Looking for the best summer perfume? Let’s skip the overwhelm of wandering the perfume aisles of Sephora and get straight to what actually works.

Summer fragrances should do more than just smell good—they should transport you. Whether it’s to a breezy beach day or a sun-soaked garden, your perfume sets the mood for those long summer days.

I’ve tested countless summer fragrances (someone had to do it 😉) to bring you the top 5 best summer perfumes that are actually worth your investment:

1. Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne – Jo Malone London

When it comes to finding the best summer perfumes to wear, one standout option is the Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne by Jo Malone London. The summer months are the perfect time to wear this scent as it perfectly captures the spirit of warmer weather. The aroma reminds me of the ocean air on a coastal trip making it the perfect companion for a hot summer day and a warm summer night.

Think ocean breeze meets sophisticated simplicity. This unisex fragrance is like bottling up that perfect beach day.

If you’re looking for a summer scent that stands the test of time, Wood Sage & Sea Salt needs to be on your radar. Its blend of energizing marine notes creates the perfect summer fragrance that works for literally everyone.

2. Chloé Eau de Parfum – Chloé

One of the best summer fragrances to wear in 2025 is Chloé Eau de Parfum. That first spritz catches the essence of a traditional rose (not in an old lady way) and transforms it into a lively, personal, and sensual perfume. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a clean floral scent.

It’s the perfect summer perfume for the floral lovers. Think modern, fresh, and ideal for everything from mimosa brunch with your girls to chic beach weddings.

Chloé Eau de Parfum begins with a blend of floral and powdery notes, along with notes of peony and lychee. It’s then finished with the crispness of springtime freesia.

A cool and seductive perfume that is perfect for warm weather and scorching summer days is what you can expect from this unusual blend. 

3. Signature Eau de Parfum – Coach

Let’s talk about Coach Signature Eau de Parfum—the perfect summer perfume for anyone who loves a scent with layers. This isn’t your typical one-note summer fragrance.

It opens with this gorgeous burst of citrus and guava (it’s giving tropical vacation vibes), then settles into a beautiful blend of lily and violet. But here’s what makes it special: the subtle honey note that weaves through everything, making it sweet without being overwhelming. The base notes of vanilla and amber give it staying power, so you’re not reapplying every hour in the summer heat.

What I love most? It’s sophisticated enough for important meetings but fresh enough for casual summer brunches. If you’re tired of those super-light summer scents that disappear the moment you step into the sun, this one’s worth trying.

If you’re looking for a best summer perfume that transitions from day to night, this one’s your MVP.

4. Under the Lemon Trees – Maison Margiela

Picture walking through an Italian lemon grove on the perfect summer morning. That’s exactly what Under the Lemon Trees by Maison Margiela captures.

Lime, petitgrain, and cardamom meet you when you first apply this bright fragrance. The citrusy top notes welcome the vivid summer season accompanied by a feeling of vibrant energy. The green tea, mate, and coriander notes then merge to form seductive middle notes in the fragrance. The smell gains depth and complexity as a result of this combination while maintaining hold of its energizing and fresh qualities.

The scent’s base notes: white musk, cedar, and rock rose provide a strong foundation that enables it to stay on the skin for a longer period.

Under The Lemon Trees is a wonderful option for people looking for a versatile kind of fragrance ideal for both casual and formal settings. It’s a classic scent that is loved by both men and women.

Whether you’re seeking a new smell to add to your collection or a signature scent for the summer, this beloved fragrance is one you must try!

5. Après – Ellis Brooklyn

Don’t let the name fool you—this isn’t just for winter. The spicy-woody blend makes this a unique summer perfume that stands out from the typical citrus crowd.

Introduced in 2021, Après by Ellis Brooklyn is a distinctive fragrance that effortlessly combines woody notes and spicy undertones, making it appropriate for both men and women.

Après opens with an amazing blend of juniper berries, cardamom, and saffron—think sophisticated, dim lit cocktail hour vibes. But it’s the middle notes that really make this scent interesting: bourbon whisky, praline, and violet, with hints of suede and wood. The result? A warm, spicy fragrance that’s unique enough to turn heads but still very much wearable for summer days and nights.

Whether you’re lounging poolside or heading to summer soirées, finding the best summer perfume is all about what makes YOU feel confident. Which of these are you most excited to try?

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