Fragrances are a great way to make a personal statement. Whether you’re looking to stand out at the office, wow someone special, or simply want to smell irresistible, these best fragrances for women will help you do just that.
The world of fragrance is constantly evolving and producing new trends. From gourmand scents to floral notes and musky tones, there are so many different fragrance types from which to choose. With so many options available, it can be tricky to find the perfect scent for your particular needs. If you’re interested in learning more about what makes a great perfume and some of the best perfumes for women available today, keep reading for insider tips!
Top Picks
I don’t think I’ve ever shared this here before, but I’ve worked as a beauty and perfume adviser at a local store. This made me realize how many different fragrances are on the market and how many different smells there are. It’s nice to have a variety of fragrances to choose from, but it can also be very overwhelming if you’re looking for a new perfume.
I love sweet smells that aren’t too fresh and flowery. Other people prefer fresh, floral scents and tend to avoid sweet-smelling perfumes. Having a good idea of your scent preferences makes it easier to find the right perfume for you.
That’s why the first step in finding a pleasing fragrance is learning more about the different fragrance families. This way you can decide which type of smell you like the most. From there, you can easily pick your new favorite fragrances from the best fragrances for women listed below!
The 10 Best Fragrances for Women
Sì Eau De Parfum – Giorgio Armani Beauty
- Price: $80 – $135
- Type Of Scent: Floral.
- Notes: Sì has a top note of blackcurrant nectar, a heart of freesia, and Rose of Mai, with a musky blond wood base.
- What Is It: This fragrance was created for the modern woman who’s strong yet feminine, sophisticated yet charismatic. She embodies the very essence of chic Italian elegance and style.
What I Like
What I Dislike
La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum – Lancome
- Price: $77 – $135
- Type Of Scent: Sweet and floral.
- Notes: Its sweet scent entwines the elegance of iris and the strength of patchouli with the sweetness of spun sugar and praline. The floral perfume has hints of Arabian jasmine and sparkling Tunisian orange blossom.
- What Is It: French for ‘life is beautiful,’ la vie est belle is about choosing your own happiness. Inspired by this expression, this luxury fragrance expresses joyous femininity.
What I Like
What I Dislike
Black Opium Eau de Parfum – Yves Saint Laurent
- Price: $30 – $130
- Type Of Scent: Warm, sweet floral.
- Notes: The opening note of this indulgent scent is an adrenaline-rich coffee, followed by the sweet sensuality of vanilla and the floral scent of white flowers, creating a modern, young, and addictive scent.
- What Is It: A seductively intoxicating warm and spicy women’s fragrance by Yves Saint Laurent.
What I Like
What I Dislike
Daisy Eau So Fresh Eau De Toilette – Marc Jacobs
- Price: $35 – $153
- Type Of Scent: Fruity floral.
- Notes: The scent’s enticing top notes of raspberry and grapefruit sparkle on the skin like sunshine, deepening into a sensuous heart of wild rose and a musky, sophisticated finish of warm plum and cedarwood.
- What Is It: A sophisticated but not too serious fragrance that sparkles with sunny, vibrant energy.
What I Like
What I Dislike
Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Toilette – Chanel
- Price: $90 – $140
- Type Of Scent: Fresh fruity floral.
- Notes: Green and fruity Grapefruit-Quince accord intertwine with the softness of Jasmine and the smoothness of White Musks for an intoxicatingly light, floral trail.
- What Is It: The delicate and unexpected fruity-floral fragrance for women creates a soft whirlwind of happiness, fantasy, and radiance.
What I Like
What I Dislike
Signature Eau de Parfum – Chloé
- Price: $38 – $245
- Type Of Scent: Fresh.
- Notes: Chloé’s signature scent captures the spirited individuality of women. A sublime powdery rose, the fragrance is fresh and feminine with an utterly innate sense of chic.
- What Is It: A feminine, sophisticated, and chic Eau de parfum.
