Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule

Counting the last days until summer finally arrives, my head is full of plans. When and where should I spend the holidays? What capsule wardrobe pieces do I need? What fragrances should I wear this season?

Well, I already have the answer to the last question. Some perfumes have been in my constant warm-season rotation for years, while others have joined my collection recently. I’ve been wearing these new additions so much lately that I know they will be staples this summer.

From affordable to luxury, from citrus-fresh to summer-appropriate oud, and from crowd-pleasing to very niche scents—I’ve got it all covered. Here are my 10 picks for any occasion in my favorite season.

Xerjoff Quattro Pizzi. A fresh floral scent with creamy tuberose at its center. A delicious touch of coconut and a modest hint of tobacco in the base make it a perfect choice for a summer party by the sea.

Nishane Tuberóza X. Another creamy tuberose, but very different. Sensual violet and lipstick make this fragrance carnal, very alluring, and more mature. This can be an elegant choice for a refined dinner.

Thomas De Monaco Sol Salgado. A sweet scent of linden-blossom, composed with heliotrope and cotton flower. Salty notes and ambergris add a twist, painting a hot afternoon by the sea—sun-kissed skin and sand in the hair. It smells like vacation.

Marc-Antoine Barrois Tilia. Another scent with linden and heliotrope, but this one goes in a completely different direction. While both are bright and solar, this one transports you to midsummer in a park, meadow, or even the city. Broom and jasmine are added to the bouquet, with woody accords in the base. Released recently, it is already a beloved choice by many.

Neela Vermeire Creations Ashoka. A green floral fragrance built around fig but much more complex than usual fig perfumes. Blended with a generous list of various flowers, the base has a smoky, mysterious vibe created with myrrh and styrax. A calming and relaxing scent.

Roja Parfums Elixir. The most luxurious choice on the list. A fruity raspberry accord is joined by Roja’s signature bouquet of flowers and a creamy, musky base. A very sophisticated fragrance.

L’Atelier Parfum Verte Euphorie. As for more affordable pieces, this is my number one. I wear it every summer, and it is the first citrusy fragrance I’ve ever really liked, to be honest. Grapefruit and blood orange are accompanied by unexpected notes of carrot and gentian, creating a refreshing yet distinctive composition.

Parfums Dusita Pelagos. Another fragrance inspired by the sea, but this time the sea is darker and colder, the scent fresher. This is not an ordinary aquatic perfume; there are no seaweed or “fishy” notes. Instead, orris butter and white thyme are present. An artistic and beautiful take on this style of fragrance.

Der Duft In Flagranti. A very unique fragrance combining gourmand accords and flowers. Fresh basil, sweet caramel, juicy peach, raspberry, and strawberry are combined with a bouquet of white flowers. You can be sure it is an attention-grabbing, unforgettable scent.

Mizensir Ideal Oud. Although we often think oud is too dark and heavy to wear in the heat, Ideal Oud is totally appropriate for summer. Pink pepper makes this rose, saffron, and oud composition fresher, and the scent itself is bright and airy. Very easy to wear while carelessly enjoying the sunshine.