5 expert-approved summer perfumes including Charlotte Tilbury and Sol de Janeiro

It’s safe to say that fragrance is my area of expertise. My personal collection spans well over the 100 mark with mists, eau de parfums and colognes and I’ve travelled to Grasse, Florence and Paris to learn more about the art of perfumery.

Summer is officially on the way and the warmer days and change in our clothing wardrobes signal it’s time to also swap over our perfumes. Tucking away my bottle of Sticky Dates (£28) and Ambre Nuit (£168), it’s the season I reach for something lighter.

There’s no better time for light florals, juicy fruit notes and scents that transport me to beachy getaways. As much as I do love a spicy vanilla it’s no longer the season for them.

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Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 39

Sol de Janeiro mists are great because they’re suitable for both body and hair. It’s important to note that that is not the case for most perfumes and is definitely the exception here. They are also mists though so the longevity can leave a lot of room to be desired. Cheirosa 39 was discontinued for long enough that 3000 fans signed a petition begging for its return which is finally here. It’s a sweet and beachy scent that has been said to smell like a holiday in a bottle. We don’t know if it will be around to stay but it is currently available for a limited time at LookFantastic.

Notes: Top note is Coconut; middle notes are Vanilla and Orchid; base notes are Praline and Sandalwood.

Cheirosa 39 is available for £24 now at LookFantastic.

This is good for fans of Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 (£24) or Kayali Maldives Ylang Coco 20 (£79).

Charlotte Tilbury Joyphoria

Charlotte Tilbury’s Joyphoria
(Image: Charlotte Tilbury)

Joyphoria is part of the Collection of Emotions range by Charlotte Tilbury, it’s said to use specific molecules that can boost certain moods and this one is all about happiness. I wore it on a girls trip to Morocco and mixed with the scent of my SPF and the afternoon tea my hotel hosted everyday I felt incredibly happy. It reminds me of warm sand underfoot while giggling with friends on a sunny beach, it’s by far the most summery scent in the collection.

Notes: Top notes are Coconut Water, Neroli and Petitgrain; middle notes are Tuberose, Jasmine and Ylang-Ylang; base notes are Vanilla Bean, Cashmere Wood, Musk and Powdery Notes.

Joyphoria is available in a 10ml bottle for £20 or a 100ml bottle for £130 on Charlotte Tilbury, Sephora, Cult Beauty and more.

This is good for fans of Tom Ford Soleil Blanc (£145) or Mugler’s Alien Goddess Intense (£142).

Juliette Has a Gun Vanilla Vibes

Juliette Has a Gun Vanilla Vibes
(Image: LookFantastic)

Summertime isn’t all about coconut though, I find something incredibly alluring about the addition of salt to this perfume. It gives it an edge that makes it arguably one of the best vanilla scents for summertime. Whether it’s triggering memories of seawater, the rim of a cocktail or the taste of skin on a hot summer’s day it belongs effortlessly in the warmer months. The salt keeps this scent from straying into too sweet and is definitely worth checking out.

Notes: Top note is Salt; middle notes are Vanilla Absolute and Orchid; base notes are Tonka Bean, Musk, Sandalwood and Benzoin.

Vanilla Vibes comes in 7.5ml (£25), 50ml (£100) and 100ml (£130) bottles and is available from LookFantastic, SpaceNK and The Fragrance Shop.

This is good for fans of Glossier’s You (£70), Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt (£118) or Maison Margiela’s Beach Walk (£59.45).

Kilian Love Don’t Be Shy

Love Don’t Be Shy

This is something of a divisive perfume as the powdery florals and marshmallow note can be a lot to handle. It’s allegedly worn by Rihanna and why so many celebrities adore the way she smells. The sweet florals definitely come through in a way that screams elegance, when I wear this I get non-stop compliments. I do think it’s a little too floral to thrive in the cooler months so I’d definitely recommend trialling the smaller bottle before investing in anything bigger.

Notes: Top notes are Neroli, Bergamot, Pink Pepper and Coriander; middle notes are Orange Blossom, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Iris, Rose and Marshmallow; base notes are Sugar, Vanilla, Caramel, Musk, Civet and Labdanum.

Love Don’t be Shy comes in a £42 7.5ml bottle or a £225 50ml bottle.

This is good for fans of Parfums de Marly’s Delina (£255) or Viktor&Rolf’s Flowerbomb (£135).

Jo Loves Mango Thai Lime

So many fragrances aimed at women have notes of vanilla but not every perfume outright requires it. Mango Time Lime was crafted by the world famous Jo Malone and inspired by the juicy mangoes found in Thailand. This is a juicy scent that shoppers can reach for again and again this summer. The pepper, mint and time balance it out but this is a mouth watering concoction best enjoyed under the sunshine.

Notes: Top notes are Mango, Lime and Black Pepper; middle notes are Mint and Freesia; base notes are Vetiver and Thyme.

Jo Loves Mango Thai Lime is available in 50ml (£82) or 100ml (£118) bottles on SpaceNK.

This is good for fans of Byredo’s Bal d’Afrique (£150) or Hermès Un Jardin Sur Le Nil (£118).

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