6 Summer Fragrances IPSY Merchandisers Reach for When the Temp Starts to Rise
Some scent profiles are inherently tied to a season, like florals for spring or warm, spicy notes for winter. Beachy and aquatic scents are much the same in their connection to summer. But summer fragrances are more than just an olfactory expression of a day by the ocean—they can be sweet, fruity, fresh, and herbaceous, bringing to mind peak-season produce, tropical drinks, new blooms, and so much more sun-soaked joy we associate with summer.
So if you’re knee-deep in summer beauty prep (including refreshing your bronzer skills and updating your skincare routine) and find yourself searching for a new fragrance, look no further. We tapped our team of merchandisers to spill the tea on the scents that keep them coming back all summer long and beyond.
IPSY’s Merchandisers Share Their Favorite Fragrances for Summer
1. Mercedes Diaz, Manager, Merchandising: VILHEM PARFUMERIE Mango Skin
The backdrop for this delicious scent is breathtaking South Africa, full of endless skies and the sweetest fruit. IPSY’s Merchandising Manager, Mercedes Diaz, says, “I’m obsessed with VILHEM’s Mango Skin. It’s insanely invigorating and hits you with the juiciest mango right away, and then it mellows into this beautiful mix of vanilla and sugar.” We’re not surprised Mercedes spritzes this on repeat once summer hits, since this fragrance is like summer in a bottle and is “perfect for day to night.” She adds, “Honestly, there’s nothing else like it out there. Even the tiniest vial costs a fortune, so getting to try it through my Glam Bag subscription is a total win.”
2. Brittany Capener, Senior Manager, Merchandise Commerce: COMMODITY Moss
If your favorite summers are spent hiking and exploring, this crisp aroma is sure to evoke memories of sunny hikes and greenery all around you—and that’s what Brittany loves about it. She says, “Moss Expressive from COMMODITY is a personal favorite of mine, especially for the transition into summer. Spritzing it is like bringing the outdoors in.” That’s thanks to the vibrant blend of bergamot and earthy oakmoss, which, she says, “feel like summer in full bloom.”
She also thinks that it makes the perfect addition to any summer fragrance wardrobe, as it creates “a refined, nature-driven experience that refreshes and elevates with every wear.”
3. Melissa Martinez, Associate Merchant: MAISON LOUIS MARIE No.04 Bois de Balincourt Eau de Parfum Travel Spray
Whether you’re jetting off to a dreamy destination or staying local for lazy afternoons, this perfume was made for romanticizing your life. “MAISON LOUIS MARIE’s Bois de Balincourt is my go-to for summer because it’s fresh, earthy, and effortlessly chic—it just smells like golden hour on a breezy day,” shares Melissa. “I love how the sandalwood and cedarwood blend with that subtle hint of spice.”
The balance of warmth and freshness translates into a scent that’s grounding, but still light enough for warm weather. “It’s one of those scents that feels clean and intimate, like your skin but better,” she says.
4. Ashley Abney, Merchant: PACIFICA BEAUTY Montana Sky Travel Spray Perfume
Here’s another nature-inspired scent our merchandisers just can’t get enough of. With its fresh blend of sky, cedarwood, elderflower, and sage, this perfume is “perfect for those who love a grounding, natural scent,” according to Ashley. But it’s not just a refreshing scent—it also happens to be backed by neuroscience to support emotional balance. Ashley says that she loves to spritz it for “daily calm and clarity.”
5. Daniela Miroquesada, Senior Merchandise Manager: 5 SENS In Too Deep Eau de Parfum Travel Spray
If you love vanilla scents but aren’t sure how to wear them in summer, this sweet gourmand fragrance is for you. “It’s warm, spicy, and just the right amount of sweet,” says Daniela, who adds, “I’m seriously hooked!” Featuring notes of Tahitian vanilla, Italian bergamot, sparkling sugar, Australian sandalwood, and musk, this alluring blend is one that will have you falling In Too Deep.
6. Karla Cortes, Merchandise Coordinator: ELLIS BROOKLYN Florist EDP Travel Spray
We love floral fragrances for summer, and this one smells like a fresh-picked bouquet—with a sparkling twist. It pairs tuberose petals with Italian bergamot, golden gardenia, honeysuckle, and jasmine to create a breezy scent that lingers throughout the day. “I’m obsessed with Florist by ELLIS BROOKLYN!” says Karla. “It is a sweet citrus floral scent that’s perfect for spring and summer. Not only does it smell amazing, but it’s also a clean product, which makes wearing it feel even better.”