From iconic French blends to more niche signatures, the best perfumes for women are classed as such for their quality formulations, longevity and reputation. These are the 21 scents we think are particularly deserving of the word.
Fragrance is perhaps the most subjective area of the beauty world and, in our opinion, one of the most transformative. There's truly nothing like finding a blend, be it a best long-lasting perfume or floral fragrance, that smells distinctly you or keeps tempting you back for second and third sniffs. Perfume holds the power to evoke memories and emotions - hence, many people have day and evening signatures. Thus, finding 'The One' is a worthy investment, but it's the finding that can pose a problem. With the sheer array of so-called 'best' perfumes, knowing where to start, especially when buying online, is no easy feat.
Thankfully, our beauty team is seasoned in their pursuit of chic and timeless scents, and they have 21 that they'd like to share with you. Spanning everything from iconic blends to niche, under-the-radar options, you're sure to find a fragrance that ticks all your boxes.
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The best perfumes for women, as chosen by our experts
Whether you're a lover of the best Dior perfumes or are perhaps tempted by a Jo Malone or Le Labo number but are unsure which of their hero scents to choose, we've rounded up (in no particular order) the best in our eyes. All of which are well-worn editions in our own collections - so you really know we love them.
RRP: £82 for 50ml | Notes: Mandarin, basil and amberwood
Touted as one of the best Jo Malone perfumes, Lime Basil and Mandarin is as uncomplicated as it is elegant. It's brimming with citrus, which is grounded by herbaceous hints of basil and a warm amberwood base. This scent is comforting and refreshing all at once, making it one of those rare scents that just transcends the seasons. There's a reason why it's one of the British brand's most iconic blends, and we have found it more than deserving of its popularity.
Who should wear it: Those seeking a classic and minimalistic citrus scent.
RRP: £58 for 30ml Notes: Italian Mandarin, Rose, Egyptian Jasmine, Patchouli, Musk
Don’t let the ‘Miss’ fool you. This is no frothy teen scent, in fact, it's generally regarded to be one of the best Dior perfumes of all time. It’s a mysterious and sensual floral fragrance, which has been masterfully blended to create an elegant, luxurious, and ladylike juice. The mandarin is a fleeting accord, and soon makes way for the soothing, intoxicating jasmine heart. This is a fragrance with great projection—you’ll make an entrance before even stepping foot in the room. It has a cosseting, musky warmth, which makes it great for bedtime, and equally an effervescence that plays well on balmy summer days.
Who should wear it: Anyone looking for a long-lasting, luxury scent.
RRP: £62 for 35ml | Notes: Orange, Bergamot, Turkish Rose, Jasmine, Mimosa, Ylang-Ylang, Patchouli, White Musk, Vanilla, Vetiver, Tonka Bean, Opoponax
This is a perfume that fills the room. It has fantastic sillage and impressive staying power. We got a whiff when we threw on a coat we’d worn a week earlier. It’s the combination of sweet citrus top notes and deep patchouli, vanilla, and white musk that make this a clean and classic yet spicy scent that feels appropriate at any time of day, spans the seasons, and has an ageless appeal.
Who should wear it: Those looking for a classic, chic clean scent, that can be worn day and night (and will last that long too).
RRP: £200 for 50ml | Notes: Rose, patchouli, sandalwood and incense
Featuring florals and spices in perfect harmony, Frederic Malle's Portrait of a Lady is our Beauty Editor, Fiona McKim's favourite scent. It's heady, with notes of classic rose and patchouli really making their mark, while hints of incense offer this blend a sultry kick. It's unfailingly elegant and sticks with you, all day and all night.
Who should wear it: those seeking a long-lasting and distinctive rose signature.
RRP: £141 for 50ml | Notes: Violet Accord, Cardamom, Iris, Papyrus, Ambrox, Cedarwood, Leather, Sandalwood
This unisex scent launched in 2011 and became an underground smash, beloved by Beauty Editors and cool girl celebs, like Alexa Chung. Its cult status was cemented when the New York Times referred to it as “the perfume you smell everywhere.” It fuses sweeter notes of iris and violet with deep yet comforting leathery, smoky and musky accords. You will still have the pleasure of smelling this scent for hours after applying it, heck, even the following day, depending on your personal bathing routine.
Who should wear it: Anyone looking for a stand-out scent with unisex appeal
RRP: £48 for 50ml | Notes: Italian Mandarin, Rose, Egyptian Jasmine, Patchouli, Musk
If an exotic holiday is off the cards, let this tropical scent inject that wanderlust spirit into your fragrance wardrobe. Pleasingly affordable, as perfume goes, this is one of the best cheap perfumes that still looks and smells like a luxe designer scent. It’s lighter than your average eau de parfum, but it works with its light and airy holiday vibe. The warm blend of coconut, vanilla, and amber will transport you to sunnier climes, cocktail in hand, sand between your toes. It is pure summer in a bottle. So much so that it feels rebellious to spritz it in colder climes. But then rules are made to be broken, so there's no need to shove this in a drawer for half the year and then frantically Google do perfumes expire the next time you want to wear it. You do you.