What I Like
What I Dislike
Bloom Acqua Di Fiori Eau de Toilette – Gucci
- Price: $85 – $138
- Type Of Scent: Fresh floral green.
- Notes: The addition of green galbanum and dainty cassis buds bring the soft dewy freshness of the early petal and a light, aquatic composition to the signature scent, capturing the rich scent of a thriving garden filled with an abundance of flowers. Tuberose and jasmine combine with Rangoon creeper.
- What Is It: A fragrance by Alessandro Michele blended by master perfumer Alberto Morillas. Acqua Di Fiori introduces a new chapter to the world of Gucci Bloom.
What I Like
What I Dislike
Miss Dior Eau De Parfum – Christian Dior
- Price: $55 – $200
- Type Of Scent: Warm floral.
- Notes: The new perfume for women celebrates the velvety and sensual roses––heightened by fresh lily-of-the-valley and spicy peony––enveloped by a powdery iris.
- What Is It: All our senses are awakened by the floral bouquet of the spectacularly reinvented Miss Dior Eau de Parfum.
What I Like
What I Dislike
Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne – Jo Malone
- Price: $30 – $165
- Type Of Scent: Earthy and woody.
- Notes: Escape every day along the windswept shore. Waves breaking white, the air fresh with sea salt and spray. Alive with the mineral scent of the rugged cliffs. Mingling with the woody earthiness of sage.
- What Is It: Jo Malone London colognes are meant to be combined. This means you can layer and mix more than one fragrance to create your own unique, individual scent.
What I Like
What I Dislike
Light Blue Eau De Toilette – Dolce & Gabbana
- Price: $31 – $150
- Type Of Scent: Fresh and fruity.
- Notes: Sicilian cedar combines with the freshness of the green apple and the floral allure and spontaneity of the bluebell, the top note captures the essence of a sunny South Italian summer.
- What Is It: This colorful, fresh, floral-fruity Eau de Toilette reflects the sensuality of the Mediterranean lifestyle.
What I Like
What I Dislike
Know Your Scents: The Basics of Finding the Right Fragrance
Fragrances are made up of different scents. Each scent is created using a unique combination of ingredients like fragrance oils, essential oils, and other aroma compounds. A perfume’s scent is comprised of three different notes: top notes, middle notes, and base notes.
- Top notes – these scents are the first thing you’ll notice about a particular fragrance. They are lighter scents that are temporary and dissipate quickly. Examples of top notes include orange, pear, grapefruit, and apples.
- Middle notes – these scents are a bit more powerful than top notes and will last a bit longer. They are blended with the top notes and form the core of the fragrance. Examples of middle notes include cinnamon, jasmine, violet, and rose.
- Base notes – the base notes are the last part of the fragrance that you’ll smell. They are the strongest scents in the perfume and the longest-lasting. Examples of base notes include sandalwood, vanilla, patchouli, and cedar.
When choosing a scent, think about which ingredients, and their scents, you want to be the most prevalent. This will help you narrow down the selection, and make it much easier to find the perfect fragrance for you.
Don’t Be Afraid To Try New Things
When choosing a new fragrance, it’s important to be open to trying new scents. If you’ve worn the same scent for years, it may be time to consider a new fragrance. You may also find that your tastes have evolved and you would like to explore other options. This is especially common among women nearing midlife, who often find themselves going through a reevaluation of their perfume choices.
Maybe you feel like your signature scent has lost its appeal, or perhaps you simply want to try something new. Either way, don’t be afraid to try new scents. If you’re not sure where to start, try visiting a department store fragrance counter. This can be an excellent way to get advice on shopping for a fragrance, with plenty of opportunities to try out a variety of scents before making a decision.
Gourmand Scents
Gourmand scents are among the most popular perfume types. These fragrances combine aspects of edible scents such as chocolate, raspberry, or caramel with other notes for a sweet, sensual scent. These fragrances can range from sweet to spicy and everything in between. If you love vanilla you may want to check out the post I’ve written including the best vanilla perfumes for women. Gourmand scents are great for those who want to smell delicious without being too obvious. These fragrances are perfect for daily wear or special occasions.
