If you’re in need of a Valentine’s Day gift idea that’s sure to impress, there’s nothing like treating her to a luxurious bottle of perfume. So how do you find the perfect perfume for a loved one (or yourself) among the many tempting and lovely options? Ahead, we dive into how to choose a perfume, tips for how to apply perfume (and make it last) and the 27 best-smelling perfumes out there.
How to pick a perfume
We have plenty of tips on how to choose a fragrance, but the most important element to keep in mind is what fragrance family you or the recipient are drawn to. Do they like fresh florals? Sweet gourmands? Or maybe something warm and woody?
These different types of fragrances are defined by the composition of their notes. Typically, each fragrance will have top, middle and base notes. Top notes are the first impression you get from smelling a fragrance. Middle notes are the main component of the perfume and you’ll smell them quickly after the top notes. Base notes carry the longevity of the perfume, and these are usually deeper notes that will last for hours.
It’s also important to keep in mind that fragrance will smell different when spritzed in the air or on a paper test strip versus when worn on the skin. This is because the fragrance molecules react with the pH of the wearer’s skin. It’s also why fragrance smells different on each individual (not to mention, how we perceive smell varies from person to person, too).
How to apply perfume
Just like scent itself is personal, how you apply perfume is up to your preference, too. However, if you apply your fragrance and then an hour later are wondering why your perfume didn’t last, it could be because you didn’t follow these best practices.
- Spray it on your skin, not your clothes. This will help the fragrance last longer, and it will also help reveal those middle and base notes of the perfume.
- Moisturize your skin before spritzing. The aromatic compounds in fragrance are carried in oils. These will bind with well-moisturized skin better than dry skin, so if you want your fragrance to last longer it’s a good idea to apply some unscented body lotion first.
- Spray from six inches away. This general rule of thumb gives enough precision that you can hit specific spots on your body, but it won’t be so close that the fragrance will be too concentrated.
- Target your pulse points. In order to get lasting wear that isn’t overwhelming. applying perfume to your pulse points (inside of each wrist, behind each ear and/or around the neck and décolletage) is a smart move. These warm points will help with the projection and longevity of the fragrance without covering your clothes in the scent.
- Never rub your perfume. If you spray your wrists with perfume, it’s common to then rub them together, but you should actually avoid doing this. Rubbing the fragrance is believed to degrade the scent molecules, which can ultimately alter how it smells.
With these tips in mind, let’s get into the fragrances. From floral to spicy to light and fresh, we researched the best perfumes for women so you don’t have to.With picks from Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Byredo, you’re sure to find your perfect scent below.
And if you’re in search of another type of fragrance, be sure to check out our picks for the best colognes for men and unisex fragrances too.
Our editors’ favorite perfumes
From new discoveries to scents we’ve been wearing for years, these are Underscored editors’ favorite perfumes of 2024.
With a combination of lavender, orange and musk,?Yves Saint Laurent’s Libre Eau de Parfum?is a truly intoxicating mixture. It's been home and gifts editor Amina Lake Abdelrahman's signature scent for three years; she loves that it's a bit bolder than your typical floral perfume.
Associate editor Jillian Tracy loves this warm, woody fragrance reminiscent of an old Brooklyn jazz club. And if her endorsement isn't enough, it has a 4.6-star rating and over 1,000 reviews.
With hints of rum, pink pepper and tobacco, it’s a sensual option that’s great for date night — for men or women. As one reviewer writes, “If you are a woman who loves more ‘spicy’ and ‘exotic’ scents, you need this in your life!”
This sweet and warm fragrance is associate beauty editor Sophie Shaw's personal favorite for the fall and winter. "Admittedly, I was never a big fan of gourmands until I tried this one," she says. Its mix of cacao absolute, green hazelnut, caramel and jasmine sambac absolute is beautifully balanced. It's definitely a splurge, but a little goes a long way. Plus, the bottle is gorgeous.
This classic Diptyque fragrance is senior editor Chelsea Stone's favorite scent ever. Its notes embody the elements of a fig tree: the lush greenery, woody branches and ripe fruit. Like summertime in the Greek isles.
