It’s time to spring clean your perfume wardrobe and get ready for hot girl summer. Banish those heavy, intense fragrances for something light, floral or even a little bit flirty!
Spring has always lent itself to the scents of petals and blooms thanks to nature doing its thing, but the warmer weather also means spending more time outdoors. Think orchards, zesty fruit, fragrant florals, ocean breeze and a feeling of freedom you just can’t beat.
Spring and summer scents are all about invoking mood-lifting feelings of joy, hope and maybe even a bit of romance.
We’ve rounded up the best scents for the seasons ahead (in no particular order), designed to make you feel fresh, happy and blooming with joy.
1. Prada Paradoxe Eau De Parfum, from $102
When Emma Watson is the face of a fragrance, you better believe I am listening. This is a gorgeous floral/amber mix that perfectly toes the line between fresh and floral; light and dark; strong yet subtle. A paradox, if you will! This mysterious fragrance is what spring is all about, featuring notes of neroli bud, amber, and musk for a scent that’s sensual and warm. I got so many compliments wearing this fragrance that I think I’ve told half of Brisbane where to buy it.
2. Maison Margiela Replica Sailing Day EDT, 100ml $205
Never has a perfume had a more perfect name: Sailing Day gives me feelings of freedom on the open seas, wind in my hair and the ocean spray lightly misting the skin. It’s the scent of summers spent splashing in the shallow waters and the ultimate fresh clean fragrance. Even better, it’s one of those really clean scents that both men and women can enjoy. Notes include aquatic accord, juniper essence, iris, rose, red seaweed essence and an ambery wood accord.
3. Glasshouse Fragrances Sunsets in Capri EDP, 100ml, $139
Lively and sparkling are the words that come to mind when I first caught the scent of the zesty Sunsets in Capri. Think brunch bellinis, maybe on the deck of a boat, sunlight streaming in and glamourous wide brimmed hats. This one has notes of mandarin and white peach, with jasmine and marine accord.
4. Tocca Florence EDP, 50m, $120
Florence is all about heady romance. Think sophisticated bergamot florals intertwined with grapefruit leaves, green pair, apple, gardenia, violet, jasmine… a pretty bouquet of perfume for the petal obsessed. It’s one of those classic scents that will never go out of style. This one gives me “fancy high tea with the gals in a country garden” vibes. More cucumber sandwiches and Pimms please!
5. Ellis Brooklyn Sun Fruit Eau De Parfum, from $48
This perfect blend of fruit and floral is exactly the type of fun fragrance the new season calls for. The heady scent of fresh fig and plum leaves mixes with florals such as jasmine and cyclamen, and then there’s this unexpected creaminess in amber, musk, vanilla and coconut bottom notes. It’s very “lazy day on a picnic blanket in dappled sunlight”.
6. Floral Street Electric Rhubarb EDP, from $49
I don’t think I quite knew what the scent of rhubarb was before this fragrance, but now I know I want more. Electric is definitely the right name for this lively fragrance that’s perfect to put Spring in your step. White florals (have you guessed they’re extremely on trend this season?) trip the breeze alongside the ocean air, mixing with the charm of the rhubarb and a subtle sandalwood. Refreshingly unexpected!
7. Recreation Beauty Joyeux EDP, from $49
Pears are the scent of the season it seems! Something about their juicy crispness. Joyeux by Recreation Beauty mixes the freshness of green pears with bergamot, and then peonies for days (because everyone loves peonies!). Add in the white floral extravagance of tuberose and jasmine with a touch of ylang ylang, sandalwood and musk and you have a fragrance designed to make a statement this spring and summer. It’s a scent to make you smile, for sure, and one of our new faves.
8. Giorgio Armani My Way EDP, from $110
This scent is the floral bouquet of your dreams, whisking you off to fields of blooms as far as the eye can see. Orange blossom from Egypt (EGYPT!) collide with bergamot for some heady top notes, with a delightful heart of tuberose and jasmine from India. Then the scent finishes off with some cedarwood from Virginia and vanilla from Madagascar. This perfume travels the globe just to make you smell all kinds of amazing. The perfect scent transitioning into Summer.
9. Floral Street Sunflower Pop room fragrance, $49
Welcome the new season into your home, minus the hayfever with a room fragrance. Floral Street has you covered here with this new luxe room spray. Inspired by the bright, vibrant vibe of Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic sunflowers, this room perfume mixes citrus and bergamot, warming white cedarwood, a touch of mint and a pop of sparkling bellini accord. This fragrance is pure joy and guaranteed to uplift the mood in any space.
10. L’Occitane Osmanthus EDT, from $89
Both surprising and unexpected, the Osmanthus flower blooms in the autumn and releases its scent at a time when most other flowers have already faded. We reveal its unique and delicate fragrance: a green freshness, a velvety apricot effect, and creamy woody notes.
11. L’Occitane Cherry Blossom EDT, from $89
This floral fruity Eau de Toilette will transport you to the cherry tree-dotted hillsides of southern France with its delicate and fresh scent. A feminine fragrance, it is made with a cherry extract from the Luberon region of Provence. Indulge your senses with notes of freesia, cherry and lily of the valley, underlined by a base of amber and musk that lingers. To use, spray on pulse points of the body, including neck, chest and wrists. For best results, layer your scents: apply the Eau de Toilette after using the Cherry Blossom Shimmering Lotion.
12. Jo Malone London English Pear and Freesia Cologne, from $112
This cologne is so fresh and vibrant it just puts a little skip in my step whenever I spritz it on. Just ripe pears mix with a posy of white freesias, with a touch of amber, patchouli and woods, all of which results in a youthful fragrance that’s both crisp and light, but makes a big impression. Plus they have a limited edition fluted bottle for the season.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
