I would love to take a vacation every month, but it’s not always possible. My other solutions are to either take road trips in between, listen to reggaetón music, or make it feel like I’m on vacation with the perfume I wear. At least the latter two options I can do on a daily basis!
So when I think of perfumes that invoke the feeling of vacation vibes, I feel like it has to be fresh, fruity, citrus and with a touch of floral. It can’t be too spicy or too florally though!
Why Choosing The Right Perfume Matters
1 – It’s An Extension Of Your Personality
There are thousands of different scents out there with similar notes but different variations. Although there are quite a few popular choices, choosing “your” scent kind of represents who you are and tells a story of your personality, preferences, and individuality. Scents can be very personal and subjective and a lot of times, we can tell right away if we like them or not and that can also be a telltale sign of who we are. This is also why I find that gifting perfumes can be very difficult. Perfume Gifting Tip: A great option is to purchase a perfume sampler (at Sephora or Shoppers Drug Mart when they’re available as the scents switch up often) where there are multiple perfume options to choose from and at the end, they can choose their favorite one and redeem a coupon for the larger size.
2 – It Makes A Statement And Leaves An Impression
Do you ever walk by a person or have someone walk by you and do a double-take or actually end up asking them/you what scent they’re/you’re wearing? Not only does this indicate good taste, but it leaves an impression on that person and makes them feel some type of way. Especially when we’re attending an important event, we wear perfume to leave an impression and make a statement so our presence is known or that we’re meeting some type of standard. Whether you’re drawing up familiarity, a feeling of interest or attraction, an emotion, or even a memory, perfumes can definitely make a declaration, especially to those who are within your vicinity! This also leads me to my next point.
3 – Scents Can Be Associated With Memories And Bring Nostalgia
Scents can trigger memories since it goes straight to the brain’s center – the olfactory bulb (technically the memory hub in the brain). It is directly linked to the areas of the brain that controls memories, emotions, moods, and behaviors. The sense of smell is linked with memory even more so than any of our other senses and when we smell certain notes in a perfume, it can really feel nostalgic for us at times.
4 – It Evokes A Certain Feeling And Boosts Your Mood
I think that the biggest reason we apply perfume is that when we use it, it makes us feel a certain way – whether it’s sexy, fun, confident or other reasons. It also boosts our mood – and who really doesn’t like the lingering scent of something that smells good and makes you happy?
For example, I love traveling and desserts. So when I find perfumes that make me feel like I’m on vacation or reminds me of something fruity and delicious, I’m obsessed. I’ve tried tons of perfumes, and I feel like what I’m looking for doesn’t quite fit the bill of the larger range of perfumes that are out there. Although there a few classics I really love, I’m always looking for something very specific so when I find a perfume that is to my liking with the fresh, fruity, and yummy requirements, I get really excited about it.
Sometimes when I want to refresh my senses or boost my mood, I spray on some perfume and it immediately makes me feel so much fresher and better. Also, I just really love a good scent and can’t get enough of it.
5 – It Keeps You Smelling Fresh, Of Course!
The simplest explanation of using perfumes for a lot of people can also be that it keeps you smelling fresh and nice! Also in some way, this has to do with hygiene as well!
Perfumes That Make You Feel Like You’re On Vacation
Escada
I’ve used Escada Fragrances since I was in grade 8 and I’ve been obsessed with their perfumes ever since I first tried Island Kiss. They’re known for their colorful perfume bottles and fruity-floral scents. A lot of their limited edition perfumes also have total vacation vibes with their names and the scents themselves. My favorite perfume from Escada is Taj Sunset, with the top notes being mango, nectarine, and sanguine. If you can get your hands on their new releases, do so as they’ll likely be limited edition!
Sol De Janeiro
Another great brand that screams travel and makes you feel like you’re on a permanent vacation is Sol De Janeiro. This Brazilian company focused on skincare and body products just oozes paradise with their scents. They have both their signature Eau De Parfum in SOL Cheirosa ‘62 and a selection of Perfume Mists that double as a hair and body spray. My favorite of them all – as usual – was their limited edition scent where they partnered with the Brazilian singer Anitta called Anitta x Sol De Janeiro Perfume Mist. It has notes of passionfruit nectar, tiger orchid, and pink patchouli and it really sends you on a trip to Brazil!
My second favorite is their signature scent SOL Cheirosa which comes in both the Eau De Parfum and Perfume Mist. It has notes of salted caramel, pistachio, jasmine petals, and vanilla. Other great options are their 39 Coco Cabana Perfume Mist which smells like coconut cream and toasted praline, 68 Beija Flor Perfume Mist which smells like Brazilian Jasmine and pink dragonfruit, 40 Bom Dia Bright Perfume Mist which smells like black amber plum and vanilla woods, 71 Perfume Mist which smells like caramelized vanilla and toasted macadamia.
Atelier Cologne
I also love using Atelier Cologne’s Sunny Citrus category of fragrances. My favorite of them all is the Pacific Lime Cologne Absolue which provides a tropical escape and makes you feel like you’re on vacation at any time. Currently, there are 7 perfumes in this collection and the other 6 are: Lemon Island, Pomelo Paradis, Orange Sanguine, Bergamote Soleil, Clementine California, and Cedrat Enivrant.
Other Great Perfume Options That Send You On Vacation
Fresh Sugar Lychee Eau De Parfum
A fruity fragrance with a juicy sweetness inspired by the exotic lychee fruit.
Fresh Hesperides Grapefruit Eau De Parfum
This perfume has notes of energizing citrus and clean florals.
Giorgio Armani Ocean Di Gioia
This perfume has a juicy and crispy duo of pear and citrus with a Lily of the Valley and sandalwood.
Valentino Donna Born In Roma Yellow Dream
This sensual musky floral perfume has a luminous, fresh fragrance.
Valentino Donna Born In Roma Coral Fantasy
A floral, fruity perfume twisted by a bright and juicy orange accord, heightened by rose fragrance, and infused with jasmine
Dolce & Gabanna Light Blue
A fruity and floral scent that evokes the spirit of a Sicilian summer.
I like Dolce & Gabanna Light Blue Love Is Love even more with the Chantilly cream scent, but this is also a Limited Edition.
Jo Malone London Aqua Lemon Cologne
A citrus freshness with a refreshing burst of mandarin alongside energizing spearmint warmed with cedarwood.
Maison Margiela REPLICA Under The Lemon Trees Eau De Toilette
A dreamy blend of kalamansi lime, green tea, citrus, and soft musk.
Floral Street Arizona Bloom Eau De Parfum
A dry floral amber with subtle sprinkles of Balinese coconut and just-plucked jasmine petals.
Floral Street Sunflower Pop Eau De Parfum
This is a citrusy, fruity fragrance with a bright blend of crisp amber plum blossom and orris with a burst of bergamot and fresh mandarin.
Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle
This is a fresh, floral, citrus perfume that features notes of grapefruit, honeysuckle, and gardenia.
Aerin Hibiscus Palm Eau De Parfum
With lotus flower and hibiscus palm that mingle with ylang-ylang and exotic ginger, this perfume with fragrant white blossoms is wrapped in the warmth of coconut milk, vanilla, and musk.
Nest Sunkissed Hibiscus Eau De Parfum
This perfume has radiant notes of frangipani and orange blossom with warm golden amber.
For more perfume suggestions, Shop My Favorites – Perfume.