Who should wear it: Those looking for a summery scent, that light, airy, and feels likea holiday in a bottle
RRP: £340 for 70ml | Notes: Jasmine, Saffron, Amberwood, Fir Resin, Cedar
You must have noticed this fragrance going viral in recent years. With over 600 million views on TikTok alone, it was sold out for months in 2022. It was first launched in 2016 and is inspired by a scarlet red crystal (hence the gorgeous bottle), with woody, ambery, and floral notes inspired by the crystal's fusion process. The top notes of saffron give the impression of an oud fragrance on the first spritz, but then the Ambroxan comes through, providing a potent woody note. With jasmine facets, it's a truly unique formula, a scent like no other, and one of the most iconic fragrances out there.
Who should wear it: There is no quiet luxury here; this fragrance is all about loud luxury. If you don't mind spending over £300 on a scent, it's well worth the investment.
RRP: from £82 for 30ml | Notes: Juniper berry, cedar, tonka bean and jasmine
Ethereal, that's the first word that comes to mind whenever we smell Orphéon. There's something mystical about this best Diptyque perfume, like moonlight bottled. Digital Beauty Writer, Naomi Jamieson especially loves this scent, with its multi-faceted blend of woody juniper berries and cedar, with smoky tonka bean and that distinctive, powdery trail of jasmine. It's crisp at first but settles into those hazy base notes, for a versatile and truly chic signature.
Who should wear it: those who want to smell distinctive and intriguing but not overpowering.
RRP: £64 for 30ml| Notes: Pear, Blackberry, Pallida Iris Concrete, Orange Blossom, Jasmine Sambac Absolutes, Heart of Patchouli Essence.
La Vie est Belle is French for 'life is beautiful', which is the best way to describe this fragrance. A scent that is instantly uplifting and appreciated in every room you walk into. Trust us, you'll have strangers asking what you're wearing. This is nothing like your typical floral fragrance, with top notes of pear, iris in the middle and patchouli at the base note. It's gourmand yet chic and will last all day (and night) long. Plus, it's been re-launched in a refillable bottle, which we're sure you will want to.
Who should wear it: If you don't mind being asked "what are you wearing" most days, this is for you. Or if you're searching for a new signature floral scent, that will last all night and into the next morning.
RRP: £65 for 30ml | Notes: Mirabelle Plum, Freesia, Oak moss
A fruity floral with a touch of woodiness that adds a luxury touch to the fragrance. On first spritz, you will be met with sweet notes of plum, and then the fresh, clean jasmine - but it's the plum and oakmoss that last all day long, making this one of the best Chypre scents ever. And honestly, one we kind of wanted to gatekeep. If you're a fan of fresh scents, you will love this.
Who should wear it: If you're going for the chic and sophisticated, quiet luxury look, this one is for you.
RRP: from £62 for 30ml | Notes: Clove oil, pink pepper, orange flower petals, chestnut accord, gaiic wood and cashmeran
While the Replica perfumes offer something for every preference, By The Fireplace is by far our favourite - plus its notes are perfectly aligned with the 2025 perfume trends. It smells exactly as described - like a crackling fire, warming the room with smoky hints of rich chestnut. It's the ultimate winter perfume, though we've been known to wear it year-round, especially when we crave something cosy and familiar.
Who should wear it: lovers of smoky signatures and those who favour a snuggly night in, over an evening out.
RRP: £170 for 50ml | Notes: Bergamot, Black Pepper, Pink Grapefruit, Bamboo, Geranium, Incense, White Patchouli, Amber, Vetiver
Victoria Beckham launched three scents in 2023, which she created with perfumer Jerome Epinette. The artisanal fragrances are genderless, all based on Beckham's memories, with each fragrance based on different moments in her life. Portofino '97 is based on her first trip with her husband, a scent reminiscent of a new romance. With notes of vetiver and incense, it's a strong scent, but in true VB fashion, it is entirely unique and unlike anything else we've smelt.
Who should wear it: If you're looking for a seductive scent or just want to smell the same as posh spice.
RRP: from £69 for 30ml | Notes: Pear accord, mandarin essence, vanilla, orange blossom, black coffee accord, cedarwood, white musk and patchouli.
Counted as one of the most iconic YLS scents, Black Opium offers a rich and sensual take on a classic vanilla perfume. It's sweet but not cloying, thanks to its warm notes of cedar and black coffee. It's one of those scents that never goes out of style and will always attract compliments.
