It’s not every day that one of your favourite beauty brands launches its first-ever perfume. So, when an email landed in my inbox telling me that Summer Fridays were finally entering the world of fragrance, I almost screamed with excitement.
Loved for its iconic Lip Butter Balms and Jet Lag Mask, the brand is known for its effortless approach to beauty, so I was intrigued to see what scent the founders, Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Ireland, would choose to launch Summer Fridays into the luxury fragrance space.
Enter, Sunlit Vanilla. Designed to “capture the indulgence of your favourite dessert in the summer sun,” this gourmand perfume is perfect for the season ahead. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a bottle way before it launched and have been secretly testing it for weeks. Keep on scrolling for my full review.
Summer Fridays Sunlit Vanilla Perfume Review
Summer Fridays
Sunlit Vanilla Eau de Parfum
Key notes:Bergamot, caramel, coconut, vanilla, musk, tonka bean, amber
Best for:Spring and summer
Smells like:A tub with three scoops of vanilla, caramel and coconut ice cream on a warm summer’s day
If it were an outfit:A white linen dress with a cosy cashmere jumper thrown over the top
If it were a makeup product: A Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Vanilla
If it were a bag:A Loewe basket bag
The Scent
Look, I have to start by saying that if you don’t like sweet scents, this perfume is not for you. However, as a gourmand fragrance lover, I’m obsessed. When you first spritz it, you are met with this sugary vanilla concoction that cocoons the senses in its warm embrace. However, notes of smooth caramel and creamy coconut soon cut through, adding a touch of sunshine to the comforting scent.
To me, wearing this perfume feels like that moment just before the sun sets, when everything around you is warm and golden. It’s cosy yet radiant, like the very last days of summer. The best bit? Thanks to a rich base of amber and musk, it lasts for hours.
The Bottle
There’s a reason you’re always spotting Summer Fridays products on social media. Yes, they are efficacious, but they’re also incredibly aesthetic, and the same can be said for the new perfume. Housed in a chic ribbed bottle with a metallic lid, the perfume is minimal and stylish, with a warm golden hue that perfectly reflects the scent inside. Trust me, you’re about to spot this on every It girl’s Instagram feed.
If you’re thinking about taking it on holiday (because you absolutely should), you can also purchase a 10ml bottle that is perfect for throwing in your beach bag.
Shop Summer Fridays Sunlit Vanilla
Summer Fridays
Sunlit Vanilla Eau de Parfum
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. This is about to be the new It-girl scent for the upcoming season.
Summer Fridays
Sunlit Vanilla Eau de Parfum 10ml
My chosen travel companion.
Shop More Vanilla Scents
Ellis Brooklyn
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Key notes: Peony rose, frangipani, creamy milk accord, vanilla, cocoa shell extract, amyris, sandalwood, musk, benzoin resinoid
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A personal favourite of mine, this Phlur fragrance sits close to the skin for a comforting, cosy effect.
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Key notes: Sandalwood, vanilla, sea salt
Body mists are making a comeback, and this Saltair scent is a summer delight.
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Key notes: Bitter almond essence, angelica root essence, madeleine accord, carrot heart, ambrette absolute, sandalwood, vanilla, musk
If you want to smell like a freshly baked pastry, you need this perfume on your radar.
Le Monde Gourmand
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Key notes: Apricot, jasmine petals, brown sugar, amber
Le Monde Gourmand perfumes are so affordable, yet the gourmand scents smell so expensive.
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Key notes: Amber, coconut milk, sandalwood, vanilla, mandarin, bergamot, lemon, tiare flower, jasmine, lavender
Possibly the most iconic summer scent of all time, Bronze Goddess is a tropical take on your traditional vanilla scent.
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At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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