Summer is knock-knock-knocking (even though summer in Croatia is already here for over a month now), I decided to write a list of timeless fragrances (classics and the newer ones) for summer. Everyone should find a right fit among those because I did my best to keep in mind different price points and notes as well – there is going to be a right fit for every nose – from signature citrusy ones, to floral and elegant ones to deep and warm woody ones. Keep on reading and enjoy the list that I am working on for a long time now…
1. Byredo – Palermo
Palermo is a great fresh citrus blend, a gift sent from heaven to all the citrus lovers out there. It is a tart from what seems like a mix of grapefruit, pomelo and bergamot anchored by light musky elements and rose notes hidden underneath. (Shop here)
2. Acqua di Parma – Cedro di Taormina
Italian house Acqua di Parma is famous for their Mediterranean inspired collection Blue Mediterraneo and I have to admit it was hard to highlight just one fragrance because this line is made to be worn in summer. This fragrant citrusy, yet deep and peppery old school fragrance is inspired by local spirit and made specially for those who plan to stay on a sailing boat whole summer long. (Shop here).
3. Dolce & Gabbana – Light Blue
Everyone knows about this popular casual delight, the only thing is you either love it, or absolutely can’t stand it. This breezy and sparkling floral-fruity scent evokes the spirit of the Sicilian summer. Mouth-watering fresh notes of lime and cedar are bringing an image of the South woods on the seashore. This fragrance was first launched in 2001., but now in 2018. it got a makeover in a form of Italian Zest – a slightly more musky and woody version of original. (Shop here).
4. L’Occitane en Provence – Terre de Lumiere
Land of light, as the day draws to a close, the sky is set alight, embracing all the shades of gold. Beauty is suspended in time as this stunning spectacle reaches its height. This is the golden hour, which this fragrance was inspired by. This gourmand aromatic fragrance embodies the contrast between the zesty aromatic freshness and the soft edible warmth in form of honey and almond. (Shop here).
5. Estee Lauder – Bronze Goddess
Oh, this fragrance was something I was intoxicated by for years, I just loved it that much that now my whole teen memory smells exactly like this fragrance – like coconut, caramel, sandalwood and amber with a hint of mandarin and bergamot freshness. And the memories include warmth, summer enjoyment, coconuts, coastline, sandy beaches, 90’s sun lotion sun and sun-kissed skin. (Shop here).
6. Guerlain – Terracota Le Parfum
Guerlain launched Terracotta Le Parfum in 2014. to celebrate 30 years of Terracotta bronze cosmetic line, which is often described as the allure of the sun in a bottle. Coconut, make up, tanned skin, a hint of Tiare flower, a touch of tuberose, a glimpse of a makeup purse around 1978., your kabuki brush against a shimmering bronzer – it is all happening here and it is gorgeous. (Shop here).
7. Nuxe – Prodigieux Le Parfum
I can’t be the only one that has an obsession with a celebrated Huile Prodigieuse Or and its warm smell! Top notes of this fragrance are orange blossom, bergamot, mandarin orange and orange; middle notes are rose, magnolia and gardenia; base notes are vanilla, coconut milk and pebbles. This fragrance reminds me of warm summer nights and it is actually hard to describe as it is waxy and dry at the same time. It is an affordable must try! (Shop here).
8. Creed – Love In White
An oriental fragrance, inspired by a love of sailing that simbolizes the brilliant sensation of freedom with the feeling of marine harmony, and brings the best ingredients from five continents of the world. It greets you with South Spain orange, Italian jasmine, French Riviera narcissus, Tonkin rice, Egyptian Iris and Guatemalan mountain magnolia, with the base of Java vanilla, Calabrian ambergris and Indian sandalwood. (Shop here).
9. Jil Sander – Sun
This sunny fragrance was created in 1989. and I honestly can’t even remember how many times I’ve bought it, because I reach for it every single time when I don’t know what summer fragrance I should buy next. This sunny baby has become a cult fragrance and it is still affordable and extremely long lasting on skin. Citrussy top notes are just like the bright sun rays – sunny and fresh, composed of sweet orange blossom. The floral heart is an unusual and powerful bouquet of iris, ylang-ylang, heliotrope and camation. The base is warm and sweet due to vanilla, white tonka, cedar and benzoin also lend their warm character to the composition. (Shop here).
10. Tom Ford – Sahara Noir
This gem is a part of Tom Ford’s signature collection and it is an ode to incense and it is inspired by the traditions of Middle East and its heritage. It is an oriental-woody scent based on incense, but bitter orange, Levantine cypress (one of the plants growing in the gardens of 1001 Arabian Nights) and cistus essence Orpur are giving a freshness to this deep and luxurious delight. (Shop here).
11. Tom Ford – Soleil Blanc
Soleil Blanc is unexpected, sultry and addictive solar floral scent. It evokes remote private islands where summer lasts all year. This is an unisex fragrance which combines spicy notes of cardamom and pink pepper with a hint of pistachio and bergamot. Flowery sensuality of ylang-ylang, Egiptian jasmine and tuberose are in the hart of this fragrance and they are here to intensify the scent. (Shop here).
12. Tom Ford – Neroli Portofino
Neroli portofino is one of the Tom Ford’s private blend collection named Neroli Portofino. They are all perfect summer fragrances, and they basically suit everyone’s taste – from the people that love citrusy, or the ones that love floral scents to the one who love woody notes. This one is the only one I owned and loved a lot, it is a pure Mediterranean summer smell – very clean, fresh and extraordinary and deep at the same time. (Shop here).
13. Tom Ford – Mandarino di Amalfi
The citrus freshness of Mandarino di Amalfi is unbeatable in the summer heat and it makes you feel as if you’ve cleansed your body in the Mediterranean sea, the scent takes you to Amalfi coast. Top notes of this beauty are mandarin and herbs – which makes the scent really aromatic. It looses its citrusy character soon and it becomes more balanced and peppery. (Shop here).
14. Tom Ford – Fleur de Portofino
This fragrance is an interpretation of white acacia trees in the Mediterranean. The composition focuses on acacia blossom, surrounded by citruses, based on acacia honey. Top notes mix citruses and fresh flavors – Calabrian bergamot, Sicilian lemon, tangerine, bitter orange leaf. Vanilla absolute, tolu balm and ambrette seed give a sweet kick to this sweetie. (Shop here).
15. Tom Ford – Costa Azzura
This fragrance is a fourth member of the Neroli Portofino collection, it is a woody aromatic unisex fragrance. People often describe that it smell like you just pulled out a bunch of seaweed growing close to some old trees. Smells airy, weedy and you can smell some wood as well – it is a bit sharp, but incredbly unique. This fragrance is a persona itself. (Shop here).
Inspiration & photography: Fragrantica, Stella Mesic