34 Of The Best Perfumes For Women, From Classic Fragrances To New Scents

• Fragrance Family: Fresh
• Key Notes: Aldehydes, Orange Blossom, Rose, Peach and Sandalwood

Why this is a Vogue top pick: Made for sweaty summer days when you’re keen to smell clean, this modish new launch from Acne Studios is not to be missed. Its sparkling aldehydes lend the kind of scent that keeps you sniffing freshly laundered linen, but without being excessively soapy. A typically artful composition from Frederic Malle, those fresh notes shapeshift throughout the day, drying down to reveal featherlight florals and sophisticated, musky sandalwood.

“If you’re looking for a new summer spritz, this is it. It’s immediately refreshing, everlasting on the skin, and a magnet for compliments. In keeping with Acne Studio’s specific strain of Scandi style, it takes classic floral notes from fusty territory into a blend that feels current and cool. Trust me when I say you need this scent in your everyday rotation – it’s worth the spend.” – Tracy Achonwa, beauty writer

• Fragrance Family: Green, Fresh
• Key Notes: Citrus, Lavender, Orange Flower

Why this is a Vogue top pick: “I love scents that evoke the great outdoors – especially since I live in the city – and Perfumer H’s Dandelion Eau de Parfum fits the bill. A delicious scent, notes of Sicilian lemon, Tunisian orange flower and French lavender make for a fresh and vibrant juice.” says beauty and wellness editor Hannah Coates. Besides its rich green accord, this scent brings the outdoors in in more ways than one. The room spray edition is a must-have for fresh-smelling interiors, and handblown to plant stem proportions, the 100ml green-glassed bottle is a piece of decor in and of itself – a perfume biophiles will love.

• Fragrance Family: Fruity
• Key Notes: Turkish Rose, Lychee, Grapefruit and Vetiver

Why this is a Vogue top pick: There’s a reason this fragrance is all over your “for you” feed, and it’s not just because the bottle is picturesque in pink. Yes, it sits pretty on your dresser, but the scent itself is sensationally elegant. Crisp and fruity with a twist that comes from the subtle addition of vetiver, it blends traditional notes into an intriguing and long lasting accord. “Prepare to be told that you smell expensive – and to be badgered for your scent.” says beauty writer Tracy Achonwa.

• Fragrance Family: Spicy/Wood
• Key Notes: Ginger, Juniper, Nutmeg, Chamomile, Sandalwood, Iris, Amber

Why this is a Vogue top pick: This just in: Liberty has made a sensorial debut into perfumery, releasing five fragrances crafted by the world’s most venerated noses. Inspired by the store’s iconic Tudor facade and rich archive of tapestries, Pierre Negrin (the perfumer behind Tom Ford’s Black Orchid) has worked his magic to concoct Tudor: an indulgent, woodsy scent. Warming nutmeg anchors refreshing notes of ginger and juniper berry in this resinous spritz, which lingers on the skin and wins endless compliments from every passerby. We’re in love.

• Fragrance Family: Citrus, Fresh
• Key Notes: Aldehydes, Italian Bergamot, White Sandalwood

Why this is a Vogue top pick: Only the finest ingredients go into the artisan perfumes at Maison Francis Kurkdijan, and that’s precisely why they’re worth every penny. 724 is a blend of precious sandalwood plus oils harvested from citruses and florals at their peak, and the result is a magnificent, perennially fresh scent with serious staying power. Rolled onto the skin at the pulse points via these travel sized elixir editions, it projects for hours and amplifies any other scent you pair it with. A handbag must-have.

• Fragrance Family: Floral
• Key Notes: Iris, Heliotrope, Musk

Why this is a Vogue top pick: Another gorgeous Chanel scent to add to basket. Comète, from the Les Exclusifs de Chanel collection, comes in the chicest flacon, and the scent inside is equally as alluring. Think fresh cherry blossom, iris and heliotrope – dreamy.

• Fragrance Family: Chypre Musc
• Key Notes: Plum, Musk, Heliotrope and Suede

Why this is a Vogue top pick: Inspired by the original For Her fragrance, Musc Noir by Narciso Rodriguez reinterprets its core, building on the iconic fragrance’s darkest and most intense facets. Paying homage to the duality of all women, the scent features notes of juicy plum followed by heliotrope flower and sensual leather suede accord.

