Let's talk about the best perfumes in the business. Securing a spot as a global best-seller in the perfume and fragrance world doesn’t happen overnight. With literally thousands upon thousands of scented competition out there, achieving that cult classic status is an accolade only bestowed onto a certain few. And those that do get it, well, they’ve achieved the fragrant holy grail.
Indeed, perfume is undoubtedly the most personal sector of the beauty world. While a lipstick might achieve cult classic status because it hits the sweet spot for formulation and shade combination, our tastes for perfume depend on primal elements, deep rooted in our psyche and highly influenced by our personal experiences and memories.
Olivia Jezler, CEO of Future of Smell, explained to qz.com, ‘Our sense of smell is rooted in the most primal part of our brain for survival. It’s not linked through the thalamus, which is where all other sensory information is integrated.’ Instead, it’s transmitted to ‘the amygdala’, a part of the limbic system that helps process our everyday emotions. ‘None of our other senses have this direct and intimate connection to the areas of the brain that process emotion, associative learning, and memory,’ Jezler adds. So, yes, the scents we’re drawn to and subsequently choose to spritz on our wrists are VIP (very important perfumes) indeed.
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The best women’s perfumes for 2024:
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Best budget women’s perfume: Ariana Grande Cloud
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Best gourmand women's perfume: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
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Best warm vanilla women’s perfume: Valentino Born in Roma Donna Intense
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Best luxury women’s perfume: Chanel No.5 EDT
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Best citrus women’s perfume: Matiere Premiere Neroli Oranger
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Best bold rose women’s perfume: Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady
So how, then, with our sense of smell so markedly personal, do perfumes gain mass following and appeal worldwide, with millions of bottles flying off the shelves from London to Australia? We chart some of the best-selling perfumes for women in the world and dissect why they’re worth every single spritz...
Shop: The Best-Selling Perfumes 2024
1.
Dior J'adore
Best bridal perfume
www.dior.com
Description
Why we love it: A sophisticated spritz that has rightfully earned its place in the perfume hall of fame, J'Adore combines ylang-ylang, Damascus rose and jasmine for a hearty and complex floral. As for the bottle: dressing table GOLD.
Pros
- Good bridal scent
- Clear and pure jasmine note
- Gorgeous bottle
Cons
- May be too sweet for some
Best bold rose women’s perfume
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Description
Why we love it: A niche classic, Frederic Malle's best-seller is not only a head turner but a scent that many won't be able to put their finger on – ideal for those who prefer their scents to be mysterious. It's entirely unique and timeless thanks to a heady cocktail of Turkish rose, patchouli, sandalwood, and frankincense.
Pros
- Wonderful sillage
- Great for a date or special occasion
- Nice dry down
Cons
- Can be mature for some
Best celebrity fragrance
www.selfridges.com
Description
Why we love it: Once an under-the-radar go-to for those in the know, this scent was popularised when it was revealed as Rihanna's signature scent in 2016 - and we've smelt her (she smells amazing). It is rich with sweet notes of marshmallow, vanilla, and caramel, and utterly delicious.
Pros
- Nice scent for people who love gourmand fragrances
- Good projection
Cons
- Sickly for some people
Best gourmand women's perfume
www.selfridges.com
Description
Why we love it: This single scent has become somewhat of a sensation in the perfume world and counts endless fans, from celebrities like Molly Mae to fragrance aficionados everywhere. Last year, the cult favourite gained 5,967,000 annual Google searches and 477.8M views on TikTok.
Best budget women's perfume
www.superdrug.com
Description
Why we love it: The world is not short of celebrity perfumes, but not all are created equal. Ariana Grande's Cloud has emerged as one of the category's biggest standouts, amassing a whopping 122.9M views on TikTok alone. It is creamy with coconut and vanilla, yet sweet with pear and praline. Like a cashmere blanket it envelopes and hugs the senses. It is a great alternative for Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 450.
6.
