But here’s the thing: They are pricey. Since no one likes to waste money, we scoured the market for the most highly-rated luxury perfumes and selected 23 for InStyle editors to test at our New York City-based lab. There, we asked them to describe the scent in detail, including the most prominent notes, fragrance family it belonged to, and type of person, occasion, or time of year it may be best for. We also noted whether the scent was long-lasting or if it disappeared sooner than we wanted. And since presentation is everything, especially for high-end beauty, we judged the design of the perfume bottle or vessel that housed it, and if we thought it was special enough to warrant a luxury price tag.
Considering the power fragrance wields — it can give you the strength to walk a little taller or bewitch a romantic interest (hi, pheromone perfumes ) — it’s understandable why we’re always on the qui vive for the next inspiring scent. The best luxury fragrances equip us with an invisible cloak of couture, giving us all the confidence of designer threads without the dry cleaning bill. But, it’s not simply the price tag that makes a perfume luxury. “In its most luxurious form, perfumers express their vision without compromise , often exploring new materials and concepts ,” says Kate Oldham , SVP, GMM, Beauty, Jewelry and Home at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Best Overall
Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady
Frederic Malle
View On Fredericmalle.com
What We Love: An unreplicable blend of fruity and woody notes transforms the perfume into a distinct, yet, universal fragrance that complements all seasons and events.
What We Don’t Love: If you prefer perfume without any sweetness, this may not be for you.
Fine, as chronic oversharers, we’ll admit we want to appear a little more mysterious now and then, and Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady lets us live freely in our enigmatic daydream. Encapsulated in a seemingly inconspicuous minimalist bottle, the fragrance initially fooled us with its rosy top notes (there are no less than 400 Turkish roses per bottle!), and assumed it would remain that way until fruity waves of rich raspberry and blackcurrant unfolded into a mature scent, grounded with the depth of patchouli and sandalwood, well-suited for days when an extra boost of confidence is needed.
Although very prominent and intriguing, it’s not an overpowering scent, and the fragrance has endless potential to wear to the office or time spent off the clock (just mist yourself twice for extra evening allure). Additionally, since it doesn’t lean too warm or have one, attention-hogging and genre-defining note, we think you can have fun playing with the perfume any time of year.
Fragrance Family: Woody | Key Notes: Rose, blackcurrant, patchouli, sandalwood | Size: 1.7 oz
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best for Evening
Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum
Nordstorm
View On Nordstrom
$225
View On Bloomingdales
$290
What We Love: We’ve never come across anything quite like this unique combination of soft florals and woody notes.
What We Don’t Love: The packaging didn’t feel as luxurious as the scent itself.
Layering on Byredo Mojave Ghost is the final step in our routine shortly before we hear the clinking sound of ice sliding around in a cocktail shaker. Its enticing combination of musky ambrette and slightly sweet nesberry calls to mind dark-liquor drinks in crystal highball glasses or steeply brewed tea poured from a vintage kettle. Magnolia and violet swept in to uplift the scent as well, although this gorgeous floral arrangement didn’t last long before we noticed a strong presence of grounding base notes, sandalwood and cedar.
Two spritzes were enough to leave us smelling simply irresistible, from the first drinks to the final curtain call. The bottle is a minimalist’s dream, and We appreciated the audible snap of the magnetic cap closure — a thoughtful feature that will keep the perfume safe while traveling.
Fragrance Family: Woody | Key Notes: Ambrette, magnolia, sandalwood, cedarwood | Size: 1.7 oz
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Long-Lasting
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
Nordstrom
View On Nordstrom
$205
View On Bloomingdales
$325
View On Saks Fifth Avenue
$205
What We Love: Woody, sweet, and versatile, it can be worn wherever and whenever.
What We Don’t Love: It left a very light residue on our skin.
How much introduction does the TikTok-viral, celebrity-adored, and editor-lauded Baccarat Rouge 540 really need? Apparently, quite a lot because we still have plenty to say about this long-lasting perfume. Namely, how it’s worth the price alone based on its sheer staying power and heavenly gem-stone-shaped bottle.
Like any great work of art, Baccarat Rouge 540 has inspired others, but none have come close to the sweet, resinous, and woody notes that seamlessly melt together. Saffron, in particular, stuck out immediately and remained on our skin hours later, while fir resin added a spicy complexity and depth, and a hint of light florals and woody pine tree, and cedarwood notes, all three of which stood out strongest on linen threads.
We could see the appeal of layering its breezy, unfussy scent, with a gourmand fragrance if we wanted to fully lean into its syrupy notes, or taking a different route and capitalizing on its woodier aroma to build a more unisex scent. Either way, out of the many options we tried, we’re pleased to say this is one of the few that didn’t leave any residue on any of the fabrics, but we did notice a very light film on our skin.
Fragrance Family: Woody amber | Key Notes: Jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, ambergris | Size: 1.2 oz
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Citrus
Creed Aventus for Her
Creed
View On Saks Fifth Avenue
$300
View On Neiman Marcus
$445
What We Love: Bright and effervescent, this perfume leans feminine, but not girlish or immature.
What We Don’t Love: We wish the vanilla notes were slightly more pronounced.
