Best perfumes and fragrances for women – tried and tested by experts
Perfume shopping can be a tad overwhelming, we see fragrance after fragrance hit the virtual shelves, all of which have dreamy ad campaigns (I'm looking at you, Jo Malone), cute bottles (hiii, Glossier) and most importantly, in-cred-ible scents.
So, how do you pick the best perfume?
Take notes
Grab your favourite perfumes and spend a little time googling the key notes (hint: if in doubt, check out fragrantica.com for beginner-friendly scent breakdowns). Are there any common occurrences? Got a thing for figs? Love some patchouli? (Us too). Well, these are the notes you want to look out for when hunting down your next perfume purchase.
Discovery kits are key
Tonnes of brands (including the likes of Jo Malone, Penhaligon's and Diptyque) sell sets featuring mini versions of all their best-selling scents, pick one up and you’re guaranteed to find your next favourite (or four).
Find your family
Nope, this isn’t a sneaky plug for Ancestry, I’m talking about your preferred fragrance fam. Yup, most scent ‘families’ are characterised by an overall accord they share. This could be anything from woody to floral and aromatic to sweet, find your fave and it’ll help narrow down your search. For example, if you prefer a light, fresh fragrance, it could be worth opting for a citrus or floral family... A perfect example would be Jo Malone London's best-selling English Pear & Freesia Cologne which has a fresh scent of, yep, you guessed it pears and patchouli.
If you prefer something a bit sweeter, take a cue from Rihanna and try one of her favourite scents – Kilian's Love Don't Be Shy Eau de Parfum. Loaded up with sweet floral top notes of orange blossom and neroli, combined with and a base of creamy musk, vanilla and caramel. Yum, right?
Or, if you want to make more of a statement with your scent, a heady oriental oud or a rich spice-loaded scent could be the way to go. Tom Ford's cult Black Orchid for women has hints of bitter chocolate, spices and vetiver.
Decide how intense you want it
Listen, perfumes can be confusing, but as soon as you’ve got the facts, you’ll be able to easily navigate them online. In general, fragrances fall into one of two categories: eau de parfum (EDP) or eau de toilette (EDT). EDPs, aka parfums, are made with a higher concentration of perfume oils, and EDTs, aka toilettes, are made with less.
So if you like your perfume to smell as strong on hour 12 as it does at second one, you can opt for an EDP. But if you prefer your fragrance to smell light and subtle and you’re okay with it wearing off after a few hours, go for an EDT.
How to apply your perfume
The best way to apply your perfume is on your skin, which allows the scent to work with your natural body chemistry and create a unique fragrance. Perfumes were created to slowly develop on your skin and bring out different notes at different times, and spraying on your clothes alone won't produce this same effect. (However, if you like longevity, always do both.)
Experts recommend spritzing onto your pulse points (wrists, chest, and neck, or even inside your elbow), but never rub them together. This can break up the notes and change the scent. Instead, just tap your wrists together to distribute the juice. If you want your perfume to last a bit longer, make sure you're spraying onto clean, moisturized skin, which gives the scent something to cling to.
Love Don't Be Shy Eau de Parfum 50ml
According to many a media report, Rihanna's scent of choice is Kilian Love, Don't Be Shy. It's loaded up with sweet floral top notes of orange blossom and neroli, combined with and a base of creamy musk, vanilla and caramel. Yum, right?
Sizes: 50ml, 100ml
Notes: Neroli, bergamot, pink pepper, coriander, orange blossom, honeysuckle, jasmine, iris, rose, marshmallow, sugar, vanilla, caramel, musk, civet, labdanum
Scent family: Oriental
Glowing customer review: "I was eyeing this perfume for so long but couldn't convince myself to get the full bottle. Travel size to the rescue - i use it ALL the time and you really only need 1.5 sprays its so powerful so the small bottle will last you ages. Scent wise, it's not for everyone - it reminds me of scented makeup from claires and I LOVE IT. It's not as gourmand as people are saying but it's sweet for sure. GREAT for dates, get loads of compliments."
English Pear & Freesia Cologne 100ml
Think about those fruity scents you wore in your youth: Sweet, citrusy and, erm, headache-inducing (I'm looking @ you, Nicki Minaj perfumes). Well, you'll be glad to know that while it has fruity notes, this Jo Malone scent is sophisticated AF. Once you spritz it on, you'll be immediately hit with the smell of fresh pears. It's the most elegant scent profile ever. Not sure if this is the Jo Malone perfume for you? Well, head to our fool-proof round-up of the very best scents from the brand, here.
