20 Best Summer Perfumes To Buy In 2023
</p><p>Whether you’re interested in a <a href=”https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/g42747418/best-affordable-perfumes/” target=”_blank”>low-cost fragrance</a> or a <a href=”https://www.elle.com/beauty/g42863860/best-expensive-perfume-for-women/” target=”_blank”>luxurious designer scent</a>, we’ve got you covered. Plus, with <a href=”https://www.elle.com/beauty/g36164232/mothers-day-beauty-gifts/” target=”_blank”>Mother’s Day</a> around the corner, you might consider buying her a <a href=”https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/g40615141/best-perfume-gift-sets/” target=”_blank”>fragrance gift set</a> while you’re at it. Here, find the 20 best summer perfumes you’ll definitely pack on your vacation.<br></p>” />
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1
Best Luxury Perfume
Parfums de Marly Valaya Eau de Parfum
1
Best Luxury Perfume
Parfums de Marly Valaya Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Only one size available
Valaya is a quintessential summertime perfume, thanks to its longevity, ability to blend with a person’s skin scent, and bright, crisp notes.
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I’ve never done a fragrance review but had to for this one. You just know from the first spray that it’s the one. And after a few minutes, it’s even better. It’s light and fresh with a sweetness, feminine and sophisticated. Just cannot stop smelling it. I’m in love!”
| Notes | Bergamot, vetiver, musk, peach, mandarin |
|---|---|
| Size | 2.5 fl. oz. |
2
Best Citrus Scent
D.S. & Durga Italian Citrus Eau de Parfum
2
Best Citrus Scent
D.S. & Durga Italian Citrus Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Can fade throughout the day
For a citrus perfume that veers more savory than sweet, this D.S. & Durga fragrance has found the sweet spot. Mandarin and blood orange are paired with deeper musk and incense for a spicy summer perfume.
Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “It has been years since I bought a new perfume. I wanted one that was not heavy and that I could wear both day and night. This filled the bill perfectly!”
| Notes | Blood orange, mandarin, incense, musk |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.7—3.3 fl. oz. |
3
Best Underrated Perfume
Le Labo Thé Matcha 26 Eau de Parfum
3
Best Underrated Perfume
Le Labo Thé Matcha 26 Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Not too sweet
Cons
- May need to reapply throughout the day
Le Labo created some of the most sought-after fragrances like Santal 33, but their matcha scent is wildly underrated. Earthy and green, this fragrance somehow captures the deepness and slight bitterness of green tea perfectly.
Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Matcha is so unique and it smells gorgeous. It’s earthy and zen. Works great with my body chemistry. 5 stars!”
| Notes | Matcha, fig, vetiver, cedar wood |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.7 fl. oz. |
4
Best New Perfume
Diptyque L’Eau Papier Eau de Toilette
4
Best New Perfume
Diptyque L’Eau Papier Eau de Toilette
Pros
- Unique notes
Cons
- Can fade throughout the day
Stock up on this newly launched perfume that is already making waves. “This summer, I will be wearing Diptyque’s newest fragrance, L’Eau Papier Eau de Toilette,” says Eduardo Valadez. “It’s my new absolute favorite scent: the unique rice steam accords and a hint of white musk and mimosa make it the perfect seasonal scent. I can’t wait to wear it all summer long!”
Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars
| Notes | Musk, mimosa, rice steam, blond wood |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.7—3.1 fl. oz. |
5
Best Sensual Perfume
BYREDO Slow Dance Eau de Parfum
5
Best Sensual Perfume
BYREDO Slow Dance Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Can get sweeter throughout the day
Anyone searching for a sweet grown-up perfume should try this fragrance. Combing florals and vanilla, this fragrance uses patchouli to offset the sweetness for a sensual, more complex scent.
Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I love the scent of this perfume. This is the first perfume I’ve had in a long time that is clean, light, and refreshing. It works on my skin without any overbearing or overpowering smells and I get so many compliments on it when I wear it!”
| Notes | Opoponax, geranium, violet, vanilla, patchouli |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.7—3.4 fl. oz. |
6
Best Viral Summer Scent
Narciso Rodriguez For Her Musc Noir Rose Eau de Parfum
6
Best Viral Summer Scent
Narciso Rodriguez For Her Musc Noir Rose Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Balanced notes
Cons
- Can smell intense when first sprayed
After going viral on TikTok, this perfume has been sold out numerous times. “For this summer, I would recommend Musc Noir Rose, which is a fragrance that is very well balanced with a fresh, top fusing note of bergamot, a blooming tuberose, and a sensual but not heavy bottom note of musk and vanilla,” says Contant.