Creed Aventus pretty much guarantees a good morning — or at least a promising start to the day. Its uplifting citrus medley of crisp green apple and fresh bergamot evoked visions of summer’s blue-skied afternoons and lounging in grassy parks. Although zesty and bright, don’t mistake this scent as a strictly spring or summer fragrance, as it dries down into the deeper heart notes of amber, sandalwood, and patchouli, to mellow its initial sharpness. (A tad more vanilla might’ve further cut the terpenic notes, it truly just depends on your preference.)
And, although the box it came in lacked in presentation (the shiny cardboard looked cheap to us), the bottle itself certainly didn’t disappoint. Its curvaceous edges, ornate cap, and golden hue nodded to the heritage brand’s centuries-old royal roots when Queen Victoria appointed the perfumery as the official supplier to the Royal Household.
Fragrance Family: Fresh citrus | Key Notes: Egyptian green apple, Indian sandalwood, musk | Size: 1 oz
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Designer
Chanel Coco MadeMoiselle
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
$108
View On Sephora
$108
View On Ulta
$172
What We Love: As the perfume dried down, each distinct note rang out clear and sharp.
What We Don’t Love: We wish it was longer lasting.
This isn’t your grandmother’s Chanel. No, actually. The brand first released Coco Mademoiselle as a more youthful alternative to the classic Chanel No°5, and last year even named the breakout actress and model Whitney Peak as its brand ambassador. We immediately felt its brighter, more playful energy through the crisp and citrusy orange notes, reinvigorating us like a shot of espresso. This energizing vibe eventually faded as the perfume dried down into a smooth and creamy vanilla aroma.
Though jasmine and rose, along with the stunning rosy-hued, diamond-edged cut bottle, lead the scent to skew more feminine, grassy rich undertones of vetiver and patchouli rounded out the fragrance, giving it surprising unisex potential. We found ourselves savoring each note, enjoying how we could pinpoint them one by one as the scent unfolded. It lingered longest in our hair, and didn’t last more than a few hours on our wrist. Luckily, the formula didn’t leave behind an oily residue in any area except our clothing where, admittedly, we probably sprayed it too heavily.
Fragrance Family: Floral | Key Notes: Turkish rose, orange, patchouli | Size: 1.7 oz
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Earthy
Diptyque Philosykos
Diptyque Paris
View On Diptyqueparis.com
View On Bluemercury.com
$230
View On Neiman Marcus
What We Love: Boasting a green, earthy scent with plenty of complexity, we simply couldn’t stop thinking about this unisex scent
What We Don’t Love: If you love florals, this isn’t for you.
Philosykos, a Greek phrase for “friend of the fig,” is an aptly coined name for this unisex fragrance, given the trio of fig notes — fig leaves, fig tree sap, fig tree wood — embroidered the overall scent with their subtle, earthy tanginess rather than dominating it.
This nature-inspired scent… Delightfully puzzling to capture in a single sentence, its grassy notes leaned more toward the greenhouse than a rose garden, and instead, spicy black pepper lends it a complex kick. We also found Philosykos, which means “friend of the fig,” to be an aptly coined name for this fragrance as the notes of fig embroidered the overall scent with their subtle, earthy tanginess rather than dominating it.
The longer we wore the perfume, the more we enjoyed where its fragrance journey led us, eventually ending in a musky scent that felt very grown up, but not stuffy (think: Cool aunt energy, not grandma’s vanity). Interestingly enough one exception was our hair, which smelled lighter and fresher than our skin.
Holding the heavy, smooth flat glass bottle in our hands was comforting, too, like we discovered the perfect skipping stone, and unboxing its luxurious thick packaging became an experience all in itself. We also appreciated how the sprayer distributed a fine even mist that enveloped our entire being in this intriguing scent instead of congregating in one area.
Fragrance Family: Woody | Key Notes: Fig leaves, black pepper, cedar, coconut | Size: 3.4 oz
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Woody
Le Labo Santal 33
Le Labo
View On Nordstrom
$99
View On Lelabofragrances.com
View On Ecosmetics.com
$322
What We Love: We can confidently say Le Labo earned its viral status and it quickly became a staple in our everyday fragrance wardrobe.
What We Don’t Love: It left a slight oily residue on skin and clothing.
Santal 33 is that girl — confident, stylish, and everyone knows her. It’s the brand’s best selling perfume, a signature sandalwood, interwoven with citrus, iris and violet to create a gorgeous, soothing profile. Interestingly, woodier notes of palo santo and cedar and a secondary spicy, pepper one jumped out most to us the longer we wore it.
As evidenced by the variety of celebrities who also wear it from Justin Bieber to Sophie Turner, this inimitable combination leaves it with a versatility practically anyone could appreciate. That said, this is a scent for someone sure of themselves (or at least pretends to be). Patchouli and incense lend an intensity, similar to a masculine-smelling cologne, which could be a bit overpowering, especially given the thick mist each spritz gives.
On the other hand, we were quite smitten with the bottle itself, notably how it displays where and when the brand formulated the fragrance, making us feel like the scent was crafted specifically for us in a couture-like fashion.
