The Best Summer Fragrances, According To Our Team Of Editors
Need some inspiration for a new summer scent? Here, The Handbook team reveal the must-have seasonal fragrances which they wear on repeat.
My ultimate summer pick has to be Buongiorno—it’s fresh, sparkling, and effortlessly uplifting. The blend of lemon, basil, and spearmint is vibrant without being overpowering, while the soft heart of lavandin and mandarin leaves adds a gentle, elegant twist. – Elly, Founder & CEO
It’s the kind of fragrance that lifts your mood in one spritz. The mix of soft white florals with musk and a hint of pink pepper feels fresh but grounded—like confidence in a bottle. It’s been scientifically designed to boost emotional wellbeing, which explains why I keep reaching for it before big meetings. Subtle, comforting, and just the right amount of bold. – Tamara, Contributing Beauty Editor
I’m not normally into floral fragrances but Creed Eladaria is a super fresh and easy-to-wear scent, that feels perfect for spring or anytime you want something elegant but not too heavy. It’s definitely a higher price point but worth every penny and lasts all day. – Harriet, Head Of Partnerships
This has been my go-to perfume for years. It’s fresh and slightly zesty but far from sweet or heavy. With one spritz, I’m transported to the Amalfi Coast, sipping an Aperol as the sun begins to set. – Natasha, Digital Editor
Wild Daisy is a new addition to my collection and it’s got the priority spot in my rotation. Firstly the bottle is STUN. Usually perfume pumps ruin the aesthetic but this being a stem really adds to it and the daisy theme. Scent wise it’s very fresh and summery with top notes of banana blossom, a rare ingredient, which I like as it’s unique. Being long lasting is also super important to me as I spray once in the morning and thats it. This lasts so well and I’m still receiving compliments by the afternoon. – Imogen, Graphic Designer
Recently I’ve discovered this, and it instantly transports me to days in the sun and being barefoot on the beach. Summer perfumes bring a sense of freedom and lightness that I am 100% here for. – Ashling, Contributing Style & Interiors Editor
I love this scent because it’s the perfect combination of masculine and feminine, it’s super fresh and really long lasting. It’s also perfect for any occasion, all year round. – Emily, Content Creator
I mainly use Glossier You because it is something different from my very powerful/extremely sweet fragrances. It’s a lighter, muskier scent that isn’t too long lasting and overpowering, so it feels less like a statement and more like an accessory. – Nicole, Senior Graphic Designer
I change up my scents regularly and at the moment it’s all about the Diptyque Eau Des Sens Hair Mist. It’s cheaper than an EDP but when you mist all over hair and wrists lasts just as long – if not longer. A hack I totally lifted from a colleague here at The Handbook! This scent is bitter orange with notes of angelica root, patchouli and juniper berry – not too sweet, not too savoury – and I love it! – Robyn, Managing Director
Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud, I’m normally a Myrhh & Tonka girl but for the summer months I decided to switch it up to something more feminine, and I’m obsessed. I forever get compliments when I wear Jo Malone, and being told you smell good is up there with the best compliment. – Elle, Senior Venue Partnerships Manager
I don’t know what it is about this scent but it just gets me. There’s something really nostalgic about it – the sweet fig, maybe – paired with this creamy wooden undertone – so sexy. It makes me feel like I’ve been transported to a hazy summer festival. – Astrid, Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor
It’s floral but not too sweet, so the scent isn’t overpowering. I love it because it reminds me of summer holidays with my mum and wondering how she always smells like she’s just jumped out of a bouquet of flowers. – Andrea, Contributing Food, Culture & Lifestyle Editor
I love Madurai by Memo Paris because it’s the perfect sweet and refreshing scent for warmer days, fruity and floral without ever feeling overpowering. It’s a hidden gem that I rarely hear people talk about, yet it always gets me compliments and feels unique. – Caitlin, Senior Campaign Success Manager
I stumbled upon this after a friend re-gifted the discovery set to me. I pretty much always want to be somewhere tropical – especially in the summer – and this one at least gives me a small flavour of it when instead I’m stuck on the Irish and British coastlines.
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