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Gone are the days when every woman longed for a singular signature perfume. While some may still find and stick to the one, many are craving a perfume wardrobe that allows them to don whatever mood or persona they’re feeling that day. Blossom-filled spring outings may call for a lovely floral perfume or rose fragrance, while a warm vanilla perfume is perfect for cozy winter nights by a fireplace. When you have the best perfumes for women at hand, anything is possible.
One of the most wonderful things about perfumes is that they smell different on everyone, since the actual scent truly depends on your particular body chemistry. And here at ELLE.com, we believe in the art of layering. A spritz of this, and a few sprays of that, and voilà—you have a bespoke scent that speaks to your personal style, vibe, and lifestyle
“Fragrance is about the way it makes you feel,” says Joan Tanis, national training and events director at Maison Francis Kurkjian. “Wearing a scent that works with your specific body chemistry can also enhance your mood and even change behaviors. Fragrance encourages the release of endorphins, which makes us feel good,” she adds.
With so many beautiful scents out there to choose from, narrowing them down to just one (or a few) to add to your vanity may seem impossible. But whether you’re still Team Signature Scent or on the hunt for an exquisite new one for your collection, we’re here to guide your nose and your heart. The ELLE Beauty team tested countless fragrances, pored over hundreds of customer reviews, and consulted an expert to bring you 20 of the best perfumes for women you won’t be able to resist.
Pros
- Beautiful bottle
- Refreshing
Cons
- May need to be reapplied throughout the day
It’s a known fact that scent has the power to evoke memories, transport you to exotic locales, and affect your mood. One of Louis Vuitton’s latest colognes, Pacific Chill, is an herbal and citrusy fragrance designed to soothe your nerves and replicate the invigorating feeling of a day at the beach. Recently, artist Alex Israel collaborated with the brand to dream up “Ocean BLVD,” an imaginary street in Los Angeles lined with miniature buildings that honor each cologne in the new collection. Fittingly, Pacific Chill’s building was a luxurious-looking spa with an exterior constructed of white cowhide. Plus, the exquisite bottle is meant to last—the perfume is refillable at any Louis Vuitton store equipped with a perfume fountain.
Key notes: Blackcurrant, cédrat, basil, lemon, coriander, carrot seeds
Size: 3.4 fl. oz
Fragrantica rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Fragrantica reviewer says: “This is the best smelling scent. Period. The entirety of it. There is no point in time where Pacific Chill smells bad. Usually fragrances have either an overwhelming beginning, or a [bad] try down. Pacific Chill’s scent profile is perfection, the notes work in harmony so well.”
Pros
- Elegant scent
Cons
- May need to reapply
Starting bright and surprising with whiffs of jasmine, this perfume soon turns dark and seductive with traces of coffee and cocoa. It's a must-have for any wild night in or out.
Key notes: Almond, coffee, bergamot lemon; jasmine, orange blossom, tonka bean, cacao, vanilla, sandalwood, patchouli and cedar
Size: 2.7 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: “ELLE editors made an entire TikTok about our favorite Good Girl fragrance. This one is perfect for your first date with a guy from Hinge. The aroma is warm yet sweet and sexy. I notice on my friends that tend to run warmer, the sandalwood, vanilla, and orange blossom do a beautiful dance together.” —Danielle James
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Pros
- Versatile scent
Cons
- Can fade quickly
There’s a reason you see this iconic bottle in practically every magazine you’ve ever opened. It’s a classic, and the fruity, floral ingredients never weigh down the luscious elegance of the ylang-ylang, jasmine, pear, melon, peach, and lily.
Key notes: Ylang ylang, Damascus rose, jasmine
Size: 5 fl. oz
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert says: “This is a lovely bright, floral scent that’s lightweight but lasting. It’s easy for anyone to wear. The bottle is gorgeous. This would make a beautiful college graduation gift.” —Danielle James
Pros
- Edgy scent
Cons
- May be overpowering
For those who crave a little danger in their dress-up, this sexy concoction smelling of coffee, vanilla, and pear is a feast for the senses. A little smooth, a little edgy, this is a fantastic fragrance for evening wear.