Fragrance Family: Woody | Key Notes: Violet accord, iris, ambrox, cedarwood, sandalwood | Size: 1.7 oz
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Fruity-Floral
Yves Saint Laurent Libre
Sephora
View On Sephora
$35
View On Ulta
$95
View On Yslbeautyus.com
What We Love: Sophisticated, elegant, and extremely classy, this clean-smelling fragrance mimics the designer brand’s aesthetic.
What We Don’t Love: The application is a little awkward because the nozzle sprays the perfume at an angle.
YSL Libre replicates the same feeling of having someone clasp a cold, gold necklace around your neck or hearing the secure click of securing a watch on your wrist: It’s a satisfying, bright scent that made us feel put together, renewed, and armed with a carpe diem attitude. We were very impressed with how jasmine and peony remained present throughout our wear, and although the fragrance dried down a little sweeter on our skin, it never spurred a headache (and we’re very sensitive to these types of scents).
We’ll especially take advantage of its fruitier qualities in the summer, but out of all the options we tried, we’d feel most comfortable recommending this as someone’s signature scent because its clean and unassuming fragrance could blend into any season. Additionally, though light, we never felt like it fully faded from our pulse points and instead melted into our skin to complement our natural scent.
And, although we were struck by the bottle’s elegance and artful feel, we wished that its nozzle was more functional because it sprayed the perfume at an angle rather than one, even stream.
Fragrance Family: Warm Floral | Key Notes: Freesia, rose, jasmine, peony | Size: 1.6 oz
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Musk
Killian Paris Rolling In Love
Killian
View On Sephora
$295
View On Bykilian.com
What We Love: Warm and toasty like a roasted marshmallow, Rolling in Love undercuts any sugary themes with a sophisticated musk
What We Don’t Love: You can hardly smell it on satin fabrics.
Rolling in Love is the kind of guest everyone hopes will be at their dinner party: An interesting, welcome addition to the mix who contributes without bogarting every conversation. Not to mention it arrives in a fabulous, gold, and red-accented outfit.
Like a true musk, it wears close to the skin without overly projecting, instead relying on a prominent almond note to fill our senses with soft warmth. The fragrance never veered into cloying, overly sugary territory, but it did make us think of a dessert all the same (like, perhaps, an expertly toasted crème brûlée versus a rich brownie).
To our surprise, we could hardly detect its scent on silkier fabrics (a bit disappointing since we envisioned wearing it when we’re gussied up in our finest satin threads). However, the perfume projected strongly on everything else and carried the same scent on our skin and hair as it did on all other types of fabric.
Fragrance Family: Floral | Key Notes: Ambrette seeds, almond milk, iris, musk | Size: 1.7 oz
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Fresh
Nette Opening Night
Nette
View On Sephora
$30
View On Nettenyc.com
What We Love: Kicks of citrus re-energized us and lifted our spirits with each spritz.
What We Don’t Love: It may be too subtle for evening wear.
If we didn’t believe in love at first sight before, this Nette fragrance convinced us that falling head over heels is real — at least when it comes to life-changing fragrances. Sharp zings of neroli’s bitter orange essence swirled with spicy fruity-floral bergamot come together for an energetic twist before settling into a warm, cozy amber.
Oftentimes we associate fresh scents with new linens and grassy green fields, and, although we have nothing against smelling like a clean load of laundry, we appreciated how the accord between amber and a vanilla note brought out a more seductive theme we’d layer on before a second date.
Fragrance Family: Fresh | Key Notes: Bergamot, neroli, vetiver | Size: 1.7 oz
Best Unisex
Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
$73
View On Sephora
$35
View On Maisonmargiela-fragrances.us
What We Love: Sophisticated and sexy, practically anyone would find this fragrance hard to put down.
What We Don’t Love: It’s a little hard to press down on the nozzle’s small surface area.
Floral-forward, but not heavily so, Maison Margiela‘s buzzy perfume kept us guessing what notes would reveal themselves next. What started as a stroll down a garden path laden with roses and iris quickly shifted into a headier territory, and one we relished. Vanilla, musk, and patchouli oil added warmth and sensuality, instantly piquing our curiosity, and, dare we say, making us feel up for a cheeky flirt.
To be completely fair, we judged a book by its cover when picking the perfume to test and gravitated toward its white thread-wrapped packing, because it boasted an elevated, organic luxury energy you might see shelved in Gwyneth Paltrow’s favorite spa. The bottle, on the other hand, had an old-school vintage charm to it, particularly the hand-printed label and round dainty nozzle, which was a little hard to press down on but looked lovely all the same.
Fragrance Family: Warm and spicy | Key Notes: Pear accord, iris accord, white musk accord, Indonesian patchouli oil | Size: 1.5 oz
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Fresh Floral
Henry Rose Windows Down
Henry Rose
View On Nordstrom
$35
View On Sephora
$35
View On Henryrose.com
What We Love: Bright white florals and woody notes flood the fragrance for a scent that is simultaneously reinvigorating and calm.
What We Don’t Love: We wish our skin picked up more of the floral notes the same way our clothes and hair did.
