Call me a beauty writer, but I know a good perfume when I smell one. Gimme a whiff of rose, a waft of vanilla and a hint of leather, and you’ve got fragrance a là Lia. Yes, I know my scents, but when it comes to switching out my perfume for seasonal newness… well, I just don’t. To the seven bottles I’ve had in my forever rotation, it’s always been you <3
But now, in the spirit of my frontal lobe development, I thought I’d sniff out what the summer fragrance hype is all about with the expertise of Karla Woolley, Head of Buying at The Perfume Shop. (Spoiler: I’m a changed–but–still–great-smelling–woman.)
The notes to note
Fresh, light and nostalgic
Scent is often about nostalgia and that's the perfect place to start when searching for a new fragrance. During the summer months, as Woolley says, it’s all about fresh, lighter perfumes. “Ozonic (clean and airy) and chypre (warm and mossy) notes become more popular in the summer months because they’re reminiscent of that holiday feeling.” Think: saltiness that instantly reminds people of the sea breeze and coconut that evokes the taste of a pinã colada on the beach.
Maison Margiela Replica Sailing Day Eau de Toilette - 30ml
Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum Spray
Feelin' fruity
Berry has also been trending over the last couple of years and this is only going to continue. “Raspberry adds a refreshing burst of sweetness to fragrances, often complemented by subtle floral undertones,” Woolley says. Continuing, she explains that raspberry is a versatile note that can feel fresh and outdoorsy when paired with rose and juicy grapefruit, or indulgent and comforting when combined with vanilla or marshmallow. In equal parts indulgent and tangy.
Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Elixir Eau de Parfum Spray
An effervescent mix
In sexy news: effervescent (aka, fizzy) scents are also making waves, bringing a playful, sparkling quality to summer perfumes. “These often feature notes like champagne, citrus, or sparkling fruits that create an uplifting and celebratory mood,” Woolley says. Sunset BBQ soireé, anyone?
How to make your fragrance last longer
Fragrances can be spenny, so swot up on Woolley’s tips to make sure you get the best out of your summer scent.
Eau de Parfum (EDP), elixirs and absoluts are the sweat-proof Charlie’s Angels of fragrance. With a higher concentration of fragrance oils than an Eau de Toilette, these tend to linger on the skin for hours, even in hot weather.
Steer clear of overly sweet, sugary fragrances or perfumes with heavy floral or fruity notes if you want to avoid unwanted attention from insects. Instead, opt for fresh, citrusy, herbal scents, as these are less likely to appeal to bugs.
Before applying your new scent, moisturise first. Perfume lasts longer on hydrated skin, so make sure to layer on the lotions before spritzing. Use an unscented or matching fragranced product to create a base for your perfume to cling to.
Be precise in your dose and focus on your pulse points (wrists, neck, inner elbows, and behind your knees). These areas generate heat, which helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day.
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.