Macy’s rating: 4.7/5 stars
| Notes | Vanilla, leather, patchouli |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.3. fl. oz. |
7
Best Feminine Perfume
Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum
7
Best Feminine Perfume
Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum
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Pros
- Mix of sweet and spicy
Cons
- Can be very strong when first sprayed
Like the name suggests, this perfume is all about the florals. With added vanilla and patchouli, it’s a feminine scent with a hint of edge. Housed in a grenade-shaped bottle, it’s a must-have for your vanity.
Nordstrom rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “The perfume spray is absolutely wonderful! The scent is that of flowers and reminds me of tropical islands. The patchouli really adds that extra something to the scent. This is perfect for everyday wear or for special events. The scent is so uplifting and fresh I guarantee your friends will want to know what you are wearing so they can purchase some.”
| Notes | Orchid, freesia, patchouli, vanilla |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.34—5 fl. oz. |
8
Best Fruity Perfume
Jo Malone London Nectarine Blossom & Honey Cologne
8
Best Fruity Perfume
Jo Malone London Nectarine Blossom & Honey Cologne
Pros
- Layers well with other perfumes
Cons
- Fades quickly
Close your eyes and dream of England–it should smell something like this. With fresh florals and juicy fruit notes, this perfume is perfectly suited to a summertime picnic.
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I gave my friend a hug and she had the most sweet floral smell; I instantly fell in love with the fragrance. I’m super sensitive to smells and most colognes give me a headache, but not this one. I get so many compliments every time I wear it, even from men. This is a beautiful sweet smell. You will love it!”
| Notes | Cassis, honey, peach |
|---|---|
| Size | 1—3.4 fl. oz. |
9
Best Scented Body Oil
Tom Ford Soleil Brûlant Shimmering Body Oil
9
Best Scented Body Oil
Tom Ford Soleil Brûlant Shimmering Body Oil
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Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Can stain clothes
For anyone looking for a perfect summer 2-in-1, body products should be on your radar. “I can’t forget about a great scented body oil; for that, my go-to is Tom Ford Soleil Brûlant Shimmering Body Oil, which is perfect for enhancing freshly tanned arms and legs and also offers a lighter version of their fragrance that is perfect for summer nights,” says Jennifer Capuano.
Macy’s rating: 4.2/5 stars
| Notes | Amber, florals |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.4 fl. oz. |
10
Best Summer Perfume
Vacation Vacation Eau de Toilette
10
Best Summer Perfume
Vacation Vacation Eau de Toilette
Pros
- Unusual scent notes
Cons
- Small bottle size
This is truly summer bottled the essence of summer. With notes like spandex, pool water, and pineapple, even a quick whiff of this fragrance is enough to transport you to a beachside hotel, sipping cocktails in the sun.
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “The best way I can describe this perfume: it reminds me of when I go on vacation, and I walk into the shops at the resorts. The doors are open, and you catch a breeze that picks up the ocean air, mixes it with the flowers and foliage outside, and hits the product scents in the shop, all mixed together. And when you get home you wish you could have bottled those scents into a fragrance…well this is it.”
| Notes | Coconut water, banana, pineapple, spandex, sea salt, pool water |
|---|---|
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
11
Best Energy-Boosting Perfume
Brown Girl Jane Lamu Eau de Parfum
11
Best Energy-Boosting Perfume
Brown Girl Jane Lamu Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Uplifting
Cons
- Not long-lasting
This scent was designed to uplift your spirits and increase your energy, and it does exactly that. With notes of lemon, coconut water, and bergamot, it’s a refreshing fragrance that’s ideal during hot, humid weather.
Nordstrom rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “It’s beachy but chic and feels like a luxurious take on sunshine. I get compliments each time I wear it and it’s my new favorite. I love anything done well with bergamot and this is a wonderful combination of notes.”
| Notes | Bergamot, lemon, coconut water, sandalwood |
|---|---|
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
12
Best Vanilla Perfume
Ariana Grande MOD Vanilla Eau de Parfum
12
Best Vanilla Perfume
Ariana Grande MOD Vanilla Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Can change throughout the day
For vanilla lovers, this new fragrance by Ariana Grande is the one-stop shop for dessert-like perfumes. In addition to vanilla, this scent contains hints of praline and plum for a youthful, fun aroma.
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “Finally found my signature scent! I can’t stop smelling myself. It’s such a cozy & warm scent when it dries down! I sprayed myself at 10 in the morning and could still smell it at 8 pm.”
| Notes | Freesia, plum, vanilla, cocoa butter, praline |
|---|---|
| Size | 1—3.4 fl. oz. |
13
Best Spicy Fragrance
19-69 Kasbah Eau de Parfum
13
Best Spicy Fragrance
19-69 Kasbah Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Can be intense when first sprayed
Inspired by icons like Mick Jagger and Yves Saint Laurent in Morocco, this scent is a spicy, sensual fragrance that’s sexy, mature, and long-lasting.