Windows Down gave us a relaxing and exhilarating vision of cruising down a quiet road lined with blooming, aromatic flowers at dusk. Blink and we might’ve missed the quick breeze of white florals before a zestier, green scent greeted our senses. If you love the uplifting woody profile that accompanies another brand favorite of ours, Queens and Monsters, you’ll similarly become entranced by this sweeter, perkier cousin.
While our clothing and hair held on most to the florals, we wouldn’t have minded if they lasted longer on our skin before the musky scent took over. On the flip side, the minimal alcohol scent accompanying our spritzes was a major win, and we could tell it boasted a lower ratio from how it didn’t stain most fabrics.
Smooth and edge-less, the bottle kept slipping in our hands, but we still loved its sleek silhouette.
Fragrance Family: Fresh | Key Notes: Neroli, orange flower, jasmine, moss | Size: 1.7 oz
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best for Summer
AERIN Hibiscus Palm Eau de Parfum
Aerin
View On Nordstrom
$150
View On Sephora
$150
View On Aerin.com
What We Love: Though light and airy, the floral scent remained on our skin for hours.
What We Don’t Love: We had to press down pretty hard on the nozzle to get an even mist.
When we want to escape the winter doldrums, we think back to our favorite summer memories, with the sun on our faces, and the tropical vibes of traditional sunny scents. Like most things Aerin Lauder touches, her Hibiscus Palm perfume has all the elements of a sunny summer day, but without any of the cheesy, sunscreen-like notes you usually find. Inevitably, when temperatures creep above 70 degrees, tropical fragrances hit us like tidal waves at every turn, and though a delightful phenomenon for some, we sought out a summertime fragrance with that same sunny disposition, albeit less basic. Don’t get us wrong, the Hibiscus Palm perfume still contains our favorite tropical-adjacent notes, such as hibiscus, and ylang-ylang, giving it an airy, familiar essence, but it's the creamy coconut, sweet vanilla, and earthy musk balance any excess sweetness to add a degree of elegance. For such a light scent, it’s surprisingly long-lasting and retained its breezy feel.
Its profile is familiar, but grown up, like if you were to compare the same beach trip you booked after a big promotion versus the one you took with your parents when you were 13. Similarly, the bottle ditches juvenile imprints of faux florals in favor of a sleek glass bottle topped off with a tasteful salmon-colored stone cap. And, as long as we pressed down firmly on the nozzle, it rewarded us with a fine, even mist.
Fragrance Family: Floral | Key Notes: Hibiscus palm, ylang, coconut milk, vanilla | Size: 1.7 oz
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Herbal
Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne
Macy's
View On Nordstrom
$21
View On Sephora
$30
View On Jomalone.com
What We Love: The herbal scent is just present enough to make the perfume feel interesting without limiting where you could wear it.
What We Don’t Love: It smells drastically different on wool fabrics.
The Jo Malone London Wood Sage and Sea Salt is a friend to all and an almost universal crowd-pleaser. We felt pulled in by the woody, herbaceous notes, which made us want to head out for a dewy, sun-soaked morning walk under a canopy of leafy and soft, mossy ground beneath us. As the scent moved into energizing citrusy grapefruit notes eventually replaced the alcohol smell the perfume left in our hair. Our skin experienced the most favors, where the fragrance blended dreamily with our natural scent. But, we can’t say the same for the pungent aroma that it leaves on wool fabrics, so if you live in heavy sweaters this may not be for you.
Classy as can be, Jo Malone London put the finishing touches on this fragrance by wrapping the bottle with a thick black ribbon, the kind we’d save to tie in our hair, and held the liquid in a sophisticated white rectangular-shaped bottle that will nestle nicely among our treasure chest of beauty products.
Fragrance Family: Fresh, green| Key Notes: Ambrette seeds, grapefruit, sea salt, sage | Size: 1 oz
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
With this in mind, we conducted extensive research on popular and highly-rated luxury perfumes, before selecting more than two dozen to put to the test at our lab facility in NYC and at home in our real lives. We evaluated each one based on its scent, wear, packaging, and overall performance. Ahead, we’re sharing which ones are worth buying.
But what actually makes a luxury fragrance luxury? According to Frank Voelkl , a Principal Perfumer at Firmenich, the answer isn’t so black and white. “When it comes to luxury fragrances, we all have our own olfactive (scent) associations that we relate to and associate as luxury; so we have our own pre-conceived expectations as to what luxury smells like,” he says. “That said, we have studied luxury codes and what they mean, and what we can say is that many times notes that are overly sweet or fruity are not perceived as luxury. A luxury note has to have a bit more of a sophisticated and elegant element to it; such as precious flowers, woods, and amber notes. Really, any scent that has richness and depth to it. ”
Whether you’re just running errands, grabbing brunch with friends, or dressing up for a special occasion, finishing off your look with a spritz of a luxury perfume is a quick and easy way to boost your confidence and make you feel special. Perhaps designer clothing doesn’t fit your budget, but splurging on a luxurious fragrance is something you can better justify.
