What scents are cool girls wearing this summer?

Perfumes have been steadily shifting away from the mainstream for some time, with cool girls shunning big brands for more niche experiences and purchases. While perfume remains big business for luxury brands and corporations, trend forecasters have identified that taste makers are looking for bespoke in the know purchases from brands that don't feel too commercial. The idea of the niche personalized scent has dominated the market for some seasons, with perfume houses looking to create more and more out of the box formulations. 

This year saw also an increase in "buzzy" ingredients that do not sound out of place at either a grocery store or a Berlin sex party. Elle Magazine reported dark fruits, boozy vanilla and coffee layered scents at the forefront of the market in 2026. Further notes would not look out of place in a Wholefoods, such as matcha, fig and oat milk for complex and indulgent results.

Finally, for the girl that doesn't chase trend ingredients Elle reports the use of woodnotes as a consistent "quiet luxury" trend, noted for their longevity and strong base. The smokey goodness of these scents can be found in out Freddy perfume, a classic for the girl who is looking for something left of the ordinary commercial beat. Freddy uses classic Cedarwood and Cypress notes with a modern twist of Black Pepper and Clary Sage. Perfect for earthy girlies who are just at home in the forest as they are at a rave. Think Lindsay Lohan in her GQ shoot from 2006.

Forbes argued a strong case for classic florals that do not embody the flowers in a traditional sense but capture how they feel. Global purchasing indicates that these more traditional scents are being supported by greens and citrus notes to bring a full spring time experience to life.

Of course, floral, woods obscure ingredient or otherwise, the ultimate unique ingredient for any scent is the wearer. To which the perennial question must be asked: what type of spring are you?