Summer Scent Series: Aquatic Refreshers

My local climate is very hot and humid in the summer, regularly reaching over 38 degrees Celsius/100 degrees Farenheit. To escape the heat, I often wish I could take a quick dip into a shaded pool, drench myself in a chilly river/lake, or feel the cool spray of a salty sea.

With fragrance, it's no different: something more "aquatic" can be exactly what's needed for a gruelingly-hot day. Traditional, longer-lasting fragrances can sometimes also feel too "sticky" or suffocating, especially with more humidity - whereas lighter formulas can feel more uplifting and refreshing.

So if you feel the same way, here are a few "refreshers" with more of an aquatic focus - for a quick splash of something fresh, to cool off from the heat!

🌊 1. "Spa Day | Tru Fragrance / Romane Fragrances"

This is currently my favorite "aquatic" fragrance, and I'm surprised to see nothing about it online because of how lovely it is!

"Spa Day | Tru Fragrance / Romane Fragrances" is less than $17 USD (if found in TJX stores), comes in a heavy frosted-glass bottle - and despite its simplicity, is one of the most well-blended fragrances in my collection.

Although not mentioned, it feels mostly like subtle quince + aquatic accords (possibly the water lily, jasmine, and lemon - but no notes stick out, as everything is blended beautifully). It also has excellent lasting power, projection, and sillage.

🌊 2. Sea Salt Coast

With a name like Sea Salt Coast, I was surprised to discover that this wasn't as salty as I expected it to be. Instead of the ocean, it gives the distinctive portrayal of a deep lake: refreshing and aquatic accord-focused - with the lotus + sandalwood creating a smooth, watery, but grounded blend.

🌊 3. Bombshell in Paradise

Some fragrances transport you, and that's exactly what I experience when wearing this: it feels like spending a summer on the Mediterranean coast! I pick up watery accords, fresh/green fig, subtle earthy cypress, and a slightly-salted passion flower. It's very clean, crisp, and universally-appealing - a stark contrast to many of the more gourmand offerings from Victoria's Secret.

🌊 4. Coastal Hydrangeas

This is one that smells nothing like a body mist, but rather like an expensive perfume. The hydrangea comes across similarly to a watery jasmine, the sea mist like a soft white musk mixed with baby powder, and there is a slight, refreshing sweetness in the hint of apple. It all feels like a nod to the powdery, aquatic blends of the 90s - giving a classy, timeless vibe.

While the term "grandmother" can be seen as an offensive descriptor for fragrances, the term "Coastal Grandmother" has been trending lately - as a personal aesthetic many aspire to. It's meant to depict effortless elegance through crisp white and beige wardrobe pieces, brightly-lit interiors with accent vases filled by big hydrangea blooms, and a rambling but cozy property on the coast. It's "high-class" but comforting at the same time, used as a compliment - and to me, Coastal Hydrangeas embodies all of this.

🌊 5. Sea Soul Refreshing - Jasmine Eucalyptus

I included this in the Favorite Summer Scents article, but it deserves mentioning again as part of the "aquatic refreshers" lineup.

I'm not sure how Bath & Body Works did it, but Sea Soul Refreshing - Jasmine Eucalyptus truly feels like diving into a deep blue resort pool. The jasmine is very watery and clean, and leans "chilly" in the dry down - possibly due to the addition of eucalyptus. It doesn't last long, but it's a perfect refresher to spritz throughout a hot summer day.

🌊 6. At the Beach

Sea salt lovers, rejoice: this feels like real sand + ocean water in a bottle! You must love "sunscreen" fragrances to enjoy At the Beach - but it's perfect for a sunny day at the beach.

An aquatic accord is present throughout. The bergamot heightens the salty feel of the sea breeze, and the toasted coconut + sunkissed musk somehow come across like warm sand. The light touch of frangipani adds a more solar and tropical vibe.

Which "aquatic refresher" fragrances do you gravitate towards in hotter weather? 🌊💧