These 10 Expensive Perfumes Are Worth Every Penny

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1

Best Cool Girl Scent

Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady Parfum

1

Best Cool Girl Scent

Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady Parfum

Pros

• Unique notes

Cons

• Can start off smelling very intense

Apparently, the folks over at Frédéric Malle found a way to bottle cool girl energy. It’s definitely a woodsier scent, but it also contains hints of rose, raspberry and cinnamon for that sweeter edge.

Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Love it, love it, loooooove it! This is a very nice rose fragrance. Leaves a sweet taste in my mouth after I smell it. So glad that I purchased the large bottle. This is my favorite fragrance right now. It’s very unique.”

2

Best Feminine Perfume

Parfums de Marly Valaya Eau de Parfum

2

Best Feminine Perfume

Parfums de Marly Valaya Eau de Parfum

Pros

• Long-lasting

Cons

• Only comes in one size

I recently invited friends over to root through my perfume inventory, and no joke; people fought over this one. My male friends begged me to give it to their girlfriends, but in the end I kept it, because any perfume that almost starts a riot is one I need to own.

Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “You just know from the first spray that it’s the one. And after a few minutes, it’s even better. It’s light and fresh with a sweetness, feminine and sophisticated. Just cannot stop smelling it. I’m in love!”

3

Best for Perfume Newbies

Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum

3

Best for Perfume Newbies

Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum

Pros

• Perfect balance of scent notes

Cons

• Popular and common

When I received this perfume, I immediately posted it on my Instagram to brag about my connections. No fewer than four so-called “friends” asked if they could have it. As if. That being said, if you don’t know what to buy for someone, I have yet to meet a human being who doesn’t like Santal 33.

Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I’d take a bath in this scent if I could afford it. I hope I’m buried with a bottle when I die.”

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4

Best For Beauty Insiders

Perfumer H Angelica Eau de Parfum

4

Best For Beauty Insiders

Perfumer H Angelica Eau de Parfum

Pros

• Hand-blown glass bottle

Cons

• No reviews online

The definition of “If you know, you know.” Even beauty insiders aren’t always clued into Perfumer H, so if you have a scent-loving friend (and spare change in the bank), this yummy herb-garden perfume is a must-buy. In fact, this perfume is so avant-garde and cool that there aren’t reviews available online. In lieu of this, please peruse my own personal rating:

Tatjana Freund rating: 5/5 stars

A Tatjana Freund reviewer says: “Just buy it.”

5

Best for Brides

Creed Fleurissimo Fragrance

5

Best for Brides

Creed Fleurissimo Fragrance

Pros

• Balanced between sweet and fresh

Cons

• Mid-rating

As a bride-to-be, this perfume feels like it was made for me–literally. It’s inspiration is a bouquet you walk down the aisle with, complete with floral notes from violets, tuberoses, ylang-ylang flowers, and irises. Not to mention, it looks like something a Bridgerton character would put on their vanity.

Nordstrom rating: 3.8/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Clearly the most beautiful fragrance on the planet. Subtle and complex.”

6

Best Fall Scent

Bond No.9 New York New York NoMad Perfume

6

Best Fall Scent

Bond No.9 New York New York NoMad Perfume

Pros

• Lasts on the skin

Cons

• Only comes in one size

Take it from me; the bottle alone justifies the hefty price tag for this perfume. Anyone who enters my apartment is instantly enthralled with the star shape, but the truth is that the scent inside is even better. Inspired by New York City, the fragrance is the perfect mesh of sweet, fruity, and deep.

Saks rating: 5/5 stars

A Saks reviewer says: “This smells wonderful! I love love love it! I love the longevity of this. It’s an excellent scent for fall/winter months.”

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7

Best Perfume Packaging

The Harmonist Sun Force Parfum

7

Best Perfume Packaging

The Harmonist Sun Force Parfum

Pros

• Uncommon scent notes

Cons

• Only available in one size

At heart, I’m a California girl, which means I come with my fair share of crunchy granola. It’s this side of me that truly believes this perfume improves my mood. Do I understand that The Harmonist has not literally bottled the positive energy of the sun? Yes. Does this perfume genuinely make me feel more in tune with Mother Nature? Also yes.

Neiman Marcus rating: 5/5 stars

A Neiman Marcus reviewer says: “Beautiful fragrance in a beautiful package. I have several of their fragrances and appreciate the quality and concept of the line. Yes, I would recommend.”

8

Best Gender Neutral Fragrance

Acqua di Parma Osmanthus Eau de Parfum

8

Best Gender Neutral Fragrance

Acqua di Parma Osmanthus Eau de Parfum

This is a superb gender-neutral scent–or at least that’s what I’ve been led to believe since my brother constantly attempts to steal the bottle from my apartment. If you’re considering a trip to Italy this year, save yourself a few bucks and buy this perfume instead.

Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I ordered this on a whim without smelling it first. It was a gamble that paid off. I don’t think I will ever be without this perfume. It is so different, without being overpowering. It last a decent length of time on my skin. I’d highly recommend this.”

9

Best Designer Fragrance

Gucci The Alchemist’s Garden 1921 Eau de Parfum

9

Best Designer Fragrance

Gucci The Alchemist’s Garden 1921 Eau de Parfum

Pros

• Fresh notes

Cons

• Not long-lasting

Truthfully, designer fragrances–perfumes created by fashion houses–can be really hit or miss. Gucci transcends that stereotype with a range of exceptional fragrances that increase the eye-candy factor of any vanity.

Nordstrom rating: 4/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “The notes are crisp and fresh. Such a delightful fragrance.”

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10

Best A-Lister Scent

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum

10

Best A-Lister Scent

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum

Pros

• Balance of sweet and savory notes

Cons

• Can change as you wear it

Also known as everybody’s favorite perfume, this scent pays for itself in the abundance of compliments you’ll accrue. It’s also a favorite of A-listers like Olivia Rodrigo, which is an endorsement that makes me click “Add to cart.” Believe the hype—there’s a reason why you smell it everywhere.

Nordstrom rating: 4/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I am constantly stopped on the street, in stores, elevators, in meetings, EVERYWHERE and told ‘You smell INCREDIBLE, what are you wearing?!?’”

Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

Tatjana Freund is ELLE’s Beauty E-Commerce Writer. She has interviewed countless industry-leading professionals and always smells delicious.

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items.

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. 

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