Sydney Loethen

These are my go-to summer perfumes that hold up in the heat and won’t overwhelm anyone in a shared office space. Whether you’re commuting under the sun or working from a cozy AC-cooled cubicle, these scents are light, wearable, and still bring a summery vibe. I’ve organized them into categories depending on your summer mood and preferences: 🌊 Salty Skin – Think beachy breezes, skin-warmed musk, and the feeling of salt lingering on your skin after a swim. 🧴 Sunkissed – Creamy, nostalgic blends that smell like SPF, coconut lotion, or sun-warmed skin. 💧 Fresh & Airy – Crisp, clean, shower-fresh fragrances that cut through the heat without being harsh or overly soapy. 🍋 Zesty Citrus – Zesty and juicy picks that feel like an instant mood boost and keep you feeling energized throughout the day. 🪵 Soft Woods - Light, smooth woods with a clean edge — think cedar, sandalwood, or ISO E Super in sheer, polished blends. Each one is office-appropriate: no loud sillage, just subtle, close-to-skin magic that feels personal and polished.

Craving that sweet, airy, “can’t stop sniffing myself” energy? This list is packed with Baccarat Rouge 540 adjacent picks to keep you glowing head to toe (and even your whole house). From body mists and perfumes to candles and laundry care, these give major sugar-dusted woods, fluffy amber, and luxe skin scent feels.

Layering can be overwhelming to perfume newbies, but it’s essential to making your fragrance last and making minor customizations. This list is packed with layering essentials that work beautifully with a wide variety of other scents and balance them out, add that extra X factor, or ensure longevity. ✨ Perfume Oils – These are the base of my layering routine. They sink into the skin and provide a long-lasting, rich foundation — whether I want something soft and musky or sweet and gourmand. ☁️ Hair & Body Mists – Lightweight and versatile, these add a quick refresh and help create a diffused aura of scent. I use them on hair, clothes, or even as a final step to bring everything together and amplify particular notes. 💫 Perfumes – These are more neutral, versatile scents that act like amplifiers. They don’t steal the spotlight — instead, they enhance whatever they’re layered with, adding lift, depth, or softness depending on the combo. 🧴 Body Care – The secret to long-lasting fragrance is clean, moisturized, prepped skin. I’ve included my tried and true, holy grail both favorites for you here!

If you love to smell juicy, bold, and a little sweet — this list is for you. These fragrances are all centered around standout fruits that bring a burst of personality to your perfume wardrobe. I’ve broken them down by the main character fruit so you can easily find the vibe you’re craving.

Vanilla gets dismissed a lot, but the truth is when it’s done right, it’s magical. These are the vanilla perfumes I reach for over and over again—each one worth the shelf space and the price tag. Whether you want to feel snuggled up, effortlessly flirty, or like your skin just naturally smells amazing, this list has something that fits. There’s even a few picks for the self-proclaimed vanilla haters—you might be surprised. 🐈 Cozy & Comforting These are the warm-hug scents. Creamy, smooth, maybe a little spicy or woody. They make you feel grounded and luxe at the same time—like lighting your favorite candle and sinking into your space. 🌸 Fruity & Floral Juicy, soft, and just the right amount of playful. These vanillas mix in fruits and florals for something light, fresh, and still a little indulgent. Great for feeling cute but pulled-together 🌤️ Soft & Skin-like These are the “you but better” vanillas. Clean, musky, quietly warm. They stay close, melt into your skin, and make people lean in. If you like the idea of smelling expensive without smelling perfumey, start here.

Finding reputable sources for perfume samples can be daunting when you’re starting out, so I’ve compiled my list of trusted sources (so far!) for all of your sampling needs. From Middle Eastern to niche and indie, one of these stores is bound to have what you’re looking for.