Marie Claire Editors Can't Stop Talking About These Delicious Summer Perfumes
Fresh and fruity scents coming right up.
Some people subscribe to a signature scent. Others opt to have a seasonal switch out this time of year, putting the winter fragrances infused with warm gourmands and rich woody notes to the side, in favor of the best summer perfumes for women. There’s no shortage of options, with the best citrus fragrances, the best light perfumes, and the best floral fragrances, plus plenty of new 2026 perfumes offering refreshing blends that instantly perk up the senses.
The classics, like Dolce & Gabanna Light Blue or Gucci Flora, will always have a well-deserved place on my list. But over the past few years, I've seen nuanced takes on the traditional fragrance families enter the fold. Notes like fig, matcha, coconut, and strawberry have effectively infiltrated the fragrance ether, with exciting launches coming from Phlur, Aerin, and Dior. “Fragrances with fruity and citrus notes are in high demand because they’re refreshing and not too overpowering, which is ideal for summer,” says DSM-Firmenich perfumer Alexandra Monet. “Green and mineral notes are trending too, as they bring a lively and vibrant character that evokes a sense of nature and the outdoors.”
While I’ll undoubtedly cue you into what’s trending in the fragrance world (more on that below), scents are extremely individual, so pick the perfume that calls to you. With that in mind, the Marie Claire team decided to write little love letters to the summer fragrances they can’t put down this season.
The Best Summer Perfumes for Women
- Best Summer Fragrance Overall: Aerin Amber Musk Santal Eau de Parfum
- Best Sweet Summer Fragrance: Parfums de Marly Oriana Eau de Parfum
- Best Aquatic Summer Fragrance: Kilian Paris Sunkissed Goddess
- Best Floral Summer Fragrance: Gucci Flora Gorgeous Orchid Eau de Parfum
- Best Vanilla Summer Fragrance: Nette Thé Vanille Eau de Parfum
Not every summer perfume needs to be a beach day in a bottle. In fact, I recommend this scent if you want to stay far away from sunscreen-y scents this season. Aerin's Amber Musk Santal wraps you in a cashmere blanket with warm, sheer notes of amber and sandalwood, while rose and vanilla add sweetness.
Fragrance Family: Warm Woody
Notes: Rose centifolia; Amber; Sandalwood
Size: 1.7 oz.
What I Love: Light fragrance that lends itself nicely to layering; Can be worn in summer or fall; Smells different on everyone
What I Don't: Has a close-to-skin projection
Review For MC: “Since I got my hands on this bottle, which is a spin on the brand’s classic Amber Musk Eau de Parfum, I have not put it down. To say I want to bathe in it, would be an understatement. It’s light and fresh, which makes it end-of-summer-appropriate, but it has a warm base that feels like a light cashmere sweater. The rose is really subtle (I’m not a rose girl at all, so trust me on this one), while the gourmand vanilla starts to come out the longer it wears on my skin. It’s the fragrance you want to wear while watching the sunset.” — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender tests and names Aerin Amber Musk Santal as the best overall summer perfume.
Parfums de Marley are the epitome of luxury perfumes, so if you want to feel like a million bucks, one or two sprays of Oriana will do the trick. Think of this scent as a masterful blend of gourmand, fruity, and floral notes. Orange blossom and citrus notes work to uplift and lighten, while a sweet, creamy base gives this scent a playful, addictive quality.
Fragrance Family: Fruity Floral
Notes: Mandarin; Bergamot; Grapefruit; Orange blossom; Raspberry; Black currant; Whipped cream; Marshmallow; Musk; Ambrette
Size: 2.5 oz.
What I Love: Powerful fragrance so you only need one spray; Incredibly long-lasting; Bright and happy blend; Sweet without being too intense; Gorgeous bottle; Contains trendy marshmallow note
What I Don't: Expensive
Review For MC: “I’m such a summer girl, mostly because of the delicious produce. And, you can smell me by my fruit-forward summer scents. With its luxe, hot-pink bottle (I especially love that mirrored ball cap), the fruity-floral Oriana is as sweet and summery as they come. I especially love it for a mid-day lunch, when everyone is starting to crave a little treat (little is also a key word here; the projection is impressive and a simple spray will do you just fine).” — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Sophia Vilensky tests and names Parfums De Marly Oriana as the best sweet summer perfume.
