Summer has a scent of its own: warm sand, salt on the skin, mint lemonade and jasmine in bloom at dusk. A good summer perfume doesn't fight that atmosphere, it complements it: it is light, refreshing and never feels heavy, even in 35-degree heat.
In this article you will find out what makes a fragrance a summer one, how heat changes a perfume on your skin, and which fragrances for women and men to take with you to the seaside, the mountains or the city. All the suggestions are available in our store.
What makes a perfume a summer perfume
In hot weather your skin is warmer and fragrance molecules evaporate faster. That is why sweet, amber and gourmand perfumes, which feel cosy in winter, can easily become suffocating in July. Summer fragrances have three things in common:
- Fresh top notes: lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin, yuzu, green apple, watermelon.
- A transparent heart: marine and salty accords, green tea, neroli, white flowers, mint, rosemary and basil.
- A light base: white musk, cedar, vetiver and soft woody notes instead of dense vanilla and resins.
The most suitable families are citrus, aquatic (marine), aromatic and green. If you love floral scents, look for white flowers with a citrus or salty touch: they smell like holidays.
EDT, EDP or cologne in summer?
Summer is the season of eau de toilette (EDT) and cologne: they are lighter and less overpowering. An eau de parfum can be worn too, but choose a fresh scent and use fewer sprays. Keep one rule in mind: in the heat every perfume feels stronger in the first hour and fades faster afterwards. So it is better to refresh your fragrance in the afternoon than to spray a double dose in the morning. You can read more about the differences in our article Eau de parfum or eau de toilette.
Summer perfumes for women
Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue
Citrusy, fruity, fresh
Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue from 2001 is a symbol of the Italian summer. Sicilian lemon, green apple and bluebell give way to white rose, bamboo, cedar and musk. A fragrance for sunny days, walks by the sea and linen dresses, which is why it has been among the best-selling summer perfumes in the world for over 20 years.
Versace Bright Crystal
Fruity, floral, airy
Versace Bright Crystal is as sparkling as its name: yuzu and pomegranate at the start, peony, magnolia and lotus in the heart and soft musk at the end. Light and feminine, it is an excellent choice for hot city days and for the office.
Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream
Fruity, dreamy, light
Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream is the airiest of the Daisy series. Blackberry, grapefruit and pear, wisteria and jasmine, coconut water and white woody notes: the scent is like a lazy summer morning. The bottle with its daisies also makes a lovely gift.
Hermès Un Jardin sur la Lagune
Salty, floral, unisex
Hermès Un Jardin sur la Lagune was created by Christine Nagel and inspired by a hidden garden in Venice. Sea breeze, white flowers and Madonna lily, wrapped in salty and woody notes: a refined summer fragrance for women and men who love quiet luxury.
Elizabeth Arden Sunflowers
Sunny, fruity, affordable
Elizabeth Arden Sunflowers dates from 1993 and is still a favourite of many women. Melon, peach and citrus, flowers in the heart and sandalwood in the base: the scent is warm and sunny, and the large bottle at a low price is perfect for the beach bag.
Summer perfumes for men
Armani Acqua di Giò
Aquatic, citrusy, aromatic
Armani Acqua di Giò was created by Alberto Morillas in 1996 and practically defined the masculine aquatic fragrance. Citrus, marine notes, rosemary and jasmine, with patchouli and cedar in the base. If you are looking for one safe summer perfume, start here.
Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme
Citrusy, spicy, aquatic
Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme from 1994 combines yuzu and bergamot with coriander, nutmeg and vetiver. Fresh, but with more character than a simple citrus: great for the office on a summer day.
Versace Man Eau Fraîche
Citrusy, woody, light
Versace Man Eau Fraîche is exactly what its name promises: a fresh water. Lemon, bergamot and rosewood, cedar, sage and tarragon. Light, clean and very comfortable in hot weather.
Azzaro Chrome
Citrusy, marine, clean
Azzaro Chrome from 1996 smells like a clean white shirt and the sea. Lemon, bergamot and rosemary, neroli and cyclamen, with musk and moss in the base. A discreet fragrance that almost everyone likes.
Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue Eau Intense Pour Homme
Marine, citrusy, longer-lasting
Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue Eau Intense Pour Homme is the richer version of the men's Light Blue: grapefruit and mandarin, juniper and a marine accord, amber woody notes. If your summer perfumes fade too quickly, this eau de parfum will last considerably longer.
Unisex classics for hot days
Calvin Klein CK One
Citrusy, clean, unisex
Calvin Klein CK One from 1994 was the first big unisex perfume. Bergamot, lemon and green tea, white flowers and musk: clean, light and right for everyone. You can share the bottle at home.
Davidoff Cool Water
Aquatic, aromatic, a classic
Davidoff Cool Water was created by Pierre Bourdon in 1988 and is one of the first marine perfumes. Mint, lavender and marine notes, with amber and musk in the base. If you love classic freshness, this is a scent that never goes out of style.
How to wear perfume in the heat
- Spray in the morning, before you head out. This way the scent settles before the midday heat.
- Don't spray directly in the sun. Some citrus oils (bergamot in particular) can cause stains on the skin under strong sun. Spray on your clothes or on areas that are not exposed to the sun.
- Carry a small bottle. A 30 ml bottle or a travel size in your bag is a better solution than a double dose in the morning.
- Combine it with a shower gel or lotion from the same line. This makes the scent last longer without overdoing the perfume. You will find more tricks in our article on where to apply perfume.
- Protect the bottle from heat. Never leave your perfume in the car or on the beach: high temperature and light oxidise it. See also our tips on the shelf life and storage of perfumes.
Perfume on holiday
Scents capture memories: years later, a single spray can take you back to your favourite beach. That is why many people choose a special perfume for every holiday. A few practical tips:
- In your hand luggage liquids in containers of up to 100 ml in a transparent bag are generally allowed. The rules change, so check the airport requirements before you travel.
- Gift sets with travel-size minis are convenient for trips: the big bottle stays at home and the small one travels with you. See all the sets.
- Perfumes without packaging are the same quality at a lower price and a handy option for a holiday bottle. See the women's and men's perfumes without packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Which perfume lasts longest in the heat?
Fresh eaux de toilette with a woody or musky base, for example Light Blue Eau Intense or Narciso Rodriguez for Her. Pure citrus colognes are the most refreshing, but they fade the fastest.
Can I wear a sweet perfume in summer?
You can, if it is in the evening and in a small amount. During the day, sweet fragrances often become heavy in the heat.
Does the colour of the bottle matter?
Not for the scent, but it does for storage. Transparent bottles let in more light, so keep them in the box or in a cupboard.
Summer is the season of light, sunny and carefree fragrances. Choose yours from the women's and men's perfumes in our store and turn every summer day into a memory with a scent.
