The Best Warm-Weather Scents for Women and Men

By Adeline Duff
May 25, 2016
Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

In case you haven’t noticed—it’s finally warm outside. In the beauty world, this means it’s time to switch up the dark, woody scent we’ve been wearing all winter. The days are longer, which means we’ll be staying out later, too—so we’re going to need a fresh scent to last all day at work and all night on the town.

Now depending on where you’re vacationing this year—whether it’s for a Memorial Day weekend getaway, or a mid-summer escape—this scent will vary. If you’re headed to Paris, you may want to consider Annick Goutal’s Rose de Pompon, which not only hails from one of the most acclaimed French parfumeries, but also smells like exactly what you’d imagine: light, playful, and floral (rose extracts are infused with notes of blackcurrant, peony, raspberry, and pink pepper).

If you’re a guy—or a girl looking to gift your man with a luxurious upgrade—try the new Dior Homme Cologne, which features notes of Calabrian bergamot, grapefruit blossom, white musk, and a citrus blend. Headed to Scandinavia? (Or, maybe you’re just intrigued by Scandinavian beauty, like we are—more on that, here.) Opt for Byredo’s Super Cedar. Like most of the cult favorite brand’s fragrances, this one is unisex—and, according to the brand’s website, is reminiscent of pencil shavings, log cabins, and Scandinavian furniture. 

Whether you’re planning a tour around Europe, boating across the sea, or simply headed to lounge by the beach, we’ve rounded up the best warm-weather fragrances for every type of trip.

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Guerlain: Promenade des Anglais 

Courtesy of Guerlain

For: Women

The trip: The South of France

The fragrance: With top notes of grapefruit and bergamot blended with violet, fig, vetiver, and vanilla, this crisp scent was made for lazy days lounging by the beach in France’s sunny South. $280; buy it here.

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Jo Malone: Nashi Blossom Cologne 

Courtesy of Jo Malone

For: Women

The trip: East Asia

The fragrance: The design of this limited-edition bottle makes it worthy of a spot on your nightstand alone, but the scent inside, which features notes of lemon, nashi blossom, and white musk, makes it worthy of a spot in your luggage, too. $130; buy it here.

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Armani: Code Profumo  

Courtesy of Armani

For: Men

The trip: Ibiza

The fragrance: The latest addition to the Armani Code range has the line’s signature base of tonka bean, but crisp green apple, lavender, and cardamom essence make it both sensual and fresh. If you’re headed out for a night on the town, you won’t want to forget spritzing on this alluring scent. From $70; buy it here.

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Aerin: Mediterranean Honeysuckle 

Courtesy of Aerin

For: Women

The trip: The Greek Islands

The fragrance: This gorgeous scent—which features a leading note of honeysuckle mixed with lily of the valley, gardenia, and jasmine sambac—instantly evokes the lush surroundings and fresh waters of the Mediterranean. From $28; buy it here.

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Byredo: Super Cedar 

Courtesy of Byredo

For: Men and women

The trip: Scandinavia

The fragrance: Featuring a unique blend of rose, cedarwood, musk, and vetiver, this eau de parfum is both bold and subtle at the same time. We recommend this scent for nights spent around the firepit, or perhaps for exploring the natural beauty Iceland has to offer. $150; buy it here.

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Courtesy of Annick Goutal

For: Women

The trip: Paris

The fragrance: Leave it to master French perfume house Annick Goutal to come up with the perfect scent for flirty nights in Paris. This blend is, above all, rosy, but hints of pink pepper keep it from coming across overtly floral. $149; buy it here.

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Cartier: Pasha Édition Noire Sport 

Courtesy of Cartier

For: Men

The trip: Sailing

The fragrance: The iconic Pasha de Cartier has been reinvigorated in the form of Edition Noire Sport. The classic woody, patchouli scent now features notes of citrus—a combination that evokes the ocean breeze—making it a must-pack item for your next boating trip. From $110; buy it here.

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The Harmonist: Metal Flower 

Courtesy of The Harmonist

For: Women

The trip: New York City

The fragrance: The Harmonist’s Metal Flower is, indeed, floral—but notes of ylang ylang and patchouli give it a bold edge, perfect for sweaty days and breezy nights in New York City. $285; buy it here.

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Dior: Homme Cologne 

Courtesy of Dior

For: Men and women

The trip: Europe

The fragrance: Legendary Dior perfumer Francois Demachy has used his brilliant nose to concoct the perfect clean scent. Light, airy, and dressed in cotton-fresh notes, this cologne works just as well on women as it does men. While you can definitely wear this fragrance anywhere, anytime, we picture it paired with strolls on cobblestone streets and wine fueled lunches on outdoor terraces. From $74; buy it here.

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Tom Ford: Neroli Portofino Acqua 

Courtesy of Tom Ford

For: Women

The trip: Italy

The fragrance: Like the rest of Tom Ford’s beloved Neroli Portofino collection, this eau de toilette features citrus and amber, but has been toned down for the warmer months, resulting in a lighter, fresher scent—a foolproof choice for days spent drinking rosé in Capri, or nights feasting on pasta and red wine in Rome. From $150; buy it here.

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Dolce & Gabbana: The One For Men

Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

For: Men

The trip: India

The fragrance: The latest scent from Dolce & Gabbana’s iconic The One line is composed of notes deriving from a variety of spices, like coriander, ginger, and cardamom. Top notes of grapefruit keep it from coming off too fiery, but base notes of tobacco and warm cedar make it an excellent choice for those looking for something masculine. From $72; buy it here.

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Penhaligon's: Equinox Bloom

Courtesy of Penhaligon's

For: Women

The trip: London

The fragrance: Inspired by the English tradition of afternoon tea, this delicious fragrance is ideal for those who love a sugary scent. However, its notes of violet, orange blossom, and jasmine keep it coming off too sweet. Spritz on before brunching in your favorite London hotel, or to add some glamour to your room service experience. From $139; buy it here.

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Bottega Veneta: Pour Homme 

Courtesy of Bottega Veneta

For: Men

The trip: Southeast Asia

The fragrance: A dynamic, yet fresh blend of Indonesian patchouli, Italian bergamot, and Siberian pine make this essence aromatique the go-to choice for men looking for a casual, yet identifiable scent to wear during bonfires on the beach, or motor biking through the jungles of Bali. From $60; buy it here.

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Dolce & Gabbana: Rosa Excelsa 

Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

For: Women

The trip: South Africa

The fragrance: Papaya flower, cashmeran, and sandalwood give this gorgeously bottled perfume a unique, fresh crispness. It also happens to be the first perfume to use the African Dog Rose, found in the continent’s South. From $33; buy it here.

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