Floral Scent Types
Floral scents are among the most popular perfume types. They are great for all occasions, seasons, and ages. There are many different types of floral fragrances, ranging from light and subtle to full-bodied and long-lasting. Many floral scents are also suitable for men. Floral scents are great for those who want a scent that is feminine and light. These fragrances are perfect for daily wear or special occasions.
Musky Scents for Women
Musky scents have been around for centuries. They combine a rich blend of sweet, warm, and sensual notes for an alluring and timeless fragrance. These scents are great for all occasions and seasons. Musky scents are great for those who want a unique fragrance that is both sensual and mysterious. These fragrances are perfect for daily wear or special occasions.
Fruity Scents
Fruity scents are especially popular during the summer months. They’re made up of sweet, fresh, and fruity notes. Most fruity scents these days feature the inviting aroma of fruits like peaches, berries, melons, and tropical fruits like mango and pineapple. These scents are great for anyone who wants a sweet and soft fragrance.
Try Something Exotic
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous and tropical, try a tropical fragrance. These scents are perfect for those who want a fragrance that is warm, inviting, and incredibly fresh. Tropical fragrances are great for those who want a fragrance that is light and, in many cases, sweet and fruity. These scents are perfect for daily wear or special occasions.
If you love Vanilla Fragrances, I’ve written a post with the best vanilla perfumes for women.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right fragrance is an important decision. It can be helpful to know what type of scents you prefer and why you like them. This will help you narrow down the selection and make finding the perfect fragrance much easier. Remember, fragrances are a reflection of who you are. Be sure to pick a scent that reflects your personality, style, and mood. With so many different perfume scents to choose from, you’re sure to find something that speaks to you!
FAQ
shop the post
I had no idea you were once a perfume consultant, but I definitely trust your recommendations!I’ve tested so many perfumes over the years, and I tend to find that I enjoy the fragrances but not to the point where I feel compelled to make a purchase. Thanks for sharing! Your girl needs some help in that department.
xoxo Amanda | theaestheticedge.com
You’re so welcome! Buying a new perfume can definitely be overwhelming. I hope this helped!
Since I’ve worked in a beauty store I know all of them and we really have different tastes in perfumes, but I actually love Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet, it’s my signature fragrance, I’ve been using it since I was 16! I also love the Jo Malone one but I’ve never owned it
I think it’s awesome to see how everyone has his/her own taste in perfumes! 🙂
Okay I definitely wanna treat myself to a new perfume (or add it to my birthday wishlist lol) I’m a huge fan on Marc Jacobs Daisy scents but I really wanna try something new! The sounds of the Miss Dior one ?
Yessss I’m all for treating yourself! Perfume is an awesome birthday gift to get as well. You can never go wrong with the Miss Dior one!
Hello! I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award – all the details are here https://youandmeandcupofcoffee.com/2020/05/06/sunshine-blogger-award/
Hope you’ll enjoy participating and can’t wait to read your take on this Award!
Have a lovely day ahead,
Alexandra
Ah thank you so much Alexandra! Really appreciate it!
I’ve had the Chanel Chance before but never thought it fit as my signature scent. I don’t know if i’ve really come up with one to be honest. I kind of jump around once I run out of something lol! I do like sweet/fruity scents though. Informative post, thanks for sharing doll! Stay safe!
Des | https://www.itsbetterinheels.com
Not having a signature scent is fine as well, jumping around and try new fragrances is amazing! 🙂
Loved the story behind how ‘Si’ became your signature scent. I used to love Marc Jacobs Daisy and Dior’s Miss Dior scent. I’ve been eyeing the Gucci bloom perfume because the packaging is gorgeous and people seem to really love the scent. I’ve realllllllllly been dying to try the new perfume from Sol de Janeiro – I’m kicking myself for not picking it up during the VIB sale.