Glossier You
Best pheromone perfume
uk.glossier.com
Description
Why we love it: Millennial favourite brand Glossier's only scent is an industry-backed classic. Neatly nestled in the bags of beauty editors the world over, Glossier's You is made up of bright pink pepper, powdery iris and warm ambrox, and is widely considered as one of the best skin scents on the market. It smells different on everyone and is suppose to enhance your body's pheromones.
Best amber vanilla perfume
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
Why we love it: A gourmand (sweet) floral, YSL's best-selling spritz comes with an interesting combination of coffee, vanilla and white flowers, that keeps diehard fans coming back time and time again. It's sweet but also leaves and element of mystery.
Pros
- Sweet vanilla note
- Feminine with a twist
Cons
- Poor siliage
Best woody fragrance
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Description
**Why we love it:**Known as the ultimate 'fash-pack' perfume, Santal was on the Cartier-laden wrists of every big-name fashion editor in the business. Now, it's gained momentum worldwide, with its head-turning concoction that truly lasts all day long.
Pros
- Heavily complimented
- Unique fragrance
Cons
- Packaging could be better for the price
Best signature fragrance
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
Why we love it: Launched in 2013, Si has now earned a spot in power perfume stakes, but quickly turns noses for its fresh and interesting take on chypre. This is a classy fragrance, which has notes cassis, may rose, freesia - it can be someone's signature scent without a doubt.
Pros
- Great for fall and cold weather
- Lasts all day with one application
Cons
- Patchouli can be a bit strong
Best fruity perfume
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
Why we love it: Fruity pear and blackberry make way for orange blossom and a kick of patchouli in this spritely little number. A guaranteed mood-booster. I blind bought this perfume two years ago and haven't looked back since.
Pros
- Tends to receive compliments
- Nice dry down
- Refillable bottle
Cons
- Very popular and ubiquitous
Best musky fragrance
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Description
**Why we love it:**With the scent of fresh soil, deep forests and campfires, the vibrant and subtly woody Gypsy Water is perfect for those who aren't into florals. Enchantingly unique without being overpowering.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Unisex
- Unique
Cons
- Quite masculine
Best lavender perfume
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
Why we love it: With Angelina Jolie as the face, Mon Guerlain was always going to have flare. The standout? A touch of lavender that lends an old-school Parisian flare.
Pros
- A nice vanilla perfume
- Natural and light
Cons
- Not that long lasting
Best unisex perfume
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Description
**Why we love it:**A best-selling fragrance in Liberty, Molecule 01 is the musky, woody fragrance that lead the unisex perfume movement. Launched in 2006, it consists of the molecule Iso E Super – a comforting note that settles onto skin like a dream.
Pros
- Unisex
- Pheromone perfume
Cons
- May not be able to smell this on yourself
Best vanilla perfume
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
Why we love it: Valentino’s Born in Rome Donna Eau de Parfum celebrates femininity with a contemporary edge, disrupting traditional perfumery norms. With luxurious vanilla bourbon and sensual jasmine, it leaves a captivating, rebellious trail that embodies the spirit of Rome’s distinctive street culture. This innovative scent will undoubtedly garner compliments.
Pros
- Addictive
- Beautiful dry down
- Long lasting
Cons
- Not similar to original Born in Roma
15.
Chanel No.5 EDT
Best classic perfume
www.boots.com
Description
Why we love it: This skyrocketed to stratospheric heights when Marilyn Monroe announced she wore 'five drops of No.5' to bed and nothing else. Decades of dedicated fans followed, with an unwavering love of the unique powdery floral, which combines rose and jasmine with aldehydes and vanilla.
Pros
- Sophisticated and elegant
- Good for special occasions
Cons
- A love it or hate it scent
Best oud perfume
www.penhaligons.com
Description
Why we love it: Penhaligon’s Halfeti Rose exudes luxury with its captivating blend of fruits, spices, jasmine, and mysterious rose. This fragrance offers a deep and alluring scent that lasts for hours, making it perfect for any occasion. Suited for both men and women, Halfeti Rose leaves a lasting impression of sophistication and charm. Its quality and longevity make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a rich and captivating fragrance.
