Supplied/Getty
In Little Women, Louisa May Alcott observes, “Some people seem to get all the sunshine, and some all the shadow.” Fragrance lovers are choosing sunshine with a zest for solar perfume.
Solar perfume isn’t an official fragrance category, but it’s a term that’s been cropping up on TikTok thanks to a swathe of sunny new launches. Given there’s rarely anything truly new in beauty (or under the sun), so solar fragrances are developing a bit of a buzz.
Like gourmand perfumes, solar fragrances feature sweet, warm notes. While we love a traditional tasty gourmand when we’re curling up in winter, solar fragrances are a perfect variation on the theme come summer.
TikTok fragrance expert @nearlynoseblind describes the solar fragrance as a “sheer, sunny, warm floral” with the presence of a coconut note mingled with citrus notes like bergamot and mandarin; and white florals like jasmine, ylang-ylang and frangipani. Many of them will “warm up”, starting with a burst of floral citrus before drying down into earthy woods and vanilla notes.
In addition to being warm and sweet, the solar fragrance has a certain radiant luxury. It’s a silky sunniness goes beyond the sparkling citruses and florals we usually associate with summer. We can imagine guests of the White Lotus Hotel doused in these opulent blends while toting cocktails and Bottega Veneta bags.
Ultimately, a solar fragrance should radiate warmth, unfurling on the skin like a flower opening to the sun. And, with the weather heating up, it’s the perfect time to slip on a summer dress, throw on some heels and spritz on some sunshine.
We’ve rounded up our favourite sunny scents for spring and summer.
2024’s top solar perfumes
- DedCool Aura Fragrance, $149.00, Mecca (here’s why)
- Vilhelm Parfumerie, Sparkling Jo, $452.00 Mecca (here’s why)
- 27 87 Hamaca Eau de Parfum, $297.00, Amazon (here’s why)
The best solar perfumes of 2024
01
DedCool Aura Fragrance
from $50-$149.00 at Mecca
Created specifically for the Australian market, this heady scent was crafted to capture the span of an Australian summer’s day. Featuring notes of lemon, pear, and cassis, Aura opens with a fresh burst of morning dew before the sparkling top notes settle, revealing the delectable warmth of timberous cedar, caramel and vanilla. As heady as a summer sunset.
02
Vilhelm Parfumerie Sparkling Jo
from $317-$452.00 at Mecca
A hot night out in a bottle, Sparkling Jo contains airy notes of champagne with fresh ginger and William pear. The dry down features musk, amber gris, oak wood and ambrette. A sensory cocktail perfect for any of the more sophisticated soirée in your summer calendar.
03
27 87 Hamaca Eau de Parfum
from $297.00 at Amazon
This intriguing fragrance will make you feel like you’re eating a sweet treat on the beach. Top notes of seawater and coconut are underscored by vanilla and tonka bean. Deliciously sweet, the inclusion of sandalwood stops it from being too saccharine. A must for gourmand lovers.
04
Tom Ford, Soleil Blanc
from $295-$570.00 at Myer
Tom Ford’s sensual Soleil Blanc has been compared to sex on the beach wearing sunscreen (as you should). The perfume’s creamy coconut and tonka bean notes mingle with spicy cardamon, pink pepper, and ylang-ylang, giving it its distinctive solar richness. Best worn with a silky camisole top and a mojito in hand.
05
Jo Malone London, Sunlit Cherimoya Cologne
from $180.00 at David Jones
Cherimoya is a unique fruit that conceals creamy white flesh beneath a bitter green rind; it is the keynote in this cologne, which perfectly balances bright-zestiness with the silky base notes we expect in a solar fragrance. It’s accompanied by juicy pear, spicey copaiba resin, and sweet tonka that will give you beachside vibes even if you’re on your morning commute.
06
Vyrao Sun Rae Eau de Parfum
from $ 199-$283.00 at Mecca
One of the freshest solar fragrances you’ll find, this very special perfume from Vyrao blends refreshing and earthy blends both turmeric leaf and turmeric root with lemon, bergamot and black pepper layered over amber and musk. There’s a brisk, uplifting grassiness to the scent – wearing it feels like soaking up the sunshine while picnicking.
07
Memo Tamarindo Eau De Parfum
from $460.00 at Myer
In Tamarindo, the lush sweetness of pineapple and peach sparkles with bergamot over a sweet, creamy base of jasmine, vanilla, patchouli and benzoin. It’s a soft, succulent scent with just enough juice.
What Is A Solar Perfume?
A solar perfume is a fragrance that captures the warmth and brightness of sunshine. Look for a blend of sweet and warm notes you’d find in a gourmand, with citruses, white florals, and coconut notes (typically, you’ll see a fruit note, followed by a white floral, then vanilla or caramel notes and a woody dry down). But solar fragrances are ultimately more of a feeling than a specific smell. They should radiate warmth and the feeling of a sultry, sun-drenched day.
How To Apply Perfume
Everyone has their own technique, but there are some common tips. To apply fragrance effectively, focus on your pulse points—like the wrists, neck, behind the ears, and inner elbows—where the warmth of your skin helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day. After applying, avoid rubbing the fragrance in, as this can break down the scent molecules and reduce its longevity.
To enhance the staying power of your perfume, start by moisturising your skin with a matching or unscented lotion. Hydrated skin holds fragrance better. You can also lightly mist your hair for a subtle scent trail.
Applying a particularly potent scent and feeling gun-shy? Spritz it before you, then step into it. It will settle in your hair and on your clothes. The result will be more subtle.
Related article:
- This Is What Your Fragrance Says Every Time You Walk Into A Room
- Save On Your Signature Spritz With These Affordable Perfume Brands
- How To Create The Perfect Summer Makeup Look
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Why Fragrance Should Be The Number One Step In Our Self-Care Ritual
Native ad body.
Vida Glow’s New Pro Collagen+ Supplement Transforms Skin In 21 Days