Best Overall
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum
Bloomingdale's
View On Nordstrom
$205
View On Bloomingdales
$205
What We Like
Nuanced sweet scent
Long-lasting
A little bit goes a long way
Fine mist
Luxe packaging
Available in three sizes
What We Don't Like
Nothing
Fragrance Family: Warm, woody | Highlighted Notes: Hedione, amber, cedar, saffron | Size: 1.2, 2.4 6.8 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you’re not a newbie to the perfume world, chances are you’ve heard of this incredibly popular scent from Maison Francis Kurkdjian. It’s easy to recognize when someone is wearing it thanks to the sweet scent that’s full of depth, warmth, and a bit of spice—not to mention the impressive projection it provides. During our lab test where we spritzed it onto fabrics, hair, and our skin to test for staining, scent, and residue, we had no issues with any of that; it performed beautifully. We found that as it settled onto the skin, it smelled sweet, soft, warm, and just a bit woody and spicy, giving it the depth that helps to create a luxurious finish. Just one or two sprays of the fine mist give you a nice amount of intensity, and we found that it lasts on the skin and fabric nicely throughout the day.
Between the wonderful scent, impressive lasting power, and luxe packaging, we believe this one is worth the splurge—especially considering that a little bit truly goes a long way. We also love that it doesn’t feel particularly seasonal, making it a great choice for year-round wear. If you love warm, sweet, and feminine scents, we think you’ll adore this popular pick.
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best for Everyday
Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum
Nordstorm
View On Nordstrom
$225
View On Bloomingdales
$290
What We Like
Light but unique scent
Sophisticated
Nice balance of fresh, musky, and woody notes
Fine mist
Solid wear
What We Don't Like
Some online reviewers say the longevity could be better
Fragrance Family: Woody, fresh | Highlighted Notes: Ambrette, magnolia, sandalwood, cedarwood, musk | Size: 1.7, 3.4 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
If you’re looking for a light scent you can wear day or night, this beloved option from Byredo could be right up your alley. Although it has a unique scent profile that combines notes of ambrette, magnolia, musk, and a variety of woods that blend to create an aromatic, juicy, and woody fragrance, it never smells overpowering. It smells fresh and sophisticated with a nice amount of depth and uniqueness, making it suitable for everything from a day at the office to a night out.
During our test, we didn’t experience residue, staining, or quick fading on the paper test strips, hair, or skin. After 30 minutes, it still smelled just as fragrant on our wrists as it did upon the initial spray. Although some online reviewers say they wish it had better lasting power, we found that it lasted nicely throughout the day. As for the packaging, we like that the design is simple and neutral, and we love that the cap is magnetic.
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Best for Date Night
Yves Saint Laurent Libre
Sephora
View On Sephora
$35
View On Ulta
$95
View On Yslbeautyus.com
What We Like
Optimal blend of fresh, floral, and musky notes
Intense but not overpowering
Solid wear
Brings out the best in your natural scent
Available in four sizes
What We Don't Like
Mist could be a bit more fine
Fragrance Family: Warm floral | Highlighted Notes: Lavender, orange blossom, musk accord | Size: 0.33, 1, 1.7, 3.04 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
If you want to feel sexy but also understated on a date night, we recommend this fresh, floral, and musky scent from YSL. Notes of lavender, orange blossom, musk accord, and vanilla marry together to create a fragrance that smells clean and intoxicating with a subtle hint of warmth. When you spray it on initially, you’ll get more of the lavender and musky notes, but as it dries down and meshes with your skin, it warms up a bit, bringing out a bit of your natural scent.
We were impressed by how nicely it performed, we didn’t experience staining, greasy residue, or fast fading. While we found that the atomizer was a bit tilted and let out a fairly intense mist making for a less than ideal initial spray, it’s certainly not a dealbreaker. Overall, we adore this pick and highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fresh scent with a nighttime flare. It’s available in four different sizes so you can try it before you invest in a big bottle (though we think you’ll eventually want to!) Plus, the sleek bottle is refillable and customizable — perfect if you're shopping for a personalized beauty gift.
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Best Skin Scent
Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning
Sephora
View On Sephora
$35
View On Nordstrom
$73
View On Maisonmargiela-fragrances.us
What We Like
Beautiful combination of fresh and floral notes
Good wear time
Subtle scent but with great projection
Warms up on the skin
What We Don't Like
Opens up with a bit of an alcohol scent
Fragrance Family: Fresh, warm | Highlighted Notes: Lily of the Valley, iris, white musk | Size: 0.3, 1, 3.4 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Those who like clean, fresh, and floral scents—like freshly washed linens—will love this perfume that was inspired by a leisurely morning in bed on crisp, comfy sheets. Notes of Lily of the Valley, iris, ambrette, and white musk fuse to create a soft, casual fragrance that feels innately unisex. It’s the kind of scent that you can spritz on yourself for any occasion, or you can spray on your duvet before bedtime for a calming, sensorial experience. Though we don’t love that it opens up with a bit of an alcohol scent (a lot of perfumes do), it dissipates quite quickly before drying down and bringing out some warmth once it settles into the skin.
As for the performance, we had no issues with it. It passed our tests beautifully and we were impressed that despite the fragrance being subtle, it has a solid projection (the area where you can smell it while wearing it). If you gravitate towards fresh, floral, or clean scents with a bit of warmth and a powdery finish, we think you’ll enjoy this one. Think of it like a “your skin but better” type of fragrance with a bit more projection than your average skin scent.
