Women’s perfume is the ultimate finishing touch for any outfit, mood, and occasion. Some of us feel naked without it, while others adore a spritz (or three) on a special occasion.
Thanks to the masterful work of perfumers across the world, we’re not short of glorious scents to choose from; from playful florals to sensual musks to deep and spicy fragrances, somewhere out there is the best women’s perfume that speaks your language.
Follow our lead: Here are the best smelling perfumes for women that will teleport you to another land, era, or simply to your Happy Place. Find your new signature fragrance (or the perfect gift for her) below.
The best-smelling women’s fragrances of all time
Gucci Bloom: The fresh and floral
There’s a reason many of the top perfumes for women ooze floral notes. Delighting our senses, the natural beauty of flowers has been a muse for artists, designers, and of course, perfumers, since time immemorial. But who does it best? Gucci Bloom wins the medal of the best floral perfume.
Far from your average, nondescript “floral” perfume, Gucci Bloom boasts meticulously extracted ingredients like Indian-grown tuberose and exquisite jasmine bud extract, truly bringing out the finest qualities and scents. Delicate, sophisticated, and beautifully feminine, this women’s perfume is a must-have for your scent repertoire.
Smells like: Acres of endless blossoms of the Gardens of Versailles.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 3.3 fl.oz. / 100 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Floral |
| Key notes: | Jasmine; Tuberose; Rangoon Creeper |
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle: The youthful classic
Iconic, just like its creator, the eponymous Coco Chanel, Coco Mademoiselle brings us all a step closer to the fashion icon within. As timeless as ballet flats and pearl necklaces, Coco Mademoiselle is the mischievous little sister of N°5; and once you’ve tried it, it’s always playtime.
Designed to capture the spirit of a young Coco, this energizing fragrance exudes sweet mandarin, Turkish rose, Haitian vetiver, and white musk; embodying the unstoppable curiosity and cosmopolitanism of 1920s Paris—all in one gorgeous bottle. Luxurious and opulent, Coco Mademoiselle opens up a world of glamor witnessed first-hand by Chanel herself.
Smells like: A Champs-Élysées boutique.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 3.4 fl.oz. / 100 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Amber Floral |
| Key notes: | Orange; Turkish Rose; Patchouli and White Musk |
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb: A flirty explosion of sensuality
Shaped like a diamond grenade, Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb is a glittering explosion of fresh and sweet sensations and an endlessly sought-after scent. Designed by the talented trio, Olivier Poleg, Carlos Benaim, and Domitille Berthier, this best-smelling perfume for women is like wandering through your own secret flower garden—but after dark.
Discover fresh freesia, heady rose, osmanthus, and Sambac jasmine set on a sweet-and-spicy stage of patchouli and vanilla. Yes, Flowerbomb is luxuriously feminine and playful while winking to something a little more Dionysiac—daring and decisive, and oh-so-addictive.
Smells like: A petal-covered path under a rising moon.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 3.4 fl.oz. / 100 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Amber Floral |
| Key notes: | Freesia accord; Praline accord; Patchouli |
Tom Ford Black Orchid Gold: The gold standard of luxury perfumes
Stroll back into the world of old Hollywood drama with velvet curtains and a dash of red matte lipstick with the potent Black Orchid Gold. Aphrodisiac Black Truffle, Ylang Ylang, and its namesake Black Orchid confidently take center stage in this sensual and glamorous fragrance from Tom Ford, with an all-gold Art Deco-inspired bottle that demands attention.
Black Orchid’s dark and oriental notes are the forbidden fruit of the fragrance world: Black Plum, Patchouli, and Rum smell good enough to eat. Hypnotic and seductive, this intensified version of the classic unisex fragrance lasts forever on the skin.
Smells like: Ylang Ylang flowers dipped in golden rum.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 3.4 fl.oz. / 100ml |
| Fragrance family: | Amber Floral |
| Key notes: | Truffle and Plum; Rum, Ylang-Ylang and Black Orchid; Patchouli |
Lancôme La Vie Est Belle: A gourmand bouquet
French for ‘life is beautiful’, La Vie Est Belle is exuberant, spirited, and vivacious in the same breath—a deliciously energizing fragrance that is perfect for day-to-day wear.
