The best summer fragrances have the power to deliver you to far-flung, exotic locations with just one spritz – and in these times when foreign travel has never been more uncertain, we’re more than ready to give ourselves over to an intoxicating new scent. Luckily, this season’s summer-ready perfumes do just that, combining the aromas of fresh florals, zingy citrus and blooming botanicals that instantly conjure up blazing sunshine and blue skies. Here’s our edit of the best summer fragrances to give you that holiday feeling.
Loewe
A heady collaboration between Loewe’s Creative Director Jonathan Anderson and in-house perfumer Nuria Cruelles, and the legendary Ibiza boutique Paula’s, this joy-inducing summer fragrance comes in a rainbow ombré bottle that radiates Balearic vibes. At once floral and aquatic with its blend of coconut water, galbanum and mandarin oils, as well as sand lily, patchouli and frangipani, this scent perfectly encapsulates the island’s bohemian vibe.
Bvlgari
A limited edition fragrance paying homage to the world of Luna Park in Coney Island with its rides, ornate towers and twinkling lights – even the eye-catching circular bottle brings to mind the park’s iconic ferris wheel – this solar floral scent is built around the ylang-ylang flower. Top notes of Sicilian mandarin and white peach plus deep notes of golden benzoin and cedar wood make for an uplifting blend. Warm and radiant, this citrusy-sweet summer fragrance will keep the holiday memories alive.
Byredo
Byredo’s newest launch Deep Viola – which is exclusive to Harrods – captures the bold yet delicate scent of the violet, layering it with top notes of bergamot and saffron, and the rich scents of incense and vanilla on the base. The result is a heady, sensual and distinctive summer fragrance that’s perfect for alfresco evenings.
Jo Malone
The brand’s latest Limited Edition Blossoms Collection – which includes colognes, candles and diffusers – speaks of summer with its invigorating mix of fruity and floral aromas. Alongside a few much-loved favourites, two new summer fragrances have been added to the mix: Yuja Cologne, a zingy burst of citrus with woody depths of clary sage and fir balsam, and the crisp, fresh Waterlily Cologne, its floral aquatic base offset by clean notes of neroli and white musk. As ever with Jo Malone, these fragrances are designed to be layered with others from the collection to create a scent unique and personal to the wearer.
Clean Reserve
Clean Beauty Collective’s latest eco-conscious and sustainable fragrance, launched to mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and the protection of bees, is inspired by nature. Orris butter, white cedar wood and liquid musk combine with a top note of pear nectar and sustainably-sourced ambrette seeds that adds a burst of freshness which makes for a light, but intoxicating summer fragrance.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian has added to his olfactory repertoire with an eau de toilette version of his iconic À la rose scent. Delicately floral and fresh, this summer fragrance combines two varieties of rose – Damascena from Bulgaria, giving off a spicy, fruity top note, and Centifolia from Grasse for that deeper rosy base. Peony, lychee and white musk add to the fresh and airy sillage.
Buly 1803
Luxury French apothecary Officine Universelle Buly 1803 has released a box set of a dozen of its signature perfumes. Each 10ml phial contains one of the brand’s emblematic water-based scents, from Sevillian Bigarade, a mix of fresh flowers and citrus fruits enhanced with mint and rosemary, and Calabrian Bergamot, a bitter burst of orange, earl grey and gaiac wood, to Sumi Hinoki, with its deep, fresh, woody notes of smoked cypress.
Art de Parfum
The creation of Art De Parfum founder Ruta Degutyte, Le Joker plays on the theme of the dual personality (often portrayed by jesters), inviting its wearer to be more daring and evocative. As such, this woody, spicy scent focuses on unexpected, intriguing notes designed to be both playful and dark, with Timur pepper blending seamlessly with mid tones of nutmeg and marine, and a base of patchouli, cypriol, musc and moss.
