28 Best Summer Fragrances That Glamour Editors Wear Everyday

I’m extremely picky about scent in general because of my highly sensitive nose (yes, I am that person who will ask to move seats on a plane if my seatmate is wearing too much perfume or cologne). Over the years I’ve found only three commercial fragrances I really love—my DMs are open if you’re curious—but I use them super sparingly. However, I recently discovered this light body mist by razor brand Flamingo and am obsessed. Not only is it incredibly hydrating, but the scent is so, so good. It’s not fruity or floral (vom), but rather clean and a bit woodsy thanks to subtle notes of vetiver and bergamot. I use it all summer and find it to be a more subdued alternative to spritzing on heavy eau de parfum during the hottest days of the year. —Perrie Samotin, digital director

I love a heady perfume, but summer is the only time of year when I like to lighten things up. Not too much, though—scents that are overwhelmingly sweet and floral have never been my cup of tea. Thankfully, Aqua Vitae strikes the perfect balance. It starts out full-bodied but gradually becomes airy and delicate as it wears. Striking notes of guaiac wood and tonka bean fulfill my musky quota, while citrusy mandarin and lemon add some intriguing brightness suitable for warmer months. —Ariana Yaptangco, senior beauty editor

_{Original photo by Jessica Radloff, senior West Coast editor}

Not only does Bulgari's Dolce Estasi fragrance look like a luxury candy wrapper, but it is the most divine scent that will remind you of a quaint Italian pastry shop. Think notes of florals, Italian citrus fruit, and a soothing blend of musky notes that aren't overpowering, just delightful. —Jessica Radloff, senior West Coast editor

The newest addition to Aerin's Mediterranean Honeysuckle collection, this has notes of grapefruit, honeysuckle, and the tiare flower, which will remind you of the most serene beach escape in the South of France. I can't get enough of it. —J.R.

My summer doesn’t emotionally begin until I’ve done two things: Blast “Summertime Sadness” while lounging by a body of water, then spray Vacation’s fragrance all over myself and anyone else who will allow me the pleasure (assuming I’m not already wearing the SPF). Because this fragrance, to me, is the classic summertime scent—mainly because it came from a sunscreen. Before I had this bottle, I used to open my bottle of the sunscreen just to sniff it—even on days I wasn’t going outside! Once you take a whiff, you’ll understand: The notes of coconut, banana, pool water, pool toy, and swimsuit Lycra make for the most visceral, happy-memory-inducing experience of all time. 10/10 recommend. —D.S.

I wore this fragrance during a summer spent in Italy, so I obviously have some nostalgic ties to it. But personal bias aside, Light Blue makes a perfect summer scent with notes of lime and cedar. To me, it strikes a balance between fruity and floral and is great for everyday use. —Alexandra Follino, art director

_{Original photo by Danielle Sinay, associate beauty editor}

If you could bottle the feeling of relaxation, luxury, and romance, or warm skin in linen dresses, or napping on a beach vacation without a worry in the world, this would be all of it and more. Sweet, fresh, nostalgic, warm, and sensitive-skin-friendly without feeling overly in your face, this, to me, is the quintessential summer scent. I actually love it so much that sometimes I put it on before bed because the aroma is that calming. I wish I was kidding. Whatever, at least I always smell good! —Danielle Sinay, associate beauty editor

I'm going to France for vacation this summer and already know this is the fragrance I'm going to pack. Not only because I’ll be on the French Riviera, from where this fragrance originates, but because the aroma is simply to die for—but also, yes, because it perfectly embodies the coastal and fruit-forward yet elegant vibe. With notes of lemon, fougeres (translation: fern), jasmine, honey, vineyard peach, bergamot, mandarin, and white musk, it’s warm and fruity yet fresh and floral. The best way I can describe it is “juicy” or ripe in the absolute best way. Don’t let the peach deter you, either: While sweet and zesty like the stonefruit, it’s woodsy, luxurious, and sexy. This is what transporting via fragrance is all about. —D.S.

_{Original photo by Jake Henry Smith, commerce editor}

My fragrance preferences lean green and floral, meaning they work well for spring—but I stand firmly behind this botanical Hermès scent for summer. It’s marketed as a men’s cologne, but the bright, juicy blend of herbs and pear is, to my nose, genderless. Close your eyes and images of blue skies and green fields come to mind. Each spray goes a long way and lasts hours, making this one of the most cost-effective bottles in my collection. —J.H.S.

I’ve never had a random man ask me what fragrance I was wearing until this one. I’ve been obsessed ever since I discovered it and I get so many compliments. It’s soft enough to wear every day, and the price point makes me feel less guilty about it. It’s sweet and subtle but demands attention. It’s giving “Take me out to dinner, but I don’t need you to.” —Jazmin Gathers, social media manager

Diptyque's newest Eau Nabati is heavier than what I usually wear, but there's something about the warm, earthy blend of bergamot, petit grain, and balsam of Peru the feels just right in its contrast for summer. —T.A.