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Best Classic
Chanel No°5
Sephora
View On Chanel
View On Sephora
$108
View On Ulta
$172
What We Like
Sophisticated scent
Warms up nicely on the skin
Solid wear
Sleek, neutral packaging
What We Don't Like
Can create minor staining on white fabrics
Fragrance Family: Floral, aldehyde | Highlighted Notes: May rose, jasmine, aldehydes, bourbon, vanilla | Size: 1.2, 1.7, 3.4, 6.8 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
When you think about what a truly classic perfume smells like, chances are a perfume like Chanel No. 5 comes to mind. After all, it was created in 1921 by the iconic designer label, so it’s no surprise it’s become an industry staple. It’s floral and aldehydic (think a bit soapy) with a touch of warmth to soften the finish. It’s a sophisticated scent that would be perfect to buy for someone in their 40s or older, though it’s a great choice for anyone who likes a fragrance with a bouquet of floral notes.
We were impressed by how well it lasted on our skin and particularly on our hair, though we did notice just a bit of minor staining when spraying it on a white fabric. If you’re planning on sporting a white top, we recommend spritzing this one on your skin before you get dressed. We also enjoyed that it seemed to warm up a bit on our skin, making the aldehydes in the fragrance appear more subtle throughout the day. And of course, the chic, neutral bottle with the iconic Chanel logo is a total bonus.
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Best Fresh
Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne
Macy's
View On Sephora
$30
View On Nordstrom
$21
View On Jomalone.com
What We Like
Light, fresh scent that’s great for day or night
Nice balance of fresh, woody, and herbal notes
Warms up nicely on the skin
Wears well
Available in three sizes
What We Don't Like
Projection could be better
Opens with a bit of an alcohol scent
Fragrance Family: Fresh, woody | Highlighted Notes: Ambrette seeds, sea salt, sage | Size: 0.34, 1, 3.4 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Comprised of sea salt, sage, and ambrette seeds, this popular scent smells like a walk by the seaside on a crisp summer morning. It’s fresh and woody with a slight herbaceous twist, giving it a unique depth that sets it apart from other options in the fresh fragrance category. Upon the initial spritz, we found that it had an alcohol-forward scent. But thankfully, that faded quickly, eliminating the sharpness and lending to a scent that warmed up a bit on the skin. We also would prefer if it had slightly better projection, but we were pleased by how nicely it lasted on our wrists and the hair samples.
Because of its fresh base, we think it’s suitable for day and night and is a great option for all occasions. And because it wears close to the skin, it’s nice for those who prefer something more subtle.
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Best Musky
Killian Paris Rolling In Love
Killian
View On Sephora
$295
View On Bykilian.com
What We Like
Musk has a warmth to it that softens the scent
Nice blend of musk, floral, and warm notes
Not overpowering
Wears well
Slim, elegant packaging
What We Don't Like
Could be more potent on fabrics
Fragrance Family: Warm floral | Highlighted Notes: Almond milk, iris, musk | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Musky scents are sexy and intoxicating, but sometimes they can border on animalistic and sharp. We love this one because it combines the best parts of a musky fragrance, with the right amount of warmth from an almond milk note to round it out. It also features an iris note for a dose of powdery florals that give it a feminine twist.
During testing, we loved that we could detect all of the highlighted notes right off the bat, but it still smelled like a sophisticated and dynamic scent, all without being too heady or overpowering. It wore beautifully on our wrists and performed nicely on the test strips, though we did notice that the fragrance wasn’t as potent on the satin fabric swatch—this is something to keep in mind if you typically spray your perfume on your clothing. All-in-all, it’s a gorgeous warm, powdery, and musky perfume in elegant red packaging, making it a luxurious option that’s perfect for musky fragrance lovers.
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Best Smoky
Le Labo Santal 33
Le Labo
View On Nordstrom
$99
View On Lelabofragrances.com
View On Ecosmetics.com
$322
What We Like
Nice balance of smoky and woody notes
Warms up on the skin to become very wearable
Long-wearing
Impressive projection
A little bit goes a long way
What We Don't Like
Can create staining/residue on fabrics
Fragrance Family: Smoky, woody | Highlighted Notes: Cardamom, iris, violet, Australian sandalwood, cedarwood | Size: 0.5, 1.7, 3.4, 16.9 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This smoky fragrance is extremely popular—it’s one of Le Labo’s bestsellers and we can understand why. It beautifully combines earthy, spicy, leathery, and woody notes to create a smoky scent that feels more unique than some options that smell like a straight-up bonfire. This wood-forward, smoky fragrance is reminiscent of the smell of palo santo or a campfire with a bit of a spicy twist. It’s complex yet comforting and familiar.
Just one or two sprays provide a powerful dose of fragrance, though we appreciated that it isn’t too sharp or overpowering—it took just a few minutes to settle into the skin and warm up slightly, making it extremely wearable. It offered impressive lasting power (one of the most long-wearing options we tested) and projection, though we did notice that it left a bit of residue and stains on the fabrics. We recommend applying this one straight to your skin to avoid ruining your clothes. If you like smoky fragrances but you’re looking for something with depth and intricacy, we highly recommend checking it out.
