The 10 Best Fragrances For Women: Meet Your New Signature Scent
Fragrances are a great way to make a personal statement. Whether you want to stand out at the office, wow someone special, or simply want to smell irresistible, these best fragrances for women will help you do 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, finding the perfect scent for your particular needs can be tricky.
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!
Our 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 All-Time Best Fragrances For Women
With so many great options on the market, narrowing it down to 10 is hard. However, I wanted to make sure to pick a top ten all-time favorites—the best of the best, the most loved fragrances of this decade. If you feel like your signature scent is not on this list, check out more of my favorites here.
Armani Sì Eau De Parfum
- Price: $80 – $135
- Type Of Scent: Floral.
- Notes: Sì has a top note of blackcurrant nectar, a heart of freesia, and a Rose of Mai with a musky blond wood base.
- It’s floral yet sweet-smelling
- Very feminine and sophisticated
- Gorgeous bottle
- Perfect for everyday
- Nothing
Lancome La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum
- 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.
- It’s floral yet sweet-smelling
- Love the story behind the fragrance
- Perfect for everyday
- Nothing
Maison Francis Kurdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
- Price: $205 – $645
- Type Of Scent: Warm Floral.
- Notes: Jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, ambergris.
- Very long-lasting perfume
- It has a soft, not overpowering scent
- It gives off a sensual, luxurious vibe
- Really expensive
- If you’re 35 or younger, you may find this too heavy
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum
- 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.
- Perfect for date night
- Modern scent mixing sweet and floral
- Travel spray is super affordable
- Nothing
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
- Price: $99 – $322
- Type Of Scent: Warm and spicy, woody and rustic
- Notes: Australian sandalwood, cedarwood, cardamom, iris, violet, smoky wood alloy, ambrox, leather accord and musky notes
- It’s subtle but distinctive
- Pleasantly lingers a solid 8-12 hours
- It’s a warm, comforting scent
- Some people find this to be more of a masculine scent
Mugler Angel Eau De Parfum
- Price: $95 – $190
- Type Of Scent: Fruity, floral
- Notes: Bergamot, praline, patchouli
- A comforting scent best for winter
- It is long-lasting
- The scent changes a few times before it settles
- It’s refillable
- It’s a more intense scent
Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum
- Price: $155 – $235
- Type Of Scent: Warm floral
- Notes: Black truffle, bergamot, black orchid, black plum, noir gourmand accord, patchouli.
- Heavy, seductive scent, but never overbearing
- A little goes a long way
- Gorgeous, luxurious bottle
- Some people find this to be more of a masculine scent
Chloé Signature Eau de Parfum
- Price: $39 – $168
- Type Of Scent: Fresh, Floral
- Notes: Pink peony, freesia, lychee, magnolia flower, lily of the valley, rose, cedarwood, amber, honey
- A very unique, fresh, and feminine scent
- It lasts all day without being overpowering
- The bottle looks classy and luxurious
- Nothing
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum
- Price: $108 – $258
- Type Of Scent: Fresh, slightly fruity
- Notes: Orange, Grasse jasmine, May rose, patchouli, vetiver
- A classic, best-selling fragrance
- Not too heavy, perfect for spring and summer
- Light and refreshing yet feminine
- It lasts all-day
- Nothing
Dior J’adore Eau de Parfum
- Price: $100 – $200
- Type Of Scent: Floral
- Notes: Ylang-ylang, Damascus rose, Jasmine
- A classic, best-selling fragrance
- Very fresh and floral, soft but noticeable
- Radiant, sensual, sophisticated, feminine scent
- It lasts all-day
- Nothing
The Basics Of Finding Your Signature Fragrance
Fragrances are made up of different scents. Each scent is created using unique ingredients like fragrance oils, essential oils, and other aroma compounds[1]. A perfume’s scent comprises 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 fragrance’s core. 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, consider 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.
Gourmand Scents
Gourmand fragrances 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.
Vanilla fragrances also belong in this category and are among the most well-loved types of perfumes. Gourmand scents are great for those who want to smell delicious without being too obvious. They are perfect for daily wear or special occasions.
Floral Scent Types
Floral fragrances are among the most popular perfume types. They are great for all occasions, seasons, and ages. There are many floral fragrances (think about rose fragrances or patchouli 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 feminine and light scent. They are perfect for daily wear or special occasions.
Musky Scents for Women
Musk fragrances 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, sensual, and mysterious fragrance. They 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.
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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!