It’s been said that scent is the strongest sense tied to memory — meaning the smell of something, more than any other sensual experience, can bring you back to a specific place and time.
The ability for scent to evoke specific feelings, thoughts and memories, is part of the reason why fragrance is so popular among men and women: We want people to think of us when they catch a whiff of our perfume.
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The trouble is, there are so many scents on the market that it can be difficult to find one that suits our needs — not to mention our budgets.
That’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up five of our favorite summer scents, from feminine florals to crisp, earthy greens. They’ve all been given our seal of approval, and even better, they’re all under $100 — because smelling good shouldn’t have to cost a fortune:
For the beach bum: Tom Ford Mandarino di Amalfi All Over Body Spray, $67
Named after Italy’s picturesque Amalfi coast, this stunning summer scent combines sultry jasmine and orange blossom with zesty grapefruit and earthy thyme for a fresh, balanced fragrance every bit as beautiful as its namesake.
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For the bohemian: Berdoues Assam of India eau de parfum, $85
If florals aren’t your thing, this clean, sandalwood-based scent is a beautiful option for steamy summer nights. Full-bodied black tea gives the perfume a subtle hint of spice, while citrus top notes keep the exotic fragrance fresh and light.
For the unapologetically feminine: Hermès Jour D’hermès Absolu, $85
Though floral scents are often equated with over-perfumed older women, this delightfully flirty eau de parfum is about as youthful as it gets. Heady jasmine is balanced by crisp, fresh gardenia, while top notes of apricot blossom give this feminine fragrance a subtle initial sweetness.
For the seductress: Diptyque Paris Philosykos Solid Perfume, $50
Inspired by the warm, seductive scent of Mediterranean fig trees, this earthy fragrance features white cedar and ripe fruit, tempered by lush, leafy green notes. As a solid perfume, it’s subtle from afar — but altogether intoxicating if you’re lucky enough to smell it up close.
For the explorer: Tocca Isabel, $72
This vibrant, unique scent, starring Spanish and Turkish rose, is hard to define by any one category. Top notes of Mediterranean orange and sangria accord lend the floral base a juicy kick, while base notes of amber and leather add a warm, masculine edge. The result is a balanced, stunningly unconventional warm-weather fragrance — perfect for the woman who colors outside the lines.
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