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Best Fruity
Tom Ford Parfum
Tom Ford
View On Sephora
$80
View On Walmart
$231
View On Nordstrom
$213
What We Like
Not an overly sweet fruity scent
Nice for day and night
Wears well
Strong but not overpowering
Stunning, luxe packaging
Available in four sizes
What We Don't Like
Can leave minor staining on fabrics
Fragrance Family: Fruity, spicy | Highlighted Notes: Black cherry, tonka bean, almond | Size: 0.33, 1, 1.7, 3.4 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Fruity scents can often lean sugary or even a little bit tart, but we love that this one is fruity in an expected way. A sultry black cherry note is the foundation of the fragrance, but it’s decorated in notes of tonka bean and almond for a warm and sweet touch, as well as Turkish rose and jasmine sambac for a faint floral finish. It’s potent but not overpowering, and though it’s certainly wearable for daytime, we think it’s a perfect sensual scent for nighttime.
It did create minor staining on fabrics so we recommend spritzing it directly on your skin, but other than that, it performed very well in our tests. Just a few sprays were all we needed to yield an ideal projection, and we found that it lasted quite well on our skin and hair. In addition to the gorgeous scent and impressive performance, we love that it’s available in four sizes and it comes in a luxurious burgundy bottle.
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Best Floral
Dior Miss Dior
Dior
View On Amazon
$144
View On Sephora
$56
View On Dior.com
What We Like
Great for spring and summer
Bright with a hint of warmth
Wears well
Not overpowering
Available in five sizes
What We Don't Like
Rose-forward which can be a bit polarizing
Fragrance Family: Floral | Highlighted Notes: Lily of the Valley, centifolia rose, soft musk | Size: 0.7, 1, 1.7, 3.4, 5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
This beloved fragrance from Dior is a classic floral scent. It blends Lily of the Valley, rose, peony, powdery iris, and musk to create a floral bouquet with a burst of powder and a faint, musky finish. It’s ideal for spring and summer since it’s a bright floral, though we think it can be mixed with a warmer (perhaps vanilla) fragrance to give it a slight wintry, or nighttime flare. Just a few spritzes are enough to get the full effect, and we appreciate that it’s not too heady or overwhelming. It lasted beautifully on our skin and test strips, and we didn’t notice any staining or residue.
One thing to note is that the rose note is quite prominent which can be a bit polarizing. If you enjoy the scent of roses, you’ll love this one, but if you’re not into rose-forward scents, this isn’t for you. Overall, we’re impressed by the performance of this and think it’s a great pick for most people who adore floral fragrances. Not to mention, it’s available in five sizes.
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Best Floral, Runner-Up
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb
Sephora
View On Amazon
$88
View On Sephora
$38
View On Ulta
$180
What We Like
Blend of a variety of different floral notes
Long-wearing
Available in six sizes
Combines florals with warmth and musk to balance the scent
What We Don't Like
Can be a bit overpowering
Can create minor staining on fabric
Fragrance Family: Floral | Highlighted Notes: Vanilla, jasmine, rose, peony, orange blossom | Size: 0.33, 0.68, 1, 1.7, 3.4, 5 | Cruelty-Free: No
Those who like a fragrance that smells like an explosion of flowers have met their match with this well-loved floral scent from Viktor & Rolf. It combines a variety of florals—jasmine, rose, peony, and orange blossom—with a burst of vanilla and a bit of musk that effectively warm it up and prevent it from being too heady. The scent is a beautifully balanced floral, but be aware that it’s quite strong and could be overpowering for someone who’s even relatively sensitive to fragrances. We think it’s best for those who love flowery perfumes and enjoy some major projection.
During our test, we found that it lasted beautifully on our skin, hair, and test strips, though it created very minor staining on fabrics. We also appreciate that it comes in six different sizes so you can purchase a trial size before committing, or you can opt for the value size bottle if you fall in love with the fragrance.
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Best Fruity Floral
Creed Aventus for Her
Creed
View On Saks Fifth Avenue
$300
View On Neiman Marcus
$445
What We Like
Bright and zesty
Features a wide range of complementary notes
Warms up nicely on the skin
Wears well
Available in jumbo sizes
What We Don't Like
Packaging design feels a bit outdated
Fragrance Family: Fruity floral | Highlighted Notes: Green apple, pink pepper, bergamot, rose, lilac, sandalwood | Size: 1, 2.5, 8.5, 17, 34 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Opening up with a crisp note of green apple, this quickly fruity floral fragrance transforms from tangy to something more nuanced. As it settles on the skin, it becomes fresh, floral, and juicy with a bit of warmth and muskiness. We love that it doesn’t stick to a singular fruit note, it offers a variety of notes that beautifully complement each other to create a bright, happy perfume. We also love that as it dries on the skin, it warms up a bit and brings out your natural scent.
We didn’t experience any staining or residue when using it in the testing lab, and we found that it wore nicely throughout the day. A bonus is that while quite expensive, it comes in some huge bottles—17 and 34 fluid ounces—that could be a wise investment if this becomes your go-to scent. Our only con is that we find the packaging to be a bit outdated and less on the luxe side than other options we tested, but if you’re not super hung up on the aesthetic and you love a fruity-floral scent, we think you’ll love this pick.
