The best summer fragrances capture the essence of sun-kissed skin, warm breezes, and dreamy beachside escapes—bottling the very spirit of the season in a single spritz. As we shed spring layers in favor of breezy linens and gauzy dresses, our fragrance wardrobes deserve the same seasonal refresh. Think airy florals, luminous citrus, and marine notes that evoke golden hour walks, rooftop soirées, and summer Fridays. This is the season to embrace perfumes that don’t overwhelm but rather float on the skin, enhancing your natural allure with every warm breeze. Whether chasing sunsets or simply the sun, a well-chosen summer scent can become the invisible accessory that defines your warm-weather aesthetic.
“When I think of summer, I’m instantly drawn towards a carefree, good mood, and I want my fragrance to further enhance that,” Nordstrom’s beauty director Autumne West tells Vogue, noting that she gravitates toward scents that feel lightweight and bright. “Summer is the moment for light florals, bright citruses, and anything that feels like a breeze. Think: bergamot, orange blossom, jasmine, and sea salt.”
Vogue’s Favorite Summer Fragrances
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This season, what’s particularly trending are fruity scents. Rather than the adolescent body-spray scents of our youth, West explained in our 2026 perfume trend report that ripe, fruity notes have reemerged as “grown up” through their juxtaposition with unexpected notes. Linda G. Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation, adds that anything evocative of the tropics and fruit have always seems synonymous with summer. “There have been a lot of fruit forward scents introduced that are just right for summer from bananas and mangoes to pear,” she says.
Whatever your speed, there is a summer fragrance for you—from salty and citrusy, to musky and floral. Ahead, a look at the best 2026 has to offer, with picks from our experts and Vogue editors.
In This Story
Best Crisp Citrus: Tom Ford Costa Azzurra Eau de Parfum
- Why We Love It: Another pick inspired by a jet setting European summer, Tom Ford’s Costa Azzurra, which is an aromatic take on the waves crashing along the Mediterranean coast. Fresh and crisp, woody and a bit citrus-y, this smells of salt sea air, cypress, and lemon in a way that can instantly transport you across the Atlantic—whether you’re actually traveling this summer or not.
- Notes: Cypress, lemon, oakwood
- This Smells Like: Sitting beachside at sunset.
Best Raspberry: Chanel Chance Eau Splendide
- Why We Love It: When West forecasted that Chanel’s latest fragrance would become the summer scent, she wasn’t merely speculating—she was calling it. Now, as temperatures rise, so too does the unmistakable presence of Eau Splendide. From sweeping hand-painted murals in Williamsburg, Brooklyn to endlessly reshared posts on beauty TikTok, the fragrance is fast becoming a seasonal signature. Crafted by master perfumer Olivier Polge, Eau Splendide opens with a radiant burst of raspberry accord—crisp, juicy, and unmistakably playful. As it settles, delicate notes of rose geranium and violet bloom into focus, grounded by a soft whisper of woody musk. The effect? Fresh, flirtatious, and effortlessly modern.
- Key Notes: Raspberry accord, rose geranium, violet, white cedar, musk accord
- This Smells Like: Raspberries freshly picked from the garden
Best Spicy & Fruity: Vilhelm Parfumerie Mango Skin Eau de Parfum
- Why We Love It: If Levy says mango scents will be all the rage in summer, that’s your cue to pick up a bottle of Vilhelm Parfumerie’s Mango Skin. This smells like taking a bite of the ripest, juiciest fruits (cue the blend of mango and blackberry, seasoned with a hit of black pepper) for mouthwatering results. To add to the already delicious assortment, a scent trail of patchouli with a light whiff of florals. ”
- Editor’s Experience: “Most of my scent preferences skew more autumnal, but Mango Skin is a summer exception for me. Its sweetness is fresh like sliced fruit versus saccharin and artificial; plus, the mix of pepper and patchouli give it a grown up edge.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Notes: Blackberry, mango, black pepper, wild orris, black lotus, jasmine, patchouli, vanilla, pink sugar
- This Smells Like: Freshly sliced mango with a sprinkle of tajin.
Best Sunscreen Scent: Vacation Sunscreen Eau de Toilette
- Why We Love It: If you’ve ever spritzed a sunscreen on and thought, “This smells lovely,” you’re in luck. Vacation bottled up the cult-favorite scent of their body SPF into a best-selling airy eau de toilette—and best-selling isn’t an understatement, with 38K glowing Amazon reviews. That nostalgic scent, associated with more carefree (and warmer) times, comes from a fruity blend of coconut, banana, and pineapple. Once the perfume settles down, notes of musk and salt linger on the skin.
- Notes: Petitgrain essence, coconut water, coconut milk, bergamot, musk, banana, pineapple, sea salt
- This Smells Like: Poolside sunbathing at a luxe resort, piña colada in hand.
