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3 min read
Florals may be the most widely celebrated scent, but there’s a slew of previously unsung notes to explore if something earthy or fruity is more your thing.
From blousy rose notes to delicate jasmine, many of the beauty world’s best-loved scents are designed to conjure up blossom-filled gardens and fresh bouquets. But if florals fall on your ‘nice on other people, but not for me’ list (see also: low-rise jeans and micro handbags), the fragrance world might feel harder to navigate.
Luckily, summer is when non-florals come into their own. While spring scents are often filled with flowers, it’s the fruity, citrussy and woody notes that are increasingly ever-present in summer perfumes – plus, they often feel more refreshing on warm days.
Whether you’re looking for musky oud, spiked with passion fruit and patchouli, or peppy lime with a base of creamy mango, here are the best summer perfumes for people who steer clear of florals…
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Media Cologne Forte Eau de Parfum
Herbal and minty with fresh fennel and citrus, this cool breeze of a fragrance is the perfume equivalent of splashing cool water on your face after a long day.
Shop Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Media Cologne Forte Eau de Parfum at John Lewis, from £110
Jo Loves Mango Thai Lime
If you’ve ever squeezed a slice of lime over the mango pot at Pret, this Thailand-inspired fragrance is that in perfume form. Sharp and zingy, it’s fruity without being sickly sweet.
Maison Crivelli Oud Maracujá Extrait De Parfum
Often celebrated during the winter months, oud is mixed with passion fruit, saffron and amber vanilla for this fruity, summery take on the classic note.
Shop Maison Crivelli Oud Maracuja Extrait De Parfum at Selfridges, £220
Diptyque Philosykos Eau De Toilette
With the freshness of recently cut greenery and the creaminess of ripe figs, this light, refreshing scent is one to spitz on the warmest mornings.
Clarins Eau Dynamisante Refillable Spray
Nutmeg, citrus and patchouli make this iconic scent simultaneously woody and refreshing. Mist throughout the day for a sunny hit whenever you need it.
Shop Clarins Eau Dynamisante Refillable Spray at Sephora, £40
Dior Vanilla Diorama
For fans of vanilla, this gourmand fragrance is undoubtedly sweet, but a base of spicy rum and grounding patchouli stops it from skewing too dessert-like.
Aēsop Hwyl Eau de Parfum
Like a walk through a misty forest, this herbal perfume is filled with thyme, vetiver and cedar wood for a fragrance that’s just as impactful as a floral, but much more unexpected.
Juliette Has A Gun Not a Perfume Eau de Parfum
Unlike typical perfumes containing lots of notes, this skin scent is formulated from just one molecule – cetalox – which adapts to the chemicals on your skin to create an individual aroma.
Shop Juliette Has A Gun Not a Perfume Eau de Parfum at Selfridges, £95
Sunspel Sea Moss Eau De Parfum
Inspired by the British coastline, if you love the smell of fresh sea air, this cult fragrance is for you. Lavender (a herb with flowers) and cedarwood combine to create this brilliantly salty scent.
Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Eau de Parfum Spray
Wonderfully summery, this spicy coconut fragrance is ideal for making UK sun feel like you’re somewhere far more exciting. Pistachio and cardamom creaminess.
Shop Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Eau de Parfum Spray at Look Fantastic, £125
Prada Les Infusion Vetiver Eau de Parfum
If vetiver is your thing, this iteration adds ginger for a slightly spikier take on the classic green note. Brilliantly universal, it’s perfect for fans of freshness.
Shop Prada Les Infusion Vetiver Eau de Parfum at Fenwick, £125
Images: courtesy of brands
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