• Fragrance Family: Citrus, Green, Fresh

Why this is a Vogue top pick:

From the purveyors of unique, barrel-aged British scents comes a summer launch bound to be as coveted as each drop that has come before. “I urge you to get on Ffern’s fragrance waiting list,” says beauty and wellness editor Hannah Coates. “Every season they send out an organic, sustainable scent from their base in Somerset. Summer 24 captures the scents of the Tuscan hills at golden hour, a time of day that – to be honest – I’d like a little more often.” The perfumery produces four scents a year, and once they’re gone, they aren’t re-released. Run, don’t walk.

• Fragrance Family: Woody Floral Musk
• Key Notes: Aldehydes, Lily-of-the-Valley, Pear, Rose, Iris, Orange Blossom, White Musk, Ambrette and Indonesian Patchouli Leaf

Why this is a Vogue top pick: There’s something about the smell of fresh linen which makes you want to stop what you’re doing and take a deep breath in. Enter Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning; a delicate blend of pear accord and ambrette seeds, rose petals, white wood and creamy musk evoke the smell of crisp white sheets and soft skin. The perfect lazy Sunday.

• Fragrance Family: Floral Woody Musk
• Key Notes: Grapefruit, Lemon,Lime, Thyme, Galbanum, Artemisia, Vetiver, Juniper Berries and Black Pepper.

Why this is a Vogue top pick: There is truly nothing like Glossier’s You. When on skin, the fragrance, formulated as a skin-smell enhancer, warms up creating a different scent on everyone that wears it. The bottle, created with a real thumbprint indent works as a reminder that this fragrance is in fact made just for You. Expect spicy notes of black pepper, floral iris as well as woody notes from the ambrette seeds.

• Fragrance Family: Floral Fruity
• Key Notes: Lily, Gardenia and Sambac Jasmine Absolute

Why this is a Vogue top pick: Whisk yourself away to the Mediterranean with this glorious scent from Aerin. Full of citrusy floral notes, such as bergamot, honeysuckle, grapefruit and lily of the valley, it effortlessly encapsulates the smells of a Greek island.

• Fragrance Family: Floral Gourmand
• Key Notes: Pomelo, Apple Blossom, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Mandarin Orange, Heliotrope and Matcha Green Tea.

Why this is a Vogue top pick: The woman-founded, independent perfumery Floral Street creates fragrances with the utmost integrity and heart. Sweet Almond Blossom, crafted by master perfumer Jerome Epinette and inspired by Van Gogh’s Almond Blossom painting (Floral Street currently has a collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum), Sweet Almond Blossom is sustainably sourced celebration of creamy vanilla, nutty tonka bean and crisp green matcha tea. In founder Michelle Feeney’s very own words, “This fragrance is for when you’re feeling ethereal, enchanting, sensuous and hypnotic. It really is a day-dreamer’s fantasy.”

• Fragrance Family: Amber Floral
• Key Notes: Orange Peel, Grapefruit, Cardamom, Neroli, Lavender, Orange Blossom, Blonde Woods, Musk and Crystal Amber

Why this is a Vogue top pick: Inspired by the kiss of golden hours in Marrakech, this tantalising fragrance is a tribute to the pleasure and joy the city brings. Soft brown sugar, lashing of fresh pomello and spiced cardamom – think bronzed skin under the rich Moroccan sun. Layer with other fragrances in the collection.

There’s a reason some perfumes for women are bestsellers year in, year out. From Chanel No 5 to Miss Dior and every time-tested spritz in between, below are the safe picks you’re bound to love – and that make exceptional gifts.

• Fragrance Family: Amber Floral
• Key Notes: Iris, Peony, Apricot, Rose, Peach, Vanilla, Musk, Tonka Bean, Benzoin and Sandalwood

Why this is a Vogue top pick: With fresh notes of peony and iris blended with creamy musks, vanilla, and a hint of tonka bean, the Miss Dior Eau de Parfum is soft, sensual and the ultimate fan favourite. Finished with a ribbon flourish, it’s also the perfume gift that practically wraps itself – what’s not to love?

