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5 perfect-for-summer fragrances that smell like vacation

Can’t afford the real thing? Use your sense of smell to transport yourself.

5 perfect-for-summer fragrances that smell like vacation

One of the nicest compliments to give or receive? "You smell good!" There's just something about hearing those three words that inevitably brings a smile to a person's face. Not surprisingly, personal scent is top of mind for many people during these hot and sweaty summer months, making a reliable deodorant an absolute everyday essential. But why not go the extra mile and layer on a luxurious fragrance? Even if you're not normally a perfume person, summer is the perfect season to try a new one.

Quick overview

Not sure where to start your scent exploration? Think about your upcoming vacation. Or, if you're like me, and have no major summer travel plans (inflation, anyone?!), think about where you wish you were going. If you're looking for a fragrance that can transport you to the shores of a tropical beach or the Italian coast, no expensive plane ticket required, check out these shopper faves.

Greece is and will always be at the top of my must-see list, so I'm currently dousing myself in the Sikinos scent from Korres, a Greek beauty brand that's been around since the 90s. It's not too sweet, not too floral. In short, it evokes Mediterranean luxury for me. Or, as one shopper explained, "[This scent] smells like a warm summer night by the sea in a bottle. I get so many compliments [when I wear it]."

$58 at Korres

Sol de Janeiro is a wildly popular Brazilian beauty brand beloved for their captivating scents. Their bestselling body mist is available in six varieties, but customers say Cheirosa '62 is this season's stunner. "This perfume is my go-to all summer long, said one shopper. "It has a vanilla scent and gives a beach vibe. The bottle is adorable and I always get compliments when I wear this body mist. The scent lasts me the entire day, even while I am rushing around at work."

$24 at Amazon
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$24 at Ulta Beauty

If you like citrusy scents, then you'll love this Tocca fragrance. Amazon shoppers sure do — they've collectively awarded it 4.7 out of 5 stars. It's a blend of fresh floral, blood orange, freesia and spicy lily. This customer, who titled their review "Summery wishes," is clearly smitten: "The scent is warm yet citrusy, but not fruity. It's a mature scent. If you've ever seen a beautiful woman walk by you and you smell her perfume in the air and wonder what she is wearing, this is that type of scent. My husband loves it on me, and I love to smell it. [It] feels like summer."

$86 at Amazon
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$86 at Ulta Beauty$86 at Nordstrom

By Rosie Jane is a California-based beauty brand whose fragrances meet the "Clean at Sephora" standards. Their products are made without parabens or other harmful ingredients and they're cruelty-free. When it comes to choosing a summer scent from the line, customers flocked to Missy. "Smells exactly how I picture summer. [It's] very light and refreshing," one reviewer reported. Said this sultry shopper, "This perfume makes me feel so hot! It's a juicy fruity floral that's perfect for summer. It never fails to make me feel good and feel summer vibes. It lasts quite a while, in my opinion."

$28 at Sephora

If island vibes are what you're after, look no further than the St. Barts scent from Ouai. One shopper commented, "Smells like you should be on the beach in Hawaii." Echoed this fan: "I was in search for another perfume for the summer and stumbled upon this. It is legit summer paradise in a bottle! It smells like pina colada, and I’ll definitely be bringing this perfume on my Hawaii trip"

$22 at Amazon
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$28 at Kohl's$28 at Sephora

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.