These Strawberry Perfumes Smell Good Enough to Eat

Growing up in the early aughts, I spent my summers roaming the mall with friends, going from store to store and spritzing layers upon layers of fruity body mists on a quest to find a signature scent. Stepping up to the counter to pay for my very own bottle of perfume—a dark purple blackberry juice that was somehow both too sweet and too earthy—felt like crossing an invisible line into adulthood. I still have vintage bottles of my favourite mists lining my childhood bedroom’s shelves; whenever I catch a whiff of candied berry, it still brings me right back to that small-town mall.

Fruity fragrances have come a long way from the cloying, saccharine concoctions we liberally misted on back then, but they’re still as popular as ever. From apple to lychee to cherry, a farmers’ market-worth of fruit-forward notes have been on heavy rotation for the past few seasons. On Pinterest, “strawberry scent combo” is up 203% in searches compared to last year, a sure sign—along with a slew of juicy new perfume launches—that strawberry is the note to watch out for this summer.

Whether they’re sweet and juicy or fresh and green, strawberry perfumes are undeniably nostalgic, at a time when many of us yearn for simpler, more carefree times. “[They] bring back memories of summer gatherings, picnics, birthday parties and strawberry picking with our families,” says Barb Stegemann, the founder of The 7 Virtues, who launched a strawberry juice earlier this year. But strawberry scents aren’t just an instant mood-booster—they’re also the perfect way to carry a love of gourmand notes into summer.

The sun-soaked brightness of strawberry pairs well with other fruits, like raspberry, to amp-up its vibrant edge, but it can also be cozy and comforting when mixed with vanilla, caramel or tonka bean, says Stegemann. A layered, food-inspired pairing takes a strawberry note from youthful to sultry, resulting in a delicious scent that’s sophisticated enough to wear everyday, including on the hottest days of the year.

Ready to pick your next summer scent? We’ve rounded up the juiciest blends to have on your radar this season.

The 7 Virtues Strawberry Jam Eau de Parfum

“Some of my happiest memories growing up in Nova Scotia come from picking fresh strawberries in the summer,” says Stegemann. Strawberry Jam, The 7 Virtues’ most successful launch to date, is an ode to those sun-soaked, carefree days. “I wanted to capture that feeling of nostalgia, joy and simple pleasures,” she explains.

Designed to be layered, the scent pairs its bright berry top note with decadent whipped vanilla marshmallow for a playful touch and earthy pistachio to undercut the sweetness.

Bath and Body Works Strawberry Flirt Fine Fragrance Mist

Ringing in at under $20, this cheap-and-cheerful body mist plays up nostalgic vibes with jammy strawberry and cotton candy notes. The playful opening dries down to a musky and floral finish that reveals the scent’s grown-up side.

Phlur Strawberry Letter Eau de Parfum

Opening with a crisp blend of strawberry, plum and cassis, this eau de parfum dries down to a sultry blend of amber and tonka bean to create the perfect summertime gourmand.

Miu Miu Miutine Eau de Parfum

If you’ve ever wondered what a coquette It-girl smells like, look no further than this viral Miu Miu juice that’s housed in a bottle inspired by the brand’s iconic Matelassé leather bags. Equal parts fruity and floral, it pairs luscious strawberry and zesty citrus with rose, gardenia, brown sugar, vanilla and patchouli oil for a cool and sophisticated scent.

Juliette Has A Gun Miami Shake Eau de Parfum

What do you get when you blend together wild strawberry, whipped cream and vanilla? A milkshake-inspired gourmand that smells good enough to eat, with just a hint of musk.

Nest New York Santa Barbara Strawberry Perfume Oil

Easy to layer, incredibly moisturizing and surprisingly long-lasting, perfume oils are a summer MVP. Inspired by Santa Barbara’s strawberry fields, this blend also features notes of peony and solar woods to strike the perfect balance between fruity and floral.

Malin & Goetz Strawberry Eau de Parfum

If fruit-forward juices aren’t your jam, give this fresh spritz a try. Paired with bergamot, pink pepper, cedarwood, oakmoss and musk, the strawberry note reveals its greener side—think leisurely stroll through a herb garden rather than sun-warmed fruit plucked straight from the plant.