Scent Shopping Is Hard—Here Are The Top 10 Fragrances For Summer According To Our Algorithm
Our Top 10 Lists help shoppers quickly and easily find what they need. Using an intense review and approval process (which you can learn more about here), we break down the best products according to what consumers most commonly search for and want.
'Tis the season of swaps. As the temps begin to teeter into the 90s and the sweltering heat becomes imminent, practical wardrobe exchanges like tank tops for t-shirts and denim shorts for jeans begin to occur. But there's a swap that's less obvious yet just as important that you could also be making: your fragrance. Switching out your moody, warm perfume for a summer scent with fresh, floral notes simply makes sense. However, while we're big believers that a refreshing, carefree summer scent is a must in every beauty arsenal, we're also fully aware that sniffing through every perfume aisle in Sephora is a tedious task. Lucky for you, that's exactly what we're here for. Ahead, we're helping you find your signature scent for summer 2021 with a definitive guide to the best fragrances of the season. From Marc Jacob's iconic Daisy to Maison Margiela's buzzy Replica line, there's a summer fragrance below for every scent preference and budget.
Our Method For Finding The Best Summer Fragrances
Since every perfume on this list is selected using our data-driven algorithm, you can feel confident that the fragrances ahead are precisely the scents you're looking for this summer. Our algorithm approves the products on our Top 10 lists by factoring in data from rave reviews, best-selling buzz, editor recommendations, and more. Without further ado, keep scrolling to score the new fragrance you’ve been searching for this summer.
Next up, check out the 10 Best Cult-Favorite Fragrances. Opening image: sephora.com
June 7, 2021
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Aerin Rose De Grasse
INVESTMENT-WORTHY
THINGS TO KNOW: Inspired by the most timeless symbol of beauty and femininity, the rose, this rich scent features a fusion of hand-picked roses from the French capital of perfumery.
FUN FACT: Aerin Lauder is the granddaughter of fragrance and skincare pioneer Estée Lauder.
Ouai North Bondi Eau De Parfum
AFFORDABLE
WHO IT'S FOR: Can't get enough of Ouai's good-smelling hair products? Look no further. This particular fragrance is found in many of the brand's cult-favorite buys—think conditioners, texturizing hair sprays, dry shampoos, and more.
LOVED FOR: Base notes of sandalwood, patchouli, and white musk give this scent a crisp, clean smell that's equal parts light and refreshing.
Jo Malone London Tangy Rhubarb Cologne
CITRUSY
WHY YOU NEED IT: One whiff of this refreshing scent will transport you to an overgrown garden. With eccentric fragrance notes like rhubarb, orange, and cedarwood, this isn't your average fruity fragrance—but it's still so wearable.
THINGS TO KNOW: Inspired by the British love of jam making, this scent is housed in a limited-edition white ceramic bottle similar to a vintage marmalade jar.
Tom Ford Soleil Brûlant Eau de Parfum
UNISEX
WHY YOU NEED IT: This perfume is warm and spicy but not too heavy. Thanks to notes of orange flower and black honey, it smells just as you'd imagine sunshine would.
BEAUTY HACK: Resist the urge to rub this fragrance into the skin. Simply spritz and let it dry to avoid altering how the scent develops.
Chloé Chloe L'Eau
LIGHT
LOVED FOR: Housed in a glass pleated bottle, this scent is all about elegance. Notes of lychee, grapefruit, natural rose water, and magnolia give it a youthful yet sophisticated appeal.
USER REVIEW: "This fragrance is perfect for me. I honestly smelled it in a Vogue magazine and immediately logged into Sephora to buy it, which I have NEVER done. I’m not much of a perfume wearer, which is why I prefer the eau de toilette—a slightly lighter fragrance. It’s hard to describe what you like about a scent. I find that this one smells clean and feminine (and expensive), and I love it."
Jo Malone London Waterlily Cologne
EARTHY
WHO IT'S FOR: This summer fragrance is ideal for those who love woody and green scents. Inspired by the white waterlilies in the Huwon Secret Garden in Seoul, Korea, it offers a clean, floral smell and the dewy freshness of floating blooms.
USER REVIEW: "Based on the description, I ordered this fragrance without having tried it first. It's clean, crisp, and cool as water. It is just beautiful. It doesn't change on me, and I get whiffs of it throughout the day. I'm a gardener, so the clean, fresh florals and greens are my favorite."
Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle
SWEET
WHY YOU NEED IT: Inspired by the shimmering beaches of the Mediterranean, a spritz of this fragrance is like taking a sensory vacation. With notes of Italian bergamot, honeysuckle, and grapefruit, this magical and elegant scent effortlessly compliments warm weather and sunny days.
LOVED FOR: This chic bottle defines aesthetically pleasing. With a bright top as blue as the Mediterranean and crystal-clear glass, this fragrance will look just as cute on your beauty counter as it will on your IG feed.
Marc Jacobs Daisy Love Eau De Toilette
FRUITY
WHAT IT DOES: An ode to Marc Jacobs' iconic Daisy, this radiant spin-off boasts notes of cashmere musk and driftwood. A vibrant burst of cloudberries is revealed in the first notes of each spritz, leaving you with a fragrance that's sweet-smelling but not too sugary or fruity.
THINGS TO KNOW: If you're not ready to commit to the standard size, this perfume comes in a miniature bottle that's a perfect size for testing things out.
Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk Eau De Toilette Fragrance
BEACHY
WHAT IT DOES: Designed to replicate the mood of a stroll along the ocean, this fragrance features notes of bergamot, pink, pepper, and lemon lifted by a base of clean musk, cedarwood, and benzoin.
BEAUTY HACK: Did you know that the warmth from your own body intensifies your perfume? Apply it to the creases of your knees and elbows for a longer-lasting scent.
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau De Parfum Spray
FLORAL
WHY YOU NEED IT: Housed in an instantly recognizable grenade bottle, this fragrance boasts notes of jasmine, orange blossom, and patchouli that are captured within every spritz. Bonus points for its status as an Allure Best of Beauty Award winner.
THINGS TO KNOW: This scent is inspired by the fresh feel of a summer garden party but offers a slightly warm scent thanks to a base of vanilla cologne.
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