Discover an autumnal dessert of fruity blackcurrant and zingy pear layered on top of floral jasmine and orange blossom, set on an intriguing base of tonka bean, vanilla, and praline, with just a whisper of patchouli.
Smells like: A rich fruit crumble with vanilla custard.
| Intensity: | Eau De Parfum |
| Size: | 1.0 fl.oz. / 30 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Floral Fruity Gourmand |
| Key notes | Blackcurrant and Pear; Iris; Vanilla and Patchouli |
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium: The Affogato of the fragrance world
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium’s energizing coffee mixed with sweet vanilla, orange blossom, and jasmine will wake you up faster than any espresso ever could. Addictive? We’d say so.
A firm favorite, it’s sexy, feminine, and bold, with a wide-eyed and awake sprinkle of notes gently complemented by a sugary softness. Its sweetness makes this women’s perfume almost edible, with depth, warmth, and longevity adding to its winning combination. Black Opium is well-blended and intoxicating, with floral undertones that stay on the skin hours after the last spritz. It’s a perfect night perfume.
Smells like: Espresso Martini with a dash of sugar.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 1.6 fl.oz. / 50 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Amber Floral Gourmand |
| Key notes: | Orange blossom; Black coffee accord; Cedarwood and Patchouli |
Marc Jacobs Daisy: The fun and fruity
Marc Jacobs’ Daisy grabs your hand and swings you towards the maypole, flower crowns and flowy dresses abound. A lazy afternoon in a summer meadow, Daisy is wilderness and mischief at once.
Discover the fresh aroma of wild raspberries, dance under a shower of violet and jasmine petals, and let the zingy grapefruit tease your olfactories. It’s never a dull day with Marc Jacobs, and Daisy is the breath of fresh air we’ve all been seeking. Without a doubt, one of the best perfumes for women in their 20s (and young at heart), Daisy is the fountain of youth.
Smells like: Tripping head-over-heels in a wildflower meadow.
| Intensity: | Eau de Toilette |
| Size: | 4.2 fl.oz. / 125 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Floral Fruity |
| Key notes: | Green Notes and Raspberry; Violet, Rose, and Jasmine; Musk and Plum |
Chanel N°5: The world-famous all-time icon
“A woman’s perfume, with the scent of a woman” is what Chanel herself called this iconic perfume that lingers with an ever-changing subtlety. There are few perfumes quite as classic as Chanel N°5: a long-standing favorite that promises a mysterious yet familiar scent that exudes the very essence of femininity.
This legendary perfume is a cult icon and offers a refined, elegant bouquet that’s softly inviting with underlying and steely power. Amble among the blooming meadows of jasmine, while the honeyed reticence of vanilla enlivens your senses. Wander the rolling hills, and inhale the majesty of the Pyrenees with the grounding base of vetiver and sandalwood.
Smells like: Self-assured, opulent, mature, and revered.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 3.4 fl.oz. / 100 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Floral |
| Key notes: | Aldehydes and Neroli; Jasmine and Lily-of-the-Valley; Sandalwood |
Dior J’adore: The timeless feminine floral
Dior J’adore has graced the vanity tables of women around the world since its inception in 1999—and not only by virtue of its elegant bottle. And believe us, it’s as miraculously eternal as Charlize Theron in that perennial campaign, perfectly reflecting the timelessness of this nostalgia perfume.
Deftly shhh-ing any whimsical notes, Dior J’adore is a fragrance of wisdom, flair, and confidence. You’ll find sweet florals and zesty mandarin at the crescendo, with rich orchids, plums, and deep rose emerging from under a current of musk and blackberry, creating harmony and balance.