Sizes: 30ml, 50ml, 100ml
Notes: Pear, melon, freesia, rose, musk, patchouli, rhubarb, amber
Scent family: Fruity
Glowing customer review: "I’m really picky with scents as I hate sweet scents but all the fresh ones I can find smell like cleaner or don’t last at all! This one is finally what I was after. It’s clean and feminine and fresh but has lasting power and gets compliments. Of course beautiful packaging etc as expected from Jo Malone."
Vanilla 28 Eau de Parfum 10ml
Hate florals? Hate musk? Hate anything other than the sweet, cozy scent of vanilla? Hi, same. As someone whose signature body lotion scent has been vanilla anything since middle school, I absolutely love this ~grown-up~ version from Kayali. The mix of woody notes paired with ultra-sweet vanilla and brown sugar is legit the perfect combo for a spicy, warm, cosy scent.
Sizes: 10ml, 50ml, 100ml
Notes: Vanilla orchid, tonka absolute, amber woods, musk, brown sugar
Scent family: This is such a good product, I wouldn’t recommend anything else! This is the best! SMELLS AMAZING
Glowing customer review: “This is a decadent spiced vanilla dessert in a bottle,” one reviewer notes. “It’s perfect for winter wear when you’re craving something cozy, like being wrapped up in a warm, vanilla scented blanket while eating creme brûlée.”
Eau de Parfum 30ml
You might think smelling like roses is more grandma than glam but Riri has done the impossible and made the antique fragrance note...sexy.
The warm scent is a cocktail of Bulgarian rose, tangerine and musk that manages to be both spicy and sweet at the same time. Basically, it oozes sexiness. I mean, Rihanna has been voted the best-smelling celeb for a reason, right?
Sizes: 30ml, 75ml
Notes: Blueberry, tangerine, Bulgarian rose, geranium, magnolia, patchouli, musk.
Scent family: Chypre floral
Glowing customer review: "A nice surprise! I received this as a sample with an order, and I really like this! I get the blueberry and juicy tangerine and musk; but the note that really pulls on my skin is the rose and geranium, and I really enjoy it! I think it's a beautiful scent and it lasts forever on my skin!"
Replica When The Rain Stops Eau de Toilette 30ml
Sharp, punchy greens and aquatic water notes are softened with hints of floral from Turkish Rose and Jasmine. The base notes of Moss, Pine Tree and Patchouli give a warm, earthy, comforting scent to the dry down.
Sizes: 30ml, 100ml
Notes: Green notes, bergamot, pink pepper, Turkish rose, jasmine, pine tree, moss, patchouli
Scent family: Aromatic aquatic
Glowing customer review: "I get compliments every time I wear this. It is such a unique scent and really smells like being out in a field when it's raining. Love it."
SANTAL 33 Eau de Parfum 50ml
The fragrance that needs no introduction, Le Labo's cult Santal 33 is so recognisable, that you'll notice as soon as someone wearing it enters a room. Musky and masculine, it's based on the memory of an old Marlboro advert, which gives it the perfect spicy punch. Cardamom, ambrox, violet and iris bring the whole thing together – it's hands down one of the best things we have ever smelt.
Sizes: 15ml, 50ml, 100ml, 500ml
Notes: Violet accord, cardamom, iris, papyrus, ambrox, cedarwood, leather, sandalwood
Scent family: Woody
Glowing customer review: "You can smell this from a football field and it's one to remember"
You
Let's all take a moment to appreciate how adorable this pink Glossier fragrance is... The ergonomic bottle has a thumb-print design that allows the fragrance to sit perfectly in your hand. Described by the brand as a 'your skin but better scent', it has subtle notes of Ambrette and Musk, that smell comforting and familiar.
Sizes: 8ml, 50ml, 100ml
Notes: Iris root, pink pepper, ambrette, ambrox, musk
Scent family: Floral, woody
Glowing customer review: "This is the kind of perfume that I want to wear to sleep it smells so good. The description is perfectly accurate, it smells a bit different on everyone's skin, but no matter what' it is warm, fresh, and slightly spicy. The balance of warm and fresh notes makes this my signature scent for all seasons. I am complimented almost daily on how good this perfume smells… I just love it. GET IT."
Xtra Milk Eau De Parfum
If you're not yet familiar with DedCool, allow yourself to get acquainted. This brand originated in the US and recently has made its way over onto UK territory, taking up residence in Space NK's brick-and-mortar and online stores. And to say we're excited would be a complete understatement! Arguably, Xtra Milk is the brand's most viral fragrance for its musky, genderless scent that has been crafted with a variety of certified organic extracts. It's perfect for those after a fresh waft of 'your skin but better' and is reminiscent of clean, fluffy, pillowy sheets.
