Summer's new perfumes were a medley of juicy florals and reimagined classics - but these 9 were our favourites
This sunny season brought so many new blends to our desks, but there's a handful we loved more than the rest - and plan to wear well into autumn, too.
As a new season looms, and with it, a plethora of new fragrances waiting to be discovered, we're taking a look back at all of summer 2026's perfume launches - spanning revamped icons to ultra-splashy, sun-soaked scents made for holiday spritzing.
Aside from bringing a change in weather and wardrobe, each season also ushers in another wave of beauty launches - some intentionally on theme, others just new, trendy and improved formulas. This is especially true in the fragrance world, but with there already being so many chic, long-lasting fragrances to choose from and brands (both designer and budget) to keep track of, it's easy to miss the newcomers. Not on our watch, though. We've been fortunate enough to try many of them over the last few months, from Chanel's first Coco Mademoiselle launch in six years and limited-edition relaunches to Maison Margiela's latest sunset-inspired blend.
It was tough, but we've narrowed it down to just nine newbies we think you should know about - many of which aren't just 'summer perfumes' but timeless blends you can wear year-round, should you choose to invest now.
A tour of the 9 new summer fragrances 2026 brought and we loved
Notes: orange blossom, angelica root, patchouli and juniper berry
While Eau de Sens isn't technically new (in fact, it's one of the best of Diptyque's perfumes), the French Maison did give it a little limited-edition 'water garden'-inspired packaging refresh, along with a launch of a new, citrusy body mist and wash. The fragrance was, however, new to me, but has swiftly become a non-mover in my collection thanks to its fresh orange blossom and juniper berry scent. It's bright and radiant, with that distinctive powderiness that I just love in the brand's scents. It's dewy and truly does evoke images of white petals floating along the surface of crystal-clear water - it's so beautiful and, while summery, definitely works year-round if you're someone who likes to smell clean and floral.
Notes: bergamot, sea salt and driftwood
A new go-to for Digital Beauty Writer, Sennen Prickett, this new sea salt & bergamot blend is definitely worth considering for your next signature. "It’s not every day that Jo Malone launches a brand new scent to their cult-favourite fragrance lineup, but this summer we’ve been introduced to Sea Salt & Bergamot. Inspired by the wild British coastline, this fresh, mineral citrus blend opens with bright bergamot, before revealing an airy sea salt heart, and drying down to a warm, woody driftwood base. Together, this creates a clean, breezy scent with a chic depth to it that instantly transports you to a British coastal town upon one spritz. The charming blend has quickly become one of my most reached-for perfumes this season thanks to its likeability and versatility to seamlessly take me from day to night."
Notes: amber, vetiver, vanilla, grapefruit, lychee, rose, jasmine and patchouli
One of summer's most exciting launches came in the form of Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu - Chanel's first Mademoiselle-related launch in six years. This gorgeous reimagining brings a modern, juicy twist to the original and iconic amber-patchouli scent. It bursts to life with vibrant lychee and grapefruit, before slowly shimmering down into delicate rose, silky-smooth vanilla and warm amber. It's chic and effortless, the sort of scent that transcends the seasons and oozes luxury. If you're a fan of the original or not, there's something so alluring about Crush Absolu, and as someone who used to wear Mademoiselle but felt as though I'd outgrown it a little, this feels like the perfect evolution.
Notes: orange blossom, chantilly and sandalwood
For fans of the best Penhaligon's perfumes, the British perfumery has welcomed a new, creamy blend to its collection: The Manoeuvres of the Baroness. It blends delicate orange blossom with chantilly cream and warm sandalwood to create a fragrance that is clean, sweet and airy. It's quite different from many of Penhaligon's other more traditional blends and is definitely one to consider if you like floral fragrances that lean into gourmand territory.
Notes: juicy mango accord, tuberose and sandalwood
The newest addition to Maison Margiela's Replica perfume family, Chasing Sunset is all splashy and juicy mango, mingled with tuberose and spicy hints of cardamom. It's warm and multifaceted, evoking images of an evening sky stained with streaks of orange, pink and moody purples - like sipping a mango cocktail while watching the sun sink below the horizon. It's the definition of a summery, fruity perfume, ideal if you love tropical scents.
