The 15 best summer perfumes and fragrances for women in 2023

Publish date: 2024-05-19
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POV: warm weather, a peach-topped sangria and a good summertime fragrance. The true epitome of summer, with good vibes only.

Let’s talk about the last item on the list. The best summertime fragrances and perfumes will smell like a fresh beach, an instant transportation to the Hamptons and the Outer Banks. You’ll be sporting your finest bikinis and linen pants with a spritz and a shimmy (you know the drill) in the best way possible.

Little do you know, we have a mirrored perfume tray in our bedrooms with some of the best fragrances for the summer. Think citrus, coconut and all things good in the world — that’s what our list entails.

We rounded up the best options for you to shop from, including Sol de Janeiro and Vacation to AERIN and Victoria’s Secret. Our favorite part? Many, if not all, are unisex.

While you’re at it, you can’t pass up one of the best body butters we reviewed that’ll make you feel like you’re at a five-star resort. Plus, the best facial sunscreens will have you SPF-protected (along with moisturizers with SPF, too, to dollop atop your skin beforehand).

For now, soak in all the summertime feels with the best of the best we recommend below. You’ll truly want to add these to your cart ahead of the warm weather ahead — temps that have already begun to rise.

Meet Santorini in a bottle. The AERIN Mediterranean Honeysuckle Eau de Parfum is truly like no other, featuring scent notes of Italian bergamot, honeysuckle and grapefruit. It’s perfect for either daytime or evening and is — quite literally — the Amalfi Coast, born and raised.

2. Creed Aventus Fragrance, $95 to $775

The Creed Aventus Fragrance is an elegant option with scent notes of bergamot and blackcurrant leaves, but also apple and pineapple to give it some summertime flair. Though a splurge, this fruity and rich option is available in a multitude of size options to suit your budget.

This guide would be nothing without a mention of the Vacation by Vacation Eau de Toilette. Aptly named, it smells of everything you’d witness at the beach or alongside a resort, with scent notes of petitgrain essence, coconut water and coconut milk. It also went viral on TikTok.

If you haven’t yet picked up the Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Perfume Mist — don’t wait any longer. Offering the vibe of a carefree getaway, this less-than-$40 option has transportive notes of leite de coco, solar tuberose and warm sand. That’s right — it’s perfect for your beach bag.

Meet the fragrance that’s light and airy and smells like good summertime vibes: the Abbott Crescent Beach Eau de Parfum. This clean-formulated option isn’t too strong (which is great for those who want a natural aura surrounding them). Plus, you won’t be able to resist its fresh notes of peony, lily and amber musk.

It’s time to upgrade your fragrance game, and the Krigler Mediterranean Peach 15 Perfume fits the bill. Luxe bottle aside, it’s formulated with a floral party of notes, including lemon, fougeres, jasmine, honey, vineyard peach, bergamot, mandarin and white musk. Hello, summertime lovin’.

The Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Eau de Parfum is coveted by Gen Z and millennials alike, thanks to its versatile charm and effortless, enticing aroma. With scent notes of purple passionfruit, shangri-la peony and vanilla orchid, it’s enough to say yes to this less-than-$100 fragrance.

Acqua di Parma is a star in the fragrance game, much ado to its unisex and versatile fragrances that always garner compliments. We’re spotlighting the Colonia Eau de Cologne, a signature option that combines spicy Sicilian citrus fruits, lavender, rosemary, verbena and rose. Simply put, it’s a summertime alfresco dinner party in a chic bottle.

If you want to be part of that ‘clean girl’ aesthetic, pick up the OUAI Melrose Place Eau De Parfum. It’s one we’ve been wearing for months on end, thanks to its fresh scent that never lets you down. Specifically, it’s a blend of all the florals you can think of.

Ellis Brooklyn came to allure you this summer — and not just with its spunky neon bottle. The brand’s Sun Fruit Eau de Parfum is one we cherry-picked for summer with its creamy and lovely blend of fresh fig, bergamot, elegant jasmine, cyclamen and vanilla. It’s one you’ll want to grab in any size, for that matter.

Whenever we want to gift a good fragrance to the men in our life, we always turn to the Lacoste Blanc Cologne. Transparently, it’s good for any time of year and we have yet to find someone who doesn’t like it. You’ll love its top notes of grapefruit, cardamom, rosemary and cedar leaf. too.

As one of the most sophisticated names in the fragrance name, Diptyque is ready to offer that summertime goodness with its L’Eau Papier Eau de Toilette. It made the cut for its unique blend of white musks, mimosa (cheers to summer!) and blond woods accord.

New from top fragrance brand Juliette Has a Gun, the Lust for Sun Eau de Parfum has a name that hits this sunnyside mist right on the head. Much like its ombrè packaging suggests, it’s a carefree marriage of ylang-ylang, coconut and vanilla. Ah, so refreshing.

The Trudon Médle Eau de Parfum is perfect if a citrus blend is what you’re after. Its two strongest scent notes are of mandarin and grapefruit, instantly transporting us to Sorrento and Positano — and eating a fresh Margarita pizza by the European shore.

The Philosophy Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette is a fragrance we’ve been wearing for years, similar to OUAI in that it’s fresh and clean, though with a subtle, floral flair. One reviewer says “it’s an elegant scent that makes me feel light and beautiful.” We wholeheartedly agree.

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