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Sexy, spicy, full-on delicious. Wait until it dries down to judge. People stop me and ask what I am wearing. 70s witchy vibes. Velvet and full. Like incense and vanilla had a love child. Sweet but not sugary. Love.”
| Notes | Honey, patchouli, sandalwood |
|---|---|
| Size | 1—3.4 fl. oz. |
14
Best Designer Perfume
Paco Rabanne FAME Eau de Parfum
14
Best Designer Perfume
Paco Rabanne FAME Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Bottle can be hard to spray
The newest fragrance to join the Paco Rabanne family is FAME, a fruity and sweet perfume that manages to smell like the real thing, not replications. Mango, jasmine, and vanilla combine to create the perfect juicy summer perfume.
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “If you’re looking for your new signature scent, this is it. A floral yet juicy fragrance with the mango note, I feel so beautiful when I wear this and get lots of compliments.”
| Notes | Mango, jasmine, incense, vanilla, sandalwood |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.7—2.7 fl. oz. |
15
Best Lightweight Perfume
Maison Margiela ’REPLICA’ Beach Walk
15
Best Lightweight Perfume
Maison Margiela ’REPLICA’ Beach Walk
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Can start off smelling intense
Like the name suggests, this fragrance was made for hot summer days and walks on the beach. Coconut milk, lemon, and notes of pink pepper combine to create a bright scent you’ll want to wear every season.
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I absolutely adore this fragrance. It is light and fresh and my go-to for summer and for all tropical vacations. I’ve received so many compliments on this fragrance. It is reminiscent of wonderful memories of the beach.”
| Notes | Bergamot, coconut milk, pink pepper, lemon, musk |
|---|---|
| Size | 1—3.4 fl. oz. |
16
Best Citrus Perfume
PHLUR Tangerine Boy Eau de Parfum
16
Best Citrus Perfume
PHLUR Tangerine Boy Eau de Parfum
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Can become sweeter throughout the day
Grab your mimosa and spritz on this perfume. A true citrus fragrance, this juicy scent is perfect for hot summer days. With great lasting power and natural ingredients, it’s a must-have for your vacation plans.
Sephora rating: 4.1/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I love citrus perfumes and this one is a powerful punch of juicy fresh orange. It smells so good and lasts for hours. I hope they never stop making this one because it is that good.”
| Notes | Tangerine, lemon, amber, ginger, green moss |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.32—1.7 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Very strong
Dreaming of Italian vacations? This beautifully-bottled perfume is like a bouquet of gardenia that came to life. It’s a bright scent with a hint of sweet pear for a feminine, everyday fragrance.
Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “This is the best, purest white flower scent out there, in my opinion. Smells like burying your face in a fresh bouquet.”
| Notes | Bergamot, pear, gardenia |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.68—1.7 fl. oz. |
18
Best Perfume Oil
NEST New York Balinese Coconut Perfume Oil
18
Best Perfume Oil
NEST New York Balinese Coconut Perfume Oil
Pros
- Long lasting
Cons
- Very intense
Perfume oils are a wonderful way to wear fragrance in the summer uniquely. This oil combines tropical coconut with deep musk for a summer, sensual scent everyone around you will become obsessed with.
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Loving the perfume oil. The rollerball is so easy to use and just throw in your purse to take with you and reapply. This scent takes me to laying on the beach with suntan lotion on my legs and a fruity cocktail in my hand. It smells delicious.”
| Notes | Coconut, tiare blossom, musk |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.27—1 fl. oz. |
19
Best Chanel Perfume
CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau de Parfum Intense Spray
19
Best Chanel Perfume
CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau de Parfum Intense Spray
Pros
- Balanced notes
Cons
- May need to reapply throughout the day
You can’t beat a classic. This Chanel fragrance is youthful, with vanilla and patchouli offsetting each other for a more vivid, complex scent.
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “People stop me constantly and ask me what I’m wearing. This is a nice confidence booster. If you like to spend the money on a fragrance, go for it! It’s a warm, beautiful scent that will last all day. This is one that will still be on your dress when you take it to the cleaners.”
| Notes | Patchouli, amber, tonka bean, vanilla |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.7—3.4 fl. oz. |
20
Best Every Day Scent
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette Spray
20
Best Every Day Scent
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette Spray
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- May need to reapply throughout the day
Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume has been a favorite for over a decade and it’s not hard to see why. This perfume combines florals, fruits, and deeper notes for a complex yet accessible summertime scent.
Ulta rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “A great springtime scent. This scent is lovely and it’s not too overwhelming. It stays on for a long time before you have to reapply as well. It gives off very floral scents . I started off with a sample I got for free and I knew I had to have the full bottle!”
| Notes | Berries, violet, jasmine, sandalwood |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.7—6.7 fl. oz. |
Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor
Tatjana Freund is Hearst’s Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She’s a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.
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