Our Favourite Summer Perfumes

When you think of summer, you probably think of trips abroad, warm evenings sat in the garden, ice creams, weddings, and pool parties. When it comes to choosing a summer perfume, keep your favourite summer memories in mind. The best summer perfumes will transport you straight to your happiest sunny scenes, whether this be a day at the beach or your favourite festival. 

If, like us, you like to switch up your scent for the season, or you’re on the hunt for the best holiday fragrances out there, scroll down to discover our top perfume picks for summer.

While winter and autumn months typically bring woody, musky, spicy scents, in summer it’s all about the fresh, vibrant, and uplifting fragrances. Citrus notes, plus warm florals like jasmine, magnolia, and rose, are popular summer favourites, along with juicy and sweet fruity accords. Lightness is key when it comes to summer perfumes, as overly rich and heady scents can feel too heavy in the heat. Having said this, you also want your fragrance to stand the test of time, and withstand sun, sea, and sweat. Look for scents with a good balance of lighter top notes and slightly deeper base notes, as this will ensure your fragrance stays on your skin for longer. 

Whatever your summer vibe, if you find a fragrance that pairs perfectly with sunny days and reminds you of salty air, a fruity cocktail, or a tropical island, you’re onto a winner. 

Whether you prefer a zesty burst of citrus, delicate floral notes, or vibrant and fruity fragrances, the perfect summer perfume will capture the freshness and life of the season. From lemon and bergamot to amber and sandalwood, we’ve put together the scents you won’t be able to get enough of this summer. 

If you’re looking for a brand that’s synonymous with summer, you need Sol de Janeiro. They’re most-loved for their iconic Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62 Mist inspired by Brazilian beaches, which features warm, delicious notes of pistachio, almond, vanilla, salted caramel, and sandalwood. Top tip: spritz your mist after applying their bestselling Brazilian Bum Bum Cream for a longer-lasting scent (and ultra silky-smooth skin).  

Struggling to find the summer scent that’s right for you? Floral Street have got your back with their Fragrance Discovery Set, featuring eight mini but mighty scents. Ranging from spicy and sweet to citrusy and floral, this is the perfect way to choose your favourite fragrance without breaking the bank. Plus, they’re the perfect size to pop in your summer handbag for on-the-go spritzing. 

Inspired by the nostalgia of summer and the warmth of a day spent at the beach, Maison Matine Bain De Midi is the kind of scent you’ll want to pack in your holiday bag. Coconut is an iconic summer fragrance note, and in this blend, it’s accompanied by citrusy bergamot, sweet vanilla, and a blend of tropical flowers – ylang-ylang, gardenia, and tiare flower.

If you’re drawn to floral, fruity fragrances, then you’ll love Ari Eau de Parfum Spray from Ariana Grande. Raspberry, pear, and grapefruit are the standout notes, accompanied by rose, lily of the valley, marshmallow and musk. Gentle, intimate, and playful, this is summer in a bottle. 

Warm and sweet, with notes of coconut, fig, amber, pepper, and jasmine, Arizona Bloom Eau de Parfum from Floral Street was created to evoke feelings of freedom and happiness. It’s ideal for summer but would also make a perfect autumn fragrance since it’s so warm – and a little bit smoky.

Capturing the essence of an endless summer, the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Nuit Eau de Parfum instantly wraps you in the warmth of a never-setting sun. Combining a sensual blend of Italian bergamot, ginger extract, and mandarin, this scent settles into notes of Indian jasmine, creamy coconut, and decadent accords of vanilla and amber. If you’re wondering what a tropical paradise smells like, this is it. 

Another overwhelmingly citrusy fragrance, the Blood Oranges Fragrances Eau de Parfum from Shay & Blue draws upon fresh, juicy blood orange – resulting in a powerful pop of scent that really makes an impact. A rich, woody base of leather, musk, and amber makes this an extremely long-lasting fragrance.

Another summer favourite from Floral Street, their floral, fruity, and gourmand Sunflower Pop Eau de Parfum makes a showstopping impact. It’s a bright, happy scent that immediately uplifts and refreshes the wearer, thanks to citrusy notes of mandarin orange, passionfruit, and bergamot.

Inspired by a happy hour margarita, this tangy Sicilian Limes Fragrance Eau de Parfum from Shay & Blue features bold notes of lime, rosemary, and moss. It’s fresh and loud, and since herbal and citrus notes are always long-lasting, this perfume really lingers in all the right ways. 

While floral fragrances might feel better suited to spring than summer, this Beautiful Magnolia Eau de Parfum Spray from Estee Lauder is bursting with notes of summer-booming flowers like magnolia, lotus, gardenia, and rose. Spritz it and you’ll feel like you’re spending a warm summer’s evening relaxing in a flower garden.

The perfume you take on holiday will transport you back to that time with every spritz, so it’s important to bring one you’ll love. Many perfumes are available in travel sizes, and some even come in plastic bottles as an extra lightweight and travel-friendly option. If you want to make packing a breeze without sacrificing smelling amazing, the Sol de Janeiro mists are a top choice. All available in plastic, cabin-approved sizes, these sunshine-infused scents are sure to enhance every holiday experience.

If you want to maximise your favourite Sol scents on holiday, Sol de Janeiro have put together a travel-size Jet Set of their bestselling, best smelling essentials, all packed into a handy clear case. Featuring a body wash, body cream, and a body mist, this sweet-smelling trio is the ultimate way to enjoy your favourite fragrances for longer.  

You wouldn’t wear a winter coat in summer, so why not apply the same rule to your perfume collection? Swapping out your heavier fragrances for light and fresh summer scents is a great way to enhance the essence of the season and capture your favourite summer memories. Whether beach bars of garden sunbathing sessions are on the agenda, we’ve got the fresh, fruity, or floral fragrance to match.