If you’re in need of a Valentine’s Day gift idea that’s sure to impress, there’s nothing like treating her to a luxurious bottle of perfume. So how do you find the perfect perfume for a loved one (or yourself) among the many tempting and lovely options? Ahead, we dive into how to choose a perfume, tips for how to apply perfume (and make it last) and the 27 best-smelling perfumes out there.
How to pick a perfume
We have plenty of tips on how to choose a fragrance, but the most important element to keep in mind is what fragrance family you or the recipient are drawn to. Do they like fresh florals? Sweet gourmands? Or maybe something warm and woody?
These different types of fragrances are defined by the composition of their notes. Typically, each fragrance will have top, middle and base notes. Top notes are the first impression you get from smelling a fragrance. Middle notes are the main component of the perfume and you’ll smell them quickly after the top notes. Base notes carry the longevity of the perfume, and these are usually deeper notes that will last for hours.
It’s also important to keep in mind that fragrance will smell different when spritzed in the air or on a paper test strip versus when worn on the skin. This is because the fragrance molecules react with the pH of the wearer’s skin. It’s also why fragrance smells different on each individual (not to mention, how we perceive smell varies from person to person, too).
How to apply perfume
Just like scent itself is personal, how you apply perfume is up to your preference, too. However, if you apply your fragrance and then an hour later are wondering why your perfume didn’t last, it could be because you didn’t follow these best practices.
- Spray it on your skin, not your clothes. This will help the fragrance last longer, and it will also help reveal those middle and base notes of the perfume.
- Moisturize your skin before spritzing. The aromatic compounds in fragrance are carried in oils. These will bind with well-moisturized skin better than dry skin, so if you want your fragrance to last longer it’s a good idea to apply some unscented body lotion first.
- Spray from six inches away. This general rule of thumb gives enough precision that you can hit specific spots on your body, but it won’t be so close that the fragrance will be too concentrated.
- Target your pulse points. In order to get lasting wear that isn’t overwhelming. applying perfume to your pulse points (inside of each wrist, behind each ear and/or around the neck and décolletage) is a smart move. These warm points will help with the projection and longevity of the fragrance without covering your clothes in the scent.
- Never rub your perfume. If you spray your wrists with perfume, it’s common to then rub them together, but you should actually avoid doing this. Rubbing the fragrance is believed to degrade the scent molecules, which can ultimately alter how it smells.
With these tips in mind, let’s get into the fragrances. From floral to spicy to light and fresh, we researched the best perfumes for women so you don’t have to.With picks from Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Byredo, you’re sure to find your perfect scent below.
And if you’re in search of another type of fragrance, be sure to check out our picks for the best colognes for men and unisex fragrances too.
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum
With a combination of lavender, orange and musk, Yves Saint Laurent’s Libre Eau de Parfum is a truly intoxicating mixture. It’s been home and gifts editor Amina Lake Abdelrahman’s signature scent for three years; she loves that it’s a bit bolder than your typical floral perfume.
$34
Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club
Associate editor Jillian Tracy loves this warm, woody fragrance reminiscent of an old Brooklyn jazz club. And if her endorsement isn’t enough, it has a 4.6-star rating and over 1,000 reviews.
With hints of rum, pink pepper and tobacco, it’s a sensual option that’s great for date night — for men or women. As one reviewer writes, “If you are a woman who loves more ‘spicy’ and ‘exotic’ scents, you need this in your life!”
$35
Bond No. 9 New York Tribeca
This sweet and warm fragrance is associate beauty editor Sophie Shaw’s personal favorite for the fall and winter. “Admittedly, I was never a big fan of gourmands until I tried this one,” she says. Its mix of cacao absolute, green hazelnut, caramel and jasmine sambac absolute is beautifully balanced. It’s definitely a splurge, but a little goes a long way. Plus, the bottle is gorgeous.
$320
Diptyque Philosykos Eau de Toilette
This classic Diptyque fragrance is senior editor Chelsea Stone’s favorite scent ever. Its notes embody the elements of a fig tree: the lush greenery, woody branches and ripe fruit. Like summertime in the Greek isles.
$175
Chloé Eau de Parfum
“I love to switch up my fragrances, but if I had to choose just one, it would be this polished and clean floral scent from Chloé,” says Shaw. The French brand’s signature fragrance presents a bouquet of peony, lychee, rose, springtime freesia and a touch of honey. It’s a versatile scent that feels appropriate for the office, date night, special occasions or anywhere else.
$38
Best luxury perfumes
What makes a great luxury perfume? To us, it’s a fragrance that has expertly balanced notes, lasts a long time and is something you’ll love wearing every day. Of course, it doesn’t hurt if the bottle is beautiful too.
We’ve selected outstanding perfumes that are cult classics, popular with reviewers and internet favorites.
Dior J’adore Eau de Parfum
As its name suggests, you’re going to love this perfume by Dior (FYI: J’adore means “I love” in French). With nearly 1,000 5-star reviews at Sephora, J’adore is floral and fresh, housed in a bottle to match. Featuring notes of ylang ylang, Damascus rose and jasmine, you’ll never want to swap from this luxurious fragrance.
$100
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum
A fragrance for those in the know, this luxurious scent is full of juxtapositions. Airy yet rich, floral yet gourmand, Baccarat Rouge 540 is a distinguished fragrance that perfume aficionados will be able to recognize anywhere. It’s everything you would expect out of an expensive perfume.
One reviewer writes, “This is the most amazing fragrance. I resisted purchasing it for the longest time, because justifying the expense to my hubby for perfumes of this caliber can be challenging. Regardless, it is worth every cent! This is one of those fragrances that are so subtle, that once you put it on you do not smell it anymore, but I assure you… others will!”
$325
Byredo Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum
One reviewer of Byredo’s Gypsy Water says they “didn’t know tranquility” until using this fragrance. The eau de parfum is described as woody and aromatic, as an ode to Romani culture reminiscent of gypsy nights, through notes of bergamot, lemon, pepper, juniper berries and amber.
$205
Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum
Gucci Bloom is a classic floral fragrance that you’ll opt for again and again. It features notes of rangoon creeper, jasmine bud and tuberose for a scent meant to embody the Gucci woman.
Think of it as a light, soft, timeless option. One reviewer even notes, “Gucci has finally placed class and sophistication in a bottle.”
$100
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum
A timeless classic, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum is a sexy, modern option for the woman who loves to stand out from the crowd.
Featuring hints of orange, patchouli and Turkish rose, this scent’s selling point isn’t just its refreshing take on floral, but more so how long it lasts. “If your goal is to smell and seem like a young, fashionable Parisian, then this is for you,” writes one reviewer. “It smells amazing and lasts all day. Definitely gives me a confidence boost.”
$105
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