Smells like: A liqueur fruitcake topped with orange zest and dried petals.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 3.4 fl.oz. / 100 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Floral |
| Key notes: | Ylang Ylang; Damascus Rose; Jasmine |
Miss Dior Eau de Parfum: The ultimate spring scent
After the depths of winter, signs of spring give everybody a reason to smile. And what symbolizes spring more than fresh blooms? Taking the essence of spring and running with it, Miss Dior is a spray of just-bloomed fresh peonies, roses, and Lily-of-the-Valley, all at once.
A gorgeous day-to-day women’s perfume, this youthful fragrance offers a cherub-like exuberance. It’s elegant, fresh, and sings of blooming florals and fragrant petals; just the scent for those newly-possible alfresco brunches and walks in the park.
Smells like: Early blossoms and bare feet tiptoeing on dew-soaked grass.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 1.6 fl.oz. / 50 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Floral |
| Key notes: | Peony, Lily-of-the-Valley; Rose; Vanilla, Musk, Tonka Bean |
Byredo Bal d’Afrique: An earthy perfume
Feel the dry and spicy heat of the African savanna on your skin with a quick spritz of Bal d’Afrique, one of our favorite Byredo perfume.
Inspired by 1920’s Paris and the cultures, art, music, and dance from Africa, Byredo Bal d’Afrique is an unusual combination that’s warm and romantic. With an intoxicating range of notes including neroli, African marigold, and Moroccan cedarwood, it’s one-of-a-kind and vibrant, leaving a trail in its path with a sweet woodiness and a comforting earthiness. It’s subtly feminine with an uplifting vigor. Just spritz, close your eyes, and let this dreamy scent takes you on an adventure…
Smells like: An exotic and captivating outdoor ballroom dance in the heart of Africa.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 1.7 fl.oz. / 50 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Amber Woody |
| Key notes: | African Marigold, Bergamot; Cyclamen, Violet; Moroccan Cedarwood, Vetiver |
Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady: A bold, rose perfume for women
We simply adore a fragrance inspired by a novel—and we don’t mean that inexplicably satisfying scent of a freshly opened book, either.
Portrait of a Lady, inspired by the Henry James’ classic, succeeds in embodying the determination and natural spirit of Isabel Archer, the novel’s heroine. With 400 Turkish roses, notes of musk and frankincense set on a backdrop of sandalwood and cinnamon, we’re reminded of Turkish delight and the sweet smoke of hookah within this scent. An adventurous fragrance, Portrait of a Lady will make us heroines of our own stories.
Smells like: A lush rose and the irresistible allure of adventure.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 1.6 fl.oz. / 50 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Amber Floral |
| Key notes: | Rose, Raspberry, Blackcurrant; Patchouli, Sandalwood; Amber |
Yves Saint Laurent Libre: A bold, floral perfume for women
A fragrance for the woman who knows who she is, what she wants, and exactly how to get it, Yves Saint Laurent Libre embodies the determination, poise, and inherent grace of the empowered woman.
Living true to its name, YSL Libre is freedom and femininity bottled. Expect white florals like jasmine and orange blossom dancing through lavender, a sprinkling of toasted sugar, and sharp blackcurrant to enliven the olfactories this refined aroma demands respect but doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Smells like: Lavender tea with a spoonful of honey.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 1.6 fl.oz. / 50 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Warm Floral |
| Key notes: | Lavender; Orange Blossom; Vanilla, Musk, and Ambergris |
Vera Wang Princess: A fruity floral perfume for women
Apricot, mandarin orange, water lily, dark chocolate, and tuberose make Princess by Vera Wang good enough to eat. This go-to fragrance embraces its wearer with a gentle soft fruitiness that manages to be sweet and sophisticated at the same time.
The “Princess” name might highlight the comforting and delicate hints of this fragrance, but it promises a darker and more complex scent that makes it stand out from the crowd.
