The 22 Best Fragrances for Summer, According to Glamour Editors

The best fragrances for summer can be difficult to find. They need to be light enough to warrant wearing them during crushing humidity, and for many of us, they need to evoke a vibe that’s distinctly seasonal (maybe save that smoky musk for December). Plus, now that the heat is rising and deodorant can only do so much, spraying a little perfume here and there is your best solution to not smell like you’ve just come from an intense cycling class. How’s that for clean-girl aesthetic?

If you’re new to the world of fragrance, welcome. As a rundown, most perfumes have three distinct layers that react to your skin, according to Eden’s Garden. Think of it like a pyramid: There’s the top note (which provides the scent’s first impression and typically lasts 5 to 15 minutes after spraying), the middle note (which is usually more full-bodied, provides the heart of the scent, and lasts around four to six hours), and the base note (which is often less noticeable but sticks around the longest on the skin, upwards of six hours, and gives each scent its underlying aroma). 

There’s a certain formula to the best fragrances for summer Glamour editors strive for: They have to be long-lasting and smell good. While some of us favor more traditional tropical scents including coconut and citrus, a summer scent can, obviously, be anything you want it to be, including ones that remind us of old libraries and Rihanna’s rumored favorite perfume. 

Below, browse the 22 best fragrances for summer that Glamour editors can’t seem to stop spritzing.