Who should wear it: fans of gourmand fragrances who are seeking something with added edge.
RRP: from £150 for 50ml | Notes: aldehyde, Rose Centifolia, peony, violet, musks and sandalwood
Blanche, the perfume for those who actually don't want to smell too perfumey but rather like clean skin and laundry. The hero Byredo scent is intimate, with a soft bouquet of florals - namely rose, violet and peony - musk and a comforting base of sandalwood. It's fresh and powdery, ideal for days when you want to complement the crispness of a clean white t-shirt and maintain that just-hopped-out-of-the-shower scent.
Who should wear it: those who want a non-perfume-y perfume that just smells clean and delicately floral.
RRP: £62 for 50ml | Notes: Pink pepper, Ambrox, Iris, Ambrette Seeds
Skin-like scents started trending last year but show no signs of slowing down in popularity. Glossier you is the only way to go if you're looking for a skin scent. Specifically formulated to enhance the smell of your skin, it is made up of mostly base notes so that your natural scent can shine through. This means it will smell a little different on everyone. But with top notes of white florals and peppercorns, there will always be a touch of warm floral that will come through on every one.
Who should wear it: If you're looking for a fragrance that smells like you but better.
RRP: £68 for 30ml | Notes: Vanilla Infusion, Lavender, Vanilla Caviar, Vanilla Absolute
Burberry Goddess is made with three vanilla notes. Collected by hand, the beans are dried and stored for longer than usual to develop a sweet scent. Of the three notes, the vanilla infusion has a woody note to it, while the absolute adds more richness - plus, vanilla caviar (the seeds and oil of the bean) has never been used in a fragrance before this. The only other note is a bright lavender that adds a floral touch to the fragrance. Plus, it's the brand's first refillable bottle (and it's a beautiful one too).
Who should wear it: If you love gourmand scents, particularly vanilla, this is for you. You will smell sweet all day long.
RRP: from £72 for 30ml | Notes: Tangerine, neroli, lavender, jasmine sambac, orange blossom, white musks and vanilla extract
With notes of tangerine, lavender and vanilla, YSL's Libre smells like summer sunsets. It's warm and creamy but has this musky richness to it that is so alluring. We tend to gravitate towards it in the summer and early autumn months but its floral sweetness lends itself to spring too.
Who should wear it: fans of chypre, floral-vanilla scents, seeking the perfect summer evening perfume
RRP: £53.50 for 35ml | Notes: Blood Orange, Ginger, Tuberose, Pimento Leaf, Jasmine, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver
Tangy blood orange and accents of ginger read a little ‘Christmassy’ but this amber-floral has broad appeal beyond the festive season. Having said that, the warm and spicy profile does seem to suit the colder months. It’s a powerful and sensual number that leaves a trail of sandalwood, evoking the cosy, warmth of being sat in front of a log fire in the middle of winter.
Who should wear it: Anyone looking for a comforting, winter scent with great staying power
RRP: £110 | Notes: Rose, Geranium, Palmarosa, Honey, Moss, Patchouli
This amber floral is all about the classic rose, from the dusty pink-coloured juice to the floral top and heart notes. What strikes you about this fragrance is how natural it smells. It evokes childhood memories of plucking garden rose petals to bathe in water to create a personalised perfume concoction. This is no powdery, fuddy-duddy floral blend—it is delicate and elegant, and a sure-fire hit with fans of rose scents.
Who should wear it: Those who want an aesthetically pleasing, Rose-forward scent that's long-lasting
RRP: from £82 for 30 ml | Notes: hazelnut leaf, rose centifolia and vetiver
Ranked among our best rose perfumes, Penhaligon's Elisabethan Rose puts an airy spin on the traditional floral. There's a nuttiness to it, as well as a hint of crisp greenness, both of which make the rose feel lightweight and elegant - rather than heady and pungent.
Who should wear it: someone seeking a delicate and fresh rose scent.
RRP: from £82 for 50ml | Notes: bergamot, mandarin, amber, cedarwood, suede and patchouli
If you're yet to sample any of Jo Loves' fragrances, let Amber Lime and Bergamot be your first foray into the brand. It's a favourite amongst our team for its citrusy and ambery blend. It's warm and spicy with a hint of sweetness that really draws you in.
Who should wear it: fans of amber and sophisticated citrus scents.
How to choose the best perfumes for women
A selection of the best perfumes included in this guide - from left to right, Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace, Byredo Blanche, Le Labo Santal 33, Diptyque Orpheon, Penhaligon's Elisabethan Rose, Dior Miss Dior and YSL Libre, all pictured on a wooden shelf in front of a pink wall.
With so many fragrances out there, it's not always easy to learn how to choose a perfume. We've divided our list into five perfume styles to help you choose.