Smells like: Your favorite fruity-sweet fragrance from the past, modernized and sassy.
| Intensity: | Eau de Toilette |
| Size: | 3.4 fl.oz. / 100 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Amber Floral |
| Key notes: | Water Lily, Apricot, Apple; Dark Chocolate and Guava; Vanilla and Amber |
Carolina Herrera Good Girl: Sexiest women’s perfume
Every woman needs a fabulous fragrance reserved especially for date night, even if the date’s with yourself. Enter: Carolina Herrera Good Girl, presented in a spiky stiletto and born to break hearts.
With an enduring fragrance that’ll last as long as you, Good Girl is good—when she wants to be. But, under the sweet exterior of charming tuberose, almond, and coffee, lies a powerful empress—revealed in the darker notes of tonka and rich cocoa—and she knows exactly how to play her cards.
Smells like: A luxuriantly creamy espresso martini…with brunch.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 1.7 fl.oz. / 50 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Amber Floral |
| Key notes: | Almond, Coffee; Tuberose, Jasmine; Tonka Bean |
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue: A fresh summer perfume
Summer breeze does make us feel fine, and you can wear it—thanks to Dolce and Gabbana. Light Blue is the ultimate summer scent; it’s best paired with a white sundress, no shoes or strappy sandals, and a carefree attitude.
Release your inner boho-chic with just a few spritzes of Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue. With playful, devil-may-care notes of jasmine, orange, and ambergris set on a stage of white musk and tonka, this free-spirited women’s perfume is crystalline waters and the clear blue sky of the Mediterranean.
Smells like: Fresh laundry drying in a summer orchard.
| Intensity: | Eau de Toilette |
| Size: | 1.6 fl.oz. / 50 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Fresh |
| Key notes: | Sicilian Lemon, Apple; Bamboo, White Rose; Cedar, Musk, and Amber |
Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace: The warm & spicy winter scent
Winter fragrances should be warm, spicy, and remind us of the cozy heat of a flickering fire. And, nobody does it better than Maison Margiela Replica and its aptly named By the Fireplace fragrance.
Capturing the comforting aroma of chestnuts roasting on an open fire (literally), this winter-wonderland scent transports the wearer to a cozy chalet in snow-capped Chamonix. A few spritzes of By the Fireplace, a glass of mulled wine, and some excellent conversation, and you’ll truly have it all.
Smells like: The crackling wood of a roaring fire.
| Intensity: | Eau de Toilette |
| Size: | 3.4 fl.oz. / 100 ml |
| Scent family: | Woody |
| Key notes: | Cloves; Chestnut, Guaiac Wood; Vanilla Accord |
Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume: The minimalist, fresh, and clean fragrance
Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume is a provocative yet effortless fragrance disproving the laws of traditional perfume in the best way. It ticks the box on indecisive days; a scent that you can’t put your finger on but will run to with a new type of elegance.
This famous perfume is minimalist and features a single note, called Cetalox, which is usually used in perfumery as a base note. Its ease and versatility make it a great choice for both women who have hundreds of perfumes and those who only have one or two, but especially for those who value discretion over loud, bold scents.
Smells like: If whispering softly was a fragrance.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 3.3 fl.oz. / 100 ml |
| Scent family: | Floral Woody Musk |
| Key notes: | Cetalox (Synthetic Ambergris) |
Chloé Eau de Parfum: The floral daywear perfume for women
Every woman needs a signature daywear perfume—and there’s no better choice than Chloé Eau de Parfum. A classic fragrance that oozes effortless French glamour, Chloé is a quick kiss of red lipstick and a just-tamed-enough bedhead.
With kittenish top notes of peony succumbing to a flutter of rose and bright magnolia, this daywear perfume is alluring without being overwhelming. The best women’s perfume for everyday use—from office days to ladies’ lunches to an afternoon at the galleries—Chloé shines bright, illuminating the room.
Smells like: The powder room in the boudoir of your dreams.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 1.7 fl.oz. / 50 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Floral |
| Key notes: | Peony; Rose; Virginia Cedar and Amber |
Calvin Klein CK One: The fresh classic
The ghost of summer past appears every time you pack a suitcase and forget to include Calvin Klein CK One. Along with sunglasses and a bikini or swimsuit (preferably from one of these best swimwear brands), it’s a holiday essential that promises to take you back to footsteps in the sand and sea salt on tanned skin.
