The Absolute Best Summer Fragrances for 2020

Did you know that perfume was first used by the ancient Egyptians?

Made as early as 1000BC, the fragrances were only readily available to the richest of society, which is very different from how it is today! Now, we have a choice for every budget and taste.

But with such a selection, how do you pick the right fragrance for you?

If you're overwhelmed by the number of perfumes out there, we've put together our best summer fragrances to help you find one you'll love.

1. Eternity Intense by Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein are known for their fresh, summery scents, and Eternity Intense is no different! If you're looking to have a summer of romance this one is for you. It was actually designed with Calvin Klein's own marriage in mind, and it doesn't get more romantic than that.

It's a floral perfume that's surprisingly warm and has plenty of depth. Its top notes are a blend of bergamot, white rose, and white lily, which are complemented with a little spice from sandalwood.

Energetic, playful, and passionate, for anyone in love this is the ideal summer perfume.

2. Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani

This fragrance for men is certainly designed with summer adventure in mind. Acqua Di Gio takes clear inspiration from the ocean. Salty notes blended perfectly with sweet tones, making this ideal for long days spent by the sea under the summer sun.

It's sophisticated, clean, and youthful. It opens with citrusy scents of green tangerine, bergamot, and neroli, followed by the more subtle rosemary and warm patchouli. This fragrance is iconic, and any man dreaming of days at the beach must have it in their collection.

3. Si by Giorgio Armani

Another firm favourite, Si by Giorgio Armani is an undoubtedly feminine scent. Sweet and gentle, when it comes to summer perfumes this should be on every woman's dresser!

Open with deep, fruit blackcurrant nectar and with a musky blond wood base, there's definitely a sensual depth to the scent. But the airy florals bring about a lightness that's reminiscent of sun-set picnics and a toast of sweet wine.

Year after year, you'll always find a woman enjoying the summer sun and wearing Si.

4. La Vie Est Belle by Lancome

La Vie Est Belle is one of the best summer scents for embracing life with uninhibited vigour. Designed as a celebration of femininity and joy, it certainly is a fragrance that'll make your life more beautiful!

This is actually the top-selling fragrance from Lancome, and it's not hard to see why. It also has the iconic advert with Julia Roberts which oozes elegance and fun.

With top notes of pear and blackcurrant, followed by jasmine sambac, patchouli essence, and orange blossom, this is fruity, feminine fragrance that's as sweet as summer.

5. Happy by Clinique

Lighthearted and playful, if you're looking for summer fragrances that add a little excitement to everyday life, Happy by Clinique is a great choice! Made to inspire dancing, laughter, and all-around joy, your days will feel a little brighter when wearing this.

Tangy and tart, with notes of ruby red grapefruit, the fragrance is bound to wake you up. The sharp scents are mellowed slightly with the sweetness of plum, apple, and spring mimosa. As the day moves on, your fruit fragrance will take on a more floral scent as the base notes come through.

For a day when you feel like dancing, Happy should be your go-to.

6. Invictus Aqua by Paco Rabanne

Another male fragrance, Invictus Aqua is an incredibly refreshing scent with woody tones. With a prominent marine influence, this is less reminiscent of lazing on the sand and closer to the feeling of sea spray as you sail across the ocean. Empowering, heroic, and invigorating, it's a dramatic scent!

With citrus notes of grapefruit and the depth of amber wood and ambergris accord, it's an incredibly masculine scent. Sensual and fresh, when it comes to summer scents for men it doesn't get much better than this.

7. Bloom by Gucci

How can a list of the best summer perfumes be complete without mentioning Bloom by Gucci? Not only is this packaged in an exquisitely beautiful bottle and outer box, but it's also a gorgeous scent that's become a firm favourite.

Powdery and floral, it's certainly a fragrance that takes inspiration from the past. It's no surprise that Bloom contains plenty of floral notes right from the first spritz. Creamy, sweet white flowers give a full scent that's not at all heavy, transporting you to a diverse summer garden.

Amongst the florals, there's also a hint of fresh greenery, which is refreshing and unexpected. It's certainly moved beyond the old-school white floral perfumes but keeps a touch of the romantic vintage in this contemporary fragrance.

8. Light Blue by Dolce & Gabanna

Light Blue is a male fragrance that is fresh with a sensual, masculine depth. The sweetness of mandarin and tang of grapefruit lift the fragrance, whilst Sichuan pepper and rosewood add depth to keep the scent grounded.

The woody, masculine scents of incense, musk, and oakmoss provide a more sophisticated feel, which is surprising from the initial citrus zest. Together, they conjure up images of days on boats out on the ocean, with the city not too far away.

There are definite marine inspirations with Light Blue, though they're not overpowering. If you're transitioning from the office to the beach, this is an ideal scent to see you through.

9. Nomade by Chloe

For the adventurous woman, Nomade by Chloe is the perfect fragrance! Reminiscent of free-spirits, femininity, and fearless romance, it's a scent to seek out the wanderlust in your heart.

The initial scent is fruity and fresh, with plum notes to add a deep sweetness. But as the fragrance settles on your skin it transforms into a more earthy, woody scent thanks to oakmoss.

Walk barefoot along the grass, dance as the sun goes down, and sleep beneath the stars with Nomade. It's a fragrance for the brave and daring, and for those who want to grab life with both hands and make the most of every moment.

10. Daisy Eau So Fresh by Marc Jacobs

As the name suggests, Daisy Eau So Fresh is a light, fresh fragrance. Girly and sweet, it's a twist on their original and iconic Daisy perfume. But whilst it's definitely an easy-going scent, there's a hint of sophistication that underlies the girlish charm.

There's a distinctive spirit to Daisy Eau So Fresh, one that's bold, vibrant, and whimsical. The top notes of grapefruit and raspberry are exciting and playful, giving a sweet, fruity feel to the fragrance. But the heart of wild rose, followed by a warm plum and cedarwood finish add something more grounded to the perfume.

If you're looking for a summer fragrance to bring out the strong female within you and make every day shine a little brighter, this is a great choice.

11. Gucci by Gucci

Gucci by Gucci is iconic and a staple in every woman's perfume collection. It's deeper than some of the others on this list and more suited to an evening garden party or night on the town.

With a combination of floral, musky, and fruity scents, this is a complex perfume that certainly makes an impact. The top note of Haitian Tiare flower is unique and delicate, with the introduction of guava providing a juicy heart note. The base notes of patchouli and musk introduce a sensual feel, whilst honey adds an undeniable dose of luxury.

This perfume is best paired with a little black dress and a night under the stars. It's an exceptional perfume made for exceptional evenings.

12. Cool Water by Davidoff

If you're looking for your everyday summer fragrance, Cool Water by Davidoff is a worthy contender. Created in 1996, this perfume has definitely stood the test of time!

With citrus and pineapple, it'll transport you to exotic lands where the sun is strong and the ocean is always near. It's very fruity, with honeydew melon, blackcurrant, and peach adding to the sweetness of the scent. Sandalwood and musk help ground the fragrance and add depth.

With a fresh, fruity feel, this is a fragrance that will transport you back to summer every time you smell it in the air.

Find Your Best Summer Fragrances

No season is complete without a perfume to match! Make sure you have the perfect scent by picking one of our best summer fragrances for men and women.

If none of these match what you're looking for, be sure to take a look at our full range of fragrances to find your signature scent.