Best Ethereal: Parfums de Marly Valaya Eau de Parfum
- Why We Love It: Described as cloud-like, Nwasike describes Valaya as heaven on earth in a bottle. “This floral-fruity composition opens with a sweet, bright burst of peach, aldehydes, and bergamot. Soon after, soft white florals bloom against a backdrop of musk, creating a clean, satin-like sensation on the skin. It’s a versatile fragrance that feels joyful—and signature scent-worthy,” she previously said.
- Key Notes: Bergamot, mandarin, white peach, orange flower, nymphaea, vetiver, musk
- This Smells Like: Fresh and ethereal
Best Unisex: Le Labo Neroli 36 Eau de Parfum
- Why We Love It: Vogue’s senior fashion writer Cortne Bonilla never holds back—especially when asked about her perfume proclivities. Without hesitation, Bonilla’s go-to summer scent for her and her husband is Le Labo’s Neroli 36, for its high-end, luxurious sunscreen reminiscent fragrance. “I make my husband James buy a new bottle every summer, because we both wear it daily throughout the season,” she tells Vogue. A bright citrusy scent, orange blossom and mandarin blend with musky notes for a clean yet beachy scent.
- Notes: Mandarin, calone, orange blossom, salt crystal, watermelon, jasmine, neroli, musk, tonka bean, vanilla
- This Smells Like: A clean scent with a subtly summery twist.
Best Jammy Rose: Matiere Premiere Radical Rose Eau de Parfum
- Why We Love It: This Matière Premier’s perfume is a spice-forward floral far more unique than a classically sweet, flowery fragrance. “Radical Rose is a dark, sultry rose featuring rich saffron, patchouli, and pepper notes. Plus, it boasts incredible longevity,” says Nwasike, adding that this long lasting perfume endures up to 12 hours and leaves behind an intoxicating scent trail.
- Key Notes: Chili pepper, berries, saffron, rose centifolia absolute, patchouli
- This Smells Like: Peppery and jammy.
Best Skin Scent: Phlur Missing Person
- Why We Love It: For a minimalist approach to summery fragrances, Phlur’s best-selling Missing Person is the answer. Light and lingering, the skin scent is achieved through white musk, plus a base of woody essential oils to add further complexity. Meanwhile, the addition of citrus and warm-weather blooms like jasmine and neroli lightens the scent without making it a true floral.
- Notes: White musk, bergamot nectar, jasmine, cyclamen, neroli blossom, sandalwood Australia oil, blonde wood
- This Smells Like: A sultry skin scent.
Best Lavender: Chloé Atelier des Fleurs Sable Lavande Eau de Parfum
- Why We Love It: A part of Chloe’s Les Essences Méditerranéennes line, it doesn’t take a perfect score in French to know that the scents are inspired by Mediterranean escapes. Sure, you may not be able to jet off to Tuscany to frolic through the lavender fields at a moment’s notice, but this perfume definitely hits those olfactory notes (a win for maladaptive day dreaming!). Lavender juxtaposed with ambroxan makes this scent read as fresh, with musk and beachside woods ground it into a skin-hugging base.
- Notes: Lavender, ambroxan, wood, musk
- This Smells Like: Summering in coastal Italy.
Best Solar Floral: Glossier You Soie
- Why We Love It: Glossier’s You eau de parfum launched just about nine years ago (yes, you read that right). Nearly a decade later, the cult-favorite your-skin-but-better scent has expanded its family. Glossier describes the latest iteration, You Soie, as “you on vacation.” A part of the solar fragrance category, the perfume opens with notes of bergamot, jasmine, rice milk, and tiare water. As it settles into the skin, the star note of all You fragrances, ambrox, comes to the forefront as a skin scent enhancer.
- Notes: Bergamot, rice milk, tiare water, jasmine, ambrox
- This Smells Like: Salty and warm skin.
Best Complex: House of Bō Ave María Parfum
- Why We Love It: It’s hard to pin down exactly what Ave María smells like, because in true niche fragrance fashion, the plethora of notes tells a full story. Is it boozy, aquatic, floral, or fresh? All of the above, actually. The opening spritz bursts with white florals and cashmere. As the scent dries down, fruity notes of pear and Merlot come together for an ever-so-slightly boozy note. Meanwhile, notes of wood and leather keep the scent profile from becoming too sweet.
- Notes: Dewy gardenia, cashmere, rain water Indonesian jasmine, African neroli, sweet pear, merlot wine, Oakwood, Napa leather
- This Smells Like: A pitcher of sangria—heavy on the fresh cut fruit.
Best Light Gourmand: Summer Fridays Sunlit Vanilla Eau de Parfum
- Why We Love It: There are few memories more nostalgic than indulging in an ice cream on a sweltering day—Summer Fridays recently launched fragrance evokes exactly that. Upon first spritz, the perfume bursts with caramel, coconut, and vanilla, balanced by fresh citrus to prevent it from becoming saccharine sweet. Once the scent settles, creamy vanilla, musk, and amber come forward, maintaining the coziness of a gourmand without the heaviness.