Clean and contemporary, its top notes of pineapple, mandarin orange, papaya, bergamot, cardamom and lemon remind you of sunny days at the beach and warm evenings wandering to dinner. CK One is a versatile scent that perfectly complements the best beaches in the world.
Smells like: Feeling the sunshine on your face while sipping cocktails.
| Intensity: | Parfum |
| Size: | 2.7 fl.oz. / 80 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Amber Floral |
| Key notes: | Lemon, Green Notes; Lily-of-the-Valley; Oakmoss, Green Tea |
Diptyque Eau Capitale: A light floral fragrance
Picture this: you’re wandering through the streets of Paris, admiring iconic Art Nouveau buildings surrounded by a cloud of soft rose and comforting patchouli. Diptyque Eau Capitale is exactly that: a genderless floral scent that’s young and slightly sweet without being too delicate. Its brightness brings out blue skies on even the cloudiest days, with a potent blend of bergamot, pink peppercorns, rose, ylang ylang, and cinnamon.
Just like the brand’s irresistible scented candles, this Diptyque perfume knows how to ‘keep the flame burning’.
Smells like: The sophisticated Frenchwoman who leaves a waft of airy rose in her path.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 2.5 fl.oz. / 75 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Chypre Floral |
| Key notes: | Bergamot, Pink Pepper; Rose; Patchouli |
Tom Ford Soleil Blanc: A solar, floral amber
Inspired by the endless pursuit of sun and luxury, a spritz of Tom Ford perfume feels like checking into the Ritz in Hawaii. The floral scent mimics that of a fragrant wreath. A refreshing ylang-ylang touch enriches the infusion with notes of jasmine, tropical fruits, and creamy custards. And elevated by cardamom accents, we can see ourselves sipping chai tea on a private balcony overlooking scintillating seas as we breathe in the spicy elixir.
Tom Ford Soleil Blanc provides hope and comfort. Wear it to the office, and you’ll be reminded of the vacations you work so hard for. Or wear it on a date and make him dream of romantic getaways. Whatever the occasion, we’re wearing our hearts on our sleeves (and chests and neck) with this one.
Smells like: Being wrapped in a white robe at a seaside spa retreat.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 1.7 fl.oz. / 50 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Floral Amber |
| Key notes: | Bergamot, Cardamom; Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine; Coco de mer, and Amber |
Le Labo Santal 33: A warm and woody perfume
Musk is synonymous with sensuality, and Le Labo Santal 33 oozes allure like nothing else (this truly intoxicating scent did reach fragrance fame, after all). With the mysterious scent of after-dark, crackling fires, and the haze of smoke, this grown-up perfume is strong, warm, and sweet—and not for the faint-hearted.
One of the most popular Le Labo fragrances, Le Labo Santal 33 is a scent to savor, lingering with notes of spicy cardamom, iris, fresh violets, atop earthy depths of cedar and sandalwood. One for date night, intimate gatherings, or sultry post-midnight cocktails, this unisex perfume is sure to leave an impression, in the very best of ways.
Smells like: A wooden bowl of fresh-cut violet petals.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 1.7 fl.oz. / 50 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Woody Aromatic |
| Key notes: | Cardamom; Iris and Violet; Sandalwood, and Cedarwood |
Byredo Mojave Ghost: The musky must-have
A phoenix rising from the Mojave Desert, this soul-stirring scent draws inspiration from the hauntingly beautiful landscape and the xeric wilderness. Reminiscent of the rare plants that dare to blossom, the genderless fragrance challenges us to defy the odds and dare to dream.
Renowned for its uncanny ability to translate memories and emotions into identifiable aromas, Byredo’s Mojave Ghost is a nod toward the luxury label’s supernatural endowment. The crisp Amber and Cedarwood undertones are reminiscent of carelessly climbing trees. Whilst the fresh Ambrette and Jamaican Newberry infuse a raw elegance into these rugged, childlike characteristics.
