Summer is finally here, and while my friends have been busy doing their annual wardrobe switchover, I’ve been deciding which summer perfumes to bring out of hibernation.
As a beauty editor, I often get asked what fragrances I would recommend for the warmer months. Although there are lots of luxury perfumes out there that are perfect for the new season, my favourite summer scents are surprisingly affordable. I’ve said it time and time again, but I truly believe that you do not have to spend a fortune in order to smell good. Thanks to some of my go-to high street stores such as Zara, M&S and & Other Stories creating their own perfume ranges, you can now smell super expensive without breaking the bank.
No matter whether you like gourmand fragrances, fresh scents or warm, musky perfumes, there is definitely an affordable summer fragrance out there for everyone. I’ve tried hundreds of options over the years, and I’ve narrowed my collection down to ten fragrances that I know will always earn me compliments. So, without further ado, keep on scrolling for my edit of the best affordable summer perfumes, and get ready for everyone to be asking you what scent you are wearing…
The Best Affordable Summer Perfumes
1. Zara Red Temptation Summer
Zara
Red Temptation Summer Eau De Parfum
Key notes: Peony, amber and praline
I love Zara’s original Red Temptation fragrance so much that I wrote a whole article on it, so you can imagine my excitement when I saw that the brand had brought out a summer version of the popular scent. The perfume still contains notes of warm amber and sweet praline, but the addition of peony adds a fresh, summery feel.
2. & Other Stories Perle de Coco Body Mist
& Other Stories
Perle De Coco Body Mist
Key notes: Coconut, vanilla and caramel
I sprayed this in the office the other day and everyone asked me what perfume I was wearing. That’s how good this is. Perle De Coco is definitely more of a typical summer scent with notes of creamy coconut and sweet vanilla, but something about it is just so intoxicating. Because this is a body mist it might not last as long as an eau de parfum, but for just £13, I don’t mind throwing it in my bag to top up my scent throughout the day.
3. M&S Discover Sunrise
M&S Discover
Sunrise Eau De Toilette
Key notes: Bergamot and white florals
If gourmand scents aren’t your thing, not to fear, as M&S has just launched a beautiful floral fragrance for the summer months. Sunrise features lots of white florals, giving this perfume a sophisticated edge. Bergamot adds a fresh, citrusy element which makes spritzing this perfume feel like waking up on a hot summer’s day to watch the sun come up in the early hours of the morning.
4. Commodity Gold
Key notes: Juniper berries, vanilla, sandalwood and amber
Commodity is one of my favourite fragrance brands, and I always have one of these travel perfumes in my bag. My choice for summer? Gold, a warm, sparkling scent that transforms on the skin. Bright Juniper berries will capture your attention, before the fragrance develops into a warmer, creamier scent that really lasts.
5. Phlur Mango Mood Body Mist
Phlur
Mango Mood Body Mist
Key notes: Mango, blackcurrant, pink pepper, vanilla, brown sugar, wild orris flower, jasmine sambac absolute and black lotus
If you’re yet to try a Phlur fragrance, then I highly recommend giving Mango Mood a go for the summer months. Don’t be fooled by the name, yes this body mist contains notes of sweet, juicy mango, but pink pepper, jasmine sambac absolute and black lotus add a richer, more sensual finish.
6. Jo Loves Mango Thai Lime Paintbrush
Jo Loves
Mango Thai Lime Paintbrush
Key notes: Mango, lime, and black pepper
Easily one of my most complimented scents in the summer month’s is Jo Loves Mango Thai Lime, and this fragrance “paintbrush” makes it so easy to top up my perfume on the go. The gel formula has impressive lasting powers, which means you will be smelling notes of ripe mango, citrusy lime and spicy black pepper all day long.
7. Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa ‘62
Sol de Janeiro
Cheirosa ’62 Perfume Mist
Key notes: Pistachio, salted caramel and vanilla
Another great gourmand option is the Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa ’62 Perfume Mist. This brand is loved for its sweet, summery scents, and this perfume mist is no exception. Think nutty pistachio and almond mixed with smooth vanilla and sweet caramel. It really does smell almost good enough to eat.
8. Diptyque Ilio Face & Body Mist
Diptyque
Ilio Summer Face & Body Mist
Key notes: Prickly pear, bergamot, jasmine and iris
You know that feeling when you’ve been on the beach all day, you come back to your hotel and sit on the balcony while getting ready for dinner and drinks? That’s exactly what this fragrance smells like to me. Notes of pear add a hint of sweetness, but sensual jasmine and bergamot take centre stage here. This mist is perfect for travelling as the formula is gentle enough to be used on both the face and body.
9. Nuxe Sun Delicious Fragrance Water
Nuxe
Sun Delicious Fragrance Water
Key notes: Orange, coconut and Tiare flower
This is a holiday in a bottle. Sweet, citrusy orange blends with smooth, creamy coconut and tropical Tiare flowers to create one of the most escapist scents I have come across.
10. Caudalie Thé des Vignes Fresh Fragrance
Caudalie
Thé Des Vignes Fresh Fragrance
Key notes: White musk, neroli, ginger, orange blossom and jasmine
If you’re looking for an evening summer scent, then why not give this fragrance from Caudalie a go? The fresh perfume has impressive depth thanks to warm, musky notes that will have you totally captivated from the first spritz.