The best summer perfumes are usually fresh, floral, citrusy, or even exotic. These are scents that remind us of sunny, vibrant tropics. Images of lush gardens, cocktail bars, and sun-drenched beaches come to mind.

Also, the summer heat often calls for lighter, fresher scents that will keep you feeling refreshed and not weigh you down. The reason being that warm weather causes perfume to evaporate more quickly, which means that more complex notes will muddle together acrimoniously.

And just about any note, in the right combination, can give off a summery disposition. A beachside fragrance, for instance, may have notes such as grapefruit, lemon, magnolia, pineapple, and coconut. In contrast, a blend with more flower power will come with notes of rose, vanilla, orange blossom, mandarin, and jasmine. Then there’s the option of something greener, with blends of bergamot, neroli, lemongrass, and peppermint – rounded off with a base of cedar, sandalwood, and amber.