Curious about the scent of Next’s Summer Sun perfume? I’m sharing everything you need to know. If you’ve found yourself here, chances are you’re aware of Next‘s affordable yet quality fragrances. The brand is known for their affordable and captivating scents that are seriously similar to some of the beauty world’s must coveted perfumes.

As well as Summer Sun, Next has a selection of affordable scents you might recognise. Yellow Flowers is said to be similar to Marc Jacobs’ Daisy, while Nude is similar to Mugler’s Alien. If you want to read more, check out Next’s best perfume dupes to discover the best fragrance alternatives the brand has to offer.

Unlike high-end and designer brands, Next focuses on making quality fragrances accessible to everyone. But what makes Next unique is not its affordability, but also its commitment to cruelty-free practices. Each perfume reflects ethical choices, offering consumers cruelty-free alternatives without compromising quality. You’d be surprised at how many beauty brands still test on animals.

But let’s focus on Summer Sun. Keep reading to learn more about the scent, and if you’re looking for more beauty dupes, check out the best of Zara’s perfume dupes, ALDI perfume dupes and M&S perfume dupes.

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What does Next Summer Sun perfume smell like?

Next’s Summer Sun perfume is said to smell similar to Estée Lauder’s Bronze Goddess Eau Fraîche Skinscent. Summer Sun blends notes of sweet caramel and amber with the warmth reminiscent of sun-kissed skin. It manages to capture the essence of an endless summer in a bottle. The fragrance unfolds with top notes of Mandarin and Bergamot, mid notes of Coconut and Exotic Flowers, and base notes of Amber and Caramel. Bronze Goddess has similar notes of Coconut Milk, Sicilian Bergamot, Orange, Vanilla, Tiare Flower, Jasmine, Magnolia Petals, and Lavender.

The Original: Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraîche Skinscent, £59.20, Boots

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraîche Skinscent 100ml, £59.20, Boots buy now

The Dupe: Summer Sun, £16, Next

Summer Sun 100ml, £16, Next buy now

Scent

Top notes: Mandarin and Bergamot

Mid notes: Coconut and Exotic Flowers

Base notes: Amber and Caramel. 

Sizes and prices

30ml: £10 at Next

100ml: £16 at Next

200ml: £26 at Next

What perfume scents are best for summer?

For a zesty, summery feel, opt for scents with fruity notes like citrus, bergamot, and lemon, or sweet floral notes like jasmine, rose, and lilac. Spice enthusiasts can enjoy a kick with scents like ginger, coriander, and pink pepper. Summer calls for a fragrance that mirrors the vibrancy of the summer season.

Shop Best Summer Scents 

Tom Ford Electric Cherry 50ml, £290, John Lewis buy now

Bursting with juicy Morello cherry and sultry jasmine, this playful fragrance is perfect for warm summer days. The musky undertones add warmth, preventing the cherry notes from being overly sweet.

Chanel Paris Paris 50ml, £84, John Lewis buy now

A classic floral blend of rose, lily-of-the-valley, and sandalwood, this fragrance captures the elegance of summertime in Paris. Its airy composition ensures a light and refreshing experience even in the heat.

Mugler Alien Goddess Intense 60ml, £87.99, The Perfume Shop buy now

With captivating notes of jasmine, white amber, and cashmeran wood, this powerful fragrance is bold and confident—a great choice for summer nights. The white floral elements maintain balance in the summer heat.

Diptyque Eau Moheli 100ml, £125 buy now

Featuring fresh notes of lime, mandarin, and grapefruit, this citrusy scent is light and invigorating—ideal for a hot summer day. Subtle floral undertones add elegance without being overwhelming.

Lancôme Idôle Nectar 100ml, £120, John Lewis buy now

Fresh and fruity with rose, pear, and jasmine notes, this modern and sophisticated fragrance is perfect for summer outings. The nectar version offers a slightly sweeter and more intense twist.

Paco Rabanne Olympéa Solar 80ml, £105.50, John Lewis buy now

Warm and sensual with mandarin, vanilla, and white flowers, this fragrance is ideal for summer nights or special occasions. The citrusy freshness of mandarin balances the warmth and sensuality of vanilla and flowers.

Dior J’Adore 100ml, £137, John Lewis buy now

Fresh and floral with notes of rose, mandarin, and jasmine, this airy fragrance is great for summer days or casual dinners. The parfum d’eau version offers a lighter alternative, suitable for warmer weather.

Do perfumes smell different in summer?

Absolutely. The summer heat intensifies fragrance notes, causing them to ‘bloom’ on the skin rapidly. Molecules, heated and energized, evaporate swiftly. In colder weather, evaporation slows down, granting top and heart notes extended longevity. So your chosen scent might project differently based on the season’s embrace.