$100 Starter Collection - Summer 2024

Hey guys, Joe A. here with another one for ya’! After putting together the Spring edition, I figured, what the heck, let’s keep this thing rolling right into Summer. When I was in my early to late teens getting into fragrances, money was super tight. Definitely not “buy a $500 starter collection” tight. So, as always, I wanted to put something together for the younger crowd and the budget-conscious folks who still want to smell great during the hottest time of the year, all without going over a crisp C-Note (yes, even after Uncle Sam takes his slice).

 

Summer calls for bright, refreshing, energetic scents, you know, the stuff that cuts through the heat, stays uplifting, and just feels good when the sun’s out. So here are three fragrances that’ll handle everything from daytime errands to office settings to summer nights out… all while keeping us under $100.

 

(Versatile / Dumb Reach & Summer Date Nights)

Tommy Bahama St. Kitts (100ml ~$23.30)

Retailer: FragranceNet — requires the 40% off coupon

 

St. Kitts brings that island-vacation vibe without feeling like sunscreen in a bottle. The opening hits with a burst of zesty lime, mandarin and starfruit, all nice bright and juicy. The heart brings in watery accord, cedarwood and a breezy sea-salt nuance that keeps it light and refreshing. Then the base settles into ambergris, driftwood and clean musk, giving it a soft warmth underneath the freshness.

Why it works for Summer: It’s fresh, tropical and breezy, perfect for scorching days or warm evenings.

Why it fits the category: This is your all-purpose summer spritz. Wear it casually, wear it on beach days, or throw it on for a relaxed summer date night. It just works!

 

(Office / Work / Formal-Light)

Versace Dylan Blue (100ml tester ~$47.24)

Retailer: FragranceNet — coupon needed

 

Dylan Blue is the perfect “I want to smell clean and put-together during summer heat” scent. It opens with that punch of super refreshing Calabrian bergamot, grapefruit, and aquatic notes. The heart adds black pepper, incense and papyrus wood for a masculine modern vibe. The base sits on mineral musk, tonka bean and saffron, giving it smoothness and staying power.

Why it works for Summer: It has freshness with backbone, perfect for the office, class, or daytime events where you want to smell sharp without going heavy.

Why it fits the category: It’s clean, masculine and versatile with a professional tone. A summertime workhorse.

 

(Clubbing / Night Out / Loud)

Lattafa Asad (100ml ~$26.45)

Retailer: FragranceNet — price varies; often fluctuates

 

Lattafa Asad is a bold, energetic evening scent that leans into that fresh-spicy DNA. The opening brings crisp pineapple, giving it a juicy spark before the heart shifts into pepper and geranium for a spicy, aromatic kick. The base of amber, vanilla, and patchouli takes over, adding depth, warmth, and a rugged edge.

Why it works for Summer: Hot summer nights require something with presence, and Asad carries beautifully even in heat thanks to the fresh-spice-meets-sweet profile.

Why it fits the category: This is built for warm club nights, crowded bars, or outdoor events where you want your scent to make a strong impression.

 

What say you, guys? Have you gotten your nose on any of these? What’s been your experience with them? If you haven’t tried them yet, which one are you thinking of grabbing first? And for my budget-focused folks, do lists like these help you build a seasonal rotation? Love to hear from ya!