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Tropical
AERIN Hibiscus Palm Eau de Parfum
Aerin
View On Sephora
$150
View On Nordstrom
$150
View On Aerin.com
What We Like
Great for summer and beach trips
Sophisticated
Nice blend of fresh, floral, and juicy notes
Wears well all-day
What We Don't Like
Has a slight oily residue
Fragrance Family: Floral, fresh | Highlighted Notes: Hibiscus, palm, melati flower, coconut milk | Size: 0.27, 1.7, 3.4 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Inspired by a trip to a beach paradise, this beautiful scent combines floral and fruity notes found in tropical destinations. Hibiscus, palm, melati flower (jasmine), and coconut water marry to create a floral and juicy fragrance with a solar component. It’s perfect for summer or bringing with you on a beach trip or tropical honeymoon. We love that it’s potent and easily detectable on the skin and hair, though it’s not too strong or overwhelming.
It performed nicely during our test—no concerns with staining or fast fading, though we notice that the juice does feel slightly oily, so we recommend applying it directly to your skin rather than on your clothing or hair. Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone who’s looking for a tropical, beachy fragrance that’s sophisticated and multi-dimensional.
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Best Earthy
Diptyque Philosykos
Diptyque Paris
View On Diptyqueparis.com
View On Bluemercury.com
$230
View On Neiman Marcus
What We Like
Unique and complex
Combines a variety of fruity and woody notes that complement each other
Wears well
Nice for daytime or nighttime
What We Don't Like
Not a blind buy
Only available in one size
Fragrance Family: Earthy | Highlighted Notes: Fig leaves, fig tree sap, fig tree wood, black pepper | Size: 2.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
To put it bluntly: this perfume is hard to describe. It’s got a variety of fig notes which gives it a subtle sweet and juicy quality, but black pepper and white cedar provide a strong dose of spice and woods. Perhaps one of our testers said it best; “It has a really unique scent that is naturalistic, almost plant-like, and a bit fruity,” she said. “I am a gardener/plant lady, so I loved the scent.” Because it’s so hard to accurately describe, we don’t think this is a blind buy if you’re not already a fan of earthy and plant-like fragrances. But if you’re into complex fragrances and you’re looking for something that doesn’t smell like anything else you’ve tried, this is a great option. We also think it’s suitable for day or night.
It performed beautifully during our test without staining, creating residue, or fading fast. It lasted quite well throughout the day, and we appreciated that it was potent and had nice projection but wasn’t overpowering.
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Best Sparkling
Chanel Coco MadeMoiselle
Sephora
View On Sephora
$108
View On Ulta
$172
View On Nordstrom
$108
What We Like
Bright, happy scent
Potent but not overwhelming
Warms up on skin nicely
Beautiful, luxe bottle
What We Don't Like
Could be more long-wearing
Can create minor staining on fabric
Fragrance Family: Floral | Highlighted Notes: Orange, jasmine, May rose, patchouli, vetiver | Size: 1.2, 1.7, 3.4, 6.8 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Those looking for a bright and feminine fragrance should try this fan-favorite from Chanel. It opens with a vibrant, sparkling orange note that maintains its character while slowly warming up and garnering depth thanks to patchouli, vetiver, jasmine, and rose. There’s also an ambery quality to it, which provides just the right amount of sweetness and warmth. It’s elegant, feminine, and fun, making it suitable for a wide range of age groups.
We appreciated how potent (yet not overwhelming) it was, though we found that it faded fairly quickly on our skin—we noticed it slightly dissipating after about 30 minutes. We also experienced some minor staining on fabric, so we recommend applying it to your skin rather than your clothing. But between the lovely scent and the beautiful bottle that looks gorgeous on any vanity, we recommend it to anyone in the market for a bright, sparkling scent.
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Best Sophisticated
Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady
Frederic Malle
View On Fredericmalle.com
What We Like
Nice balance of floral and woody notes
Warms up nicely on the skin
A little bit goes a long way
Wears well
What We Don't Like
Can be a bit overpowering
Fragrance Family: Floral, woody | Highlighted Notes: Rose, blackcurrant, raspberry, patchouli, sandalwood | Size: 0.34, 1, 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Frédéric Malle is known for creating luxurious, unique, and sophisticated scents, and this one is among their most popular. Notes of rose, blackcurrant, raspberry, patchouli, and sandalwood blend together, creating an elevated fragrance that’s floral and woody with a bit of added complexity. The rose note is definitely the most identifiable, but we like that it’s balanced out by patchouli, and sandalwood to ensure it’s not too heady. Note that it is quite potent and can border on overpowering, though given that it’s pricey, we appreciate that just one spray goes a long way. It’s a timeless fragrance that we think is ideal for mature women, though it’s suitable for anyone who enjoys classic, rose-forward scents.
We were impressed by how well it performed across our tests. We had no issue with staining, oily residue, or fading, so if you’re a fan of the scent, you’ll be pleased with your purchase.
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson