Summer is in the air and I’m here for all of it! It’s officially time to put your heavy fragrances on the back-burner and go with one of these light, airy, and fresh scents that are totally summer-approved.
When it comes to style and grooming, so much of what we wear and how we take care of ourselves changes in the summer. Out come the bathing suits, the sunglasses become a true staple of your everyday wardrobe, face moisturizer is a must (along with SPF), and your go-to cologne switches over to something light, refreshing and, well, summery.
But what does it really mean to go with a summer-approved fragrance? It’s actually pretty simple. Typically you’ll want to go with ones that are:
FRESH SCENTS
Fresh mandarin, fresh grapefruit, white bergamot
LIGHT & AIRY SCENTS
Oakwood moss, driftwood accord, tonka absolute
Outside of these two most popular options to look for, there’s a longer list to cross-check depending on what your summer fragrance goals are.
1. Citrus Notes: Citrus scents are often used in summer colognes because they are fresh, bright, and uplifting. Notes of lemon, lime, grapefruit, and bergamot are commonly found in most of these.
2. Aquatic Notes: Aquatic scents like sea salt, ocean breeze, and water are often used to evoke a sense of freshness and coolness.
3. Light Florals: Light floral scents like lavender, jasmine, and neroli are often included in summer colognes to add a touch of sweetness and sophistication. Yes, dudes can go with light florals too.
4. Herbal and Green Notes: Herbal and green scents like mint, basil, and green tea are typically used to add a natural, earthy element.
5. Light and Airy: So many summer fragrances are designed to be light and airy, so they don’t overpower the senses. They are typically more subtle than winter or fall fragrances.
It really does come down to those those main categories. Of course, you know that I don’t believe in labels so, as always, you do you. If you want wear something that’s heavier – go for it. On a personal note, I just love any fragrance that is basically one giant vacation in a bottle. It’s a total escape.
I’ve researched a lot of men’s summer fragrances and since this really is in my wheelhouse, many of these I actually own (and use) myself – and get tons of compliments on. I’ve also added in some that you may have never heard of before, which can be a good thing because then you’ll be trying something new and unique and you won’t smell like everyone else, which is always a good thing. And I’m answering the age old question, “How long will is last?” because, believe it or not, each type of fragrance can and will last for a different amount of time.
Check out my top picks for some of the best men’s fragrances that’ll work for you this summer.
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Cologne
LASTING TIME
STRENGTH
If there was ever a cologne that was basically made for summer, it’s Light Blue from designer Dolce&Gabbana. It’s one of the most refreshing options for guys at such a perfect price point. Some of the major notes you’ll encounter include bergamot, Sicilian mandarin, and frozen grapefruit peel. Spray this one on whether you’re heading into work, venturing off to the beach, or meeting up with friends for some outdoor drinks (which is always a good idea).
Capri '19-69' Eau de Parfum
LASTING TIME
STRENGTH
I’m a big fan of just about anything from 19-69 and was actually first introduced to them from a free promo sample Sephora gave away. If you haven’t heard of them before, summer is the perfect time to try them out. First off, they’re totally genderless so its really the perfect unisex fragrance. And, anything by 19-69 can be totally layered with other scents, so they’re similar to Jo Malone that way.
Capri is totally fresh, with vibrant fresh and citrusy notes of sweet orange, bitter orange, ylang-ylang, and angelica seeds. You’re going to feel like you’re in the blossoming orange groves on the Isle of Capri. Totally intoxicating.
Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Mandorlo di Sicilia
LASTING TIME
STRENGTH
Another great summer pick inspired by Italy (like so many others). It’s a perfect mix of sweet and airy all at the same time. When it comes to the scent itself, you’ll easily pick-up notes of bergamot, orange, star-anise, and green Mediterranean almond. It’s almost delicious but, of course, don’t drink this one. Personally this is usually my go-to when it comes to heading out at night when the temp is high and you’re going to be spending some time outside.
Baxter of California Pacific Cannabis Eau de Parfum
LASTING TIME
STRENGTH
Yes, the cannabis trend continues this year and is now part of this niche fragrance. Now, don’t freak out because you’re not going to smell like you just smoked a joint unless, you know, you actually did just do that. Instead, it’s truly refreshing that’ll bring you back to your favorite memories spending time by the ocean. You’ll pick up the notes of cannabis accord, pink pepper, bergamot, driftwood, and tonka absolute. If you’re looking for something that’ll get a reaction and have people asking “what are you wearing” this is the one to try out.
Versace Man Eau Fraiche Cologne
LASTING TIME
STRENGTH
This has been one of my summer-staples for at least 5 years now. In fact, I actually use this one throughout the year when I want to freshen things up and bring me back to memories of some of my favorite beach vacations. I love the notes on this one, which include white lemon, rosewood, and sycamore wood. It’s soft, subtle, yet sexy all at the same time.
Creed Virgin Island Water
LASTING TIME
STRENGTH
Yes, you read that price correctly. It’s expensive. For sure. And you know that anything by Creed is never actually cheap, and the same rings true for Virgin Island Water. This one will last the longest (as it should!) and is a great mix of fruity and fresh. If there was ever a fragrance that’s like a tropical vacation in a bottle, this is it! It’s fresh, warm, and gives off total vibes of Jamaican lime and coconut. Talk about a total ice-breaker. Everyone will be asking you about it.
Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Cologne
LASTING TIME
STRENGTH
This is another one I own and bring out each and every Memorial Day. This brand is Asian owned and founded, is totally fresh, but still mixes in a variety of woods and spices that make it a great choice for some of those nights where the temps get slightly cooler. You’ll love the notes of mandarin, blue waterlily, sandalwood, musk, and tobacco. It’s also priced really well too.
Tom Ford Mandarino Di Amalfi
LASTING TIME
STRENGTH
You know I’m a huge fan of just about any of Tom Ford’s colognes. Mix in his signature summer scent and you’ve got yourself a vacation no matter where you are (or aren’t) going. This one is another unisex option and will interact with male and female bodies differently (so it’s a great perfume pick for women too). Inspired by the famous Amalfi Coast, it’s light and fresh with notes of mandarin, basil, and wildflowers. Don’t worry, it’s not too floral.
