Summer holidays are (finally!) back on the agenda and it’s never been more exciting to jet away to warmer climates.
Whether it’s dozing under sun-dappled palm trees or returning from the beach with salty, sun-kissed skin, or sitting on your balcony pre-dinner with a packet of Lays, there are so many feel-good moments on a beach holiday. Perhaps that’s why the scent of suncream brings back those summer memories.
After all, fragrance has the power to take you back to a holiday. There are some summer fragrances that we go back to every year, while some summers we stumble across a new-found favourite (this beauty editor’s favourite summer fragrance is just £15) but, in my opinion, you can never go wrong with a fragrance that smells just like your bottle of SPF 50 and sun-kissed skin.
So, what exactly makes suncream smell so great, and where can you find it in a fragrance? You’ll want to look for notes that replicate the scent of warm, sun-drenched skin. Think creamy white florals like jasmine and frangipani, and warm base notes like amber, sandalwood and musk. If you like your suncream on the sweeter side, then notes of coconut and vanilla will add to that beachy vibe. Whether you’re planning a getaway or want a fragrance to remind you of days spent on the beach, then these fragrances are bound to transport you without the need for a passport.
You know the smell of your skin after a couple of hours in the sun? This is that, but bottled. The sun-drenched skin smell that develops is thanks to notes of amber, yang-ylang and coco de mer which mimic that warm, creamy scent of suncream.
If you prefer your summer scent to smell less like synthetic coconuts and more like an actual bottle of suncream, you’ve come to the right place. Not only is this a steal at £21, but this powdery scent really smells like warm skin on the beach.
A real beauty editor favourite, this is a timeless summer fragrance that suits everyone. Warm amber and coconut mingle with creamy white florals jasmine sambac and frangipani before settling down to a warm musk base.
You’ll find a bottle of Maison Margiela’s Replica on most fragrance lover’s dressing table, and this one is a real iteration of a beach walk. The initial spritz is citrusy with bergamot and lemon, before settling down to creamy coconut, musk and cedar wood base. Think a breezy day on the beach.
This list wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Byredo’s Sundazed. This solar scent smells like a sunny afternoon perched on a sun lounger, with a glass of lemonade on the side. Then opening notes are zesty lemon, mandarin and neroli before drying down to jasmine samba and warm musk.
If you’re a fan of clean-smelling fragrances, then The Body Shop’s iconic White Musk scent is for you. Notes of aldehyde (as soapy, skin-smelling ingredient) and jasmine replicate the smell of sun-drenched skin that lasts long after sundown.
If you prefer more of a sweet-smelling suncream, then you’ll like the nutty, salted caramel scent of this fragranced mist. The sweetness is balanced with heliotrope and creamy jasmine and dries down to addictive vanilla and sandalwood base.
This limited edition fragrance might be one of my favourites yet. Inspired by the salt-swept sands of a Sardinia, this instantly transports you back to summer holidays spent on sandy beaches. The floral notes keep it fresh and breezy with warming skin tones of sandalwood.
Simply called ‘Beach’, this smells exactly so. You might not know Bobbi Brown for its fragrances, but this is a best-seller for the brand. Notes of jasmine, mandarin and sea spray make this a light and refreshing summer scent.
Not just a pretty bottle. This fragrance has notes of hibiscus, tiare, frangipani and lotus florals that make for a breezy summer scent. The scent dries down to the scent of coconut, vanilla and musk for that sun-soaked smell.
This scent is designed to mingle with your skin’s own chemistry to make you smell like you, but even better. – much like how skin smells after a day under the sun. Creamy white iris florals pair with amber for a soft yet warm scent that will get you compliments everywhere you go.
This pairing of sea salt and vanilla will take you straight back to the beach. Combined with base notes of sandalwood, musk and tonka bean, this scent has summer written all over it.
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