I’m writing this post on the first day of a heat wave and the eve of the summer solstice, after taking a look back at my list of favorite heat-wave perfumes from 2023. Those selections are still standing just within reach of my sweaty hands, and I have a few more suggestions to share. Please feel free to note your own hot-weather favorites in the comments!

LBTY Liberty Maze: Back in January, I purchased a trio of travel-size fragrances at Liberty in London. I had a feeling that the citrusy Liberty Maze would be a perfect choice for summer wear, and now I know I was right. You can read a description of Liberty Maze (Gabriela Chelariu, 2023) at Now Smell This.

Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle Sale Gosse: I remember coming across Sale Gosse (Fanny Bal, 2017) when it was launched at Barneys (!!) and liking it a lot. I have a few vials of Sale Gosse stashed in my sample drawer for weeks like this one—it was launched as an upscale children’s eau de cologne but it’s also great for any adult who might enjoy a gossamer-weight, soapy-clean blend of neroli and white musk.

Régime des Fleurs Cacti: On steamy days when I feel like I can drink nothing but water and eat nothing but melon, this brew of transparent green notes of aloe, cucumber, and shiso leaf (with a touch of earthiness from maté) is so refreshing. The RdF website includes a full list of notes for this composition (Mathieu Nardin, 2016). [disclosure: I won this bottle in an Instagram giveaway, but I’ve been a RdF fan for a long time.]

Artimique Coconut Blanket: I’ll concede that summer does provide opportunities for fun cocktails. Coconut Blanket (Cristiano Canali, 2023) manages to suggest the creamy flavor of a piña colada without any cloying stickiness; it’s a summer gourmand that feels festive yet soothing. You can shop for this one at Sainte Cellier. (Thanks to L. for sharing her sample!)

Diptyque Eau Papier: Since I can’t actually stay home until the heat breaks, I’ll spritz on some Eau Papier (2023) for trips to the office. I reviewed this one for Now Smell This and I still welcome its smooth balance of “white” notes of mimosa, musk, and rice at this time of year.

How’s the weather in your part of the world, and what fragrance are you wearing to complement or combat it?