venus Wong, senior writer
Zara Floral Fruity Crush Hair & Body Mist, $, available at Zara
Mizensir Ylang Spirit Eau de Parfum
“This is the ultimate beachy fragrance — it radiates warm vacation vibes. Ylang-ylang, a creamy white flower, is the star note. While subtly floral, it brings a banana-esque twist, like sipping a banana colada wrapped in a fluffy towel that’s been warming in the sun after a dip in the pool. The dry-down is warm and musky, with Madagascar vanilla, benzoin (a spicy tree resin) and, yes, musk — making it smell like your skin but better. Most sunshine scents fade fast, but this one packs a punch. One spritz earned me countless compliments in the office — and even one on the train!” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director
Mizensir Ylang Spirit Eau de Parfum, $, available at Harrods
Prada Paradoxe Radical Essence Parfum
“Paradoxe Radical Essence is very much a mood-lifting perfume in a way that’s least expected. Salted pistachio sits at the top of the scent pyramid, greeting the nose with a waft of savory nuttiness. It reminds me of childhood summer days that felt endless, when I’d do nothing but watch TV all afternoon with my grandad and snack on roasted nuts. Orange blossom and neroli balance out that nuttiness, and the results are both sophisticated and playful. It’s a scent that’s got serious depth, and all the notes linger on the skin for ages. Being a refillable fragrance is a big bonus, as I’ll definitely be going back for more.” — Venus Wong, senior writer
Prada Paradoxe Radical Essence Parfum, $, available at Ulta
Jo Loves With Love From Como
“I look forward to Jo Loves’ limited-edition scents every summer, and this year is no different. Inspired by Italy’s most famous lake, With Love From Como opens with a burst of sweet mandarin — it’s so juicy and true-to-life, I feel like I’m peeling the fruit IRL. Citrus notes tend to have fairly weak staying power, but here, they linger on my skin for hours, anchored by musk and cedarwood at the base. Green rhubarb and grapefruit add a cocktail-like sparkle, while whiffs of basil add a Mediterranean-inspired twist. Whenever I wear this scent, I feel like a leading lady in an old Italian film, living fabulously by the lake, drenched in sun and Aperol Spritz. The beautiful, postcard-like bottle design also feeds into the daydream.” — Venus Wong, senior writer
Jo Loves With Love From Como, $, available at Jo Loves
Balmain Cuir Élysées Eau de Parfum
“I used to think leather perfumes were strictly for people who own motorcycle jackets and listen to heavy metal, but Cuir Élysées — which is inspired by a leather canvas, according to Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing — completely changed my perspective. The first sniff is all juicy raspberry, bright, and tart against the supple leather notes, with a pinch of saffron and pink pepper to give it an interesting kick. As it settles, the leather gets creamier, thanks to sandalwood, while jasmine adds a plush floral undercurrent. Wearing this feels like owning a limited-edition handbag made in the softest, most luxurious lambskin leather.” — Venus Wong, senior writer
Balmain Beauty Cuir Élysées Eau de Parfum, $, available at Bergdorf Goodman
Jo Malone Raspberry Ripple Cologne
“Jo Malone is leaning hard into nostalgia this summer with Raspberry Ripple Cologne, a limited-edition fragrance inspired by a traditional ice cream flavor popular in the UK. As someone who loves a good dessert, but not so much gourmand scents, I’m pleasantly surprised by how much I’m drawn to this: invigorating top notes of redcurrant and blackcurrant give way to juicy whiffs of raspberry, which feels elegantly whimsical but never too much like a kid’s treat. As it dries down, the scent unfolds into a sumptuous base of white musk that clings onto the skin and clothing for hours. It’s by far the longest-lasting Jo Malone perfume I’ve tried, and given its delicious scent profile, I’m very happy about it.” — Venus Wong, senior writer
Jo Malone Raspberry Ripple Cologne, $, available at Nordstrom
Glossier Body Spritzes (Sandstone and Orange Neroli Blossoms)
“I’ve been spritzing these mists on repeat lately, and it’s easy to see (smell?) why. If you’re a fan of the OG Body Hero products, then the Orange Blossom Neroli mist is right up your alley. It’s bright, summery, and subtly sultry with notes of musk, cypress, neroli, and bergamot. I love misting it in my hair and clothes for date night, since it feels especially feminine to me.