• Fragrance Family: Fruity, Floral Woody
• Key Notes: King William Pear, Freesia Flower, Patchouli

Why this is a Vogue top pick: There’s nothing quite like coming home to a Jo Malone gift box on your birthday, anniversary, or Christmas Day. Packaged with care, this bottle is a bestseller in its body mist, room spray and cologne forms, because it does what many other fragrances don’t: it keeps things simple. An uncomplicated formula of just three notes, its juicy pear, fresh freesias and long-lasting patchouli make it an easy choice for everyday wear. Add to cart for a crowd pleasing spritz that’s hard to go wrong with.

• Fragrance Family: Floral, Citrus
• Key Notes: Rose, Aldehyde, Jasmine and Vanilla

Why this is a Vogue top pick: Elegant and timeless, Chanel’s crystal-capped bottle has earned its spot in endless shelfies and among the best women’s fragrances of all time. Reports that the house sells almost 10 million bottles worldwide every year only add to its iconic allure – it’s shown no signs of falling out of fashion since its launch over 100 years ago. A luxurious blend of clean aldehydes and florals, sprinkled with powders like those found in its chic compacts, it’s no wonder generations of women are drawn to this spritz time and time again.

• Fragrance Family: Warm Woody
• Key Notes: Mahogany Wood, Roasted Barley Orpur, Vanilla Resinoid

Why this is a Vogue top pick: While Tom Ford’s entire range of perfumes is sought-after, his vanilla-based EDPs are some of the most popular. Vanille Fatale, for example, balances woody notes with ambery tones and a vanilla base for a bold and sensual result. If vanilla scents aren’t your thing, there are plenty others worth perusing in his legendary lineup – see the zesty Neroli Portofino or smash hit Electric Cherry for signature scent inspo.

Read more: These Are The Best Tom Ford Perfumes I Have Tried

• Fragrance Family: Floral
• Key Notes: Orange Blossom, Jasmine Grandiflorum and Centifolia Rose

Why this is a Vogue top pick: We all remember that iconic Noughties Dior advert: Charlize Theron strutting through a mansion wearing gold, alluding to the sculptural J’Adore Dior perfume bottle. Last year, the French maison tasked Francis Kurkdjian with modernising the scent for a new generation, resulting in a fragrance that celebrates the floral notes of its predecessor with orange blossom, jasmine grandiflorum and centifolia rose.

• Fragrance Family: Gourmand
• Key Notes: Vanilla, pink pepper, sandalwood

Why this is a Vogue top pick: Smooth, skin-like scents are what Phlur does so well and this sweet and creamy EDP is no exception. Combining vanilla and a bend of warming spices, there’s also pink pepper and sugar for a note of soft heat. Sandalwood provides a musky backdrop that helps this perfume linger for longer.

• Fragrance Family: Woody
• Key Notes: Black coffee, sandalwood, tonka bean

Why this is a Vogue top pick: In the Les Essences collection, scents are reimagined for fragrance less elements, in this case, it’s tree bark that get the treatment. An earthy, resinous and full-bodied scent, it takes notes of black coffee absolute, sandalwood and tonka bean to conjure up the outer layers of a tree. The effect is deep, intense and calming all at once.

• Fragrance Family: Woody
• Key Notes: Butterfly lily, miracle berry, oak, patchouli

Why this is a Vogue top pick: The latest fragrance from Christine Nagel, this chypre has all the facets you would hope for; soft, skin-like sensuality, delicacy and femininity from butterfly lily but with a dry down that’s enveloping and earthy thanks to oakwood and smoky patchouli. The perfect perfume for a decadent evening out.

• Fragrance Family: Floral
• Key Notes: Raspberry, violet, cocoa butter

Why this is a Vogue top pick: A sweeter, velvety take on the original classic, this iteration of the bestselling fragrance combines juicy raspberry with powdery, sensual violet and creamy cocoa butter. The result is a cocooning perfume that can be worn day to night, whatever the occasion.

• Fragrance Family: Woody
• Key Notes: Wet wood, eucalyptus, cardamom

Why this is a Vogue top pick:A beautifully fresh take on eucalyptus, this also contains woody notes like cypress to add a rich complexity. Top notes of wet wood and Pacific spray give the perfume an almost damp quality, but don’t let that put you off. Rich, invigorating notes of cardamom, rosemary and magnolia lift things and keep things herbal and green with just a hint of spice.