Notes: yuzu, green apple, bergamot, matcha, bamboo, jasmine, lily, musk, amber and cedar
"Picture sun-drenched landscapes, cloudless skies and blue waters; that’s exactly what Salt & Stone’s Lily and Yuzu Body Mist captures," says Sennen. "It’s a fresh, sparkling and coastal-inspired scent with vibrant opening notes of yuzu, green apple and bergamot blended with matcha and musky base notes of lily, amber and cedar. It’s fresh, light and uplifting with a salty air edge, making it a popular choice for me throughout the brighter summer months."
Notes: Iso E Super and clary sage
Earthy, crisp and herbaceous, this latest launch from Escentric Molecules is for those who prefer muskier blends of florals and fruity perfumes. It's cool and sophisticated, with the brand's signature Iso E Super note affording that warm woody quality, while clary sage lifts the scent with a crunchy sort of green freshness. I think it's quite a timeless sort of smell, one that works just as well on a sunny day outdoors as it does worn alongside a trench coat and cosy jumper.
Notes: galbanum essence, blackcurrant accord, aldehydes, orris butter, labdanum, orange blossom accord, white vanilla accord, vanilla liquor accord, Madagascar vanilla CO₂, ambrofix and musks
Byredo welcomed Future Memories to its lineup this summer. It oscillates between fresh and warm, with opening hints of blackcurrant, galbanum, followed by aldehydes, labdanum, vanilla and musk. It's one of those scents that really develops and changes on the skin, the dry down is rich and creamy - definitely more of an autumn perfume than a summery one, in my opinion, so now is definitely a good time to invest if you want a new scent for the cosier months ahead.
Notes: honey nectar, vanilla milk and white musk
An unexpected favourite of mine, this Gisou hair and body mist has been my go-to in the heat, when I've not been in the mood for a full-on, heavy perfume but still want to add an air of sunny sweetness to my hair and skin. If you're a fan of decadent honey perfumes, 'Honey Dewy' is definitely one to pick up - it's radiantly warm and actually, I can't wait to layer it with my cosier gourmand perfumes in the autumn and winter. The formula itself is infused with Mirsalehi Honey Water, hyaluronic acid, and peptides to hydrate your skin and hair as you wear it - all for under-£30.
The standout notes of summer
Summer smelt like: juicy mango, Mediterranean coastlines, soft wafts of orange blossom and creamy solar florals...
Following spring's perfume launches, which featured surprising fruit notes like banana perfumes, this season's fragrance trends followed a similar fruity theme, but with more of a sunny, citrusy twist. Many of the scents were vibrant, but there were also some salty, marine-like blends and, as to be expected, a few perfumes that smelt like suncream. We also welcomed a few reimaginings of very iconic blends.
As Almira Armstrong, founder of perfume brand LUMIRA (which also became available in Boots this summer) notes: "This season has felt particularly optimistic. We are seeing a move away from very heavy, gourmand fragrances towards scents that feel luminous, transportive and effortless. There is a strong desire for fragrances that evoke escapism - Mediterranean coastlines, tropical destinations and sun-drenched landscapes continue to inspire both consumers and perfumers."
As for what notes have been in high demand: think citrus, citrus and more citrus. "Citrus notes remain incredibly popular, particularly bergamot, mandarin and neroli, but I've also noticed a growing interest in green notes that bring freshness and texture," says Armstrong. "Fig, basil, blackcurrant leaf and aromatic herbs are appearing more frequently, alongside solar florals such as orange blossom, honeysuckle and jasmine. Consumers are increasingly looking for fragrances that feel radiant rather than overly sweet."
(Alas, the perfume charm on Jo Malone's Sea Salt & Bergamot doesn't come included, but isn't it cute?)
What makes a great summer scent?
Of course, not all this season's launches were summery, but many did boast very on-theme notes - begging the question of what exactly defines a great summer scent?
It's quite a subjective one, but for Armstrong, "a great summer fragrance should feel refreshing without being fleeting. It should have brightness and lift, but also enough depth to evolve beautifully throughout the day. The best summer scents don't overwhelm in the heat; they become part of your skin and leave behind a subtle, memorable trail."