Smells like: Gracefully ascending Cedarwoods.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 1.7 fl.oz. / 50 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Woody |
| Key notes: | Ambrette; Magnolia, Violet; Cedarwood, Musks, Vetiver |
Glossier You: The ultimate personal fragrance
It doesn’t do Glossier You justice to say that, mostly, it just smells like you but better. The ultimate personal fragrance, it’s uniquely tough to describe because of its ability to change based on each person.
Its unusual combination of warm, creamy base notes reflects differently on each person producing a truly one-of-a-kind scent. The result: a light and natural fragrance that’s neither flowery nor overpowering. It’s subtle and fresh thanks to its top notes of earthy, green iris root and spicy, sparkling pink pepper.
Smells like: The personal scent you’ve been searching for years.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 1.7 fl.oz. / 50 ml |
| Scent family: | Floral Woody Musk |
| Key notes: | Pink pepper, iris, ambrette seeds, ambrox |
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt: A fresh, mineral and woody scent
Proudly made in England, one sniff of this unisex perfume, and you’re instantly transported to a craggy shoreline where crashing waves beat at rugged cliffs.
The sea salt is unmistakable, awakening your olfactories like a breath of invigorating ocean air. Then, this Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne scent escorts you a little further inland, where you’re met with dewy woodland and the grounding aroma of the forest floor. Indeed, this is a scent to refresh the mind and bring you closer to the wilderness, even if you’re simply at the office.
Bonus: All of the fragrances from Jo Malone can easily be layered to create truly unique signature scents.
Smells like: A palmful of dewy moss and a sprinkle of sea salt.
| Intensity: | Eau de Cologne |
| Size: | 3.4 fl.oz. / 100 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Fresh Woody |
| Key notes: | Ambrette Seeds, Sea Salt, Sage |
Giorgio Armani Sì: Most feminine perfume for women
Chic and sultry, Giorgio Armani Sì is the belle of every ball. Modern and elegant yet with the irresistible glamor of Old Hollywood, this sophisticated women’s perfume is the quintessence of feminine charm.
Like women, Sì Eau De Parfum is complex and captivating. Sweet with the blackcurrant nectar and citrusy mandarin oil, yet exuding a subtle determination from warm amber, patchouli, and musk. Finished with a hint of vanilla, this is the ultimate femme fatale fragrance.
Smells like: The drifting smoke after a Marrakech spice market.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 3.4 fl.oz. / 100 ml |
| Scent family: | Floral, Chypre Fruity |
| Key notes: | Blackcurrant nectar, Mandarin; Orange blossom; Vanilla |
Aesop Rozu: A unisex rose perfume
We adore a unisex perfume. Blurring the lines between masculinity and femininity, this inclusive fragrance by Aesop, Rozu Eau De Parfum, strikes the perfect balance.
Exuding notes of deep rose, rich and floral guaiacwood—reminding us ever so slightly of Earl Grey—and invigoratingly minty shiso leaf, this unisex perfume is a best friend to all. Pairing just as well with a sharp suit as a chic LBD, Rozu is a scent for the progressive, the daring, and the modern.
Smells like: The freshness of a morning shower.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 1.7 fl.oz. / 50 ml |
| Fragrance family: | Floral Green Woody |
| Key notes: | Rose, Shiso; Guaiacwood; Patchouli, Myrrh |
Anine Bing Pure Noir: A woody spicy perfume
Aligning softness and strength with spicy undertones, Anine Bing’s fragrance is laced with mystery. Exploring the scent of black baccara rose, it is infused with elegance and femininity. And whilst reminiscent of afternoon tea in the countryside, earthy papyrus, and leathery saffron notes address a soul-stirring strength and distinctive independence.
Inhale again, and you’ll experience moody undertones. Guaiac wood is warm and indulgent with a sweet vanilla twist. Whilst a slightly masculine mahogany scent confidently completes the union between grace and sovereignty. Pair Anine Bing’s Pure Noir with red lips and a satin slip, and your mysterious first date may just turn into a lifetime of fantasy.
