The 11 Best Aquatic Perfumes That Smell Just Like A Holiday

Inspired by coastal Vietnam, where Diptyque co-founder Yves Couesiant spent his summers, this addictive perfume has top notes of tuberose and orange blossom, a heart of jasmine, and a base note of amber—but there’s also a subtle hint of the sea.

'Though it has a floral composition, it includes a note known as the marine accord, which is an olfactory note that creates the sensation of being close to the ocean,' explains Dawes. 'It’s a story of the flowers cooled by the sea breeze, brought back from the local markets by Coueisant’s mother.'

While some aquatic perfumes capture the essence of a full beach day - tropical drinks, suntan lotion, the coconut-y works - this perfume smells like the sea itself. Describing her inspiration, Shapiro tells ELLE UK: 'Salt Eau de Parfum is the first day of a beach vacation. You wake up early on your own, there's no one on the beach yet, and there's still that morning freshness in the air. It's such a unique fragrance because it's not playing on any oceanside perfume stereotypes. It's this gorgeous, sophisticated take on how the ocean makes us feel.'

Inspired by the sea and the sky, this ethereal scent is a go-to for Shapiro. 'There's light and water here,' she says. 'There is also some oomph.' Packaged in the daintiest crystalline bottle, the fragrance has top notes of bergamot and blackcurrant; a heart of jasmine and mimosa is underneath. Its base is a fruity, musky accord that may account for that glamorous oomph.

One spritz of this, and you get the impression of being in a citrus grove somewhere, hanging dresses out to dry in the sun. The perfume is part of Clean Reserve’s new H2EAU collection, which came with a watery directive.

'When we briefed the perfumers, we asked them to capture the moment of being in certain areas of the world that were inspired by water,' says Tara Kearns, Clean’s director of fragrance and product development. 'For Golden Citrus, Steven Claisse’s inspiration was drawn from the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and the delicate aroma of neroli blossoms.' Not only is it delightful for the nose, but the water-based formulation is hydrating and gentle on sensitive skin.

According to Pascal Gaurin, the vice president and senior perfumer at IFF, 'Marc Jacobs Perfect Eau de Toilette is another aquatic favourite.' He notes that its 'luminous florals and crisp fruitiness,' mixed with minerality, make for 'joyful, watery freshness.' Plus, there’s the ultra-cute packaging: decked with charms, the bottle is eye candy for your vanity.

With a fresh, soapy smell that evokes clean sheets, flowers on the windowsill, and, of course, long soaks in the tub, this smells like a relaxing, lazy weekend. The unisex perfume has rose and lavender to promote that feeling of post-bubble-bath bliss; it also has a little creaminess from its coconut milk accord.

A scent called Shower better refresh all your senses, and this one does the trick. The peppy perfume has a squeaky-clean feel, offering a crisp blend of sea spray, neroli, orange blossom, and white patchouli. Plus, it’s affordable, which should perk you right up, too.

Evoking fresh sheets, the Italian coast, and the heady feelings of falling in love, this perfume was inspired by David and Victoria Beckham’s early trips to Portofino. The scent has a hint of seaspray clouded with musky notes of incense, amber, and patchouli. Plus, its enamel-blue bottle looks like it was casually picked up at the Riviera market.

When he designed this scent, perfumer Romano Ricci had a desert scene in mind. He pictured a free-spirited dancer at Burning Man, twirling around in a vanilla-scented haze. Like any vanilla scent, this one has a hint of cosy sweetness. But it has an earthy, untamed edge brought forth by sandalwood and sea salt.

Inspired by Christian Louboutin’s love of Portugal, it opens with bright citrus and blossoms notes before unleashing its marine accord. Loubimar feels decadent, sea-soaked, and sundazed, like a getaway at a heartbreakingly lavish resort.

This is an aquatic perfume with a rustic twist. Inspired by crashing waves on a windswept shore, it has an invigorating and fresh sea-salt heart. The oceanic notes are cushioned with musky ambrette seeds and earthy sage.