A signature scent should be timeless and wearable, in any situation and at any age. But of course, with so many fragrances on the market, finding the perfect perfume for you can be a challenge. Beauty counters and online storefronts are stocked with the latest and greatest from endless perfume brands, but how do you know which will be your new go-to?
One place to start: Classic perfumes that have been around for generations and stood the test of time. The iconic fragrances on the list of the best-smelling perfumes of all time have a cult following for a reason — their irresistible aromas never get old. Here, our beauty experts round up the best women’s perfumes for every occasion, scent preference, and season, including the most popular best-selling picks in the world and top luxury perfumes for her. Find your new scent soulmate (or perfect gift), ahead!
1: Jo Malone London Orange Blossom Cologne
Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom was the signature scent of Kate Middleton and Prince William’s wedding at Westminster Abbey, so you know it’s a good one. Clementine flower, white lilac, and vetiver come together to create a fresh floral perfume that’s truly one of a kind.
2: Tiffany & Co. Tiffany & Love Eau de Parfum For Her
There’s nothing “stuffy” or “perfume” about this woody floral fragrance from Tiffany & Co. The top notes of basil, blackcurrant, and grapefruit layered over jasmine, neroli, and cedarwood create a perfume that’s equal parts earthy and refreshing. And the chic blue bottle? Totally obsessed.
3: Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum
Whether you take your coffee black or with a little shot of something, you’ll love this spicy perfume from YSL. Developed around notes of coffee, absinthe, and orange blossom, this long-lasting fragrance is the perfect kind of indulgent and seductive for your Saturday night out.
4: Christian Dior Eden-Roc
I absolutely love everything about this perfume. It’s inspired by Eden-Roc, an ultra-luxe resort in the South of France, and smells like a literal dream. The best way to sum up the vibe? Sunny day on a superyacht drinking Sancerre in between dips in the Mediterranean. You know—everyone’s normal summer, right?
5: Floral Street Wonderland Peony Eau De Parfum
Selfishly, peonies are my all-time favorite flower, so naturally, I have no issue smelling like one. Still, even if florals aren’t your thing, don’t be intimidated—this isn’t your typical stuffy, overpowering, floral perfume. It’s incredibly light and pretty, so you’ll only smell like a whisper of peony rather than a scream.
6: Giorgio Armani My Way Eau de Parfum
Describing a perfume as “unpredictable” might sound like a slight, but when it comes to this fragrance, I promise it’s not. Inside this gorgeous, pink and blue bottle is a flowery combo of tuberose, jasmine, and orange blossom, all of which work together to exude crispness without smelling powdery.
7: Aerin Hibiscus Palm
If you prefer to catch flights, not feelings, this exotic, tropical perfume with notes of lotus and hibiscus palm will have you at first spray. Now, just imagine yourself sipping cocktails while watching the sunset instead of sipping bad coffee while sitting on your laptop.
8: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle
Warm and sexy meets fresh and floral in this best-selling perfume from Chanel. The notes of spicy patchouli, zesty orange, and rose smell delightfully fresh and modern, without being too ~girly~.
9: Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gioia
Fresh, airy, and watery—a few spritzes of this iconic perfume from Giorgio Armani is honestly the closest thing to a dip in the Mediterranean. I love wearing it as a summer fragrance, but TBH, it’s a winner year-round.
10: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb
If you were a teen in the early aughts like I was, then Flowerbomb probably already holds a special place in your heart. It was my first perfume purchase back in, 2006, and I still own it today. The sugary gourmand juice has notes of vanilla, patchouli, and jasmine that are sweet, delicious, and totally timeless.
11: Dolce & Gabbana Shine
If you’re already itching for summer (um, hi, same), try spritzing on this fruity floral perfume from Dolce & Gabbana. The juicy blend of mango and jasmine will have you yearning for warm, sunny days at the beach or in the park.
12: Tom Ford Oud Wood
This perfume has a cult-like following for good reason. The smoky and woodsy blend of oud, sandalwood, and vetiver smell straight-up sexy and mysterious. It’s the perfect perfume for date night or going out. Well done, Tom Ford.
13: Ariana Grande Cloud
You won’t want to say “thank u, next” to this sweet perfume from Ariana Grande. Inspired by the knuckle tattoo she shares with now-ex Pete Davidson, the scent has a mix of lavender, pear, creamy coconut, and vanilla orchid that make it definitively sweet, yet not at all cloying. Consider this the cloud nine of celebrity scents.
14: Maison Margiela Replica Under The Lemon Trees
This unisex perfume (although, to be fair, literally anything can be unisex if you want it to be) is the closest you can get to a walkthrough in Palermo, Italy when the lemon trees are in bloom. But you know, way, way cheaper than the plane ticket. Inspired by a former memory of perfumer Violaine Collas, the bright, sparkling citrus scent has notes of coriander, tea leaves, and white musk.
15: Gucci Guilty Pour Femme
The iconic Italian house returns to its roots with a modern take on their original Pour Femme perfume, except this time, it’s a bit more intense and bold. Keynotes like mandora—a Mediterranean fruit—are rounded out with touches of bergamot and pink pepper for a fun, floral spice. A deep base of patchouli oil allows this sexy scent to stay put all day (or night) without fading into a distant memory.