Smells like: Wearing a suit to a royal afternoon tea.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 2.5 fl.oz. / 75ml |
| Fragrance family: | Woody Spicy |
| Key notes: | Papyrus, Saffron; Black Rose; Mahogany, Guaiacwood |
Anthropologie Nostalgia Beach Trip: A warm perfume
Exaggerated sun hats, cocoa butter sunscreen, and coconut ice cream dripping down a crispy cone. It’s kind of in the name, but we’ll say it anyway. This nostalgic scent takes us back to the beach. And what better place to reminisce about when the cold sets in or office hours drag on?
Beach Trip by Anthropologie captures a lifetime of spontaneous seaside outings and childlike playfulness in a bottle. The warm scent of cardamom is inspired by gently sun-kissed skin and spicy tan lines. The signature ylang-ylang aura exudes an air of indulgence and creamy decadence. Whilst refreshing coconut invites us to meditate on swaying palms and soothing elixirs.
Smells like: Ice cream dripping down your chin.
| Intensity: | Eau de Parfum |
| Size: | 1 fl.oz. / 30ml |
| Scent family: | Amber |
| key notes: | Spicy Cardamom; Ylang Ylang, Coconut |
Buyer’s guide to the best women’s perfumes
Many of us feel frazzled by the endless possibilities and subtle differences. And whilst there’s nothing wrong with smelling like everyone else, if you’d rather discover your signature scent, understanding the four fragrance families and concentration strengths will certainly make the process a lot less overwhelming.
Take notes: Find your (fragrance) family
Fragrances are typically classified into four main fragrance families: floral, fresh, woody, and oriental (amber). And made from the same notes and accords, it’s not uncommon that you find yourself partial towards perfumes with similar scent profiles. If you’re looking to spice up your perfume to something less prevalent without changing your fragrance altogether, working with these fragrance families can be incredibly helpful.
Floral fragrances
Unsurprisingly floral fragrances are the most popular for women’s perfumes. It is also the broadest fragrance family, with scents ranging from a single flower’s scent to bouquets. Popular floral notes include rose, jasmine, and peonies. And softer musky florals such as lavender and violet pair well with orientals like vanilla, petitgrain or neroli.
Fresh fragrances
The fresh family is a failsafe crowd pleaser as it lends itself to both feminine and masculine fragrances, as well as all seasons and occasions. Fresh perfumes typically combine fruity, green and water scents—all of which work well with all other fragrance families.
Woody fragrances
Woody fragrances are most common amongst unisex and men’s perfumes and are usually composed of warm, rich and decadent compositions. Reminiscent of dewy forest walks, woody fragrances marry fresh and resinous notes. And when paired with more feminine fragrances, they work well to add an air of modernism and independence to women’s perfumes.
Oriental or amber fragrances
Finally, orientals: the family that has dominated the fragrance market in the 21st century. Pure orientals are also known as Amber fragrances and are usually warm with desert undertones such as chocolate, honey, and praline. Soft orientals are sensual by nature and commonly consist of myrrh or incense paired with cinnamon and cloves. Floral orientals marry zesty citrus notes with spicy vanillas. And woody orientals fuse dry woods with rich masculine spices.
Decide how intense you want it: Types of perfumes and concentration strengths
Most of us refer to our daily spritz as “perfume” but very few are actually categorized as such.
Perfume (or Parfum) has the highest concentration of perfume oils (between 20-40%.) Naturally, it is the most expensive and lasts the longest on the skin—six to eight hours.
Second-best: Eau de Parfum (EDP) has 15-20% perfume oils and should last between four to five hours, making it popular for evening fragrances.
Going into the more affordable types, Eau de Toilette (EDT) comprises 10-15% perfume oils and normally lasts three to four hours.
Eau de Cologne only has 2-5% perfume oils and, as a result, often loses its power within two hours.
And Eau Fraiche mostly consists of water with only 1-3% perfume oils.