Certain scents have a transportive effect, and Kilian Paris' Sunkissed Goddess can whisk you away to an island paradise in Tahiti. At first, this fragrance is like a blast of creamy coconut and citrus, but as it develops, it becomes even more floral and warm. After about an hour, the sunscreen-y notes become an elegant and rich blend that will have you tapping into your goddess energy.
Fragrance Family: Fresh Floral
Notes: Bergamot; Tiare flower; Coconut
Size: 1.7 oz.
What I Love: Elevated take on coconut; Limited-edition (stock up!); Smells more solar than chemical; Warm and creamy, while still smelling bright and light; Long-lasting
What I Don't: Some reviewers note the coconut note is too subtle
Review For MC: “I’ve tried my fair share of coconut perfumes, and none have made me feel as luxurious as this one. It reminds me of summer vacations on the beach, but don’t mistake it for a sunscreen-y scent. Instead, it’s more of a lush tropical floral fragrance, with layers of ylang-ylang, vanilla, tiare flower, and coconut that lasts all day long. While I’m personally not a socialite island hopping around the Bahamas, I can pretend I’m one when wearing this perfume.” — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
Brooke Knappenberger tests and names Kilian Paris Sunkissed Goddess as the best aquatic summer perfume.
Gucci's Flora Gorgeous collection makes up some of the most iconic floral fragrances around, so it's no surprise that Flora Gorgeous Orchid, a newer addition to the collection, became a hit, too. It features an unexpected ozonic accord, which gives the overall blend an airiness that's ideal for sweltering days.
Fragrance Family: Warm Floral
Notes: Vanilla duo; Vanilla orchid; Ozonic accord
Size: 3.3 oz.
What I Love Incredibly unique balance of floral, gourmand, and ozonic notes; Sustainable approach by being made with 10 percent recycled glass; Light enough for summer; Constantly evolves on the skin
What I Don't: Some reviewers note the vanilla accord is too subtle
Review For MC: “I’m always on the hunt for an interesting floral perfume, as my favorite type of scent profile is sensual and heady. However, you can smell only so many before they all start blending together. This new offering from Gucci is lush, and perfect for a steamy summer night. The vanilla note makes the orchid sweet and rich. A surprising addition (and the first for the house) is the addition of an ozone note. This keeps the fragrance from wearing out its welcome, giving the creaminess an edge and a lightness. It’s simultaneously familiar and unexpected; you can smell ozone after a storm, but it’s very rare to smell like it! As always with Gucci, the bottle is such a gorgeous addition to one’s vanity, it makes me feel happy every time I see the bright yellow bottle with the classic floral print on the front.” — Brittany Holloway-Brown, Former Art Director
Brittany Holloway-Brown tests and names Gucci Flora Gorgeous Orchid as the best floral summer perfume.
Sugary sweet vanilla perfumes will wear you down in hot temps, but Nette's vanilla fragrance was practically made with summer-wearing in mind. It combines the saltiness of a sea breeze with the addictive quality of vanilla. What's more, its matcha notes add a crisp herbaceousness that makes this blend a standout.
Fragrance Family: Gourmand
Notes: Salt accord; Cardamom LMR; Turmeric root LMR; Mate extract; Narcisse absolute French LMR; Magnolia flower LMR; Orris LMR; Vanilla CO2 LMR
Size: 1.7 oz.
What I Love: The brand plants a tree with every purchase; Gorgeous packaging; Crisp notes; Not too sweet; A vanilla for people who don’t love when fragrances are too overly gourmand
What I Don't: May not be sweet enough for true gourmand lovers
Review For MC: “Oftentimes, I find myself letting fragrances collect dust on a shelf. Why? Because every single time I spray them, I feel a chemical scent is left in its wake. Such is far from the case with this Nette scent. I’m actually able to make out the different notes and am delighted by the crisp and clean composition. Vanilla obviously takes precedence, but I also pick up hints of matcha tea and cedarwood to combat any overpowering sweetness.” — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender tests and names Nette Thé Vanille as the best vanilla summer perfume.