Key notes: Black coffee, white flowers, vanilla
Size: 3 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert says: “This scent gives off a mature, ‘power woman’ aroma. It’s for the city-living financier who is the only woman on the team—but you aren’t wearing this to work. Spritz it on your neck while you’re in downtown Manhattan, and get ready for a New York night. Plus, Ii’s a great winter scent”” —Danielle James
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5
Best Powdery Floral
Diptyque Fleur de Peau
Pros
- Not overpowering
Cons
- Can fade throughout the day
Is there anything more romantic than a perfume inspired by an ancient love story? The tale of the immortal lovers Psyche and Eros led to the creation of Fleur de Peau, a scent that is slightly fruity and filled with sensual musks, as well as powdery florals.
Key notes: Musk, iris, ambrette, pink peppercorn
Size: 2.5 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Powdery scents were never my category of choice, as they always felt too heavy or even too mature for me. Diptyque’s Fleur de Peau helped me see the light, thanks to its floral touches and subtle nature. Here’s a secret I’ve yet to tell anyone: I’ve actually never gotten quite as many compliments on how I smell than when I layered this perfume and Diptyque’s Eau Rose. Do with that information what you will.” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
Pros
- Classic aroma
Cons
- May be too strong of a scent for some
Perfect as a gift for a loved one (or yourself), this fruity and floral fragrance is bursting with notes of jasmine, rose, and grapefruit. It’s slightly sweet yet refreshingly vibrant—prepare for all of the compliments you’re bound to receive.
Key notes: Grapefruit, rose accord
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE contributor says: “Of all the perfumes I’ve tried over the years, Chanel's Chance has remained a constant in my lineup. It’s lighter and more modern than the brand’s iconic N°5 scent, yet is still just as effortlessly classic and long-lasting. In fact, I’ve found it to be such a universal crowd-pleaser that even an Uber driver once asked me what I was wearing.”—Sam Peters
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Pros
- Great for layering
Cons
- May be too subtle for some
This perfume is as comforting as slipping on a well-loved cashmere sweater. Sheer notes of white musk, sparkling orange blossom, and blonde wood melt into and sit close to the skin, prompting friends and family to lean in and ask, “What are you wearing?”
Key notes: Skin musk, bergamot nectar, blonde wood
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I can’t seem to stop recommending this scent. Whenever someone comes over to my apartment and asks for an easy-to-wear fragrance suggestion I beeline toward my Phlur collection and spray Missing Person on their wrist. There’s something undoubtedly nostalgic and warm about the perfume, and the florals add that je ne sais quoi that keeps me coming back to it time and time again.” —Carol Lee
Pros
- Subtle yet enticing
Cons
- May need to reapply
Baccarat Rouge 540 is another woodsy scent with a sweeter edge. That first whiff is sweet, then it evolves into spicy, earthy notes of jasmine, cedar, and saffron.
Key notes: Jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, ambergris accord
Size: 2.4 fl. oz
Neiman Marcus rating: 4.7/5 stars
Our expert says: “This perfume is a guaranteed conversation starter. The distinct smell either evokes the response of 'Ahh, I love 540,' amongst knowing individuals or 'What is that smell?!' to those that are about to be introduced to the reigning king of the perfume occult. It seems more genderless at first spritz, but then dries down to a sweet, woody, sexy aroma.” — Danielle James
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Pros
- Balanced notes
Cons
- May not last on the skin
Summer is coming, and with it, an opportunity for this perfume to shine. Perfumer Ben Gorham captured the essence of the color white by combining delicate florals, woody base notes, and a touch of musk; the scent makes you feel fresh, polished, and put-together, even when you’re sweating in 90-degree weather.
Key notes: White rose, pink pepper, aldehyde, violet, neroli, peony, blonde woods, sandalwood, musk
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Even though I think things like chocolate cake, bonfires, and the sea smell good, I don’t necessarily want to smell like them. But fresh linens? Sign me up! I bury my nose in my cotton sheets when I take them out of the dryer, and I bury my nose in my wrist when I wear this perfume.” —Carol Lee
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Can be strong at first
Narciso Rodriguez’s For Her perfumes are all symphonies of musk and florals, and the delicate For Her is a shining example. Warm, powdery, and a little sweet—but not cloying—the feminine scent opens with honey flower before notes of amber and wood come out to play.
