Best Perfumes for Women
Best Perfumes for Women of All Time
Perfume shopping can be a tad overwhelming, and so far, 2020 hasn’t been making it any easier on us. Yup, we’ve seen fragrance after fragrance hit the beauty halls, all of which have dreamy ad campaigns (I’m looking at you, Jo Malone), cute bottles (hiii, Glossier) and most importantly, in-cred-ible scents.
So, how do you pick the best perfume? It sounds obvious, but look out for notes that you’re drawn too, for example, if you prefer a light, fresh fragrance, it could be worth opting for a citrus or subtle, floral accord. A perfect example would be Jo Malone London’s Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne which has a fresh and zesty scent of limes and juicy mandarin.
If you prefer something a bit sweeter, take a cue from Rihanna and try one of her favourite scents – Kilian’s Love Don’t Be Shy Eau de Parfum. Loaded up with sweet floral top notes of orange blossom and neroli, combined with and a base of creamy musk, vanilla and caramel. Yum, right?
Or, if you want to make more of a statement with your scent, a heady oriental oud or a rich spice-loaded scent could be the way to go. Tom Ford’s cult Black Orchid for women has hints of bitter chocolate, spices and vetiver.
There’s a lot to choose from, but we’re on a mission to help make things a little easier by sharing our all-time favourite perfumes. Get ready to screenshot like crazy, because these are the women’s fragrances we just can’t stop spritzing… And with amazing newness from the likes of Prada, Jo Malone, Victoria’s Secret and Gucci, there’s guaranteed to be one for everyone (and every budget).1Glossier You Eau de Parfum 50ml, £45
Smells like: A freshly-washed, crisp, clean t-shirt.
Let’s all take a moment to appreciate how adorable this pink Glossier fragrance is… The ergonomic bottle has a thumb-print design that allows the fragrance to sit perfectly in your hand.
Described by the brand as a ‘your skin but better scent’, it has subtle notes of Ambrette and Musk, that smell comforting and familiar.
2Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum SprayCOURTESY OF BRANDTOM FORDfeelunique.com£50.98
Smells like: Warm insence spices, creamy vanilla and heady patchouli.
Tom Ford’s infamous Black Orchid fragrance has become something of a cult icon in the beauty industry. Not only is it recognisable from just one spritz, but it’s also one of the compliment-inducing smells we’ve ever come across. ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW3Santal 33 eau de parfum 100ml, £184COURTESY OF BRANDLE LABOselfridges.com£184.00
Smells like: the smouldering, sexy, date night scent of your dreams.
The fragrance that needs no introduction, Le Labo’s cult Santal 33 is so recognisable, you’ll notice as soon as someone wearing it enters a room. Musky and masculine, it’s based on the memory of an old Marlboro advert, which gives it the perfect spicy punch. Cardamom, ambrox, violet and iris bring the whole thing together – it’s hands down one of the best things we have ever smelt.4Tiffany & Co Eau de Parfum, £51
Smells like: Fresh, crisp, citrus notes paired with a musky, powder base.
Inspired by Tiffany diamonds (of course) you can almost smell the sparkle in this dreamy scent. With top notes of crisp mandarin followed by freshly cut iris and finishing with trail of patchouli and musk, it’s exactly what you’d expect Tiffany & Co to smell like. Divine.
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOWADVERTISING5Kilian Good Girl Gone Bad 50ml, £225
Smells like: A heady fruity/floral mix.
A seriously ‘cool girl’ perfume, luscious florals like orange blossom and tuberose are layered with fresher fruity notes of apricot. Edgy and elegant in equal parts.6Chloé Signature Eau de ParfumCOURTESY OF BRANDCHLOÉlookfantastic.com£50.00
Smells like: A touch of florals with a creamy amber base.
If fresh florals are your thing (and come on, who doesn’t want to smell like a clean cut bouquet?), then Chloé’s signature scent may be for you. It’s lightweight, long-lasting and incredibly versatile, whether you spritz it on for a day of running errands, or load up for date night, it adds a touch of sophistication. ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW7Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum, £53
Smells like: You guessed it, fresh florals. Punchy notes of Jasmine, rose are combined with heady patchouli.
If you’re a after a scent that’ll turn heads and get you countless compliments, this is it. With fresh sweet notes of rose, jasmine and orchid, combined with base notes of musk and bergamot, this is a serious crowd pleaser. Disclaimer: Be prepared for every person in your office to copy your signature scent, it’s that good.8Aerin Amber Musk eau de parfum, £98
Smells like: Creamy amber, soft coconut and rich musk.
If you’re a fan of sensual perfumes, this is one to try. The amber scent has a softness that draws you in (and keeps you coming back for more). This is a warm, inviting scent you want to wrap yourself in – like a soft cozy blanket on a cold snowy night
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW9Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum 50ml + Body Lotion Gift SetCOURTESY OF BRANDYVES SAINT LAURENTfeelunique.com£50.00
Smells like: Initially sweet with punchy notes of vanilla and coffee, but dries down to a musky white floral base.
YSL’s Black Opium has become one of the world’s most-loved perfumes, and it’s easy to see why. The creamy notes of coffee and vanilla give a non-sickly sweetness that develops into a dry white floral scent, after which you get the base notes of musk and patchouli. It’s unique and oh-so moreish, this one will 100% become the most-reached-for in your perfume collection. 10Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne 100ml, £98
Smells like: Long summer days.
While we’ve never met a Jo Malone London scent we didn’t like, this fresh and zesty scent will have you dreaming of warm summer days with every spritz. Juicy notes of lime and mandarin are balanced with earthy basil and white thyme.
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