The most special fragrances don’t just smell good—they also evoke a feeling. Below, nine new picks that capture the carefree joyfulness that embodies summer.
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Margiela Replica Beach Walk Dry Body Oil ($60)
Smells like: an afternoon at the ocean.
Notes of coconut milk, pink pepper and musk instantly transport you to a sunny day at the shore while the lively scent of bergamot makes the whole fragrance come alive. The scent is both warm and crisp, and the dry oil formulation that’s equal parts fragrant and hydrating, makes it an easy choice for the season.
Urban Decay Go Naked Perfume Oil ($24)
Smells like: an intimate, backyard dinner party.
This fragrance smells like that warm, happy feeling of gathering with your closest friends on a warm summer evening. Notes of Italian bergamot, orange blossom and lavender bottle up that joy in a scent.
Krigler The Subtle Orchid ($365)
Smells like: a summer evening gala.
The most sophisticated scent of the bunch, this fragrance is meant to be paired with your finest summer gown. It’s complex (rum, citrus, patchouli, white blossom, coffee and almond) without being overwhelming. With wear, the fragrance gets sweeter until just the faint smell of vanilla envelopes you the morning after.
Tocca Montauk ($42)
Smells like: waking up in your beach house.
Cucumber and sea salt make up a fresh fragrance that smells likes a morning on the pier. The candle format transports you there, no matter where you are.
Ex Nihilo Citizen X ($180)
Smells like: an exhilarating day with your summer fling.
This fragrance is simultaneously light and sexy. Spicy notes of white pepper is mixed with warm and sensual musk to create a scent that captures the exhilarating feeling of butterflies in your stomach after the perfect summer day out with a new love interest.
Jo Loves Pomelo ($175)
Smells like: the refreshing first sip of your favorite summer cocktail.
Crisp and sweet, this fragrance perfectly captures that refreshing feeling of sipping on a cocktail poolside. The prominent note of pink pomelo grapefruit is incredibly fresh, and paired with rose and vetiver, makes this fragrance clean and cool without ever veering into overly feminine territory.
Pinrose Sun Saint ($65)
Smells like: stepping out on a summer Friday.
Eucalyptus, lime, yuzu and coconut capture the serene feeling of basking in the sun. It’s warm and a little spicy and captures that happy feeling of having the whole day ahead of you.
Viva La Juicy Glacé ($76)
Smells like: a hotel pool party in your best bikini.
Inspired by the concept of “cool” beauty, this fragrance features notes likes frozen mandarin, pear sorbet and frosted cassis mixed with a sexy and playful blend of jasmine, vanilla and sandalwood. For a more intense (and fragrant) experience, keep the bottle in the fridge—every spritz like that burst of excitement you get from diving into the pool.