The best affordable summer fragrances for 2025
In winter I like to wear a heavier perfume, but in summer it really should be fresher and lighter. Sweet is not really my cup of tea, but a Flowerbomb could wake me up years ago. Your taste really changes over time, and even though I get delicious nostalgic memories from those by Viktor & Rolf, I don't wear it anymore. What makes me happy this time (and maybe you too) are one of these delicious (affordable dupes) summer scents.
Pssst; can I give one small side note to all my perfume friends? Two to three sprays are more than enough. Sometimes I bike or walk past someone with a real scent cloud, and that's really not necessary. Perfume is personal and something for yourself, so immersing yourself in your perfume is wonderful, but maybe a little less for others.
Tom Ford – Neroli Portofino (Citrus, floral, fresh)
L’Occitane – Neroli & Orchidée Eau de Toilette: This scent has a fresh citrus opening with floral notes, offering a cheaper alternative to the luxury Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford.
Byredo – Blanche (Fresh, powdery, floral)
Zara – Femme: This scent has a fresh and powdery fragrance, with floral notes that are a cheap dupe for the powdery freshness of Byredo Blanche.
Yves Saint Laurent – Mon Paris (Sweet, floral, fruity)
Lacoste – Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Pour Elle Sparkling: This scent has a light, fruity and floral fragrance reminiscent of Mon Paris. It is a cheerful and energetic scent that offers an affordable option for the luxury scent of YSL.
Chanel – Chance Eau Fraîche (Citrus and floral)
Zara – Wonder Rose. This scent has a light, fresh citrus base combined with floral notes, similar to the elegant and refreshing vibe of Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche, but at a much friendlier price tag. It is a great option for those who love fresh, fruity scents!
Diptyque – Philosykos
Zara – Fleur de Patchouli, which has a subtle woody, floral scent and can be a cheaper variant for other Diptyque scents with a similar vibe.
Byredo – Sundazed (Sun-drenched, citrus and flowers)
Zara – Sunray: This scent has a sunny, floral and citrus opening, offering a similar summery vibe as Sundazed by Byredo, but without the luxury price tag.
Louis Vuitton – Afternoon Swim (Citrus and fresh flowers)
Zara – Summer Bloom: This scent has a citrus freshness with a floral base that closely mimics the vibrancy of Afternoon Swim. It is a perfect scent for summer, at an affordable price.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian – Aqua Universalis (Fresh, floral, musky)
The Body Shop – British Rose Eau de Toilette: This scent has floral and musky notes that are similar to Aqua Universalis, making it a fresh, delicate fragrance that is perfect for summer.
