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Best summer scents: the perfumes that scream heatwave even when the weather doesn't
The sweet, scent of annual leave ☀️
What does summer smell like to you? Cut grass, sea breeze? Or if you’re a city dweller that stench of warm bins that have been festering too long before collection? Yum. Well, for me along with standard city pong, I think of the scent my mum would spritz on in warmer climates. It was a blend of light but warm notes, like coconut, vanilla and jasmine and so whenever these notes crop up in fragrances I file in my ‘would be a perfect summer perfume’ section of the product catalog that is my brain. While most scents are workable and wearable across the year, there really are some that just scream summer and the best news is that they exist across the fragrance houses, so whether you prefer a floral spritz or a sexier musk, there is a summer scent out there for you.
In our picks below of course there’s the classic notes such as vanilla, coconut and zests to wrap you in a warm tropical vibe but there’s also a few unexpected scents amongst the best summer scents we’ve found to diversify your collection, think light, herbaceous energy and floral hits. Honestly, your collection is going to get a serious summer update. Now, pass the Aperol, please!
Maison Margiela Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk Eau de Toilette 30ml
What’s more summery than a beach walk? Maison Margiela have encapsulated that sand-between-your-toes feeling perfect with the mix of coconut milk, bergamot and ylang ylang among the notes.
If the actual South of France isn’t an option, allow us to introduce you to put simply, the next best thing. This gem of a fragrance is packed with the same notes as the brand’s signature notes of jasmine, lemon and vetiver.
This vegan fragrance has surprising lasting power for such an affordable price. Thanks to the pure essential oils at the heart of the scent you’ll find it lingers on your skin for the whole day. The overarching note is ylang ylang but you also have black pepper kicking it alongside creamy vanilla for added sweet and spice in this complex scent.
OUAI OUAI North Bondi Eau De Parfum
Honestly, luxe haircare brands do the best summer perfumes, you’ve heard it here first. With refreshing bergamot, lemon fruity blackberry and a scattering of floral notes, this light scent just is the fragrance to a fresh, summery coastal walk.
Floral Street Arizona Bloom Eau de Parfum 50ml
If like me you’re more of a fan of deeper, woody scents but want something that is more aligned with summer allow me to introduce you to this Floral Street find. The blend is sublime; Balinese coconut, Madagascan black pepper, jasmine petals, oak moss, salted musks, cashmere woods and fig leaves.
This salty surprise has a deeper base than you’d expect from the packaging but it’s still light enough to be a summery hit. The combo of tropical flowers with the sandalwood is such a winner for those of use that love a musk but want to keep it fresh for the sunshine.
Byredo Sundazed Eau de Parfum
Um hello sunshine! The California lemon and mandarin notes in this spritz is giving Malibu-beach-with-a-rose-and-salty-sea-hair. The base note of cotton candy adds sweetness but I promise it’s not as saccharine as it sounds.
When I spray this scent, I get a That’s So Raven style vision. It’s me tanned to perfection in a white flowing kaftan leaning gently on a balcony watching the sunset over the coastline of Santorini. Yes, it’s figgy but thanks to the woody notes with sea salt and Greek saffron it’s a warm and elegant kind of spritz.
This is my current everyday go to as the base layer of my summer scent (I’m a perfume layering addict, what can I say). The Commodity MO is about choosing how you want your scent to be received. Personal is for you, Expressive is for projection to be noticed and Bold+ is about really making your scent presence known. In the Personal collection this scent is lightweight and breezy with a lingering base note of amber for a soft, sweet warmth.
Calvin Klein Calvin Klein Eternity Intense for Women Eau de Parfum Spray
This classic scent really reminds me of lusty after work summer drinks with someone you fancy. It’s floral but it’s spicy too, with a touch of vanilla that rounds if off perfectly.
Moroccanoil Moroccanoil Hair & Body Fragrance Mist 100ml
The signature Moroccanoil scent now for an all-over spritz. Delightful. If you haven’t experienced the iconic oil’s scent before, it’s a blend of spicy amber with more floaty floral notes – basically the best of both worlds. What’s more, as this is a top to toe fragrance, this even has UV absorber technology to protect your hair from the sunshine. 10/10.
When the English weather isn’t doing bits, this scent really does transport you to lush, green, sunshine-y climes. With citrus, pineapple and fig meshed with sandalwood and cedarwood it’s a real tropical treat.
I’m not a floral fan but this is an EDP that makes me question everything. Jasmine and white florals are paired with woody notes for a balanced, sun-drenched scent.
This super-fresh scent has all the components of a quintessential summer scent. We've got lemon, we've got coconuts but we've also got a base of tonka beans and cedarwood for a balance of freshness and warmth. it's uplifting but if you're a fan of deeper scents it's a fab way to switch up your summer scent.
Yes, Ibiza is very much all about hedonism and poolside posing but it’s also super laidback with a jaw-droppingly beautiful coastline and sunsets that’ll make you cry. The mix is what makes Ibiza and this scent somehow reminds me of both sides of the white isle. Heart of driftwood, sand lily and frangipani are met with vanilla and coconut water.
Sephora SOL DE JANEIRO SOL Cheirosa '62 Eau de Parfum 50ml
I don't know one person that doesn't love the smell of the Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum cream and now you can smell like that iconic scent all day. The EDP of the moisturiser scent is super punchy and long-lasting so if you're a fan of creamy, warm and sweet notes, you be obsessed.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
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