Smell like summer with these seasonal fragrances

Whether it's salty seawater or a light breeze, some scents are unique to this time of year. They're the kind of smells we want to bottle each time the warm weather arrives, and thanks to clever perfumers, we can.

While it's great to have a signature scent, some fragrances are even better when summer emerges. We've rounded up the best from brands like Creed, Marc Jacobs, Who Is Elijah, and Jo Malone.

While many lean into the citrus smell that's so popular around the warmer months, others celebrate summer with floral notes and lighter fruits like apples, cherries, and pears. Check out our top choices for summer perfumes below.

Best fragrance overall

Creed Virgin Island Water Eau de Parfum

$479 on Myer

What makes it the best: Created to emulate the feel of a sailing trip across the Caribbean, creator Olivier Creed took inspiration from his love of the ocean and travelling across it. Picture clear sea and fresh warm air when you breathe this fragrance in.

Notes to expect: This fragrance features top notes of bergamot, lime, and tropical fruits; heart notes of coconut, jasmine, and white flowers; and base notes of tonka bean and white musk.

Best fragrance for women

Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Flora Cherrysia Eau De Toilette

$115 on Sephora

What makes it the best: Powered by light fruits like pear and watermelon, this scent has been described as 'sweet and refreshing'.

"This is a floral sweet scent that not only smells good but expensive. I also like the design of the bottle," shared one reviewer on Sephora.

Notes to expect: Inspired by the blooming of a cherry blossom, you'll get that floral scent along with fruity notes of nashi pear and watermelon. It has a woody background infused with a note of violet.

Best fragrance for men

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc

Here from $135

What makes it the best: Described as 'unexpected, sultry, and addictive', this fragrance aims to be reminiscent of sunshine and luxury. One Redditor commented, "Tom Ford Soleil Blanc smells like vacationing on an island".

Notes to expect: With main accords of white floral and coconut, it also has a heart note of amber for something different.

Best unisex fragrance

Who Is Elijah Ocean Eyes

30mL for $9050mL for $135100mL for $179

What makes it the best: Who Is Elijah has taken off in the last few years for its focus on unisex fragrances. Ocean Eyes is one of their summer fragrances, capturing the season with a scent that's both citrusy and salty.

Notes to expect: Top notes of grapefruit and mandarin; heart notes of seawater, juniper, and aquatic breeze; base notes of amber wood and musk.

Best fruity fragrance

Who Is Elijah Cherry Fiesta

30mL for $9050mL for $135100mL for $179

What makes it the best: The bold red colour of this fragrance is reminiscent of the fruits that have inspired it. With mandarin, pear, and cherry among the notes, it smells delicious and summery.

Notes to expect: Top notes of mandarin, pear and anise; heart notes of white florals and cherry; base notes of vanilla, benzoin, and green patchouli.

Best non-citrus scent

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne

100mL for $256 on Jo Malone10mL for $60 on Myer

What makes it the best: A lot of noses don't like citrus in their scents, which is one of the most popular choices among summer fragrances. This one from Jo Malone avoids citrus and celebrates summer using florals instead.

Notes to expect: Enjoy a top note of red apple, a heart note of peony, and a base note of suede, which is described as a 'supple textural note'.

Best affordable perfume

Glasshouse Sunsets in Capri

$29.95 on Glasshouse$30 on Sephora

What makes it the best: Glasshouse is best known for its long-burning and deliciously scented candles, so fans of the brand love having the same smell available as perfume. This 14mL bottle is super-affordable at just $29.95.

Notes to expect: Mandarin, white peach, jasmine, amber and fresh marine accord.

Trustiest choice

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau De Toilette

200mL for $200 on Sephora50mL for $119 on Myer

What makes it the best: A long-lasting part of the Marc Jacobs brand, the Daisy perfume has been around for years. Featuring a unique bottle with a big flower lid, it's a recognisable fragrance that always smells great.

Notes to expect: Top notes of wild berries; heart notes of white violet and jasmine; base notes of sandalwood.

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