Sizes: 15ml, 50ml
Notes: Bergamot, white musk, amber
Scent family: Fresh
Glowing customer review: "This brand took me by surprise! I bought it because of the hype on tik tok and didn’t expect much. I was completely blown away by the scent. It’s warm, musky, fresh and inoffensive. It smells like a hug from a dear friend or as if you are wrapped in a cashmere sweater. Super long lasting too and gets more intense when sweating. I did not fine it to be oily at all. Just amazing"
Empressa
Founded in the 1800s, Penhaligon's has a wild roster of experience in the perfume world, even boasting clientele as big as Queen Victoria. And this perfume is certainly fit for royalty with an initial whiff of citrus scents (peach, bergamot, mandarin) that blend together and dry down to reveal a long-lasting musky vanilla. Overall, this is an amber floral fragrance that is guaranteed to receive you many a compliment – and who doesn't want to be told they smell nice?
Sizes: 10ml, 30ml, 100ml
Notes: Blood orange, peach, bergamot, rose, neroli, geranium, patchouli, musk, vanilla, sandalwood
Scent family: Oriental floral
Glowing customer review: This summoned feelings of being in my favourite city. The scent only elevates opulent vibes. Such a pretty scent but leaves an air of class and confidence. Absolutely love it. Lasted all day, little went far. Couple of compliments which always perk up your day.
J'adore L'Or Essence de Parfum
When I want to cosplay as someone who has their life together, I douse myself in this extremely chic Dior perfume. It's loaded with florals, but it still has a creamy quality that takes away any of the heady powdery-ness (the perfumer, Francis Kurkdjian, told me it's from the orange blossom, which gives it a vanilla/almond scent). I have two bottles—one at my desk and one at home – and both have dents, since I wear it so much.
Sizes: 30ml, 50ml, 80ml
Notes: Jasmine, orange blossom, lily of the valley, violet, rose
Scent family: Oriental floral
Glowing customer review: "I fell absolutely in love with this perfume. it has such an amazing smell very floral and a mature scent. it looks so luxurious and pretty pricey."
La Vie est Belle Eau de Parfum 30ml
Yep, you read that right – Miss Roberts is the face of this sparkling iris fragrance. And not only is it celeb-approved but the layered notes of sensual vanilla make it my personal fave, too.
Sizes: 30ml, 50ml, 75ml
Notes: Black currant, pear, iris, jasmine, orange blossom, praline, vanilla, patchouli, tonka bean
Scent family: Floral, fruity
Glowing customer review: "I got this originally as a sample in the beauty box a while back and absolutely loved it so I decided to treat myself with the 30ml spray and oh my gosh it's amazing. Smells beautiful and lasts all day."
Black Opium Eau de Parfum 30ml
YSL's Black Opium has become one of the world's most-loved perfumes, and it's easy to see why. The creamy notes of coffee and vanilla give a non-sickly sweetness that develops into a dry white floral scent, after which you get the base notes of musk and patchouli. It's unique and oh-so more-ish, this one will 100% become the most-reached-for in your perfume collection.
Sizes: 30ml, 50ml, 90ml, 150ml
Notes: Pear, pink pepper, orange blossom, coffee, jasmine, bitter almond, liquorice, vanilla, patchouli, cashmere wood, cedar
Scent family: Oriental vanilla
Glowing customer review: "since i 1st got this purfume i absolutely loved the smell but this time my daughter robbed some of mine and so i got her a bottle for birthday she loves it now."
Ariana Grande MOD Vanilla Eau de Parfum 100ml
We know that celebrity perfumes can be a bit hit-and-miss but if you like your scents on the sweeter side, you’ll love this, even if you’re not an Arianator. The top notes are pink freesia, juicy plum and creamy musks but it has a refreshing warmth with base notes of orris butter, white praline and jasmine petals.
Sizes: 30ml, 100ml
Notes: Musk, plum, pink freesia, praline, orris root, vanilla, cacao butter
Scent family: Oriental vanilla
Glowing customer review: "Smells gorgeous , sweet and musky I think this will be one of my new favourites. Definitely worth the money"
Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette Spray 90ml
Dare I say, this perfume is the lightest, freshest, most pleasant scent in my collection. Truly, no one smells this and finds it too heavy or intense; it even has an ice note, which just makes this perfume smell like it's been chilled to me. But the magic is in the mix of lotus, musk, and yuzu that completely turn a traditional fruity floral into an aquatic, watery fresh scent.
