Guide
Best fragrances for summer
Citrus and aquatic scents that stay bright in the heat. These are the highest-scoring fragrances for summer in Scent Hub's when-to-wear model, which scores every fragrance from its notes, how far it projects and how long it lasts. It is ranked on composition, not on reviews or marketing.
For summer, the model rewards citrus, aquatic and green notes and marks down animalic, leather and amber. Each score is out of 100, for everyday wear, averaged across day and night. Fragrances with fewer than 4 notes are left out, and no more than 2 come from any one house, so the list is a spread.
Top picks
The 15 highest-scoring fragrances at any price.
- 1Thomas Kosmala No.4 SportNiche · EDP · citrus and aquatic · 75/100
- 2Imaginary Authors Falling into the SeaNiche · EDP · citrus and sweet · 74/100
- 3Liis LucienneNiche · EDP · aquatic and citrus · 73/100
- 4Nest Seville OrangeDesigner · Parfum · citrus · 72/100
- 5Thomas Kosmala No.7 Le Sel de la TerreNiche · EDP · aquatic and citrus · 72/100
- 64160 Tuesdays The Orange TreeNiche · EDP · citrus and floral · 72/100
- 7Véronique Gabai Eau du JourNiche · EDP · citrus and green · 71/100
- 8Abel Cyan NoriNiche · EDP · aquatic and musk · 71/100
- 9Juliette Has A Gun Ego StratisPremium · EDP · citrus and musk · 70/100
- 10Kerosene Summer of 84Niche · EDP · citrus and sweet · 69/100
- 11Kilian Bamboo HarmonyLuxury · EDP · citrus and green · 69/100
- 12Chanel Eau de ColognePremium · EDC · citrus · 69/100
- 13Nest Watermelon PeonyDesigner · Parfum · sweet and floral · 69/100
- 14d'Annam Princess of ChinaNiche · EDP · sweet and floral · 68/100
- 15Heretic Parfum Blood BerryNiche · EDP · sweet and floral · 68/100
Best on a budget
The 10 highest-scoring budget fragrances.
- 1Zara Fleur d'OrangerBudget · EDP · citrus and floral · 64/100
- 2Elizabeth Arden White TeaBudget · EDT · musk and green · 63/100
- 3Elizabeth Arden Green Tea YuzuBudget · EDT · citrus and green · 62/100
- 4Zara Amber FusionBudget · EDP · floral and citrus · 59/100
- 5Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Girl NowBudget · EDT · musk and citrus · 59/100
- 6Victoria's Secret Bombshell ParadiseBudget · EDP · musk and floral · 58/100
- 7Bath & Body Works GinghamBudget · EDC · floral and musk · 58/100
- 8Taylor Swift Made of StarlightBudget · EDP · sweet and floral · 58/100
- 9Rasasi Hawas AtlantisBudget · EDP · woody and aquatic · 58/100
- 10Davidoff Cool Water WaveBudget · EDT · musk and citrus · 57/100
Worth the splurge
The 8 highest-scoring niche and luxury fragrances.
- 1Thomas Kosmala No.4 SportNiche · EDP · citrus and aquatic · 75/100
- 2Imaginary Authors Falling into the SeaNiche · EDP · citrus and sweet · 74/100
- 3Liis LucienneNiche · EDP · aquatic and citrus · 73/100
- 4Thomas Kosmala No.7 Le Sel de la TerreNiche · EDP · aquatic and citrus · 72/100
- 54160 Tuesdays The Orange TreeNiche · EDP · citrus and floral · 72/100
- 6Véronique Gabai Eau du JourNiche · EDP · citrus and green · 71/100
- 7Abel Cyan NoriNiche · EDP · aquatic and musk · 71/100
- 8Kerosene Summer of 84Niche · EDP · citrus and sweet · 69/100
Want it cheaper?
Every fragrance page lists what costs less and smells close to it, with anything sold as a dupe marked. Search for a fragrance to see its cheaper alternatives.
More guides
- Best fragrances for springFresh florals and green, light enough for warming days.
- Best fragrances for fallWarm spice, wood and amber for cooler days.
- Best fragrances for winterHeavy, cosy scents that hold up in the cold.
- Best fragrances for schoolClean and quiet, because the air is shared all day.
- Best fragrances for workPolished and easy on the people sat near you.
- Best fragrances for the gymLight and fresh, nothing that fights with sweat.
- Best everyday fragrancesEasy to wear nearly anywhere, in any season.
- Best fragrances for a dateWarm, close and a little bit memorable.
- Best fragrances for a night outLoud and long-lasting, built for a crowded room.
- Best fragrances for formal eventsRefined and confident, from weddings to interviews.