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There’s a Summer Perfume That’ll Suit Everyone—Here Are 6 of the Best Scents to Shop Now
Heat and sweat? They've got nothing on these delicious fragrances.
IDK about you, but when it comes to perfume, when I like a scent, I'll stick to it–especially if it's one that sees me attract many a compliment... I'm a Leo, what can I say?
That said, seasonal fragrances are all the rage with perfume buffs. A vanilla for summer, a musk for autumn, a spice for winter...you get my vibe. But with so many notes to choose from (let alone bottles of fragrances and brands themselves), giving every perfume a whiff can be more nauseating than aromatic. That's where team Cosmo Beauty comes in!
Having smelled hundreds, if not thousands, of perfumes in our time (all in a day's work, what can I say), we've whittled the best summer fragrances down to just six scents–and there's one for everyone. So, whether you like your scents to smell like a fruity cocktail or are sucker for a rich gourmand, keep on reading to find out which is your perfect match. Cupid, he's got nothing on me...
Want to smell good enough to eat? Or rather... drink? Well, look no further than Juliette Has A Gun's Miami Shake (new in this year, BTW), which smells *exactly* like a sweet strawberry milkshake with hints of daiquiri cocktail... minus the alcohol scent, obvi.
The creamy gourmand fragrance is made up of a blend of wild strawberries, whipped cream, and a touch of vanilla, which, together, make for an indulgent experience! But not a sickly one – don't get it twisted.
While, first and foremost, Glossier specialise in A1 makeup and skincare, the brand's perfumes are some of their best-sellers – and for good reason.
Ealier this year, they expanded their infamous You fragrance into a line of four different scents. The OG You, Rêve, Doux and my favourite, Fleur.
As you can probably guess, Fleur has more of a floral base but has an airy opening and a warm, musky finish. Above all, the main takeaway is that this fragrance is a skin-scent enhancer; It's never overpowering and is unique to you.
Summer calls for a beach holiday, natch. And preferably, one in an exotic, hot country. But with the pros of said territory come some cons, the main being bugs and mosquitoes. Enter: Diptyque's Ilio.
Described as a fruity floral, the notes of prickly pear, iris, jasmine and bergamot are a European bug's nightmare; essentially, the scent is so powdery, soft and slightly earthy (delicious to a human nose, FYI) that it almost acts as a repellent.
Soft, intimate and perfect for high summer occasions.
At nearly $400, this perfume is no drive-by purchase. Instead, think of it as a summer splurge or a birthday gift for the Cancers and Leos in your life.
What makes it one of our favourite summer perfumes is its bright, airy and crowd-pleasing scent. The almond floral notes are the main attraction, not to mention its longevity. Basically, you're guaranteed compliments all day and night – even without a re-spritz.
Wanna smell like a warm summer's evening? Santal Vanille by The 7 Virtues is the scent for you.
This fragrance has a middle note of vanilla (aka, the star of the show); however, it's not overtly sweet, thanks to its blend of cardamom, Indian pepper, Madagascar sandalwood, and cashmeran notes. Think of it as a grown-up vanilla scent; mature and feminine yet in equal parts creamy and delicious.
You may have noticed a running theme here: a love for vanilla. The note is sweet, creamy, and slightly floral, making for the perfect day-to-night summer perfume. This one from Tom Ford, however, is ideal for evening wear thanks to its depth and warmth.
It opens with tobacco and ginger, making for a warm spice, but settles with notes of rich vanilla, cocoa, and tonka bean. It smells kinda sweet and a little smoky, hence being ideal for a romantic date night for two.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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