• Fragrance Family: Woody
• Key Notes: Saffron, orange blossom absolute, tonka

Why this is a Vogue top pick: Thanks to a sweetly spiced trio of top notes including cardamom, mandarin and saffron, this timeless fragrance begins to unfold with captivating effect. At its heart, orange blossom absolute is the powdery star of the show while iris and incense add depth and richness. Warming base notes of guaiac wood, cedarwood and tonka are the final flourish.

• Fragrance Family: Fresh woody
• Key Notes: Fir, artemisia, leather

Why this is a Vogue top pick: A great choice for when the days draw in and the weather gets colder. With notes if freshly cut fir adding a festive effect and earthy artemisia offering a grounding sense of calm, there’s also leather to give it a robustness and soft, suede woody accords. One for wintry walks and spritzing on your scarf.

FAQs

“Traditionally Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum escalate in their oil concentration, ranging from two per cent to 20 per cent and higher for Parfum. However, there are no regulating bodies that officiate on how Fragrance Houses classify their scents and so the implied oil concentration can sometimes be over or understated. For example, at Jo Malone London Colognes have a much higher concentration of fragrance oil sitting in EDT and EDP territory, compared to a traditional Cologne. The name Cologne was chosen to convey their elegantly simple and transparent compositions, formulas that entice you to play with scent pairing.

“Regardless of the concentration, resinous and animalic compounds, such as woods, amber and musk, have a heavier molecular weight which means they evaporate slower and can be appreciated for longer. For example, fragrances with notes of myrrh, sandalwood, oud, and leather will have a natural longevity versus citrus and verdant, herbaceous notes.”

“Fragrances that have reached cult status across the decades not only respond to the cultural zeitgeist but anticipate and reflect change. Scents of the late 1940s sparkle with aldehydes and optimism, filled with the freedom that post-war life brought. Patchouli, one of the most grounding and earthy notes in the perfumer’s palette, was hugely popular during the 1970s, going hand in hand with a nascent environmental movement. Some of the biggest fragrances of the 1980s are the olfactive equivalent of power-dressing, whilst the dawn of a digital age brought a reprieve from more is more and some of the best-known ’90s fragrances radiate clarity and minimalism.

“The late ’90s and Noughties saw celebrity-endorsed scents flood the market followed by the rise of artisanal, niche perfumery as an antidote. This was the ascendency of Jo Malone London and their unmistakable scent aesthetic: ingredient-centred with elegant short formulas.”

Finding a fragrance is a highly personal pursuit and there are a few things to consider. Are you someone who likes to announce your presence in a room with a lingering signature scent? Or, are you spritzing with a more intimate interaction in mind? Another thing to think about is the notes you prefer. If you know you like your fragrances light and fresh, seek out citrus notes like bergamot or mandarin. If you like them sweet, try notes of vanilla or almond. If you prefer notes that are a little deeper, try sandalwood or oud.

To preserve the notes and longevity of your perfume, “it is best to store fragrance away from direct light and heat sources as these accelerate oxidation, so away from windows is preferable,” says Emma. “A fragrance found on the Mary Celestia shipwreck had survived intact and, due to the cool, constant temperature of the sunless ocean floor, the fragrance was unchanged after 150 years. Whilst under sea storage may be a drastic solution, with limited edition fragrances that cannot be replaced, I do prefer to keep these in a cool, dark cupboard.”

To help perfumes last all day? Start with a moisturised base, as this helps the perfume stick to the skin. You can use a perfumed oil first to enhance the longevity of your scent, as well as add a layer of dimension if you opt for one with a different scent profile to your chosen spritz. Be sure to spray on the pulse points, nape, behind the knees and even on the ankles for an all-encompassing aroma, and on items like scarves for a scent that projects as you move. And if you’re spraying on your wrists, note that some experts recommend avoiding rubbing them together immediately following, as this can degrade the more volatile top notes of a scent much quicker.

If you’re shopping for a new perfume this season, there’s no better time to take advantage of the best fragrance deals. Some of the biggest names in designer perfumery can be found in the sales, so whether you’re buying a fragrance for him or her, there’s something here to help you tick off your list. Below, Vogue’s pick of the best present-worthy perfumes and colognes to secure for yourself or a loved one.