Fragrant florals and crisp, clean fresh scents both smell like summer to me. Anything reminiscent of the beach, the garden, or the warm sunshine makes for a pretty perfume. I usually stick to my trusty Annick Goutal fragrance (light and lemony), but I find it’s fun to change things up a bit every now and then. I was first inspired when my tennis partner BB gave me a rollerball version of Bobbi Brown’s Beach for my birthday (this summer staple smells exactly like your favorite 80s sunscreen). The official description reads that it has notes of “sand jasmine, sea spray, and mandarin” but all I can smell is Coppertone (and I love it).
Narrowing down your options can take time and may give you a headache. Never mind that shopping for a new perfume is also hard to do while wearing a mask–I literally got yelled at while adjusting my mask below my nose to smell some Jo Malone at our local Blue Mercury (really?). If you want to try something new without investing in an entire bottle, I suggest purchasing a rollerball, travel spray or grab a small sample set (Sephora has a ton). Below are some of the fragrances that remind me of summer with their fresh, floral, and citrusy undertones. The one I decided to purchase is this one, but Glossier’s You has me very curious and I might have to get two! I have tried all of these, either in sample or travel size, so now you too can avoid getting reprimanded in Blue Mercury.
Fragrance notes
Éclat de Vert by Aerin Beauty: “Sparkling notes of citrus, magnolia and jasmine are crafted with an exclusive green dimension comprised of galbanum and lentisque absolute, precious ingredients that deliver an intriguing, woody depth.”
Rose Noir by Byredo: “A traditional olfactory rose, the Damascena is made potent and contemporary by darkening its character with an almost animalistic quality. Notes of cardamom, freesia, grapefruit, red berries, jasmine, lily of the valley, cistus labdanum, and moss.
Beach by Bobbi Brown: “A light, happy, and nostalgic scent that evokes warm sunshine and the sea breeze. This bestselling scent captures the atmosphere and attitude of summer. Designed with an intoxicating blend of jasmine, sea spray, and mandarin, this eau de parfum is wearable anytime, anywhere.”
Clémentine California by Atelier Cologne: “A refreshing citrus cologne melding the fruity perfume of clementine from Italy, juniper berries from Turkey, and vetiver from Haiti. The fresh scent opens with bright clementine perfume oil mellowed by juniper berries and a vetiver base note, creating a fresh citrus perfume. A timeless fresh perfume, this long-lasting summery scent evokes the image of sunshine, blue skies, and endless miles of sparkling beachfront.”
Wood Sage & Sea Salt by Jo Malone: “Escape the everyday along the windswept shore where white waves break and the air is fresh with sea salt and spray. Alive with the mineral scent of the rugged cliffs mingled with the woody earthiness of sage, this fragrance is lively, spirited, and totally joyful.”
Fracas by Robert Piguet: “Tuberose, seductive and lush, mingle with jasmine, jonquil, gardenia, Bulgarian rose and orange flower in a profusion of fragile white flowers before revealing a sensual base of sandalwood, vetiver, and musk in this fragrance masterwork.
Radiant Nectar by Clean Reserve: “This mouthwatering perfume captures the essence of succulent pear nectar layered over ambrette, a beautiful natural musk. A blend of subtle wood notes and soft musk creates a radiant warmth like a Summer’s day.”
Un Jardin Sur le Nil by Hermés: “This fragrance evokes a garden full of life, generous and sparkling, where the scents of green mango, lotus blossom, calamus, and rush blend with incense and sycamore wood. A new and rather unusual concept of freshness: green and vegetal scents, the smell of water and sand.”
Replica Beach Walk by Maison Margiela: “Beach Walk combines fresh and radiant notes of bergamot, coconut milk, lemon, pink pepper, and musk to evoke a familiar but forgotten moment—a walk along a sandy beach. Close your eyes and let the fragrance transport you to the memory of an afternoon stroll along the ocean. The sun sinks gently through the crystal sky, its warmth balanced by a soft breeze with the subtle tangy scent of water. Beach Walk evokes hints of ocean spray and captures the carefree bliss of a summer day.”
You by Glossier: “How to describe Glossier You? It’s not one of those perfumes you wear to become someone else. Mostly, it smells like you: soft, warm, familiar. We designed it to feel open-ended, like it’ll grow with you no matter where you are in your personal evolution. This is not a finished product. It needs you.”
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