- Editor’s Experience: “Back in February, I first got a pre-launch preview of Summer Fridays’ inaugural scent. Memories of eating vanilla ice cream cones on the boardwalk in the middle of summer came to mind on initial spritz. While it is sweet, it’s not overwhelmingly fragrant, making it feel light enough to sport in warm temps. I keep the travel-size bottle and case hanging from my work bag.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Notes: Bergamot, caramel, coconut, vanilla, creamy musk, tonka bean, amber
- This Smells Like: A vanilla ice cream cone on a hot summer’s day.
Best for a Night Out: YSL Beauty Libre Berry Crush Eau de Parfum
- Why We Love It: There are several Libre variations, but Berry Crush is noticeably more tart and fruit-forward. Launched in January, the new scent has already made its way into West’s fragrance wardrobe. “Libre Berry Crush is a creamy, luscious version to a fragrance I already love and the berry twist with coconut and vanilla feels like summer in a bottle,” she says. While raspberry bursts to the fore upon first spritz, French lavender and Moroccan orange blossom (a mainstay in the Libre category) are grounding, making way for its Madagascar vanilla base. And because the scent is long-lasting and leaves a trail, its slightly moody yet fruity profile makes it perfect for a summer’s night out on the town.
- Editor’s Experience: “Having just launched this NYFW, Libre Berry Crush made its debut with a super sexy, dimly lit party, draped in red velvet. Where could you find me in the party? Well, near the giant centerpiece decked out in raspberries, of course. Upon first spritz, you’ll notice there’s something moodier and nostalgic about this version—like something your cool teen sister would wear in the 2010s when she’s trying to seem grown-up.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Notes: Raspberry accord, coconut accord, orange blossom, lavender, vanilla
- This Smells Like: A fresh baked berry tarte, with coconut flakes on top.
Best Airy: Liis Floating
- Why We Love It: Weightless and fresh is the best way to describe Liis’s Floating. The scent is inspired by a slow day free from obligations (a dream!). In keeping with the overall airy imagery—both emotionally and and olfactory—the fragrance opens with ripe peach, juxtaposed with critine begamot and wild orchid. Meanwhile, fresh linen and sequoia wood add a fresh from the laundry, grounding element.
- Notes: Bergamot, peach, wild orchid, linen, sequoia wood a
- This Smells Like: A picnic in the park, while playing hooky from work.
Best Earthy & Spicy: Maison d’Etto Rotano
- Why We Love It: A Vogue favorite for niche fragrance brands, Maison D’etto is an ideal destination for IYKYK signature scents. Rotano is particularly unique and intriguing. To me, leathery, musky, earthy, and spicy is the best way to describe this fragrance—like a mezcal cocktail set on fire for dramatic effect at a boujee restaurant. Meanwhile, others liken it to skin after an ocean swim. That’s because of another note, salt, which evokes the minerality of a seaside breeze.
- Editor’s Note: “Maison d’Etto founder Brianna Lipovsky told me that Rotano was one of the more niche scents from her collectsion and while I was surprised, I can understand why. It’s a blend of unexpected ingredients—leathery and musky with an earth-forward touch that lends it a gender-bending quality.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Notes: Cypriol, halo musk, suede, myrrh, olibanum, cedarwood heart, salt
- This Smells Like: A mezcal cocktail.
Everything You Need To Know
What fragrances are best for summer?
West describes summertime scents as light and airy, from fresh white florals like jasmine to gourmands blended with fresh fruit that evoke a tropical destination.
And while blooms may all seem the same to non-perfume connoisseurs, think again— Nwasike explains that summer scents do differ slightly from spring fragrances, much like the way seasonally exclusive flowers bloom and fruits ripen. “Summer florals are brighter, bolder than those of spring and often have a rich, lush quality,” says Nwasike. “They’re frequently paired with fruity or tropical notes, creating a sun-drenched, radiant effect on the skin.”
What scents pair well for summer?
With light and airy in mind, Nwasike breaks down popular notes that pair well for the sun-soaked season. While the possibilities are endless, consider the combinations below for crafting the perfect summer perfume:
- Floral Notes: Yang-ylang, orange blossom (neroli), frangipani, and tuberose.
- Citrus Notes: Lemon, mandarin, pear, bergamot
- Woody Notes: Cedarwood, sandalwood, oud, vetiver, guaiac wood
- Green Notes: Maté tea, green tea, galbanum, blackcurrant buds, violet leaf
- Ambrée Notes : Vanilla, tonka bean, myrrh, frankincense, labdanum
- Spicy Notes: Salt, pink pepper, ginger
Meet The Experts
- Linda G. Levy is president of The Fragrance Foundation.
- Eudora Nwasike is a certified fragrance specialist by The Fragrance Foundation UK and featured in Forbes, The Business of Fashion, Mr. Porter, and more.
- Autumne West is the beauty director at Nordstrom.