I got this as a Christmas gift last year, and I started using it every day since. It has a warm and spicy scent, but the lavender and vanilla notes calms me when I need it. I receive so many compliments on it every time I wear it, and I need to get a bigger bottle before mine runs out. It's a must-have for those who want something light and sweet for every day. —Monique Wilson, editorial assistant

The berry and jasmine notes are what make this fragrance smell so light and floral, but its musk-amber base keeps things from being too cloying—perfect for summer. I especially love wearing this in the warmer temps because it smells like the kind of rich-girl summer I can't afford but wish I could: a gorgeous house on the beach, hydrangeas everywhere, “This Love (Taylor's Version)” playing in the background—so, basically, the plot of The Summer I Turned Pretty. —Anna Moeslein, deputy editor

I kept seeing this brand all over Instagram, so I finally went ahead and bought this once it was back in stock. It’s packed with a punch of warm florals and vanilla, and I love that the scent lasts so long. Smells just like summer in a bottle! —Andrea Navarro, commerce writer

Salt is the soft scent of a tropical vacation—and it’s so versatile that both I (floral, obsessed-with-beauty queen) and my husband (minimalist who I’ve had to force to wear SPF) equally love wearing it. The aroma is literally that of salt or, more specifically, a salty skin after a long day spent sailing at sea. Or perhaps a leisurely walk along the waves. It’s creamy, floral, sensual, and complex, and highlights the heady salty notes of ambergris, tropical florals of Tahitian tiare, and the warmth of sandalwood and musk. It’s really tough to explain how lovely it is, but I strongly encourage you to get a tester and try it. Oh, and bonus points for the warmer seasons: This is the only fragrance I know that somehow still smells good mixed with sweat. —D.S.

This spicy, alluring scent is my most complimented fragrance. Technically, it’s a mix of bergamot, pink pepper, vetiver, and saffron; in effect, though, it smells like a sunburnt beach or a bolt of inspiration. It’s sexy, it’s sophisticated, and it lasts forever. I’m in love. —J.H.S.

I’ve never been to Tahiti, but I’m obsessed with the tiare flower and the island’s gorgeous natural habitat and aquamarine waters (which I look at daily on Instagram, thank you very much). Until I actually get there, Chantecaille’s Tiare fragrance is the next best thing. Tiare is the flower of love and beauty, and this scent will immediately transport you to the tropical oasis. It has notes of cyclamen, lily of the valley, Italian bergamot, jasmine, ylang-ylang, red rose, orchid, musk, heliotrope, and vanilla. In other words, absolute paradise. Bonus: It’s vegan and cruelty-free. —J.R.

Figs remind me of my mom. When I picked up this fragrance, it was the light, sunny vibe I was looking for. It's earthy without being too woodsy and reminds me of a dewy, hot morning. Somehow it smells familiar and new all at once. —Gabriella Iannetta, contributor

This is the ultimate “summer, bottled” fragrance. You can practically smell the humidity. It’s sexy and coconut-forward without being overpoweringly musky, making it versatile for day or night. —Hanna Lustig, staff writer

This is my go-to floral scent because it's so delicate and not at all overpowering or grandma-like. With notes of coconut water, frangipani flower, orchids, jasmine flower, it's soft and sweet yet maintains a layer of depth and intensity owing to sandalwood and exotic vanilla. But the best part (and what makes it so ideal for summer)? The aroma only gets better on the skin throughout the day, instead of fading away. —D.S.

Honorable Mention smells like late spring. Floral and spicy notes bring to mind a meadow in full bloom (without making your allergies act up, thankfully). There’s an almost saccharine edge to it—if you use too much, the scent might end up being cloying—but in moderation it’s delicate and nostalgic, and it lingers long after your initial spritz. And thanks to Snif’s unique model, you can order a bottle, test it out, and send it back for free if you don’t like it. —J.S.

I got turned on to Tocca’s Stella fragrance when I was gifted a collection set of its Garden perfumes (which also happen to be a perfect size for travel!). Stella is a fresh scent with notes of orange, freesia, and lily. —A.F.

Portrait of a Lady includes sandalwood, one of my favorite notes, and I get the most compliments when I wear it. It smells timeless, modern, and sophisticated: the type of woman I want to be, but in a bottle. —T.L.

Glossier’s beauty products have never wowed me, but there’s a special place in my heart for the brand’s signature fragrance. While it’s at first a bright, woody, floral scent, it gradually changes on your skin, melting into something deeper and more inviting. And unlike so many other perfumes, it’s pretty subtle. Even though $60 is not a steal, one bottle lasts forever—I’m only on my second, and I’ve worn You religiously for years. Just buy it. —J.R.

Since we are now living in the ’90s-throwback era, my OG summer scent is and will forever be Aqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani. I love both the women's and the men's scents (I have been known to walk down the street following people wearing the men's scent because there's something about it I just can't help but obsess over). Even though I don't wear it often, I still keep a bottle. It's nostalgia in a spray. —Natasha Perlman, executive editor

D.S. & Durga knows how to name a fragrance. This brand-new scent would be great on its own, but the name (Steamed Rainbow! I can’t get over it!) gives it mystique. There’s one ingredient for each letter of ROYGBIV, building to a verdant, floral scent. Most impressively, it smells wet, like sparkling and liquid like a pool of rainwater or a babbling brook. I can guarantee you haven’t tried anything else quite like it. —J.H.S.