Imagine you're enjoying the night breeze while sitting on a balcony of an Italian villa—that's the feeling this Tom Ford perfume evokes. It's a fresh scent through and through thanks to its blend of citrus notes. Neroli adds a timeless feel, yet unexpected feel. If light and clean scents are your M.O., you've met your summer perfume in Neroli Portofino.
Fragrance Family: Fresh Fruity
Notes: Tunisian Neroli; Italian bergamot; Sicilian lemon
Size: 1.7 oz.
What I Love: More of a masculine scent that’s still fresh for summer; Very emotive fragrance that channels a vacation setting; Lasts all day; Meant to be worn alone (wouldn’t layer this one)
What I Don't: May lean too masculine for some
Review For MC: “In a dream world, I summer in Portofino. Such is not my reality (catch me in the New York City heat), but this Tom Ford fragrance is a welcome tease of what could be. Inspired by the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast, this turquoise bottle houses an aquatic-citrus dichotomy that reminds of standing oceanside at dawn. It’s fresh and crisp, with a faint limoncello whiff. It’s a cologne, but I don’t let that technicality steer me away from wearing it. It’s just more of a nighttime spritz for me.” — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender tests and names Tom Ford Neroli Portofino as the best fresh summer perfume.
When master perfumer Maison Kurkdijan created this Dior fragrance, he had two places in mind: the French Riviera and Paris. This scent's blend of creamy fig and fresh rose brings those two locations to fruition. It's a match made in heaven, as they both provide a fresh greenness that feels just right for summer.
Fragrance Family: Floral fruity
Notes: Fig, rose
Size: 3.4 oz.
What I Love: Light summer fragrance; Includes trendy fig note; Not overpowering, but still a distinct and different scent; Available in three sizes, up to 8.5 ounces; One of the only Dior fragrances made by famed perfumer Maison Kurkdijan
What I Don't: May not be a safe blind buy
Review For MC: “I thought I was ready to die on the hill that I was not a rose fragrance girl. Then, I got my hands on Dioriviera. After just one spray, I was hooked. So hooked, in fact, that I’ve already powered my way through three bottles since last year’s launch. The fig is definitely the more dominant note, offering a fresh, tingly, and even a bit zesty edge to the markedly light fragrance. I didn’t even realize rose made its way into the blend until I did a deeper investigation. It’s light and subtle—almost like the breeze you would smell walking by a bouquet. I douse myself in this fragrance (one spray on the wrists, one on the chest, two in the hair, and two on my clothes) and it never smells overpowering.” — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender tests and names Dior Dioriviera as the best rose summer perfume.
If I could only wear one fruity fragrance for the rest of my life, it would be this one. This blend takes sweet juicy mango and dials it up a notch with the pink sugar. Black pepper contrasts beautifully with the sweetness so this scent is rich and complex, instead of headache-inducing.
Fragrance Family: Fruity
Notes: Blackberries; Mango; Black pepper; Wild orris; Black lotus; Jasmine; Patchouli; Vanilla; Pink sugar
Size: 1.7 oz
What I Love: A true fruity fragrance reminiscent of a tropical island; Mango is a very trendy perfume ingredient right now; Powerful scent that only requires one to two sprays; Bottle lasts a long time
What I Don't: May be too sweet for some
Review For MC: “There’s something so enchanting about a realistic scent—especially a fruity one. I love spraying on Phlur’s Tangerine Boy and smelling like I rubbed a clementine on my wrist, and the brilliant Vilhelm Parfumerie’s Mango Skin is the newest fresh selection in my fruit bowl (er, perfume shelf). An ‘expressionist burst of blackberries, mango, and black pepper,’ Mango Skin is ripe and lovely and powerful in the best way. While it’s a summer scent through and through, I’ll probably be spritzing in the winter when I need a little pick me up and brightness (I don’t have synesthesia, but I see all kinds of gorgeous sunset hues in my head when I spray this) on a dreary day.” — Sophia Vilensky, Contribuing Beauty Writer
Sophia Vilensky tests and names Vilhelm Parfumerie Mango Skin as the best fruity summer perfume.
