7 Unisex Scents Perfect for a Beach Vacation and Their Budget-Friendly Dupes

The beach is magical—the sun, the sand, the sea. A fragrance can amplify these moments. Unisex scents with fresh and zesty notes make great travel companions. Here are seven beach-perfect fragrances and affordable alternatives to suit your budget.

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Listen to the podcast recap on these fragrances

1. Creed Virgin Island Water

Why It’s Perfect:

Creed Virgin Island Water captures the essence of a tropical paradise. Its citrusy, coconut-infused aroma feels like sunshine in a bottle, making it a staple for beach vacations.

Notes:

• Top Notes: Lime, Coconut, Bergamot, Sicilian Mandarin
• Middle Notes: Ginger, Jasmine, Hibiscus, Ylang-Ylang
• Base Notes: Sugar Cane, Musk, White Rum

Reviews:

Fans on Fragrantica rave about its exotic and refreshing profile, often describing it as a “vacation in a bottle.”

Budget-Friendly Dupe: Tommy Bahama St. Barts

Tommy Bahama’s St. Barts offers a strikingly similar vibe, with its citrus-forward opening and tropical dry down. Available on Jomashop, it’s a wallet-friendly alternative that doesn’t skimp on quality.

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2. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt

Why It’s Perfect:

This minimalist yet evocative scent embodies the salty breeze and rugged coastline. It’s fresh, earthy, and utterly transportive.

Notes:

• Top Notes: Ambrette Seed
• Middle Notes: Sea Salt
• Base Notes: Sage

Reviews:

Described as “airy and calming” on Fragrantica, it’s often praised for its unique ability to blend woody and aquatic elements seamlessly.

Budget-Friendly Dupe: Zara’s Bohemian Bluebells

Zara’s Bohemian Bluebells captures the earthy, salty freshness of Wood Sage & Sea Salt beautifully at a fraction of the cost. Check out Zara’s website or Jomashop for availability.

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3. Tom Ford Neroli Portofino

Why It’s Perfect:

Neroli Portofino is like stepping into an Italian Riviera dream. Its crisp and vibrant citrus notes are invigorating and perfect for sunny days by the sea.

Notes:

• Top Notes: Bergamot, Neroli, Lemon, Mandarin Orange
• Middle Notes: Orange Blossom, Lavender, Jasmine
• Base Notes: Amber, Angelica

Reviews:

Fragrantica users often describe it as “luxurious and energizing,” perfect for warm, sunny weather.

Budget-Friendly Dupe: 4711 Original Eau de Cologne

4711 offers a classic take on neroli and citrus, delivering a clean and refreshing scent at an unbeatable price. Find it on Triple Traders.

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4. Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk

Why It’s Perfect:

Beach Walk captures the nostalgia of sandy toes and sun-kissed skin with its blend of floral and aquatic notes. It’s like bottling a perfect day at the beach.

Notes:

• Top Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Pink Pepper
• Middle Notes: Coconut Milk, Ylang-Ylang, Heliotrope
• Base Notes: Musk, Benzoin, Cedarwood

Reviews:

On Fragrantica, fans call it “comforting and breezy,” with many appreciating its balance of sweetness and freshness.

Budget-Friendly Dupe: Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar

This affordable gem channels the coconut and citrus notes of Beach Walk. Find it on Jomashop or at major retailers.

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5. Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Arancia di Capri

Why It’s Perfect:

With its sun-drenched orange groves and Mediterranean breeze vibe, this scent screams beachside relaxation.

Notes:

• Top Notes: Orange, Sicilian Mandarin, Bergamot
• Middle Notes: Cardamom, Musk
• Base Notes: Caramel

Reviews:

Fans describe it as “refreshing and elegant,” with Fragrantica reviewers loving its natural and bright citrus appeal.

Budget-Friendly Dupe: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Sun

This affordable option brings the fresh, citrusy charm of Arancia di Capri. Available on Jomashop.

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6. Byredo Sundazed

Why It’s Perfect:

Sundazed is the epitome of summer in a bottle. With its sweet and citrusy profile, it’s perfect for basking under the sun.

Notes:

• Top Notes: Mandarin Orange, Lemon
• Middle Notes: Neroli, Jasmine
• Base Notes: Cotton Candy, Musk

Reviews:

On Fragrantica, users highlight its “playful and bright” personality, making it a favorite for sunny escapades.

Budget-Friendly Dupe: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa ’68

This affordable spray delivers a citrusy, tropical sweetness reminiscent of Sundazed. Check out Triple Traders for similar finds.

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7. Diptyque Philosykos

Why It’s Perfect:

Philosykos is a green and creamy fig scent that evokes Mediterranean landscapes, perfect for a tranquil beach retreat.

Notes:

• Top Notes: Fig Leaf, Fig
• Middle Notes: Green Notes, Coconut
• Base Notes: Woody Notes, Cedar

Reviews:

Described as “natural and serene” on Fragrantica, it’s loved for its unique and refreshing take on fig.

Budget-Friendly Dupe: Kuumba Made Fig Leaf

This roll-on fragrance oil mimics Philosykos’s figgy greenness beautifully. Available at Triple Traders or other specialty shops.

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Final Thoughts

A beach vacation deserves a signature scent. Choose from luxury picks or affordable alternatives to complement your sun-soaked adventures. Pack your favorite, spritz liberally, and let your fragrance enhance your getaway!

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Choosing the right scent is just the beginning of your fragrance journey. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest fragrance releases, expert tips, and dupes for your favorite luxury scents. Follow us for all things fragrance—you’ll always be in the know about what’s trending and how to find the perfect scent for every occasion. Let’s redefine professional elegance together!