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The Essential Guide to Summer Aftershaves: Cool Scents for Hot Days

The Essential Guide to Summer Aftershaves: Cool Scents for Hot Days
Fragrance Direct Blog
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Summer is in full swing and it’s now or never to swap out your winter fragrance for a lighter, fresher and more seasonal summer aftershave.

Why choose a summer aftershave?

Like you swap your hoodies for linen shirts when the sun comes out, different scents accompany different seasons. The best summer aftershaves are lighter and more refreshing than muskier winter scents, giving you that crisp and clean summer feeling.

Top Summer Aftershave Scents to Try

Here are the top scent profiles that should be on your radar for the best men’s summer aftershave…

Citrus Fresh

What says summer more than the zesty smell of fresh lemons growing in the Italian sunshine or oranges being cut up for a big jug of Pimms? Men’s aftershaves with notes like lemon, bergamot, orange blossom or grapefruit are energising and exciting, just what you need for a day of fun in the sun.

We can’t get enough of Joop Homme Aftershave Splash for summer. This men’s aftershave features a mix of Amalfi Lemon, Bergamot, Orange Blossom and Mandarin Orange for the ultimate citrus freshness.

Another great citrusy men’s perfume isVersace L'Homme Eau de Toilette Spray, a summer aftershave with top notes of lemon, petit grain, basil and pimento, making for a sophisticated masculine fragrance.

Minty Cool

Minty-cool scents are the way to go for an ultra-refreshing men's aftershave. Known for its cooling properties, mint is ideal for a sweltering summer’s day.

Jaguar Evolution Eau de Toilette Spray is a summer aftershave with top notes of basil, orange, mint and bergamot. These minty refreshing notes meet a base of musk, sandalwood and amber to create a sophisticated fragrance for the modern man.

Another option for a go-to signature summer scent is Davidoff Cool Water Man Eau de Toilette Spray. Inspired by the ocean, this marine men’s fragrance unfolds with aromatic notes of mint and lavender to create an aromatic aftershave that will transport you to the seaside with every spray.

Light and Woody 

Summer doesn’t mean you have to leave your woody men’s perfumes behind, however. Rabanne Invictus Eau de Toilette puts a summer spin on traditional woody fragrances by combining notes of fresh grapefruit and marine accord with guaiac wood to make a clean summer aftershave.

For a more tropical take on a woody men’s summer aftershave, why not opt for Jean Paul Gaultier Le Beau Eau de Toilette Spray? The unique blend of tonka bean, coconut wood and bergamot will be sure to turn a few heads.

How to apply aftershave

Applying aftershave properly will help it last longer and smell stronger. For traditional aftershave formulations, dab on clean, dry skin after shaving. If you’re using a men’s perfume or eau de toilette as an aftershave, spray on your pulse points (neck, wrist, chest) every morning for all-day freshness.

Top fragrance brands for the summer season

When it comes to the best summer aftershaves, some brands are known for consistently delivering fresh scents to see you through the summer. Brands like Valentino, Prada, Kenzo, Hugo Boss and YSL have an array of scents that smell like summer in a bottle.

Our top picks include HUGO BOSS BOSS Bottled Aftershave Splash, a timeless classic with notes of Apple, Geranium, Cinnamon and sensual woody base notes, Valentino Born In Roma Uomo, an energetic scent inspired by the gold sunrises of Rome, Prada Luna Rossa Ocean, a masculine aftershave with a bright cocktail of qualitative citrus combined with a racy duo of lavender and sage and Kenzo Homme Intense, an aftershave formulated to recreate the salty smell of skin after a swim in the tropical sea.

How to pair aftershave with other summer grooming products

Have you heard of fragrance layering? This simple grooming hack will help you maximise your scent and stay smelling fresh all day. All you need to do is opt for shower gels, lotions, deodorants and other similar products that have a complimentary smell to your summer aftershave.

For instance, opt for the Calvin Klein Eternity Men Deodorant Stick and Rabanne Invictus Aftershave Lotion Splash men’s aftershave for a citrusy summer scent.

For a uniquely masculine olfactory experience, layer HUGO BOSS BOSS The Scent For Him Aftershave Lotion with Rabanne 1 Million Shower Gel or Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette to create an explosion of spicy leathery and gingery scents.

More aftershave products this way… 

Check out our full range of men’s summer aftershaves and fragrances to find your perfect seasonal scent. Whether you’re looking for something minty, citrusy or with a little more depth, we’ve got something for everyone.

For more men’s aftershave and fragrance inspiration, head to the Fragrance Direct blog. 

Fragrance Direct Blog
Writer and expert
View Fragrance Direct Blog's profile
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