Our Favorite Fragrances Will Have You Smelling Like A Dream

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

1

Best Budget

Le Monde Gourmand Beau Bleu Eau de Parfum

1

Best Budget

Le Monde Gourmand Beau Bleu Eau de Parfum

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.

“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.”— S.P.

2

Best Daytime Scent

Lancôme Idôle Eau de Parfum

2

Best Daytime Scent

Lancôme Idôle Eau de Parfum

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.

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.”

3

Best Sultry Scent

Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau de Perfume

3

Best Sultry Scent

Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau de Perfume

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Pros

• Elegant scent

Cons

• Pricey

Starting bright and surprising with whiffs of jasmine, this perfume soon turns dark and seductive with traces of coffee and cocoa. A must-have for any wild night in or out.

An Amazon reviewer says: “The bottle is what immediately caught my attention, but after I sampled it, I needed to have it. It goes very well with my natural scent; it’s warm and sweet, yet sexy. It’s perfect for everyday wear as well as special occasions.”

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4

Best Celeb Scent

Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum

4

Best Celeb Scent

Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum

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.

An Amazon reviewer says: “That’s it. Steamy cotton candy. I smell like a sexy cavity. Ten out of 10.”

5

Best Floral Scent

Gucci Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum

5

Best Floral Scent

Gucci Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum

Pros

• Dynamic Scent

Cons

• Strong

A more modern take on the traditional floral perfume, this inventive fragrance is made all the more dynamic by its inclusion of rangoon creeper, a flowering vine native to tropical Asia. This can be a strong scent, so don’t overdo it, but the whiffs of jasmine and tuberose are simply lovely.

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I smelled a magazine sample of this, and as an inveterate tuberose lover, I immediately ordered a full bottle. Just this side of vanilla is enough for everyday wear, but sensuous enough for going out. Love her.”

6

Best for Layering

The Harmonist Yin Transformation Parfum

6

Best for Layering

The Harmonist Yin Transformation Parfum

Pros

• Warm and sensual

Cons

• Pricey

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.

“As someone with over 100 fragrances, my signature scent changes by the day. 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, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

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7

Best Unusual Floral Perfume

Elorea Inflorescence (송아리) Eau De Parfum

7

Best Unusual Floral Perfume

Elorea Inflorescence (송아리) Eau De Parfum

Credit: Elorea

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.

“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

8

Best Nighttime Scent

19-69 Purple Haze Eau de Parfum

8

Best Nighttime Scent

19-69 Purple Haze Eau de Parfum

Pros

• Spicy-smelling

Cons

• Pricey

Inspired by the ’70s and Jimi Hendrix, this perfume has notes of bergamot, musk, black pepper, and thyme. It’s a rich, full perfume that’s best suited to the coolest, grungiest person you know. As a bonus, the bottle is too gorgeous not to covet.

A Sephora reviewer says:“Spicy, heady, complex…like walking through the crowd at a music festival in all the best ways.”

9

Best Beachy Perfume

Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk Eau de Toilette

9

Best Beachy Perfume

Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk Eau de Toilette

Credit: Nordstrom

Pros

• Ocean-inspired
• Long-lasting

Cons

• Scent may not be universally-appealing

Even if you don’t live near the coast, this effervescent summer perfume will instantly transport to warm, sandy shores with notes of bergamot, coconut milk, and aquatic-inspired transluzone. Also, what’s not to love about its striking apothecary-style bottle?

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Love this scent, takes me to holiday in my head in one spritz. All the best bits—sun cream, salty skin, fruity cocktails, and tropical flowers. Delicious. The scent really lasts well, too. Great for every day!”

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10

Best Woodsy Perfume

Initio Parfums Prives Oud For Greatness Eau de Parfum Spray

10

Best Woodsy Perfume

Initio Parfums Prives Oud For Greatness Eau de Parfum Spray

Pros

• Balanced out with fresh notes

Cons

• Pricey

If you’re seeking a rich woodsy yet balanced scent, try Initio Parfums’ Oud For Greatness. Spicy musk, nutmeg, and saffron add to the boldness of this Oud Wood-driven fragrance, while lavender and patchouli offer enticing floral notes for a sophisticated finish.

A Neiman Marcus reviewer says: “Every time I wear this, I get so many compliments from men and women. Last all day and night.”

11

Best for Date Night

La Perla Signature Eau de Parfum

11

Best for Date Night

La Perla Signature Eau de Parfum

Pros

• Feminine scent

Cons

• Pricey

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.

