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20 Best Summer Perfumes and Fragrances for 2024

Lighter, brighter, more relaxed. It's time to find your new signature summer eau.

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Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Summertime always calls for fragrance vibe shift. Whether that means going for a fresher, lighter scent to make heat waves int the city more bearable—and bear in mind, humidity makes perfume bloom on skin, so it smells even better—or grabbing a seductive spritz for sultry evenings by the shore, summer is a perfect time to seek out new favorites. Now that the solstice has passed, we have rounded up 20 of the best fragrances to wear for the next few months of fun in the sun, from the crispest citrus to the freshest floral to the most unusual sea-water marine (yes, it is a perfume inspired by whales). Go forth and frolic!

MORE: Why Fragrances With Green Notes Will Be Everywhere This Year

1
Best Vacation Fragrance

Ilio Ilio Eau de toilette

Ilio Eau de toilette
$180 at Diptyque
Pros
  • Giftable
Cons

    Diptyque's new launch, Ilio, is like summer in a bottle: imagine the solar warmth of prickly pear, the radiance of bergamot and jasmine, and the afterglow of powdery iris. Whimsical illustrations by French artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet make it especially charming—and collectible.

    Notes: Prickly Pear, Bergamot, Barbary Fig

    2
    Most Unusual

    Let's Dive

    Let's Dive
    Pros
    • Unises
    • Suitable for Any Occassion
    Cons

      D.S. & Durga has collaborated with Project CETI, a nonprofit that translates the communication of sperm whales using AI, to conceptualizing a deep sea scent to launch on World Ocean Day. The notes—salt water, seaweed, rock rose, choya nahk (made from toasted seashells), and synthesized ambergris (the beautifully scented substance has traditionally been derived from sperm whale vomit)—may sound beachy, but the effect is that of an everyday-wearable aquatic skin scent. When sprayed, it creates a shimmery, clean aura—like the clear blue water in which we all, human and whale alike, deserve to swim.

      Notes: Marine Water, Seaweed, Rock Rose, Ambergris

      3
      Best for Yacht Lounging

      DIOR DIORIVIERA

      DIORIVIERA
      Pros
      • Sophisticated
      • Lightweight for summer
      Cons

        Be transported to the South of France on a sunny day with this gorgeous, radiant fragrance, which sends the aroma of green fig leaves and softly blooming roses dancing through the air.

        Notes: Rose, Green Fig

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        4
        Best for After the Beach

        Vacation Vacation After Sun Eau de Toilette 1 oz.

        Vacation After Sun Eau de Toilette 1 oz.
        Pros
        • Unisex
        • Refreshing
        Cons

          Notes of mini bar gin and plush resort towel should give you a pretty good idea of what you'll smell here: It captures so precisely the post-beach moment when you emerge from the shower, mix a cocktail, and relax into the sunset hours of a day spent gloriously at leisure.

          Notes: Aloe Vera, Green Tea, Gin, Linen

          5
          Best for Hot Weather

          Soft Spot

          Soft Spot
          Pros
          • Office-friendly
          Cons

            Like an olfactive watercolor: think transparent florals, subtle citrus, and lean-in-a-little closer musk. The perfect low-key skin-scent for a heat wave.

            Notes: Bergamot, Freesia, Waterlily, Musk

            6
            Best for Those with Wanderlust

            Eau de Toilette Kyma

            Eau de Toilette Kyma
            Pros
            • Long-lasting
            • Layers well
            Cons

              Haven't bought that flight to the Greek isles just yet? This may be the next best thing. A citrus-forward aquatic fragrance that will send you dreaming of orange groves by the blue sea.

              Notes: Lime, Orange, Marine Notes, Cedar, Nutmeg

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              7
              Best For Sensitive Types

              Kimono Hikari Water-Based Fragrance

              Kimono Hikari Water-Based Fragrance
              Pros
              • Lightweight
              Cons

                A lovely fresh green floral, inspired by the timeless elegance of the Japanese kimono. And because the composition is water-based, it's perfect for summer—and for sensitive skin.

                Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Jasmine, Magnolia, Sandalwood

                8
                Best Fresh Unisex

                1 oz. Humboldt Perfume

                1 oz. Humboldt Perfume
                Pros
                • Hot Weather Appropriate
                Cons

                  Named after the German naturalist who explored South America in the early 1800s, this is the zestiest, freshest, most arresting citrus, with notes of bergamot, passion fruit, and tangerine.

                  Notes: Bergamot, Passion Fruit, Tangerine

                  9
                  Best for Seduction

                  Fragrance Du Bois Fragrance Du Bois Sirene Extrait de Parfum, 3.4 oz.

                  Fragrance Du Bois Sirene Extrait de Parfum, 3.4 oz.
                  Pros
                  • Long-lasting
                  • Excellent Sillage
                  Cons

                    Feminine and pretty, but also femme-fatale-level potent, this is a captivating blend of cherry and pepper top notes, bolstered by oud, incense and resins. Not for the faint of heart - but just watch them swoon.

                    Notes: Cherry, Black Pepper, Oud, Incense

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                    10
                    Most Romantic

                    Maison Louis Marie Maison Louis Marie No. 14 Icila Eau de Parfum 1.7 oz / 50 ml eau de parfum spray

                    Maison Louis Marie No. 14 Icila Eau de Parfum 1.7 oz / 50 ml eau de parfum spray
                    Pros
                    • Long-lasting
                    Cons

                      A warm floral ideal for sultry summer evenings, No. 14 Icila couches jasmine and mandarin leaf in a bed of dark plum, vanilla, and creamy woods.

                      Notes: Plum, Vanilla

                      11
                      Best Special Occasion Scent

                      Parfums de Marly Parfums de Marly Valaya Eau de Parfum at Nordstrom, Size 2.5 Oz

                      Parfums de Marly Valaya Eau de Parfum at Nordstrom, Size 2.5 Oz
                      Pros
                      • Long-Lasting
                      • Excellent Projection
                      Cons

                        A pillowy, radiant aura of soft peach, orange flower, and white florals, grounded by musk and woods, Valaya is elegant and ladylike—perfect for a summer wedding (whether you're the bride or not).

                        Notes: Bergamot, White Peach, Orange Flower, Musk

                        12
                        For The Life Of The Party

                        BVLGARI BVLGARI Le Gemme Tygar Eau de Parfum

                        BVLGARI Le Gemme Tygar Eau de Parfum
                        Pros
                        • Large Bottle
                        • Unisex
                        Cons

                          Grapefruit and ginger notes make for a bright olfactive surprise, like the flash of gold in a tiger's eye gemstone (which inspired both the fragrance and the bottle-top design). Citrusy, spicy, and woody, Tygar is a scent that will get you noticed for all the right reasons.

                          Notes: Grapefruit, Ginger, Ambrox

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                          13
                          Best Orange Flower Scent

                          Matiere Premiere Neroli Oranger Eau de Parfum

                          Neroli Oranger Eau de Parfum
                          Pros
                          • High Quality Natural Ingredients
                          • Long-Lasting
                          Cons

                            Orange flower lovers, this one's for you. Sparkling
                            Tunisian orange blossom is heightened by a dash of bright green Lebanese neroli and fresh Italian bergamot. As transportive and uplifting as walking through the midst of a blooming orange tree grove.

                            Notes: Orange Blossom, Neroli

                            14
                            Best Youthful Floral

                            Ellis Brooklyn Ellis Brooklyn FLORIST Eau de Parfum

                            Ellis Brooklyn FLORIST Eau de Parfum
                            Pros
                            • Crowd-Pleasing Citrusy Floral
                            • Woman Owned
                            Cons

                              Go on, spritz a flower shop on your wrist. This bouquet of tuberose petals with Italian bergamot, golden gardenia, honeysuckle and jasmine is as sweet and joyful as its bold pink bottle.