“I first discovered Sandstone when I tested Glossier’s array of deodorants. This scent was my favorite, and I’m glad the brand has now released it as a body mist. It feels very me: crisp, clean, with a hint of sexy, woody undertones. This dreamy blend of fig leaf, clary sage, sandalwood, and coconut milk is my official scent this summer. Sage and sandalwood are my top two favorite notes, and the addition of coconut milk lends a ‘summer vacation’ vibe that I’m obsessed with. The $35 price point is a win for my wallet, but if you don’t want to choose, you can shop the duo for a discounted price of $56. Regardless, there’s no bad choice between the two.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior writer
Glossier Body & Hair Fragrance Mist (Orange Blossom Neroli), $, available at Sephora
Glossier Body & Hair Fragrance Mist (Sandstone), $, available at Sephora
Initio Parfums Privés Power Self Extrait de Parfum
“Many of my go-to scents have become too cloying for this heatwave. I need something more delicate and clean, and this is where Power Self comes in. It’s lighter and fresher, so the hot weather doesn’t distort the notes into a screechy mess. It’s perfect for the office or relaxed days where you still want to feel ‘put together’. There’s a subtle spiciness in the notes, thanks to black pepper and ambrox, which I don’t typically associate with summer, but their presence alongside the musk and osmanthus [a fresh floral note] gives this fragrance an edge and uniqueness.” — Tanyel Mustafa, senior writer
INITIO Power Self Extrait de Parfum, $, available at Bloomingdale’s
Chanel Chance Eau Splendide Eau de Parfum
“Meet the latest addition to Chanel’s Chance dynasty: Eau Splendide. Equal parts floral and fruity, it blends tangy raspberry, lush rose, and powdery iris with a soft touch of white musk that feels soothingly nostalgic — a subtle nod to the ’90s in the best way. It’s effortlessly wearable, draws plenty of compliments, and the lilac bottle looks beautiful on my dressing table.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director
Chanel Chance Eau Splendide, $, available at Nordstrom
The 7 Virtues Clementine Dream Eau de Parfum
“As much as I enjoy fresh citrus notes, they have a reputation for fading away quickly in perfumery. Here, The 7 Virtues has managed to create a citrus fragrance that can go the distance. According to perfumer Kamila Lelakova, Clementine Dream was achieved by anchoring clementine and lemon oils with amber, cedarwood, and the brand’s signature vanilla accord. The result? A perfume that smells so much more expensive than its price tag, with impressive longevity. I love that the fruity, juicy aroma of clementines takes the spotlight here, as it’s less abrasive to the nose compared to lemon. I find myself putting on this addictingly succulent scent on the evenings I’m dining al fresco; it matches the mood perfectly.” — Venus Wong, senior writer
The 7 Virtues Clementine Dream Eau de Parfum, $, available at Sephora
Rabanne Silver Skin Eau de Parfum
“Rabanne’s La Collection is a seriously luxe upgrade from the brand’s original perfumes — and I’m hooked. My summer favorite is Silver Skin, which Rabanne describes as ‘the cool sensation of a chainmail dress.’ It’s powdery and clean, thanks to its lightly floral orris and pink pepper notes, making it my go-to on sticky summer days when I want to feel fresh. But it’s the addition of vanilla and benzoin, a warm, resinous note, that gives it a sexy, skin-like depth. I can’t get enough of it, and whenever I wear it, my friends always ask what it is.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director
Rabanne Silver Skin Eau de Parfum, $, available at Rabanne
Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 39 Perfume Mist
“Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa 39 is a popular limited edition fragrance that recently got bumped up to the brand’s permanent collection. If you ask me, it has all the attributes of the perfect summer scent for anyone growing their body spray collection. It’s sweet (thanks to vanilla, orchid, and toasted praline), and with some time to settle on skin, the coconut comes out strong, making it very beachy and summery. It’s youthful, uncomplex, and on a hot day, it will fit right into the vibe. It’s what we all want summer to be: fun.” — Tanyel Mustafa, senior writer
Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 39 Perfume Mist, $, available at Ulta
Ellis Brooklyn Guava Granita Eau de Parfum
“Are you having a ‘guava girl summer’? Judging from the slew of guava-themed makeup launches we’ve spotted lately, looking (and smelling) like the juicy, orangey-pink fruit is meant to be the aesthetic of the season. Leading the charge on the fragrance front is Ellis Brooklyn’s Guava Granita, a vibrant confection of guava juice, banana, melon, coconut palm, and mango blossom. The scent opens with tangy, candy-like guava that’s very photorealistic, and graduates into a comforting and somewhat mellower cloud of almond milk, vanilla, and sandalwood. It smells like both marshmallows and a delicious popsicle — in the best way. In other words, a fizzy summer fling captured in a bottle.” — Venus Wong, senior writer
Ellis Brooklyn Guava Granita Eau de Parfum, $, available at Sephora
Balmain Beauty Blanc Galaxie Eau de Parfum
“Balmain’s Blanc Galaxie is incredibly refreshing — like the perfume equivalent of an Aperol Spritz. It feels just right worn abroad in 85°F heat, but it also cuts through grey, muggy summer days at home. That’ll be the blend of zingy bergamot, sweet mandarin and tart lime, anchored by musk and heady patchouli for surprising staying power — something many citrus scents lack. It’s genderless, so I share it with my partner, who’s just as obsessed. The finish is like a breath of fresh air when you need it most.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director
Balmain Beauty Blanc Galaxie Eau de Parfum, $, available at Neiman Marcus
& Other Stories Pink Noon Eau De Toilette
“We’ve written about & Other Stories perfumes, which provide remarkable value for money, and Pink Noon is my favorite newcomer to the lineup. It’s a pretty floral that gets straight to the point: refreshing bergamot and pear blend in beautifully with the bouquet of jasmine, frangipani, and tuberose, while the salty vanilla note at the base gives it a bit of edge. It’s the type of scent I want to spray on myself when I feel hot and sweaty, as it does a great job of creating a pretty scent bubble around me. If you want to smell like a beautiful, golden sunset, this is the one.” — Venus Wong, senior writer
& Other Stories Pink Noon Eau De Toilette, $, available at & Other Stories
One by Samir Grey
One by Samir Grey = cozy luxury in a bottle. It instantly transports you to that end-of-summer moment when the sun is setting, the breeze feels softer, and a cashmere sweater is just enough to keep you warm.
The scent opens with the creamy sweetness of tiare flower and a touch of candied peach. Then it settles into a deeper warmth of amber, vanilla, and musk that lingers close to the skin. It’s the kind of fragrance that feels intimate, like a memory you want to hold onto. Sweet, warm, and completely addictive. — Sandy Pierre, Branded Execution Manager
Samir Grey One, $, available at Samir Grey
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