Ask Ursula: The best perfumes for tropical, fresh, and coconut scent lovers — tried and tested

Hi, I’m Ursula Reutin, co-host of “The Gee and Ursula Show,” and I’m thrilled to introduce my new advice column, Ask Ursula, where I help people navigate family, friendships, work, and all the messy, beautiful moments in between.

If you need any advice, reach out to me at askursula@bonneville.com or fill out this form here.

Today, I’m going to answer a question about one of my favorite things to talk about: Perfume! I started collecting them after my mom passed away in 2023 because she and I both loved beautiful fragrances. Let’s just say my collection has grown dramatically over these past few years, and I’ve done a deep dive into the world of perfumery.

Jami in Big Lake, better known as Tropical Scent Lover

Dear Ursula,

I have been looking for a signature scent for years. I have spent many hours in the Nordstrom perfume section hunting for something that sparks joy.

I enjoy fresh scents like spring rain, coconut, butterfly bushes, and clean laundry. I love the smell of hospital soap (so weird, right?)

I also love the smell of Hawaiian tropical sunscreen. Please help!

Dear Tropical Scent Lover, 

First of all, Jami, that’s not weird at all — you have beautiful taste. You’re looking for a specific feeling: Clean, fresh, just-showered, with a little sunshine. Here are three great places to start.

My first recommendation is Replica’s Beach Walk, which is sunshine in a bottle. It smells like warm sand, salty air, and that faint sunscreen-on-skin glow at 4 p.m. I went to Sephora to check it out, and I think that one hits a lot of the notes you love, and it’s reasonably priced.

Another one to check out is Sunkissed Hibiscus by NEST, which I do have in my collection. This one smells like you stayed at the beach all day, your hair is a mess, and you don’t care. It is a classic summery, coconutty, solar floral with a definite sunscreen note. Also very affordable.

Now, if you’re willing to spend a little more, Alto Astral by Byredo is another favorite. It’s a clean, airy coconut scent with a musky, woody depth. It’s like sunlit skin with a soft floral haze.

Before you invest in any of them, I think it’s a good idea to sample them, so I will send you samples of the ones I have in my collection!

One of the things I love about perfumes is how they take you somewhere. It’s never just about smelling good; it’s about feeling something again.

I hope my suggestions help you find that signature scent!

With love,

Ursula

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio.

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