Editor’s Picks: 10 of the Best New Summer Fragrances

10.04.2023

This season's crop of lighter, fresher fragrances are as pretty to wear as they are to look at.

Here are the best scents to snatch up before summer's gone:

Marc Jacobs Mod Noir

The '60s-inspired black and white packaging had me at “hello.” But what's inside has got to be my favourite Marc Jacobs scent yet. It's not too floral, more like dewy, fresh-cut gardenias. Clean and lusciously green, but still feminine.

Notes: Clementine, yuzu, greens, waterlily, magnolia, gardenia, tuberose, musk, orange blossom, nectarine.

Where to buy: Sephora

Nest Verde

Speaking of green, that's the theme here, too, but in a more unisex interpretation. As a member of the fougère family, this blend is quite herby, but also faintly soapy and musky. Kinda like smelling your favourite guy fresh out of the shower. So sexy! (And I die over this pretty bottle.)

Notes: Fern, cedar, verbena, vetiver.

Where to buy: Sephora

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Sunset in Salina

Compared to the original Light Blue, this summery version is more orangey, less aquatic. I like it better! It's a fabulous hot weather scent; lovely and beachy but without that synthetic sunscreen note that has become so common.

Notes: Vine leaves, violet, freesia, orange flower, jasmine, amber, cedarwood, white musk.

Where to buy: Nordstrom, Hudson's Bay

Chanel Chance Eau Vive

This one will literally make you salivate—the grapefruit and blood orange notes are that ripe and juicy. It's got a very bubbly quality, so would be perfect for summer parties. Plus, the bottle and cap are too chic!

Notes: Grapefruit, blood orange, jasmine, cedar, iris.

Where to buy: Nordstrom

Givenchy Very Irrésistible Mes Envies

In case you couldn't tell from the packaging, this scent is all about the rose. Except it's more sexy rose than old lady rose, thanks to the unusual anise base. As it dries down, it becomes sensual and ultra-feminine.

Notes: Peony rose, California roses, passion rose, fantasia rose, emotion rose and star anise.

Where to buy: Hudson's Bay, Macy's

Flower by Kenzo L'Eau Originelle

This is a fresher take on the original Flower by Kenzo, first released in 2000. Initially, it's quite sparkling and you think it's gonna be the usual forgettable floral, but then it morphs into something quite milky and musky. There's a pinch of masculinity, too, which always keeps things interesting. I really like this one!

Notes: Aquatic accords, ginger flower, peony, white musk.

Where to buy: Amazon.com, Beauty Encounter

Thomas Sabo Charm Rose Beach

Here's a great daytime summer scent, equal parts watery and citrusy—like sipping a refreshing cocktail as you sit in the breeze! I get quite a lot of the green tea aroma from this, which feels very bright and energizing.

Notes: Lemon, mandarin, orange, bergamot, rose, peony, green tea, sea breeze, cedar, musk, amber.

Where to buy: Thomas Sabo

See by Chloé Si Belle

Leave it to Chloé to come up with the sweetest take on a gardenia-orange blossom blend. (And one of the best bottles of the season!) This is modern yet girly, just like the brand itself, and instead of hitting you over the head, is more of a slow build—like you leaned in to smell a bouquet.

Notes: Neroli, birch leaf, gardenia, orange blossom, white musk.

Where to buy: Murale

Lise Watier Bronze & Lumières Eau de Soleil

Petite enough to slip in your purse, this is another winner from Lise Watier (I swear they make some of the nicest summer perfumes). I knew I'd love it from the notes alone—ylang-ylang, tiare, monoï, coconut? Ahh, I'm in heaven! This is a true tropical floral, very heady and slightly sunscreen-ish.

Notes: Orange blossom, tangerine, ylang-ylang, tiare, monoï oil, coconut, vanilla.

Where to buy: Hudson's Bay

Nina Ricci Les Délices de Nina

Who wouldn't want to display this bright pink, gold-dipped apple? Inside, the juice isn't apple-based but an absolutely gorgeous, frivolous, fresh gourmand. It's like candy, but in the best way possible. Put it on your skin and you'll smell good enough to eat!

Notes: Mandarin, lemon, strawberry, white caramel, raspberry extract, praline, white musk.