Key notes: Musk, iris, ambrette, pink peppercorn
Size: 3.3 fl oz
Bloomingdales rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Anyone should feel free to wear any scent, whether or not the fragrance is ‘gendered.’ However, I do feel as though this is an ideal perfume for those days when you want to lean into your femininity. The scent also lasts on both skin and clothes; I can smell it on my blouses days after I’ve spritzed the perfume onto them.” —Carol Lee
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Pros
- Layers well
Cons
- Not as fruity
Whatever you guessed a fruity scent would smell like, Fame by Rabanne takes it and turns it into a sultry, seductive embrace of sweet and spicy notes. Mango makes a brief appearance, but the strength of this scent comes via a creamy, deep swing of woods.
Key notes: Mango, jasmine, incense
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This sits at my desk and becomes an instant compliment magnet when I spray it on myself and wait for its aroma to permeate our office corner. It's sexy and mysterious, but still inviting. While I don't typically like to prescribe to day or night scents, this one is for the nocturnal lovers.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Genderless
- Well-balanced scent
Cons
- May not be as long-lasting as some other scents
A little bit spicy, citrusy, and woodsy all in one, this super-affordable fragrance has the depth of a much pricier top-shelf perfume. The scent leans neither too masculine nor feminine, meaning it’s one your BF might just be tempted to use, too.
Key notes: Salted lemon, pink pepper, musks
Size: 1 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An ELLE contributor says: “I’ve always been a sucker for men’s cologne, but have never actually added any to my routine because I don’t want to smell like a full-on dude. However, this Le Monde Gourmand scent strikes the perfect balance. Described by the brand as evoking the ‘comforting embrace of an oversized hoodie stolen from your crush,’ it has an effortlessly musky scent without being too rich or overpowering. It’s so good, in fact, I love to spritz it on every few hours for a fresh whiff.”—Sam Peters
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Pros
- Warm and sensual
Cons
- May be too subtle for some
Buckle up tight because this fragrance takes you on a ride. The yin-yang scent composition unfurls a delicate composition of sensual citrus and florals, then comes the dip—warm almond milk, sandalwood, and white musk.
Key notes: Calypso orchid, mandarin, Bulgarian rose, almond milk, ylang ylang, iris, white musks, sandalwood
Size: 1.7 fl. oz
Neiman Marcus rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “As someone with over 100 fragrances, my signature scent changes daily. However, I almost always begin most of my scent layers with Yin Transformation, which bursts with creamy florals that feel like a balmy spring morning.” —Nerisha Penrose
Pros
- Layers well
Cons
- It’s a toilette, so it doesn’t last too long
Summer doesn’t seem too far away when you have this scent on hand. Orange Smoke smells exactly like its name—a toasty, citrus scent that's as sweet as it is smoky.
Key notes: Mandarin, neroli, orange blossom, jasmine, myrrh, musks
Size: 6.8 fl oz
Fragrantica rating: 4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “If I could bottle up what my vacation on the Amalfi Coast smelled like, it would be eerily similar to Orange Smoke by Dries Van Noten. The mandarin, orange blossom, and neroli notes are warmed up under the sun and deepened with musks to create a bright and warm aroma.”—Nerisha Penrose
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Pros
- Soft floral & fruity notes
- Long-lasting
- Unisex
Cons
- Some may prefer a muskier blend
Drawing inspiration from the Korean word songari, which means an array of flowers or fruit on a single stem, this enticing fragrance is at once familiar and unexpected. Top notes of mulberry and Korea-native Schisandra berry open up to plum blossom and honeysuckle, followed by subtly grounding base notes of amber and sandalwood.