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.”

12

Best Luxury Buy

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum

12

Best Luxury Buy

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum

Pros

• Subtle yet enticing

Cons

• Pricey

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.

A Neiman Marcus reviewer says: “I’m searching for my perfect wedding day scent. I researched and watched so many YouTube reviews on this perfume, and for me, it definitely lives up to the hype. It first smells unisex, but dries to a sweet and sexy scent. So, so good!”

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13

Best Classic Scent

Dior J’adore Eau de Parfum

13

Best Classic Scent

Dior J’adore Eau de Parfum

Pros

• Versatile scent

Cons

• Pricey

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.

A Sephora reviewer says: “Lovely floral scent, not too warm or heavy but still has good lasting power. Would recommended this to all ages and seems appropriate for both day and night. Gorgeous bottle.”

14

Best Peony Scent

Acqua di Parma Peonia Nobile Perfume

14

Best Peony Scent

Acqua di Parma Peonia Nobile Perfume

Pros

• Balanced scent

Cons

• Pricey

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 a wearable bouquet.

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.”

15

Best Patchouli Scent

Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum

15

Best Patchouli Scent

Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum

Pros

• Romantic scent

Cons

• Pricey

It’s all in the name, folks: This perfume is like spritzing on the feeling of a sunset soirée in a romantic palace garden. With orchid, patchouli, tea leaf, jasmine and rose, wearing Flowerbomb is the next best thing to carrying a bouquet wherever you go.

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Flowerbomb, in my opinion, has to be the most beautiful and comforting fragrance ever created. Sweet-soft-romantic-powdery. It’s heaven in a bottle.”

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16

Best Mature Scent

Diptyque Eau de Minthe Eau de Parfum

16

Best Mature Scent

Diptyque Eau de Minthe Eau de Parfum

Pros

• Complex scent

Cons

• Not for the faint of heart

For a slightly more masculine, aftershave-inspired perfume, this minty fragrance is fresh and delightful. Along with mint, it has notes of geranium and patchouli for a complicated but delectable fragrance.

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Praise for this scent with not a single flower petal in sight. It makes me think of a classy wizard who relishes a good gin. It’s mystic and unusual, and I’m here for it.”

17

Best Fresh Scent

Ex Nihilo Fleur Narcotique Eau de Parfum

17

Best Fresh Scent

Ex Nihilo Fleur Narcotique Eau de Parfum

Pros

• Unique scent

Cons

• Pricey

This luxurious and fruity perfume is like summer in a bottle. Featuring unique traces of lychee, peony, orange blossom, and peach, with a little musk mixed in for good measure, this is like a well-made cocktail—worth the extra cost.

A Saks Fifth Avenue reviewer says:“As a perfume hoarder, I can say that I have nothing like it in my collection, and it smells amazing! It’s a citrusy floral that settles in very beautifully.”

18

Best Day-to-Night Scent

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum

18

Best Day-to-Night Scent

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum

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.

A Sephora reviewer says:“One of my favorite scents. Very mature but not like an old lady scent. It’s sophisticated and warm. I wear this year-round but suggest wearing it in the winter.”

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19

Best Fruity Scent

D.S. & Durga Grapefruit Generation Eau de Parfum

19

Best Fruity Scent

D.S. & Durga Grapefruit Generation Eau de Parfum

Pros

• Fresh and citrusy

Cons

• Pricey

For a complex citrus perfume, this one by the cool Brooklyn-based brand D.S. & Durga is top-notch. It smells like the skin of a pomelo, paired with hints of tuberose, musk, and—naturally—grapefruit. What could be better?

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “It’s everything the maker says it is. When I wear this, I feel I have been transported outdoors to a special place. I smell the smoke, the trees, it feels real. This scent is addicting, soothing. The balance is perfect. I love this perfume.”

20

Best Soft Scent

Chanel Chance Eau de Parfum Spray

20

Best Soft Scent

Chanel Chance Eau de Parfum Spray

Pros

• Classic aroma

Cons

• May be too strong of a scent for some

A fruity, floral fragrance as traditionally feminine as its color, this is a non-fussy pick for day wear.

“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.”—S.P.

Culture Writer

Lauren Puckett-Pope is a staff culture writer at ELLE, where she primarily covers film, television and books. She was previously an associate editor at ELLE. 

Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor

Tatjana Freund is Hearst’s Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She’s a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made. 

Beauty Commerce Editor

Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.

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