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20 All-Time Best Perfumes for Women That Make a Statement
These are the best-smelling fragrances, whether she's into floral, spicy, fresh or fruity scents.
A signature scent should be timeless, perfect for any situation and at any age. Whether you're into woodsy, crisp or sultry notes, the best perfumes for women feature irresistible aromas that linger on skin all day but never become cloying. But with so many fragrances on the market, finding your holy grail perfume can be a challenge. While you can always opt for one that stirs up a nostalgic memory (just think of Mom's oh-so-familiar scent), you may be looking for a signature scent all your own. One place to start: Classic perfumes that have stood the test of time.
Whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for a gift she'll love, we've rounded up the all-time best women's perfumes for every occasion, scent preference and season, including affordable perfumes that won't break the bank. Find your new scent soulmate ahead!
With a profile that we can only call wearable yet irresistible, this GH Beauty Award Winner charmed our Lab experts thanks to its warm scents of amber, musk and cedarwood. The fragrance smells cozy and soft but offers a subtle sweet aroma that melds seamlessly onto skin's natural scent.
If you grew up admiring your mom's bottle of Chanel No. 5 perfume on her vanity, this equally enviable bottle — with more modern and energizing notes of orange, jasmine, rose and patchouli — is an elevated alternative to the classic.
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Best Luxury Perfume for Women
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum
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Best Luxury Perfume for Women
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum
This Maison Francis Kurkdjian creation quickly rose to fragrance fame thanks to its irresistible, head-turning aroma. It's the most unique mix of jasmine, cedar and amber that’s warm, sensual and strong yet somehow soft — totally addictive and the kind of signature scent people stop and ask about.
Much like your daily cup of joe, this Yves Saint Laurent coffee-scented concoction is addictive and adds a bit of warmth to the palette. Blending swirls of rich coffee and vanilla with white flowers, it's a seductive scent that will wake you up (just in time for date night).
Picture this: You're lounging in a French garden surrounded by freshly blooming peonies and roses. A few spritzes of this Dior floral fragrance will transport you there.
Smoky, spice and everything nice — Le Labo's most popular scent carries an unmistakably woody scent that combines musky cedarwood, leather and sandalwood base notes, balanced by subtle flowery accents. One beauty editor attests to its familiar rich scent that stays on forever.
Like a freshly ironed white button-down shirt, this Elizabeth Arden scent is always classy and never goes out of style. The subtle blend of white tea, sage, white iris and musk is softly inviting but not overpowering.
You will feel like a world traveler with this luxurious Guerlain perfume: Notes of lavender from Provence, jasmine from India, sandalwood from Australia and vanillafrom Papua New Guinea define this warm, rich fragrance.
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Best Beachy Perfume for Women
Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk Eau de Toilette
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Best Beachy Perfume for Women
Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk Eau de Toilette
Conjure up the smell of the salty air and the feel of the warm summer sun with a spritz of this Maison Margiela Replica scent. Itswirls notes of lemon, coconut milk and amber to mimic the scents of a seaside afternoon.
Since 2007, Marc Jacobs's youthful mix of wild strawberries, jasmine and vanilla has charmed with its approachable, fresh fragrance and playful flower cap.
This Trish McEvoy fragranceelevates fruity notes like blackberry and plum by balancing them with richer hints of woods, vanilla and musk. We're fans of its subtle, irresistible sweetness balanced with warmth.
On top of its attractive price tag, this Estée Lauder classic wows with its lightly floral fragrance. Designed to capture the "freshness of flowers after a spring rain," this scent features top notes of white lily, violet and green leaves.
Like Narciso Rodriguez's popular little black dresses, his iconic fragrance is synonymous with chic simplicity. The spritz is centered around notes of musk, amber, wood and vanilla.
If the first day of spring is your happy place, consider this light and subtle bouquet of tuberose and jasmine from Gucci your perfect perfume pick-me-up.
Envelop yourself in the crisp scents of autumn with this classic Ralph Lauren fragrance. Notes of white violet leaves, marigold and oak moss conjure up memories of a cozy fall hike beneath changing leaves.
Like a bottled-up bouquet, Flowerbomb's fresh-smelling fragrance bursts with warm and spicy floral scents of jasmine, freesia and rose — though it's balanced by base notes of patchouli, musk and vanilla. Inspired by garden parties, the Viktor & Rolf perfume is housed in a cheeky grenade-shaped bottle and earns its cult-favorite status for its versatility in both daytime and nighttime.
Dreaming of sipping your favorite drink on the beach? Spritz on Dolce & Gabbana's summery cocktail of Sicilian lemon and tropical jasmine to satisfy your sunny day craving.
Not every woman wants to smell like a bouquet of flowers. For an earthier scent, this Jo Malone cologne includes just two simple notes: sea salt and sage. Don't be surprised if your partner winds up stealing a spritz or two.
Whether your nose is sensitive to strong smells or you're looking for something subtle to wear every day, this Philosophy fragrance won't envelop you in an overwhelming cloud of heavy scents. Crisp citrus notes of orange and grapefruit are combined with soft white florals for a delicate finish.
April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day, where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.