Glossier perfumes have a knack for going viral on TikTok, and You Fleur almost instantaneously shot to internet-famous status upon release. Like other Glossier fragrances. You Fleur is meant to be a skin-scent enhancer that never overpowers your own unique scent. As such, it smells different on everyone, but you can expect a salty floral blend that's light and airy.
Fragrance Family: Floral Musk
Notes: Mineral salt accord; Osmanthus; Ylang ylang; Apricot skin; Cashmeran; Ambrox
Size: 1.7 oz.
What I Love: Light fragrance that lends itself nicely to layering; Smells different on everyone; Refreshing; Can be worn year-round
What I Don't: Only has a close-to-skin projection
Review For MC: "I've never been one to play it safe with my perfumes, but for summer, I do tend to go with lighter fragrances. It's like Glossier read my mind with its latest release, and it's been one of my go-tos on sweaty, mucky days. A spray of You Fleur brings the image of wildflowers growing on a coastal cliffside to mind—it's salty and fresh, with a hint of floral sweetness that layers nicely with other florals or a woody fragrance." — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
Brooke Knappenberger tests and names Glossier You Fleur as the best light summer perfume.
Jo Malone managed to capture the feeling of sipping mojitos on a beach to a T with Beach Blossom. It has the kind of light airiness that makes it an easy reach for every summer occasion. It opens to a blast of lime, before drying down to a fresh, aquatic scent.
Fragrance Family: Fresh Solar
Notes: Lime; Mint; Coconut water; Tonka bean
Size: 1.7 oz.
What I Love: Unisex scent; A fresh, clean scent; Light fragrance that lends itself nicely to layering; Limited-edition (stock up!)
What I Don't: Only has a close-to-skin projection
Review For MC: "Jo Malone perfumes are my favorite scents to layer with the release of Beach Blossom, I've found my favorite summer fragrance layering combo. I add this scent to my go-to floral perfumes (BDK's Impadia, below, is my current obsession) to create a fresher, airer effect. It tones down the sweetness and adds a freshness that's just what I'm looking for on a hot day. On its own, Beach Blossom is just as delectable and I would even love to smell it on a partner." — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
Brooke Knappenberger tests and names Jo Malone London Beach Blossom as the best summer cologne.
A quick scan of this perfume's notes and I'm immediately intrigued—hay, tobacco, and bay leaves don't sound like the notes of a summery fragrance, however, I and the thousands of others who wear this fan-favorite perfume can attest that it works. With its unique spicy blend, no one will be able to place what you're wearing, only that you smell incredible.
Fragrance Family: Spicy Woody
Notes: Bergamot; Fig; Bay leaves; Cedar; Vetiver; Musk; Hay; Tobacco
Size: 3.4 oz.
What I Love: A true signature scent that is instantly recognizable; Vegan; Fresh yet soft; A good entry into the spicy category for people that don’t normally choose spicy scents; Unisex
What I Don't: May not be a safe blind buy
Review For MC: “I smelled this on a friend and fell in love with this unique scent. She made me swear I wouldn't copy her, but I had to try it for myself. The fragrance is incredible and feels unique in a sea of similar scents. It simultaneously has depth but isn't too heavy. And it has decent lasting power on my skin. I also agree with Le Labo's description of it being addictive. Shhh, don't tell my friend, but I can't help but copy her.” — Dana Mendelwitz, Group Executive Director, Integrated Marketing
Don't let the Cologne Forte moniker dissuade you from this luxe pick—its freshness works for everyone. Evoking both water and light, this unisex blend embodies freshness with aquatic and light floral notes. With time, you'll find that this scent develops a tall, refreshing glass of herbal green tea.
Fragrance Family: Fresh
Notes: Verbena accord; Bergamot; Sweet fennel; Hedione; Woody musk
Size: 2.34 oz.
