As we are in the final official month of summer, I thought I'd share ten fragrances that I have really enjoyed this season. I live in the southern U.S., so I'll likely get another couple of months to wear them. Summer temperatures tend to stretch well into fall here. With short and sweet reviews, these perfumes are not ranked, but simply listed in the order they are pictured. Prices listed are reflective of discount online retailers as of September 2022.
Midnight Fantasy EDP - Britney Spears
Released in 2006, Currently around $25 US for 100ml
***THIS IS A STEAL!
This is yummy and charming! I know. I'm not 18 or 25 or even 35, but sometimes you just want to smell youthful and carefree. I get a creamy blueberry blast in the top, then it transitions gently floral and a little amber. Has performed nicely in warm and hot temperatures. It is pretty, sweet and fun!
Gabrielle Essence - Chanel
Released in 2019 Currently around $110 US 50ml
Lovely fragrance that can be worn day or evening. It's a little peachy floral with a bit of vanilla rounding out any sharp edges. This is not your typical Chanel. Gabrielle Essence is softer than the OG, and I definitely prefer it. Summer time friendly!
Tiffany Intense EDP - Tiffany & Co.
Released in 2018 Currently around $75 US 50ml
Think powdery, iris, cashmeran. Very pretty formulation that just smells like money. I could totally see Holly Golightly in her iconic black ensemble wearing this perfume. Long lasting and good for summer date night, or if you just want to feel bougie.
Hibiscus Palm EDP - Aerin
Released in 2017 Currently around $115 US 50ml
Tropical paradise in a bottle. Gosh, this is nice. Not the best for longevity, but worth it nonetheless. Hibiscus, frangipani, ylang ylang with a finishing touch of coconut is my perception. I could literally spray this on cotton and stuff it in my nostrils for hours. It's THAT good. Wear it any part of a summer day, or any time of the year when you want to close your eyes and be transported to a sandy beach with a glass of iced lemon water, or pina colada in hand.
Donna EDP - Trussardi
Released in 2011 Currently around $55 US 100ml
***GREAT BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!
Creamy, citrusy jasmine with a hint of sandalwood and vanilla. My husband is a fan. He said "this is very nice." He LOVES it. He's a man of few words. The value you get on this one is fantastic. Quality fragrance under 60 bucks for 100 ml! Lovely shampoo-y amber floral. Decent longevity and sillage. Can't go wrong.
Angel Iced Star EDT - Mugler
Released 2021 Currently about $85 US 50ml
As much as I love Alien and most flankers, I had not found an Angel that I loved...UNTIL NOW. To me Iced Star could stand alone without the "Angel name". This one is another tropical delight that takes you on vacation. I get pineapple, coconut and sunshine! It has a nice praline note that gives it some sexy depth. Good performance. It is a limited edition and getting harder to find.
Bamboo EDP - Gucci
Released 2015 Currently about $70 US 50ml
Bamboo has been a warm weather favorite of mine for years. It's not revolutionary or super unique, but to me it smells like summer. I get the bergamot in the opening, then tropical florals to an earthy ambery vanilla. It's a comforting fragrance that I really enjoy, however performance isn't great. Still love it, though.
Signature EDP - Mont Blanc
Released 2020 Currently around $60-65 US 90ml
I do not have anything else like this in my collection. Signature is a creamy clementine with ylang ylang and benzoin. Vanilla is there, and I feel like that combined with the clementine is what gives a lactonic vibe. This is gorgeous and very unique. You will not smell like anyone else in the room. Has performed nicely in the heat and I also feel this could be worn year around, and I shall.
London EDP - Burberry
Released 2006 Currently around $30-35 US 100ml
***GREAT BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!
Probably my favorite honeysuckle scent. London plays nice with a little rose and jasmine, but the honeysuckle is prominent. Tiare flower and tangerine are there with base notes of patchouli, musk and sandalwood. Good staying power and sillage is great to see at this price point!
Eau De Lacoste L.12.12 Pour Elle Elegant EDT - Lacoste
Released 2015 Currently around $45-50 US 100ml
***GREAT BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!
This has been my go to "freshie" this summer. A safe and fine choice for the office, lunch with the gals, or even after a trip to the gym. Performs fantastic in the heat. With notes of citrus, pink pepper, cassia, this remains fairly linear but adds lily of the valley and violet in the heart, and has a little burst of vetiver throughout. I have truly enjoyed this over the last couple of months and will definitely keep on wearing it into the cooler weather. Just a nice, uplifting scent!
I'd love to know which perfume or perfumes you have enjoyed this summer. Have you worn any on my list?
~K