"I love to switch up my fragrances, but if I had to choose just one, it would be this polished and clean floral scent from Chloé," says Shaw. The French brand's signature fragrance presents a bouquet of peony, lychee, rose, springtime freesia and a touch of honey. It's a versatile scent that feels appropriate for the office, date night, special occasions or anywhere else.
Best luxury perfumes
What makes a great luxury perfume? To us, it’s a fragrance that has expertly balanced notes, lasts a long time and is something you’ll love wearing every day. Of course, it doesn’t hurt if the bottle is beautiful too.
We’ve selected outstanding perfumes that are cult classics, popular with reviewers and internet favorites.
As its name suggests, you’re going to love?this perfume by Dior?(FYI: J’adore means “I love” in French). With nearly 1,000 5-star reviews at Sephora, J’adore is floral and fresh, housed in a bottle to match. Featuring notes of ylang ylang, Damascus rose and jasmine, you’ll never want to swap from this luxurious fragrance.
A fragrance for those in the know, this luxurious scent is full of juxtapositions. Airy yet rich, floral yet gourmand, Baccarat Rouge 540 is a distinguished fragrance that perfume aficionados will be able to recognize anywhere. It's everything you would expect out of an expensive perfume.
One reviewer writes, "This is the most amazing fragrance. I resisted purchasing it for the longest time, because justifying the expense to my hubby for perfumes of this caliber can be challenging. Regardless, it is worth every cent! This is one of those fragrances that are so subtle, that once you put it on you do not smell it anymore, but I assure you... others will!"
One reviewer of?Byredo’s Gypsy Water?says they “didn’t know tranquility” until using this fragrance. The eau de parfum is described as woody and aromatic, as an ode to Romani culture reminiscent of gypsy nights, through notes of bergamot, lemon, pepper, juniper berries and amber.
Gucci Bloom?is a classic floral fragrance that you’ll opt for?again and again. It features notes of rangoon creeper, jasmine bud and tuberose for a scent meant to embody the Gucci woman.
Think of it as a light, soft, timeless option. One reviewer even notes, “Gucci has finally placed class and sophistication in a bottle.”
A timeless classic,?Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum?is a sexy, modern option for the woman who loves to stand out from the crowd.
Featuring hints of orange, patchouli and Turkish rose, this scent’s selling point isn’t just its refreshing take on floral, but more so how long it lasts. “If your goal is to smell and seem like a young, fashionable Parisian, then this is for you,” writes one reviewer. “It smells amazing and lasts all day. Definitely gives me a confidence boost.”
Valentino’s Donna Born in Roma?is a woody yet fruity perfume inspired by Roman street culture. It features notes of blackcurrant accord, three qualities of jasmine, vanilla bourbon and guaiac wood essence for a feminine scent that reviewers are obsessed with.
A unique combination of fruity and floral,?Chanel’s Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Toilette?has notes of jasmine and citrus to create a light scent that works just as well during a flirty date night at home as it does during a busy day running errands.
"I spent so long trying to find the perfect smell for me. Everything was too sweet, too strong or too terrible,” says one reviewer. “This perfume is gentle, soft, yet feminine and amazing!”
Multiple reviewers describe?Tom Ford’s Soleil Neige?as “heavenly,” so it’s pretty clear why this is worth your buy. This eau de parfum features notes of jasmine, bergamot and benzoin for a scent that’s both fresh and warm — meant to evoke a winter getaway at dusk.
Both sweet and spicy,?Lanc?me’s La Vie Est Belle?is a grounding fragrance with hints of vanilla.
Translating to “life is beautiful,” La Vie Est Belle aims to re-create the carefree spirit of a typical Parisian?— so if you want to imagine transporting yourself to a fabulous getaway without leaving home, this is the perfume for you. One reviewer writes, “It’s feminine, sweet and sophisticated, but so sexy and heavenly at the same time. Plus, this lasts forever (especially on clothing)!”
If you’re looking to smell sweet like a warm, sunny day,?Jo Malone’s Nectarine Blossom & Honey?is for you. Inspired by a morning market in London’s Covent Garden, this cologne features fruity notes of nectarine, cassis, honey and peach that’s sure to brighten even your dreariest day.
Created by three women perfumers,?Lanc?me’s Id?le Eau de Parfum?combines vanilla, rose and jasmine to create a sophisticated scent that still has modern touches. One reviewer writes that they would “recommend this to anyone who loves floral and/or vanilla scents.”
Chanel N°5?is one of those iconic fragrances that every woman should try at least once, especially as reviewers continue to share stories of buying the fragrance after seeing their elders wear it growing up. A first-of-its-kind perfume originally?described by Gabrielle Chanel herself?as a bouquet of abstract flowers, N°5 gained popularity because of its floral aldehydic fragrance, with notes of rose, jasmine, citrus and bourbon vanilla. Even better: This will look timeless on your vanity too.
Warm and spicy, sweet and sexy,?Viktor&Rolf’s Flowerbomb?is seriously addictive. With notes of jasmine, orange blossom and patchouli, this perfume is meant to be an explosion of floral scents; reviewers share that it’s unique compared to the other flowery scents you’re used to.
The first word that comes to mind when we think of?Yves Saint Laurent’s Black Opium?is “seductive.” If you’re looking for a fragrance that smells like pure luxury, look no further. With notes of black coffee, white flowers and vanilla, this will be your go-to date-night scent for sure.
Best under-$100 perfumes
While we love that travel-sized bottles and rollerballs give us budget-friendly options for buying expensive perfumes, they can quickly run out if you’re wearing the fragrance every day. But there’s a whole world of affordable perfumes out there, from new fragrance houses to designer favorites. Ahead, you’ll find the best under-$100 perfumes — and we’re talking about the full-sized (1.7-ounce) bottles or more.
A modern classic, this unique fragrance embraces the wearer's own body chemistry, essentially shapeshifting so it'll smell different on each individual. That's not to say you won't be able to recognize the cult favorite, though. It's warm and spicy, with notes of pink peppercorn and ambrette seeds that give it a distinguishable identity, no matter who wears it.
Philosophy’s Amazing Grace?is a classic floral scent that will never go out of style. It features notes of bergamot, muguet blossoms and musk for a perfume that feels ultra light.
All of DedCool's fragrances are enticing (and under $100!), but Madonna Lilly is an especially sexy little number perfect for a night out. It's floral and intimate with notes of black pepper, sandalwood and bergamot. According to reviewers, Madonna Lilly is a guaranteed compliment-getter.
There's plenty of hype around this viral fragrance. The notes of pistachio, salted caramel and vanilla are intoxicatingly delicious. With more than 1,000 5-star ratings, reviewers rave that it's an amazing everyday scent. "After using this product, I have gotten so many compliments," says one reviewer. "SMELLS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. The hint of vanilla-coconut smell is to die for. The sent is so light but has depth to it."
If citrus scents are more your jam,?Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue Eau de Toilette?is a fresh take on traditional that’ll give you the energy you need to get through your day.
Reminiscent of a lazy Mediterranean vacation, it might just inspire your next trip with its fruity scents. “This is a light and elegant fragrance that is great for daily use,” writes one reviewer. “It is so casual, and the smell changes slightly throughout the day — to the best degree. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is not quite sure as to which fragrance to get.”
If you’ve ever wondered what Donatella Versace herself sprays on in terms of fragrances,?Versace’s Bright Crystal?will put that question to rest.
With unique, fruity ingredients?like yuzu and pomegranate mixed with florals such as peony, magnolia and lotus flower, this scent sounds like it would be fun and flirty — but this is Versace, after all, and nothing is ever ordinary. Instead, this fragrance adds on musk and amber to give depth while still letting the refreshing scent shine through. One reviewer writes, “This perfume is perfect if you don’t want to knock others down with your scent. It has such a light, pretty smell that is perfect for the office.”
This complex vanilla scent has layers to it. You get the Madagascar vanilla first and foremost, but you also get a woody smokiness and an undertone of rose and pear. The juxtapositions create a "grown-up" vanilla that is a standout scent.
You can also feel good about wearing it, because the vanilla is sustainably sourced from a cooperative that provides fair wages, plus the fragrance is Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free and vegan.
Not ready to commit to a perfume right now? Consider?a fragrance subscription service like Scentbird?instead. For only $17 per month, you can choose which fragrance you’d like to try (from brands like Acqua Di Parma and Versace) and you’ll receive an 8-milliliter bottle in a refillable case. Even better: You can cancel your subscription anytime without penalty — perfect for someone who wants to test out perfumes before buying a full bottle.
