Feeling fresh and effervescent in the summer, especially in Florida, is almost impossible. Every time I step outside, I feel like I’m swimming because the humidity is so intense — even my Urban Decay setting spray struggles for dear life to hold my makeup onto my face. With temperatures feeling like 100 degrees or more, I find it essential to wear a clean, crisp fragrance to combat at least some of the effects of sweltering weather. I’ve always preferred perfumes that don’t smell like a bottled fragrance and make people ask, “What perfume is she wearing?” but instead smell natural and make people think, “She smells so good!” Although I would wear any of them year-round, no matter your budget, these perfumes are especially perfect for summer months after a long day at the beach or to simply freshen up during a hot day.
1. Bath & Body Works Juniper Breeze Fine Fragrance Mist -- $7
This is one of Bath & Body Works’ classic scents, and it brings me back to middle school (in a good way). It’s so affordable and smells like crisp air and evergreen trees. This may be a little gratuitous, but I sometimes store cheap body mists in the refrigerator to make them feel even more refreshing.
2. Victoria's Secret Pink Fresh & Clean Shimmer Body Mist -- $18
I bought this on a whim in the checkout line because any scent described as “fresh” or “clean” is almost always one that I need in my life. This smells exactly how you think it would, with a blend of fresh apple and lily, and the shimmer makes a suntan look extra luminous.
3. Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava -- $22
I first tried this years ago, and it smells absolutely delicious. Its fruity and bright scent mixed with a hint of coconut makes me feel like I’m on vacation whenever I wear it. This brand is also 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free, which is definitely a bonus.
4. CLEAN Warm Cotton -- $40
This is my all-time favorite perfume and fragrance brand. I’ve gone through so many bottles of it over the years, which I can’t say about any other that I’ve tried. I’m complimented on this invigorating scent constantly because it’s so incredibly fresh and just plain clean. It’s like your favorite laundry detergent, but a million times better.
5. L'Occitane en Provence Citrus Verbena Eau de Toilette -- $58
I have also used this perfume for years because of its lemony, refreshing scent. It stays on all day long, and you also get a surprisingly large amount of product for the price. No matter how sweaty and unpleasant you may feel, a spritz of this is always an effective pick-me-up.
