Summer invites us to indulge in a symphony of scents that evoke delightful memories and the carefree spirit of warmer days. The blend of coconut sunscreen, smoky barbecues, and the crisp aroma that follows a summer rainstorm paints a vivid olfactory picture. This year, fragrance trends reflect a yearning for bold, expressive scents, showcasing unexpected tropical fruits and airy floral notes. Franco Wright, cofounder of Luckyscent.com and Scentbar, notes a shift toward fragrances that make a statement, while skin scents remain a popular staple. Meanwhile, Bee Shapiro, founder of Ellis Brooklyn, emphasizes a “fruit and flowers” theme for summer, hinting at a saturated market of vibrant scents that capture the essence of the season.
Indeed, summer’s fragrance offerings this year have diverged from the predictable notion of sunscreen-inspired aromas. Instead, we see a refreshing take on skin scents, which incorporate salty and mineral-rich accords to evoke the beach’s freshness. The blend of icy eucalyptus and spicy Sichuan pepper caters to those who prefer a more adventurous aromatic experience, while still holding space for traditional gourmand scents. Arielle Weinberg, founder of Arielle Shoshana, acknowledges the ongoing interest in edible-inspired fragrances, but with lighter compositions more suited for the heat of summer. The goal is to create fragrances that feel spirited and alive rather than heavy and warm, balancing the demand for comfort and innovation in these sensory delights.
As summer unfolds, nostalgia plays a significant role in fragrance creativity. Perfumers are tapping into cherished memories of summer treats, drawing inspiration from playful ice cream and refreshing Italian aperitifs. Jeniece Trizzino from Scentbird expresses excitement about this era in fragrance, where consumers are eager to explore novel scents that transport them to simpler, sunnier days. The diverse palette of olfactory offerings invites everyone to find something that resonates with their personal experiences and preferences, merging comfort with the thrill of discovery.
Perhaps one of the standout themes this summer is the exuberance surrounding banana-inspired scents. As noted by Nicole Mancini of DSM-Firmenich, the rise in popularity of banana in fine fragrances is notable, with Google and TikTok searches for such scents soaring by nearly 47%. This unorthodox note transforms into a fresh, elegant fragrance that feels both modern and playful. Ines Guien from Dossier highlights how banana mixes well with deeper notes like rum and ginger, creating a versatile perfume that works for both day and night. Notable examples like Borntostandout’s Nanatopia, with its seductive banana bread accord, showcase how this ingredient can offer surprising depth and vibrancy.
In addition to bananas, salt has emerged as a versatile note that adds a unique twist to many fragrances this season. Once primarily associated with aquatic scents, salt has now infiltrated a variety of olfactory realms, from florals to woody blends. Mancini describes how salt imbues fragrances with a refreshing mineral quality that complements other notes beautifully. Dora Baghriche, a perfumer at DSM-Firmenich, delves deeper, explaining that salt not only grounds scents but provides an airy, earthy quality. This allows florals, like those presented in Glossier’s Fleur, to feel more connected to their natural surroundings, evoking breezy summer days spent amidst blooming gardens.
This summer’s fragrance landscape is a celebration of nostalgia, daring exploration, and a sensory journey through seasonal favorites. As we immerse ourselves in these evolving aromas, there’s an invitation to rediscover long-forgotten memories while embracing the novel and unexpected. Whether it’s the playful embrace of banana, the mineral freshness of salt, or the comforting familiarity of summer treats, the scents of this season are a rich tapestry of sights and scents designed to elevate the summer experience. As we explore these transformative fragrance trends, we are reminded that scent has the power to evoke emotion, capture memories, and celebrate the joy that summer brings.