Bursts of fruity freshness — without smelling like a Starburst
When it comes to sexy scents, most people think of woodsy fragrances, but in summer we all want to feel light and fresh. That’s where fruity perfumes come in. Though they’re wonderful and appropriate year-round, fruity scents are particularly popular for warmer weather. That’s when they provide the same alluring qualities of woodsy offerings without the heaviness.
If that’s confusing, it might be because you still associate “fruity” with the vomitaciously-unsubtle scents of your youth. We’re not talking about those in-your-face strawberry perfumes. You know the ones — they leave you feeling like you just took a bath in some Bonne Maman jam!
Here’s a look at the 20 best fruity perfumes for 2021.
1. Dolce & Gabbana The One For Women
This intoxicating fragrance blends fruity notes like mandarin orange, lychee and peach with floral tones including jasmine and lily. It closes with notes of amber, vetiver and vanilla for a well-rounded scent that transitions seamlessly from one season to the next. Dolce & Gabbana The One for Women is the perfect perfume for someone looking to dip a toe into the fruity realm, or for those seeking a special mood to carry them from day to night.
Recommended related fragrances: Madame Rochas By Rochas, Fidji By Guy Laroche, Boucheron Place Vendome By Boucheron
2. Gucci Guilty Love Edition
You’ll love this overtly-feminine scent, which blends fruity, floral, and powdery accords for a bright and whimsical result. Top notes include touches of raspberry and grapefruit balanced out with floral middle notes and base notes of amber, patchouli and musk for sensual, warm undertones. (It is Gucci, after-all, so you’re always guaranteed a sexy element.) Gucci Guilty Love Edition is an alluring date night aphrodisiac fragrance.
Recommended related fragrances: L’instant Magic By Guerlain, Kenzo Jungle Elephant By Kenzo, Boss By Hugo Boss
3. Hermes Un Jardin Sur Le Nil
If Hermes is famous for something other than their handbags, it’s their carefully-crafted fragrances. They curate a long list of perfumes that have stood the test of time, and Un Jardin Sur Le Nil is poised to follow suit. So far it has only grown in popularity in the nearly two decades since its release. This timeless scent crafted by legendary perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena is meant to evoke a stroll in the garden islands of the Nile at Assouan and does just that, blending green notes with hits of citrus and fruit. Top notes include grapefruit, green mango, tomato, and carrot, while peony comes through strong in the middle. The inviting base blends musk, cinnamon and iris.
Recommended related fragrances: Light Blue Dreaming In Portofino By Dolce & Gabbana, Angel, Eau Sucree By Thierry Mugler, La Tentation De Nina Ricci By Nina Ricci
4. Viktor & Rolf Bon Bon
Bon Bon — meaning “candy” in French — is true to its name. It’s delectably sweet, with a main note of caramel, balanced by top fragrance notes of mandarin, peach, and orange. The Viktor & Rolf fragrance comes bottled in a pink flagon shaped like a wrapped, delicious candy. It’s the ideal mood for dessert and coffee at your favorite restaurant.
Recommended related fragrances: SJP Nyc By Sarah Jessica Parker, Kelly Caleche By Hermes, L’instant Magic By Guerlain
5. Calvin Klein CK One Summer Perfume
CK One Summer Perfume by Calvin Klein is a unisex fragrance brimming with lucious, sweet accords throughout its composition. The fruity perfume opens with an intense scent of citruses and kiwi, then adds cactus and blueberry leaf, finishing with earthy musk. This is a fantastic option for those days where you’re looking for a burst of energy or a mood pick-me-up.
Recommended related fragrances: Mon Jasmin Noir L’eau Exquise By Bvlgar, Eau Des Merveilles By Hermes, Gucci Ii By Gucci
6. Tom Ford Bitter Peach
Like all of Tom Ford’s scents, Bitter Peach is entirely unique. While it’s on the pricey side, a little goes a long way and the fragrance will linger, so you won’t need extra spritzes throughout the day. Top notes include peach, Sicilian blood orange, and cardamom, followed by middle notes of jasmine, rum, and cognac for a fragrant punch. Rounding out this seductive elixir are base notes of vetiver, Indonesian patchouli leaf, vanilla, tonka bean, and sandalwood. This excitingly fruity perfume is as sexy as it sounds.
Recommended related fragrances: L’instant Magic By Guerlain, Un Jardin Sur Le Toit By Hermes, Kelly Caleche By Hermes
7. Tom Ford Lost Cherry
Another top fruity smelling perfume from Tom Ford is Lost Cherry. This isn’t your classic uber-sweet summer cherry. Instead, think of a Mon Cheri liqueur chocolate cherry, balanced with a touch of bitter almond. This is a sexy, multidimensional fragrance that’s a true conversation starter. The scent opens with black cherries, cherry liqueur (cherry on cherry for the win!) and bitter almond. The heart continues the cherry theme with griotte syrup, a sweet-and-sour concoction made from Morello cherries. It also pulls in heady floral hits of Turkish rose and jasmine. A variety of woody notes completes this sweet-smelling perfume. This is a great after-dark option.
Recommended related fragrances: Angel Eau Sucree By Thierry Mugler, Rumeur 2 Rose By Lanvin, Very Irresistible Sensual By Givenchy