                              Notes: Italian bergamot, Tuberose, Gardenia, Jasmine sambac, Honeysuckle, Sandalwood

                              15
                              For The Gardener

                              Sisley Paris Sisley Paris L'Eau Rêvée d'Hubert Eau de Toilette at Nordstrom, Size 1.7 Oz

                              Sisley Paris L'Eau Rêvée d'Hubert Eau de Toilette at Nordstrom, Size 1.7 Oz
                              Pros
                              • Gender Neutral
                              • Fresh and Green
                              Cons

                                A geranium leaf crushed in your fingers gives off a smell unlike any other—simultaneously zingy, herbaceous, green, floral, and earthy. Modeled specifically after the scent of pelargonium tomentosum (a minty variety), Sisley's L'Eau Revee d'Hubert captures this garden-fresh aroma perfectly, while also rendering it—with painterly accents of cedar and patchouli—effortlessly wearable.

                                Notes: Shiso leaves, Mint, Geranium, Papyrus, Patchouli

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                                16
                                Most Versatile

                                Liis Lucienne

                                Lucienne
                                Pros
                                • Ultra Wearable
                                • Office Friendly
                                Cons

                                  So radiant you can practically see it shimmer. A sheer veil of citrus, magnolia and waterlily, with a dreamy marine accord drydown, this is a gorgeous, easy, go-anywhere spritz.

                                  Notes: Citrus, Magnolia and Waterlily

                                  17
                                  For Rainy Days

                                  GENTLE SHOWER (잠비) Eau De Parfum

                                  GENTLE SHOWER (잠비) Eau De Parfum
                                  Pros
                                  • Vegan
                                  • Unisex
                                  Cons

                                    Inspired by the Korean word jambi, which means an unexpected cloudburst that allows harvesters to have a moment of rest, this lovely scent evokes the fleeting freshness of raindrops on flowers and green leaves.

                                    Notes: Perilla Leaf, Ginger, Upcycled Rosewater, Vetiver

                                    18
                                    Best Neroli

                                    Guerlain Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Forte Nerolia Vetiver EDP

                                    Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Forte Nerolia Vetiver EDP
                                    Pros
                                    • Refillable
                                    • 95% Natural Origin Ingredients
                                    Cons

                                      Take a trip to Calabria without flashing your passport. Vivid neroli is wrapped in a juicy fig accord and smoothed out with warm vetiver and Tonka bean. This is one you will definitely be stealing from your partner, and vice versa.

                                      Notes: Neroli, Fig Accord, Tonka Bean

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                                      19
                                      Best For The City

                                      Maison Francis Kurkdjian Maison Francis Kurkdjian 724 Eau de Parfum

                                      Maison Francis Kurkdjian 724 Eau de Parfum
                                      Pros
                                      • Office Friendly
                                      • Long-Lasting
                                      Cons

                                        Summering in the city? This will break the heat. The latest from Baccarat Rouge creator Francis Kurkdjian is like sunrise reflecting off of a metal-and-glass skyscraper—airy, modern, and bright.

                                        Notes: Aldehydes, Jasmine, Sandalwood

                                        20
                                        Best Perfume OIl

                                        NEST New York NEST New York Balinese Coconut Perfume Oil

                                        NEST New York Balinese Coconut Perfume Oil
                                        Pros
                                        • Skin-nourishing
                                        • Dropper Application
                                        Cons

                                          Close your eyes and dream of Bali, immersed in the scent of coconut, tropical tiare blossom, and salted musk. Bonus: this natural coconut extraction, mixed with baobab oil, melts into skin and leaves it feeling silky and hydrated (in addition to smelling amazing).

                                          Notes: Coconut, Tiare blossom, Musk

                                          Headshot of April Long
                                          April Long
                                          Beauty Director

                                          April Long writes about beauty, wellness, and luxury skincare for Town & Country

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