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Fragrance guide

Not every perfume has to be sweet or heavy. Fresh perfumes smell clean and bright: citrus, green notes, light flowers, tea and soft musk. They are the easiest to wear every day and the least likely to bother anyone.

These are the fresh women’s and unisex fragrances in our catalog.

How we picked. We took the women’s and unisex fragrances in our catalog described as fresh and ranked them by how well they suit spring and summer and how many occasions they cover. Prices are typical US retail prices and may differ at checkout.

  1. Colonia by Acqua di Parma
    1

    Acqua di Parma

    Colonia

    $185 · 3.4 oz · Eau de Cologne · Unisex · Citrus

    Sicilian citrus, lavender and rosemary over a light woody base. Italian elegance in its simplest, sunniest form.

    Key notes:
    Lemon, Sweet orange, Lavender, Vetiver, Sandalwood
    Style:
    Fresh, Elegant, Classic
    Longevity:
    Moderate
    Projection:
    Soft
  2. Un Jardin sur le Nil by Hermès
    2

    Hermès

    Un Jardin sur le Nil

    $150 · 3.4 oz · EDT · Unisex · Citrus

    Tart green mango, grapefruit and lotus, like a walk through a garden on the banks of the Nile. Bright, watery and green.

    Key notes:
    Green mango, Grapefruit, Lotus, Incense, Sycamore wood
    Style:
    Fresh, Natural
    Longevity:
    Weak
    Projection:
    Soft
  3. Echt Kölnisch Wasser by 4711
    3

    4711

    Echt Kölnisch Wasser

    $17 · 3.4 oz · Eau de Cologne · Unisex · Citrus

    The original Eau de Cologne, from the city that named the genre. Citrus and rosemary in a fleeting, invigorating freshness.

    Key notes:
    Bergamot, Lemon, Rosemary, Musk
    Style:
    Fresh, Classic
    Longevity:
    Very weak
    Projection:
    Soft
  4. Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana
    4

    Dolce & Gabbana

    Light Blue

    $100 · 3.4 oz · EDT · Women · Citrus

    Sicilian lemon and crisp apple: a summer day in Capri. Light, cheerful and perfect for the heat.

    Key notes:
    Lemon, Apple, Bamboo, Cedar, Musk
    Style:
    Fresh, Romantic
    Longevity:
    Moderate
    Projection:
    Moderate
  5. Philosykos by Diptyque
    5

    Diptyque

    Philosykos

    $175 · 3.4 oz · EDT · Unisex · Woody

    The whole fig tree: green leaves, milky sap, ripe fruit and warm wood. A Mediterranean summer captured in a bottle.

    Key notes:
    Fig leaf, Green notes, Fig, Cedar, Woody notes
    Style:
    Natural, Fresh
    Longevity:
    Weak
    Projection:
    Soft
  6. Wood Sage & Sea Salt by Jo Malone London
    6

    Jo Malone London

    Wood Sage & Sea Salt

    $175 · 3.4 oz · Eau de Cologne · Unisex · Aquatic

    A walk along British cliffs: salty air, earthy sage and driftwood. Fresh, mineral and unfussy.

    Key notes:
    Ambrette, Sea salt, Sage, Seaweed, Woody notes
    Style:
    Natural, Fresh
    Longevity:
    Weak
    Projection:
    Soft
  7. CK One by Calvin Klein
    7

    Calvin Klein

    CK One

    $46 · 3.4 oz · EDT · Unisex · Citrus

    The first great unisex scent: green tea, citrus and clean musk in a flask bottle. Pure nineties minimalism.

    Key notes:
    Bergamot, Lemon, Jasmine, Musk, Amber
    Style:
    Fresh, Urban, Sporty
    Longevity:
    Weak
    Projection:
    Soft
  8. Daisy by Marc Jacobs
    8

    Marc Jacobs

    Daisy

    $112 · 3.4 oz · EDT · Women · Floral

    Wild strawberry, violet and soft white flowers. A sunny, carefree floral that feels young and light.

    Key notes:
    Strawberry, Violet leaf, Violet, Musk, Vanilla
    Style:
    Fresh, Romantic
    Longevity:
    Weak
    Projection:
    Soft
  9. Chloé Eau de Parfum by Chloé
    9

    Chloé

    Chloé Eau de Parfum

    $140 · 2.5 oz · EDP · Women · Floral

    Fresh peony and dewy rose with a clean, soapy finish. A modern rose that feels crisp rather than sweet.

    Key notes:
    Peony, Lychee, Rose, Amber, Cedar
    Style:
    Romantic, Elegant, Fresh
    Longevity:
    Moderate
    Projection:
    Moderate

Answer 7 quick questions about the person and the occasion, and we will match the fragrances that fit best.

Take the quiz

What is a fresh perfume?

A fragrance built on citrus, green, aquatic or light floral notes, with little sweetness. It smells clean rather than rich.

Are fresh perfumes good for the office?

Yes. They are discreet and pleasant at close range, which makes them the safest choice for work.

Why do fresh perfumes not last as long?

Their notes are light and evaporate quickly. Spraying on clothes and carrying a travel size to reapply solves it.

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