What I Love: Complex and long-lasting scent; Beautiful packaging; Can be worn on men or women; Light fragrance that lends itself nicely to layering
What I Don't: Expensive
Review for MC: “I’ll be honest, I wasn’t immediately on board with this cologne. But the more I wore it and let it adapt to my skin, the more I loved it. It manages to be light, fresh, and floral all at once, while emphasizing an aquatic, ozonic component that instantly transports me to a water-side destination. The prismatic effect of the bottle is truly indicative of the constantly evolving scent profile—it smells like a rainbow after a downpour.” — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Dolce&Gabbana's Light Blue is one fragrance that has stood the test of time, and for good reason. It's about as classic of a summer scent as they come with light, crisp fruity notes and a woody base. It's versatile enough to wear to every occasion under the sun, and you'll want to with its fresh scent profile. Consider it for those days you can't be bothered to wear anything, but refuse to leave the house without a spritz or two of something.
Fragrance Family: Fresh Citrus
Notes: Sicilian Lemon; Apple; Cedarwood
Size: 3.3 oz.
What I Love: Classic designer scent that’s stood the test of time; Refreshing and light yet long-lasting; Very feminine; Long-lasting
What I Don't: May overly powdery for some noses.
Review For MC: “I love wearing Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue in the summertime. It’s so refreshing and clean. The citrus character of the fragrance is very energizing, whereas the woody dry down is sensual without being overwhelming. It is fresh and long-lasting at the same time.” — Alexandra Monet, Fine Fragrance Perfumer at Firmenich
Phlur's body mists never fail to impress with their strong, long-lasting formulas, and Beach Skin is no different. This scent is a love letter to the best tropical vacations with hints of sea salt, sun-kissed skin, and leftover sunscreen. Essentially, it's the best scents of summer wrapped into one, and while I prefer this solar floral blend, its fruitier little sister, Peach Skin, is just as lovely for the season.
Fragrance Family: Fresh Solar
Notes: Bergamot; Salted tiare flower; Pink pepper; Coconut milk; Lily of the valley; Sandalwood; Vanilla; Musk
Size: 8 oz.
What I Love: Impressive longevity for a body mist; Complex; Ideal scent for layering
What I Don't: May seem similar to other tropical scents
Review For MC: After testing this launch, I've officially dubbed Phlur as the best body mist brand ever. With every single launch, I'm wowed at the performance of the brand's body mists as they stand up to the most expensive eau de parfums in my collection. Beach Skin is everything I want in a summer perfume—it's tropical (but not sunscreen-y), solar, and a touch sweet. It's like Phlur bottled up the scent of sun-kissed skin after a long beach day, and I'm obsessed." — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
What Should I Look For in a Summer Perfume?
- Trending Notes
Every summer, fresh, fruity, and airy scents typically dominate the trend cycle, however, times are changing, according to fragrance reviewer, Olivia VanDerMillen, a.k.a. @oliviaolfactory on social media. "Today’s fragrance lovers crave individuality, gravitating toward unexpected notes like green tomato vine, or cool metallics to reinforce their own individual, unique preferences," she explains. You’ll find an interesting mineral salt accord in Glossier's new You Fleur perfume, or how about a blend of tobacco and hay from Le Labo to intrigue?
- Light Notes
Have you ever worn a perfume on a hot summer day and thought to yourself, “This feels…heavy.” That's because it chemically is. "Fragrance molecules have mass, and those with a higher molecular weight, such as vanilla, musk, and cedarwood, evaporate more slowly," VanDerMillen explains. "Heat and humidity can exaggerate these notes, leading to a somewhat suffocating experience for some." Instead, the fragrance expert recommends looking for citrus, herbal, and light floral scents that can be easier on the nose in summer.
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How We Tested
To compile this list of the best summer perfumes, we scoured the internet and combed through countless customer reviews to find the top-rated options on the market. We also asked the Marie Claire team to share their holy grail picks and asked independent and staff testers to try a mix of cult favorites and new launches.
Each summer perfume was evaluated on notes, staying power, and its overall scent as the day went on.
Meet the Experts
Alexandra is a creative perfumer with over 15 years of experience in the fragrance industry. She has created perfumes for brands like Lancôme, Gucci, Dries Van Noten, and many more.