Pros
- Nice projection
- Addictive
Cons
- Masculine
Best lime fragrance
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
Why we love it: Jo Malone's best-seller, Lime Basil and Mandarin, is a cool and confident scent that will transport you to a world of calm. Notes of amber wood, peppery basil and aromatic white thyme make for a signature classic.
Pros
- Comforting and familiar
- Fresh scent
Cons
- Not long lasting
Best warm spicy perfume
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
Why we love it: Rich, dark and moody, Tom Ford's Black Orchid is not for the fainthearted. Black truffle, plum and patchouli (with a hint of spice) smell luxurious and decadent, a confident fragrance for when you're feeling your most powerful. We also happen to love the chic architectural bottle.
Pros
- Unisex
- Formal occasions
Cons
- Very strong might be overpowering to some
Best light and fresh perfume
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
Why we love it: As eternal as its name suggests, the clean, floral notes in Calvin Klein's Eternity make it a timeless fragrance to fall in love with. Also available for him with additional layers of mandarin and sage, wear your complimenting fragrances together for scent-sual harmony.
Pros
- Fresh scent
- Timeless
Cons
- Not long lasting
Best winter perfume
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Description
Why we love it: Replica By The Fireplace Eau De Toilette captures a timeless essence, reminiscent of burning wood and chestnuts. Its androgynous appeal makes it suitable for both men and women. The fragrance opens with fruity, spicy top notes of pink pepper, orange flower petals, and clove oil, evoking the sensation of gathering around a crackling fire. Its heart reveals earthy tones of chestnut accord, gaïac wood oil, and cade oil, akin to the aroma of fresh firewood. Meanwhile, the sweet base notes of vanilla accord, Peru balsam, and cashmeran add a cozy warmth, reminiscent of toasted marshmallows.
Pros
- Evocative fragrance
- Unisex
Cons
- May smell too much like a Christmas candle
21.
Prada Paradoxe
Best summer perfume
www.debenhams.com
Description
Why we love it: A light but ambery fragrance with crisp notes of neroli snipped from the buds of the flower. Housed in Prada's signature triangle bottle, this is a nice pick for spring/summer.
Pros
- Nice bottle
- Girl-next-door scent
Cons
- Can be too sweet to some
Best seductive women's perfume
www.theperfumeshop.com
Description
Why we love it: A daring fragrance for the femme fatal's, it has notes of almond, tuberose, jasmine sambac, tonka bean, cocoa and is housed in the signature navy shoe-shaped bottle.
Pros
- Seductive
- Long lasting
Cons
- Can be strong - a little goes a long way
Best citrus women’s perfume
www.fenwick.co.uk
Description
Why we love it: Neroli Oranger by Matiere Premiere is an exceptional fragrance, known for its captivating blend of floral and citrus notes, perfect for summer evenings, and sure to garner compliments wherever you go.
Pros
- Powerful
- Great for special occasions
Cons
- Hard to find
Best feminine perfume
www.selfridges.com
Description
Why we love it: Delina Exclusif by Parfums de Marly is an enchanting amber fragrance for women, launched in 2018 and crafted by perfumer Quentin Bisch. Opening with a burst of litchi, pear, and bergamot, it evolves into a heart of Turkish rose, agarwood (oud), and incense, before settling into a warm base of vanilla, amber, and woody notes. This luxurious blend promises a sophisticated and alluring olfactory experience, perfect for those seeking elegance and depth in their scent.
Pros
- Pretty bottle
- Versatile for casual or formal wear
Cons
- Expensive
Best comforting perfume
www.selfridges.com
Description
Why we love it: Missing Person by Phlur is a captivating fragrance that intertwines delicate floral notes with comforting musk and woody undertones. From the moment it touches your skin, you’re enveloped in a soft veil of jasmine and orange blossom, reminiscent of a tender embrace. As the scent settles, the warmth of white musk and Australian sandalwood emerges, creating a lingering sensation that’s both familiar and intoxicating.
Pros
- Familiar scent
- Musky and warm
Cons
- Projection and longevity could be better
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