Sometimes, all you need to shift your mood is a new perfume.

No, really.

It’s well established that scent is connected to memory and what those memories trigger can impact our well-being. It’s all the more reason to have a fragrance wardrobe, because sometimes we want to feel or be reminded of different things.

And contrary to popular belief, a good perfume doesn’t have to cost a lot. Clean-fragrance brand The 7 Virtues, for example, has a ton of options under $100, and right now, it’s having a summer sale where you can find a new favorite for up to 40% off.

What I love specifically about this brand is that it uses sustainably sourced, vegan ingredients in its perfumes, making them accessible to people who are sensitive to certain chemicals or who want to avoid potential hormone disruptors. Many of the scents are also layerable, which means it only takes two bottles to create a truly unique fragrance.

If you like gourmand scents that are a bit more sophisticated, it’s definitely a brand to try. “Luxury in a bottle” and “candied dream” are just two ways I’ve heard some of its scents describe the sweet but not cloying perfumes.

While I never need a reason to buy myself a new scent, the brand’s summer sale is a perfect opportunity to stock up or best-sellers or try something new. If you’re lucky, you may just discover a new signature.

Here are a few worth considering:

A little woodsy and a little sweet, Santal Vanilla features notes of coconut milk, myrrh absolute, vanilla, cocoa absolute and sandalwood. It’s warm, a smidge earthy and balanced.
“I got the discovery set and this was my favorite,” shared one customer in a review. “Very beautiful and sophisticated scent. I love the calming notes of sandalwood and myrrh and the slight sweetness. It smells expensive.”

This fruity-floral features notes of sun-ripened strawberry, freesia, whipped vanilla marshmallow and amber. It’s juicy, creamy and may remind you of a loved dessert, as it did for this one customer.

“I love to smell like a baked good with my perfumes, but find it hard to find a good perfume that isn’t just vanilla,” they shared in their review. “This perfume is perfect. Not overwhelmingly bakery-scented. Fruity and light, but still smells like the perfect summer strawberry shortcake!”

If you’re looking for a new summer scent, many would recommend Clementine Dream. With notes of magnolia, clementine and vanilla, it’s soft and bright, with a slightly sweet drydown.

“Clementine Dream has a subtle citrusy vibe that I enjoy,” one customer shared. “It’s a perfect wear for the summer heat and just makes me feel fresh.” Another wrote, “This is a beautiful, bright, cheery yet creamy fragrance. It lasts long and holds its own.”

Made with a blend of pears and a heart of upcycled florals, it’s truly the mix of gardenia, vanilla and geranium in the base that makes this scent sing. It’s surprisingly clean and fresh, while simultaneously offering the olfactory delight that only a white bouquet can provide.

“It has the perfect balance of sweet and clean without being overpowering,” said one customer reviewer. “It’s fresh, cozy, and just smells so put together. If you love fragrances that are soft, sweet, and clean, this one is definitely worth trying!”

Even if you’re not patriotic, you may feel like saluting Eau America after the first sniff. It’s warm and spicy, with a top note of apple pie, aged bourbon at its center and warm amber in its base. I have yet to smell it, but based on the reviews, it sounds perfect for fall or summer nights around the fire pit.

“Warm, buttery, sweet, slightly boozy, and very addictive,” one customer shared. “An incredibly cozy and delicious scent I could wear all day and all year. What a great blind buy.”

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