I really want to try the new Sol de Janeiro one too!! I love how all their products smell so that perfume is probably going to be one of my faves!
Ooo, that’s so cool you used to be a perfume consultant! My mum works at Boots so I’ve tried and own so many different perfumes, which is very lucky. I love YSL Black Opium – it’s probably my favourite perfume of all time. I tend to like most of the perfumes from Dior. I don’t own Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet but it smells divine. From Jo Malone, my absolute is Golden Vetiver and Vanilla! I also love sweet perfumes, so I bet we have a similar fragrance taste lol.
My favorite perfume is Bvlgari Extreme Eau Parfumee Au The Vert, which has been discontinued. I started wearing it the year it was introduced. It was my everyday fragrance and I ADORED it. ISSEY MIYAKE L’EAU D’ISSEY is my special occasion perfume which is too strong for the office.
For me, Bvlgari Extreme was long-lasting, fresh, classy with a slight sexy undertone. I would drive to work loving how I smelled. By the time I was at work it had settled and smelled AMAZING.
I have been struggling to find a replacement for Bvlgari Extreme since it was discontinued.
Do you have any suggestions for a similar perfume that I could get crazy for?
I prefer fragrance that does not have or minimal synthetic fragrance. They tend to turn on me.
I am currently wearing Versace Bright Crystal Absolu, D&G Light Blue Eau Intense, and ISSEY MIYAKE L’EAU D’ISSEY on occasion.
Thank you!!!!!
It’s always such a bummer when a favorite product gets discontinued! You might want to try Calvin Klein The One which has a fresh, classy scent and similar base notes to Bvlgari Extreme. The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea also has similar base notes and might as well be worth to smell and see if you like it. I really hope one of them could be your new favorite! Let me know once you’ve smelled them and if you liked them or not!
GREAT ARTICLE! BEST PERFUMES. I WAN TO BUY THEM NOW FOR MY MOM.
I agree with you in many ways, try Givenchy very irresistible sensual it’s really great too.
I have used Jessica McClintock for years even when it first came out,now not available now I miss it what smells like it?
Based on the notes of the Jessica McClintock perfume, I’m pretty sure you’ll love Chanel Coco Mademoiselle or Coco Eau de Parfume. You might also want to try out Mugler Alien or Mugler Angel. Hope this helps!
Muffler Angel is my favorite perfume. I also use the lotion after shower and the smell stays with me all day!
It’s such a nice scent, isn’t it?! I’m about to add a couple of new fragrances to this list and I’m going to add Angel. 🙂
Perfumes for me form part of our living. Perfumes track our environ, instantly another character is developed with a marked perfume. Having Channel sensuelle perfume on you attracts crowd. I have encountered it many times. Thanks a lot, for lovely perfumes.
My signature scent is La Vie est belle, originally,but I felt like I had to try everything incase I was missing out on something,a million bottles later I’m back to square one with La Vi est belle,love it!!
La Vie Est Belle is just such a great scent, I totally understand you fell back on it! 🙂
Tuscany Per Donna (hard to find,)
Oh, I haven’t heard of this one before, I would love to smell it! If it’s hard to find I think that’s going to be a struggle though… bummer!
I can’t believe you did not include Chanel Mademoiselle. Awesome fragrance.
I’m working on expanding the list, and I actually want to include Chanel Mademoiselle, as I love it too! 🙂
I have been wearing “Marc Jacobs by Marc Jacob” for year’s. Until I went to order more and it’s price is now over $400. So of course I’m not into spending that. So what is comparable to it?
Hi Maureen! Marc Jacobs by Marc Jacobs is discontinued; that’s probably why it increased in price so much. Some fragrances with comparable notes are: Gucci Bloom, Tocca Florence, Elizabeth Taylor Gardenia, and Dior Diorissima.
Marc Jacobs Mod Noir might also be a great choice, as a lot of people think it is a replacement for the original Marc Jacobs fragrance. Hope this helps!