The best-smelling summer scents for 2017

The scent of summer is well and truly in the air

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Some of the best things about the new season are the smells that come with it – think freshly cut grass, sun cream and pitchers of coconut rum-infused cocktails. The scent of summer is well and truly in the air.

Despite the odd downpour us well-weather brits are still enduring, warmer climes are calling not only for sandals and post-work drinks in the beer garden, but also a lighter fragrance.

Just as we swap out our heavy knits and moisturisers, the idea of freshness becomes a perpetual part of the new season with airier, less heavy scents that will give you an instant hit of holiday.

Luckily, there are a whole host of new season launches to carry you through the hot, sticky months ahead. From fresh zests to one’s that smell like your favourite getaway, the quest for your go-to summer scent is never too wide off the mark.

If you like Pina Coladas

If the thought of sipping on cocktails by the sand is more of a daydream than a reality this year then bring the shore to you with a fresh-from-the-beach summer scent. A scent that sums up the smells of holidays, Estee Lauder has brought back its cult classic Bronze Goddess that promises to transport you straight to a sunny beach. Think coconut, jasmine and a hint of suncream.

For a more contemporary take though look to Malin & Goetz’s Dark Rum fragrance which smells just like Pina Colada in a bottle with a hint of spice.​

So fresh and so clean

Deliciously ripe, florals take a back seat this season in favour of scents that are clean and brimming with zestiness. Back by popular demand, Marc Jacob’s splash range is perfect for summer – our favourite is pear which effortlessly captures the sweet nectar of summer – while Nina Ricci’s Luna Les Belles is bursting with orange blossom.

Alternatively, fashion designer duo Viktor & Rolf has launched its new, exclusive collection of fragrances called Magic Collection. For a clean-musky fragrace that contains hints of jasmine look to Liquid Diamonds.

His and hers

This year, brands are embracing summer lovin’ with fragrance collections inspired by hot summer nights with your significant other. Emporio Armani launch Because It’s You & Stronger With You later this month with two his and hers scents – one bound by a sweet, floral composition while the other takes on classic notes of chestnut and sage.

Similarly, Valentino has reinvented its Uomo and Donna scents with the name ‘Acqua.’ Keeping their signature faceted bottles, both options take on a lighter air with hints of aromatic greenery, almond and frosted pair.​

In the limelight

While musky aromatics are still very much on the radar, leading the charge this summer in terms of men’s fragrance is zest. Created with lime top notes, look to Jimmy Choo’s MAN Ice for the ultimate day to night fragrance.

Or, if it’s a more classic scent you’re after Giorgio Armani’s Code Colonia combines hints of fresh citrus with long-lasting and seductive Tonka Bean.