- Floral: Feminine with an ingredients list packed full of blooms. Great for fans of iconic floral perfumes like Givenchy L'Interdit and Marc Jacobs Daisy.
- Fresh: Citrussy, clean-smelling or with sparkly ‘aldehydic’ notes, these perfumes will suit lovers of Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche and cult-fave Bobbi Brown Beach.
- Fruity: Juicy and tasty, fruit-forward scents. If you or whoever you're buying for likes Jo Malone London Blackberry & Bay or Prada Candy, they're probably a fruity perfume fan.
- Unisex: Technically, every perfume is unisex. But spicy or clean notes and gender-neutral packaging define this style. Classics include Le Labo Santal and CK One.
- Spicy: Heady and warming with woods and patchouli. The best oud perfumes come under this category and wearers of YSL Black Opium or Chanel Coco are likely to fall in love with a spicy perfume.
Our beauty team's favourite perfumes
As mentioned, perfume is very subjective. Someone else's 'best' scent might not be yours and vice versa. That said, if you're stuck on which of the many chic and iconic blends to go for, reading a raving review (or four) on some of said perfumes never hurts.
Thus, our team of editors and writers have also shared their current favourite fragrances, some of which feature above and some don't but are just as deserving of praise and investment...
Fiona's chic long-lasting favourite
RRP: £200 for 50ml | Notes: Rose, patchouli, sandalwood and incense
"Annoying, I know, when a beauty editor picks her 'perfect' something or other and it’s highly expensive. But the brief was favourite perfume of all time and, as illustrated by the battered, half-finished bottle, this is it for me," says Digital Beauty Editor, Fiona McKim: "I wear Portrait of a Lady day, night, summer winter - the works - although I imagine this would be an evening-only scent for many (it’s very heady, with lots of rose and patchouli and ripe forest fruits) To justify the investment, I will say this smells like nothing else and it's got pretty unbelievable lasting power, so I have been working my way through this 100ml for at least a couple of years.
"To be honest, I spent a long time with an anti-signature scent stance before I started wearing this. Cut to 2025 and my friend's voice noting me from Liberty’s Frederic Malle counter to say it "smells like Fi" - how things change."
Aleesha's fresh & lightweight signature
RRP: £70 for 100ml | Notes: violet, muguet, styrax , jasmine, orange blossom, tuberose, cedar, amber and musk
"I've been in a bit of a perfume rut recently and not really felt particularly passionate about making an impression or wearing any strong notes. So Granado's fresh Tuberosa perfume has been the perfect end of winter/start of spring reset, with its soft notes and comforting feel. A note I'm not usually a fan of, the tuberose in this fragrance is softened by a warm amber and sharp cedar base with a touch of musk, and woody styrax and subtly sweet violet on the top. A fresh and ever-so-slightly powdery finish that feels chic and light."
Naomi's go-to floral musk
RRP: £160 for 75ml | Notes: musk, iris, ambrette and pink peppercorn
"Alas, I have another quite pricey recommendation for you but I mean it when I say the compliments you will earn when wearing Fleur de Peau make it well worth the spend," quips Digital Beauty Writer, Naomi Jamieson: "I actually used to scoff at claims that a perfume had inspired strangers to stop its wearer in the street until I added this powdery number to my collection. It is no exaggeration when I say that Diptyque's Fleur de Peau is the most complimented perfume and thing, in general, I've ever worn. No outfit, hairdo or makeup look has ever earned me as much praise or attention. I've had waitresses ask me what I'm wearing, my hairdresser too, even my friends have asked for spritzes on evenings out after 'forgetting' to wear their own perfume. If all that isn't an indication of a truly chic signature, I don't know what is.
"As for the scent itself, it's a spicy floral, with hints of pink pepper, iris and ambrette. It's musky and powdery all at once, offering this comforting fluffiness to the skin and air around you. Fleur is delicate but peppery - ideal for a timeless but interesting everyday scent. As we can see above, it's well-loved and nearing the halfway mark, but being a glass-half-empty kind of gal, I'm trying not to focus on that fact too much or else I might cry."
Sennen's springtime favourite
RRP: £140 for 100ml | Notes: wild strawberry, amber accord, violet leaf and bluebell
"For those who typically opt for fragrances with fruity-floral notes, like me, let me introduce you to Molton Brown’s Bluebell & Wild Strawberry," says Digital Beauty Writer, Sennen Prickett: "Exactly as the name suggests, this perfume is the perfect harmony between the two, with notes of wild strawberry, violet leaf and warming amber accord, that immediately transports you to a forest of wildflowers in the springtime. It's not overly floral, nor too sweet, instead, it makes the perfect delicate, feminine daytime scent. I find myself reaching for this fragrance when I want to leave a chic impression on anyone I meet - plus, its versatile nature also makes it great for layering with your other go-to scents."