FYI: The peony note gives this perfume a soapy quality, which some people don't love, but (!) because the rest of the scent is so well-rounded with warm amber and tart pomegranate, it smells way more bougie and chic than a bar soap, IMO. Instead, this just gives it a clean, inviting profile.
Sizes: 30ml, 50ml, 90ml
Notes: Ice, pomegranate, peony, lotus, musk, amber
Scent family: Floral fruity
Glowing customer review: "This one will always be my all time signature scent. This one tops most perfumes out there and is underrated. Smells super unique and the scent will stay on for the day."
Vanilla Sex eau de parfum 50ml
If Tom Ford is doing vanilla sex, there's no way it's boring. This creamy fragrance is unmistakably vanilla but also has a touch of sandalwood in the base for a smooth, warm scent. It's one of my favourite vanilla perfumes, especially for layering. Three different variations of vanilla notes, plus bitter almond and sandalwood, make for a ~flirty~ but toned-down scent that gets sweeter the longer it sits on my skin.
Size: 50ml, 250ml
Notes: Bitter almond, vanilla, floral notes, vanilla absolute, sandalwood
Scent family: Oriental vanilla
Glowing customer review: “Sensual and sexy scent I love the sensual vanilla scent of the perfume. I receive so many compliments when I wear it. The scent makes me feel calm and sexy."
Baccarat Rouge 540 edp spray
Sorry to be a bearer of bad news but everything you've heard about this perfume is true. Yes, the price is eye-watering but you genuinely don't need more than two sprays and this sweet scent really lasts. For example, a dress I wore to dinner for a few hours and hung back in my wardrobe still smells of Baccarat Rouge 540.If you've been on the fence it's time to hop off.
Sizes: 35ml, 70ml, 200ml
Notes: Saffron, jasmine, amberwood, ambergris, hedione, fir resin, cedar, sugar, ambroxan, oakmoss
Scent family: Oriental floral
Glowing customer review: "The missus loves it. And I must say I love it too! Smells amazing"
Night Veils Rouge Chaotique
I've done the extremely gruelling work of testing and reviewing every single Byredo perfume—and Rouge Chaotique quickly rose to my favourites. It's a dreamy night-out scent, with patchouli for a spicy kick, as well as rich plum and sweet praline. it's an extrait, meaning it uses a whole lotta perfume oil to give it major staying power and sillage. I spray this on before going out, and I still smell it the next morning (wild, considering I've probably been in a sweaty bar, followed by an even sweatier subway ride).
Sizes: 50ml
Notes: Praline, oakwood, plum
Scent family: Woody spicy
Glowing customer review: "This is a one-of-a-kind fragrance and it has so many layers to it. I typically don’t like sweet fragrances but this one is sophisticated. Worth the price tag."
Missing Person Eau De Parfum
If you missed the TikTok hype (don't worry, so did I), this is the latest skin scent on the block and it's a comfort blanket you can take with you everywhere. As with most skin-like scents, everyone has a different opinion on this, but to me, the feeling I get is that familiarity with warm clothes. Like when you snuggle into your favourite pyjamas at the end of the day.
Sizes: 9.5ml, 50ml
Notes: Musk, bergamot, jasmine, neroli, cyclamen, orange blossom, white musk, Australian sandalwood, white wood
Scent family: Floral woody musk
Glowing customer review: "I bought the 9ml to test out how this perfume wears on my skin and clothing. Of course perfumes are about personal preference, but I do feel that this perfume is universally attractive for both men and women. I will definitely purchase the 50ml next but I’m also intrigued to try Byredo Gypsy Water as I’ve seen in the reviews that it is supposedly a better quality version of this one."
Goddess for Women Eau de Parfum 30ml
If the idea of smelling like a literal cupcake sounds good to you, try Goddess. But it's not just any cupcake – this is a spensy, French-bakery cupcake worthy of a line out the door. This vanilla perfume is loaded with a variety of vanilla notes (like plain ole' vanilla, vanilla caviar, and vanilla absolute), but it leans toward sophisticated, chic territory with a mix of lavender, cacao, and ginger. Together, it creates a grown-up gourmand that smells truly decadent and delicious.
Sizes: 30ml, 50ml, 100ml
Notes: Vanilla, lavender, cacao, ginger, vanilla caviar
Scent family: Aromatic
Glowing customer review: "Delicious, adult vanilla. I usually go for clean scents but this one doesn’t give me a headache. This one feels flirty without being too sweet, perfect for date night."