Key notes: Schisandra berry, mulberry, lily of the valley, plum blossom, honeysuckle, white amber, sandalwood, musk
Size: 50 ml
Fragrantica rating: 3.9/5 stars
An ELLE contributor says: “Elorea’s genderless perfumes are quickly becoming some of my new favorites. The burgeoning K-beauty brand looks to nature and its founders’ shared heritage to create some undeniably divine scents, like the soft yet not overly sweet Inflorescence. If you’re unsure which Elorea perfumes will best suit you, I also love that the label offers a discovery set, which comes with a voucher of equal value that can be applied to any purchase of a full-sized scent.”—Sam Peters, ELLE.com contributor
Pros
- Soft and sensual
Cons
- Will need to re-up throughout the day
Kyoto can be within arms reach with a few spritzes of this bestseller by Glasshouse Fragrances. Fans of the signature candle will love its eau de parfum counterpart, which bursts with white florals and tickles your nose with tonka bean and musk. “It’s the perfect gourmand-musky scent to cut any stronger perfumes in your layers,” says Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor.
Key notes: pineapple, cream, orris, lotus, sandalwood, amber, patchouli, musk, vanilla, tonka bean
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Glasshouse Fragrances rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: “Glasshouse creates fragrances that transport you to exotic locals—Kyoto in Bloom does exactly that. It’s like a gourmand aroma who stayed at a smoky New Orleans jazz bar for a little too long. It’s sweet and sexy.” —Danielle James
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Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Bottle may not stand on its own
With ambassador Zendaya as its leading lady, Lancome’s Idole already has a lot going for it. But with its burst of fresh florals—rose and jasmine, in particular—this makes for a fully feminine, but never overpowering scent.
Key notes: Jasmine, rose essence, chypre accord
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Beautiful scent of flowers that lasts on your clothes and wherever you spray it on yourself for well over a day! Plus, you only need a little bit, because it most certainly goes a long way.”
Pros
- Feminine scent
Cons
- Can be overpowering at first
Created by the brand that brought us the chicest, most enviable lingerie in the market, the perfumes by La Perla are just as desirable. This scent is citrusy enough to invoke a bold, wide-awake feeling, but countered with dark notes of neroli, too.
Key notes: violet leaves, jasmine, vetiver
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Very beautiful, fruity violet perfume. This smells like a rich French woman. Oozes elegance, and the bottle is just oh-my-god stunning.”
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Pros
- Great for teens and young adults
Cons
- May not be as long-lasting as other scents
Even if your name isn’t Ari, you can still smell like the superstar with this flirty, feminine perfume. With sweet floral and fruity scents of lavender blossom, pear, coconut, and vanilla, this is a bright, young fragrance in the best way.
Key notes: Lavender blossom, juicy pear, bergamot, coconut, vanilla orchid, woods, cashmere
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I ordered this perfume based on a coworker who smelled amazing. Now, when I wear it, I get so many compliments. Even though after you initially spray it in the morning, you physically don’t realize how amazing you smell, but everyone else does. It’s worth every penny! The quality is spot on. I will be ordering more soon—my first bottle is almost gone.”
Pros
- Balanced scent
Cons
- May be overpowering at first
If all you want for your birthday is a bushel of peonies, this perfume should be a runner-up. It’s a beautiful floral fragrance with notes of raspberry, geranium, Turkish rose, and peony. Basically, it’s a wearable bouquet.
Key notes: Black pepper, raspberry accord, peony accord, geranium, freesia accord, Turkish rose, patchouli, musk
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This is a lovely perfume with so many enticing scents–uplifting citrus, woodiness, and unusual florals. I found this to be really lovely, with good staying power.”
Sam Peters
Senior Commerce Editor
Sam Peters is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Her writing has appeared in WWD, Footwear News, Real Simple, PopSugar and Bridal Guide, among others. She enjoysunpacking the latest trends and testing and reviewing some of the most innovative, emerging products on the market.
Carol Lee
Carol Lee is the Associate Beauty E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty section at The Pioneer Woman. Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup, hair, and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces about the trendiest launches to roundups of the best products on the market. As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a bona fide expert on the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, helping lead our coverage. Additionally, she’s also always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.