The Real Chic Life

Memorial Day always marks the unofficial start of summer. Now as the days become longer and the sun shines brighter, it’s the perfect time to rotate in fragrances that feel like summer in a bottle. Summer 2025 is all about escapism and slowing down. This season’s best perfumes bring a mix of fresh florals, creamy musks, ocean breezes, and citrus highs—perfect for every kind of joy-filled summer vibe. Some of these are returning favorites that have become icons. So whether you’re beach-bound, rooftop-lounging, or simply want to smell like sunshine, these ten perfumes (presented in random order) are absolute standouts.

1. Loewe Paula’s Ibiza Eau de Toilette

Vibe: Boho Beach Festival

Inspired by the carefree energy of Ibiza, this green and woody scent features tropical fruits, warm amber, coconut water, driftwood and patchouli. It’s unique and effortlessly cool—perfect for concerts, parties, or spontaneous summer nights.

2. Diptyque Ilio Eau de Toilette

Vibe: Mediterranean Orchard Meets Sunlit Skin

This fragrance was already included on our list of best perfumes for spring, but I had to list it again because it’s so good and perfect for the summer season. It also just restocked, and will be part of Diptyque’s permanent lineup going forward. With notes of prickly pear, bergamot, and jasmine, Ilio captures the laid-back beauty of a summer on the Riviera. It’s fresh, luminous, and subtly powdery—a scent you can wear daily that never gets boring.

3. Kilian Sunkissed Goddess Eau de Parfum

Vibe: Bronzed Skin and Sunset Glamour

Warm, radiant, and indulgent, this scent features ylang-ylang, tiare flower and coconut—wrapped in base of vanilla, guaiac wood and labdanum. It smells like skin kissed by golden light and tropical florals. A must for summer evenings.

4. Maison Margiela Replica Never-ending Summer

Vibe: Golden Afternoon Glow

Bright orange blends with vetiver to create a scent that’s clean, sunny, and nostalgic. Never-ending Summer lives up to its name—it smells like that perfect summer day you never want to end.

5. Tom Ford Soleil Blanc

Vibe: Luxe Island Escape

Creamy pistachio, spicy cardamom, and warm white florals create a scent that screams glam vacation. Soleil Blanc is decadent but wearable—a golden hour in fragrance form.

6. House of Bō La Mar Parfum

Vibe: Ocean Chic with a Luxe Twist

La Mar is your refined aquatic scent—airy and mineral, yet grounded with sea salt, white florals, coconut and almond milk. It’s refreshing without being too marine, and sophisticated enough for evening wear.

7. Chanel Paris-Riviera Les Eaux de Chanel

Vibe: Riviera Elegance

Sicilian orange and neroli open this soft floral, which settles into a creamy base. It’s understated luxury—perfect for linen dresses and strolls by the sea.

8. Ellis Brooklyn SALT Eau de Parfum

Vibe: Lazy Beach Days

This perfume (that was also listed in our guide to Nantucket style) is clean, soft, and slightly sweet. The scent wraps you in the salty warmth of skin kissed by sun and sea. With hints of ambergris and sandalwood, it’s comforting yet crisp.

9. Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk

Vibe: Barefoot on Warm Sand

This cult favorite blends creamy coconut milk with bergamot and ylang-ylang to evoke that sun-drenched, just-stepped-off-the-beach feeling. The musk and heliotrope dry down makes it soft and sensual.

10. Byredo Sundazed Eau de Parfum

Vibe: Citrus Sugar High

A sparkling citrus blend of mandarin and lemon gives way to neroli and jasmine. It finishes with a musky, cotton-candy twist—ideal for playful summer afternoons.

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Summer 2025 is all about expressive, effortless scents that spark joy. Whether you’re drawn to tropical fun, citrus sparkle, ocean breeze, or sun-warmed florals, these top 10 picks are perfect updates for your fragrance wardrobe.

Which perfume are you most drawn to for summer? Do you have a favorite that’s not listed here? Let us know in the comments.

Xo,

Courtney

P.S.- Tomorrow is the last day to enter our Ulta Beauty giveaway.