Sh**ty Day Eau De Parfum (50ml)
When I heard Zayn Malik was a big fan of Noyz, I immediately tested every single of their scents. Ever since, I've worn Sh**ty Day at least once a week (high praise for a girl with 150+ perfumes to choose from). It's unlike any perfume in my collection. With a mix of freshness from cucumber, eucalyptus, coconut water, and fig, plus hella salt and warmth from cedarwood and amber. It's light and airy, but still has some zest.
Size: 50ml
Notes: Eucalyptus, coconut water, fig, salt, cucumber, amber, cedarwood
Scent family: Oriental
Glowing customer review: “This aromatic amber vanilla scent is GOOD! Given the notes I didn't think I would enjoy this scent as much as I do! My husband and myself can't get enough of this one.”
Delina eau de parfum 75ml
Walk in a room wearing Delina and someone is def going to smell ya, because the sillage (or the scent trail the perfume leaves behind) is strong AF. When I have a big event for work and want to make a good impression, I always spritz a lil bit of Delina on my wrists and behind my ears. The powdery, musky, scent—spiked with rose—makes me feel powerful and strong.
Sizes: 30ml, 75ml
Notes: Peony, rhubarb, lychee, Turkish rose, musk, cashmeran, vetiver
Scent family: Oriental
Glowing customer review: "I’m a flight attendant, and I get complimented on this perfume at least 3-4 times a day. It’s soft and clean. One of the nicest perfumes you can own."
L'Eau de Parfum Lumineuse Eau de Parfum 100ml
This is the ultimate It Girl scent; it's sweet and light but actually stays on your skin all day long. If you’re looking for a floral perfume that leans more pretty and fresh than nose-crinkling garden vibes, this is for you. Plus, the bottle will elevate any bathroom counter in a matter of seconds.
Sizes: 30ml, 50ml, 100ml
Notes: Jasmine, rose, vanilla, amber, balsamic notes
Scent family: Oriental floral
Glowing customer review: "Perfect everyday perfume. It’s clean and flowery but not overbearing. One spritz can really last all day and I got so many compliments while wearing."
Coco Mademoiselle
Controversially, I don't think this smells grandma-esque at all –rather, it is grown, put together and expensive-smelling. And that's all thanks to the main oriental floral blends of orange, bergamot, mimosa, jasmine, Turkish rose, tonka bean, patchouli and vanilla. And yes, while it is an amber floral, the citrus notes do transform what would be a traditionally sweet perfume into a deeper, more aromatic spritz.
Sizes: 35ml, 50ml, 100ml, 200ml
Notes: Orange, mandarin orange, bergamot, orange blossom, Turkish rose, jasmine, patchouli, white musk
Scent family: Oriental floral
Glowing customer review: "Love Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. This is one of my favourite fragrances. Not too heavy and fragrance lasts a long time. Always receive compliments when wearing this. Definitely a winner for me. Will always be in my top 3 of quality perfumes. The Perfume Shop was the best price I could find and was delivered promptly. Will definitely use again."
Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum 50ml
Gucci's latest fragrance wins bonus points for the chicest packaging out there. The printed box teamed with the floral-patterned pink bottle will instantly make your dressing table look cool. The scent itself is a dreamy white floral bouquet - which is hardly surprising given the name.
Sizes: 30ml, 50ml, 100ml
Notes: Pear blossom, red berries, Italian mandarin, gardenia, jasmine, frangipani, brown sugar, patchouli
Scent family: Floral
Glowing customer review: "This scent is floral and exudes a refreshing summer vibe. The packaging is beautifully designed and adds to its charm. It’s versatile and long lasting, making it my go to fragrance for beach outings. The floral notes are perfectly blended, creating a delightful and captivating aroma."
Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum 30ml
If you're after a scent that'll turn heads and get you countless compliments, this is it. With fresh sweet notes of rose, jasmine and orchid, combined with base notes of musk and bergamot, this is a serious crowd-pleaser. Disclaimer: Be prepared for every person in your office to copy your signature scent, it's that good.
Sizes: 30ml, 50ml, 100ml
Notes: Tea, bergamot, osmanthus, orchid, jasmine, rose, freesia, African orange flower, patchouli, musk, vanilla
Scent family: Oriental floral
Glowing customer review: "I didn't try this in the store yet but when I purchased it and smelled it at the first time, it is something else I have never smelled before. It smells strong when you sniff in the bottle but when you spray it in your skin, it like melts and smells so fresh and floral and vanilla and a little bit of citrus! I only got the 20ml for now! :)"
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