10 Fragrances I Tried This Summer That Resulted In Countless Compliments!

It's no question theses scents have my seal of approval.

Photo Design by BrownStyle Magazine

As a perfume enthusiast, I love to switch out my fragrance wardrobe throughout the year. By doing so, I’ve successfully found new scents to add to my daily rotation without feeling overwhelmed.

IYKYK. If you don’t know, let me put you on to game! Much like my clothing wardrobe, each season I pack fragrances from the previous season away. This pushes me to only focus on the scents that fit the mood of the season and makes it a lot simpler to find a fragrance that compliments my seasonal vibe.

This Summer, I decided to be adventurous and try new scents that exploded with playful notes— from sweet citrusy scents to bouncy beach aromas. While doing so, I was pleasantly surprised at how many fragrances resulted in compliments from those who enjoyed the bright scents that reflected the joy of the season.

As someone who hates to gatekeep, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite Summer releases that captivated my senses (and those around me). Keep scrolling to see some of the fragrances that I couldn’t stop spritzing! I hope this helps you find your next signature scent, whether you decide to wear it now or next year.

Photo Courtesy of Skylar

SKYLAR Citrus Reverie

I love a true Summery scent! SKYLAR’s Citrus Reverie is a fruity floral that offers a sun-kissed escape with zesty mandarin, delicate orange flowers, and joyful pink pineapple notes. Absolute perfection.

Photo Courtesy of Ellis Brooklyn

Ellis Brooklyn Miami Nectar

Pineapple was a highlight note of the Summer! Inspired by a hot Miami Summer, Ellis Brooklyn’s Miami Nectar is a rich, tropical-gourmand scent that boasts lively notes of pink pineapple, coconut water, and sweet amber. While I haven’t visited Miami just yet, I believe this fragrance beautifully captured the mood of the sunny region.

Photo Courtesy of Pacifica

Pacifica Beach Day

If you love the beach, then you’ll love this intense woody scent. Pacifica’s Beach Day smells like what I imagine a beach bonfire party on a windy day smells like thanks to notes of smoke, sandalwood, and orange flowers.

Photo Courtesy of MCM

MCM Crush

If you’re ever in a rut and need a quick pick-me-up, spritz on MCM’s Crush fragrance. This fruity floral fragrance will instantly remind you to celebrate self-love with flirty notes of fresh apricot nectar, hand-picked Rose de Mai, and ambrette.

Photo Courtesy of Steve Madden

Steve Madden Goldie

Have you ever enjoyed the luxury of camping in a wood-log cabin in the forest? If so, then you will know why I adore Steve Madden’s Goldie. Featuring a heavy sandalwood aroma, the fragrance dried down into a skin-like scent with pleasant notes of gardenia petals, sandalwood, and patchouli. 

Photo Courtesy of Tocca

Tocca Bianca

In the Summer, I find peace in listening to jazz, drinking a cup of tea, and watching the sunrise. If that’s your vibe too, then you’ll probably love Bianca from Tocca. It’s a total vibe! The scent is fresh and citrusy thanks to the blend of mandarin, green tea, rose petals, musk, and sugar notes.

Photo Courtesy of Who Is Elijah

Who Is Elijah Cherry Fiesta

Cherry Fiesta from Who Is Elijah is a Summer scent that’s both fun and fresh! It reminds me of Black Cherry Wishniak soda— a combination of fruity, playful, and sweet! I’ll be honest, I don’t usually like cherry fragrances because they are often paired with an almond accord, however, this scent was a magnet for compliments.

Photo Courtesy of Kayali

Kayali Vacation In A Bottle Mini Perfume Set

Sometimes I find it hard to choose just one fragrance, especially when traveling. That’s why I fell in love with Kayali’s Vacation In A Bottle Mini Perfume Set, which features four travel-sized fragrances. Perfect for a sweet escape, the collection includes citrus scents, coconut aromas, and even a sweet banana scent. Did I mention they are easily layerable? Such a win! 

Photo Courtesy of Hollywood Fragrances

Hollywood Fragrances Dual Pack: Sunrise + Sunset

Sunrise

When I visited Los Angeles, I fell in love with amazing views, pleasant people, and delicious food. The scent of Sunrise is reminiscent of my LA experience: bright, sweet, and warm. The scent features captivating notes of pink guava nectar, papaya, and pineapples combined with creamy coconut at the base. The scent of sun-drenched flowers perfectly tops it off.

Sunset

The Sunrise scent is easily deepened with its citrus floral partner Sunset, which has a bolder fragrance profile with a harmonious blend of mandarin blossom, jasmine, and bronzed vanilla. It’s the perfect day-to-night fragrance combo or the perfect duo for a couple. 

Photo Courtesy of Noyz

NOYZ Love Club

If you asked me what NOYZ Love Club smells like, I would say it reminds me of a rebellious boyfriend; subtly sweet, smoky, and intense. That’s the greatest way I can describe the aroma. The fragrance includes notes of Turkish pink rose, saffron, and ebony woods, which makes it a perfect scent to transition into the Autumn season.


Emerald Elitou followed in the footsteps of her parents and sister by developing into a highly sought-after journalist who writes about everything from beauty to wellness for well-known publications including Byrdie, Essence, and Allure, to name a few.

Affectionately known as the "Launch List Lady," Emerald is an advocate for diversity showing her committed support to POC-owned, LGBTQIA+, and women-owned brands. She intends to shape BrownStyle Magazine as a vision board that inspires women of color to live life at its fullest potential.