Summer for Men 2010

The Verdict

Burberry Summer for Men 2010 is a limited edition that captures everything appealing about a warm-weather citrus-aquatic fragrance and everything frustrating about one that simply will not last. The scent itself is genuinely pleasant, evoking swimtrunks, cool tank tops, and toes in the sand according to multiple reviewers. But the near-universal complaint about its vanishing act within 30 minutes to an hour on skin makes it difficult to recommend wholeheartedly.

As one entry in Burberry's annual Summer limited edition series, the 2010 version is remembered more fondly than some of its siblings, thanks to the distinctive yuzu note that gives it character beyond the typical citrus-aquatic template. However, its fleeting nature means it functions more as a momentary mood lift than a proper fragrance.

What It Smells Like

The opening is bright and immediately uplifting: yuzu and mandarin provide a citrus energy that several reviewers describe as having a lime-like quality despite lime not being listed among the notes. There is a tart, slightly sweet freshness that reads as natural and unforced.

The heart reveals an aromatic cocktail of juniper berries, mint, thyme, and driftwood that gives the fragrance a green, slightly herbal dimension. Dyer's greenweed adds an earthy quality that keeps the composition from feeling too sweet. The base of cedar, sandalwood, amber, and musk is warm and woody but barely has time to register before the scent fades on most wearers.

When to Wear It

This is a strictly summer fragrance, designed for the hottest days when any heavier scent would be oppressive. Beach days, pool parties, and casual outdoor activities are its natural habitat. Some reviewers suggest spraying it on clothing rather than skin to extend its brief lifespan, making it a decent option for a quick citrus refresh before stepping out.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is Burberry Summer for Men 2010's fatal flaw. The community consensus places it at 30 minutes to 1 hour on skin, with some generous estimates reaching 2 hours. Projection is similarly minimal, barely extending beyond the wearer's immediate space even during the brief period when the fragrance is detectable. Spraying on clothing is the universally recommended workaround, as the scent clings to fabric significantly longer than to skin.

The Community Says

Fragrantica reviewers capture the paradox of this fragrance perfectly. One calls it "the olfactive equivalent of swimtrunks and a cool crisp white tank-top" before noting that it is "literally gone after about 30 min. to an hour." Basenotes reviewers praise the opening as "a sweet yet tart citrus accord" with white musk and green apple, but lament the "horribly short longevity." Parfumo reviewers describe it as citrusy, aromatic, and well-done, calling it a lighter, brighter alternative to Burberry Men.

Who Should Buy This

Burberry Summer for Men 2010 is for citrus enthusiasts who accept the trade-off of ephemeral beauty for momentary pleasure. Collectors of the Burberry Summer series will want it for completeness. Those who apply fragrance primarily for their own enjoyment rather than for projection to others may find its brief life acceptable. Everyone else should consider more enduring summer alternatives.

The Bottom Line

Burberry Summer for Men 2010 is a lovely scent trapped in a body that cannot sustain it. The yuzu-citrus opening is genuinely appealing and the aromatic heart shows real craft, but the sub-one-hour longevity on skin relegates it to the realm of pleasant curiosities rather than practical fragrances. Beautiful while it lasts, but it barely does.