Summer’s not over yet, right? Ok, so I know I’m a little late on this post, but there are still two months of warm weather left this year, and with global warming what it is, who knows how hot fall will be. But now is a great time to take a look at a few of my current favorite summer fragrances for 2018.
For me, the keys to a quality summer fragrance are lighter scents like citruses and greens, combined with some staying power. Generally, heavier fragrances which usually work better in the fall and winter like woods, leathers, and spices will last longer (have more longevity). However, there are some great summer fragrances out there which will last quite a while. One of my favorite tricks is to use an eau de parfum or a pur parfum instead of an eau de toilette or eau de cologne. They tend to last longer and develop slower. I like to spray once in the morning and be done, but summer fragrances don’t always have the same idea.
Summer Fragrances for 2018
Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling
This is your cocktail party, summer BBQ fragrance. The inspiration for this cologne was the iconic gin & tonic cocktail, and it shows. Without smelling boozy, this fragrance immediately reminds you of that drink and all the summer shenanigans that go along with it.
Guerlain Homme Eau de Parfum
If Juniper Sling was inspired by the gin & tonic, this EdP was loosely based on the mojito. There’s some lime and some mint on the opening, but it settles down into a really approachable cologne that last all day on me.
Creed Erolfa
Want to feel like you’re sailing in the Mediterranean? Well, so did Oliver Creed, and this fragrances harkins back to his days there with his family. This is my personal go-to summer fragrance that I can never get enough of. (Oh, and my wife loves it too!)
Acqua di Parma Colonia
Supposedly worn by Cary Grant, this is the quintessential cologne when it comes to summer fragrances. It’s a blend of citrus and herbs from Italy that’s over a century old and was re-established after World War II. For me, this is my number two after Erolfa.
Floris Jermyn Street
Most summer fragrances tend to be casual in nature. After all, summer is a time for relaxing, vacation, and a general “slowing down” of day-to-day life. However, if you need a business-appropriate cologne for summer, Jermyn Street is the one. With lots of vetiver and some mild herbs, this is a great EdP for the office.
Hermès Pamplemousse Rose
Look, I’m not going to sugar coat this. This cologne doesn’t last as long as any of the others on this list, but damn, does it smell good! You get hit with that grapefruit in the opening, and then it settles into the rose. I could smell this all day. This is such a wonderful and unique scent for summer.
Atelier Cologne Pomelo Paradis
Far and away the youngest fragrance house on this list, Atelier Cologne is quickly making a name for itself. I fell in love with a few of their fragrances just a couple years ago while browsing at the King of Prussia Neiman Marcus. Pomelo Paradis is a citrus scent that screams summer. Plus, it’s a pur parfum that just lasts and lasts. I mean, even the sample vials last all day.
So what are your favorite summer fragrances? Did I leave any off the list? Let me know! And try a few of these too, if you haven’t.
