From timeless classics to modern favorites, the perfect perfume is more than just a scent—it’s a personal signature. Whether you’re drawn to airy florals, spicy orientals, or warm gourmands, there’s a fragrance out there that feels tailor-made for you.
In This Guide:
How to Choose the Right Perfume
Eau de Toilette vs. Eau de Parfum: What’s the Difference?
Editor-Approved Fragrance Picks for Every Scent Profile
How to Choose a Perfume
If you’ve ever fallen for a pretty bottle or impulse-bought something too soon, you’re not alone. Finding your ideal fragrance is deeply personal—and sometimes trial and error is the only way. But knowing your scent preferences helps. Love the clean sweetness of florals? Prefer something warm, spicy, and sensual? Interested in fragrances that smell like you, only better?
There’s no wrong answer—just be open to discovering what moves you. From iconic staples like Chanel No. 5 to buzzy, TikTok-trending scents like Amyris Femme, these standout options go beyond the ordinary.
Top Perfumes to Know Now
Classic Elegance: Chanel N°5 Eau de Parfum
Why we love it: A true icon, born in 1921 and still unrivaled. With floral notes of rose and jasmine, grounded by aldehydes and sandalwood, it’s sophistication in a bottle.
Scent profile: Classic floral
Notes: Rose, jasmine, neroli, aldehydes, sandalwood
Smells like: Timeless femininity
Warm & Spicy: Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club
Why we love it: Inspired by cozy speakeasies and late-night music, this scent envelops you in smoky sweetness and mystery.
Scent profile: Spicy amber
Notes: Tobacco leaf, pink pepper, rum absolute, vanilla
Smells like: A smoky cocktail lounge
Floral Favorite: Dior J’Adore
Why we love it: A luminous floral that celebrates Dior’s rich garden heritage. Think rose, jasmine, and ylang-ylang in perfect harmony.
Scent profile: Feminine floral
Notes: Damascus rose, ylang-ylang, jasmine
Smells like: A lush rose bouquet
Skin-Enhancing Signature: Glossier You
Why we love it: A fragrance that smells different on everyone, thanks to musky ambrette and pink pepper. Designed to blend with your body chemistry.
Scent profile: Soft musk
Notes: Pink pepper, ambrox, iris, ambrette
Smells like: Your skin, elevated
Bold Rose: Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady
Why we love it: A powerful reinterpretation of the rose. Smoky, spicy, and utterly unforgettable.
Scent profile: Spiced floral
Notes: Turkish rose, patchouli, incense, sandalwood
Smells like: A rose with depth
Sweet & Flirty: Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede
Why we love it: Juicy red apple and soft suede give this floral a modern, playful twist.
Scent profile: Flirty floral
Notes: Peony, red apple, suede, jasmine
Smells like: Charm in a bottle
Sunlit Citrus: Tom Ford Soleil Brûlant
Why we love it: Bold yet balanced—luxurious honey and incense meet bright mandarin and pink pepper.
Scent profile: Citrus amber
Notes: Amber, incense, honey, pink pepper, mandarin
Smells like: Golden sunlight
Feminine Fougère: Yves Saint Laurent Libre
Why we love it: French lavender meets orange blossom in this fresh yet seductive mix.
Scent profile: Modern fougère
Notes: Lavender, orange blossom, musk
Smells like: Feminine rebellion
Spiced Vanilla: Diptyque Eau Duelle
Why we love it: Not your typical sweet vanilla—this version is smoky, spicy, and utterly addictive.
Scent profile: Spiced gourmand
Notes: Vanilla, pink pepper, cypriol, calamus
Smells like: A cozy fire with a twist
Romantic Citrus: Dolce & Gabbana Devotion
Why we love it: A citrusy vanilla that balances sweetness with a warm dry-down.
Scent profile: Citrus gourmand
Notes: Candied citrus, orange blossom, vanilla
Smells like: Sunshine in a bottle
Fresh Citrus: Acqua di Parma Bergamotto di Calabria
$220 | Nordstrom, Saks
Classic Italian citrus made luminous with artisan-extracted bergamot.
Smells like: Bright, zesty citrus.
Fruity Violet: Marc Jacobs Daisy
$95 | Sephora
A youthful blend of violet, strawberry, and jasmine with a soft musk base.
Smells like: Fresh, fruity floral.
Earthy Citrus: Costa Brazil Aroma
$198 | Bluemercury
Inspired by the Amazon, with resin, jungle florals, and zesty orange.
Smells like: Spicy, earthy freshness.
Woody Spice: Le Labo Santal 33
$220 | Nordstrom, Saks
Iris, violet, and cardamom meet leather and sandalwood.
Smells like: Smoky Western spice.
Gourmand-Floral: Kilian Forbidden Games
$265 | Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus
Peach, honey, and cinnamon shift into osmanthus and smoky opoponax.
Smells like: Fruit turned floral.
Fruity Floral: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Amyris Femme
Why we love it: TikTok may have made it viral, but the scent’s blend of iris, lemon blossom, and amyris makes it an instant classic.
Scent profile: Juicy floral
Notes: Amyris, iris, pear, sweet pea, lemon blossom
Smells like: Effortless elegance
Fruity Rose: Creed Aventus for Her
$300 | Nordstrom, Saks
Green apple and berries meet rose and sandalwood in a confident composition.
Smells like: Fresh, bold floral.
Boozy Floral: Valentino Voce Viva Intensa
$156 | Nordstrom
Orange blossom and bourbon vanilla combine for a bold, warm floral.
Smells like: Creamy, sensual floral
Best Soft Musk: Narciso Rodriguez For Her
€92
A timeless blend of osmanthus, white musk, and patchouli that melts into skin. Clean, sensual, and minimalist.
Smells like: Musky floral skin.
Final Thoughts
Perfume is as personal as your favorite playlist or your go-to coffee order. Whether you’re building a collection or searching for the one, these fragrances represent the best the world of scent has to offer right now—from classic staples to new cult favorites.
And when in doubt? Try before you buy. Your skin chemistry may just surprise you.
