The Secret to a Long-Lasting Scent Is a Perfume Oil
Some formulas can be used on the body and hair, too.
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On a recent trip to Morocco, I knew better than to leave the country without spending time in the souks, stocking up on perfume oils. It’s not that I can’t purchase them stateside, but before TikTok made them the fragrance du jour, perfume oils were already popular overseas with formulas much more potent and aromatic than in the US. However, the best part about the formulas offered here is that many are offshoots of some of our favorite scents.
Not to be dramatic, but I own over 100 fragrances—from sugary vanillas to deep sandalwood to flirty florals (jasmine perfumes are an ELLE favorite). But sometimes, spritzing a scent on my skin or clothing just doesn’t provide enough oomph for my liking. To get my desired intensity, I employ an army of fragrance oils that add depth to an otherwise sweet and flirty layering, or wear alone in the crevices of my decolletage or along my wrists. And pro-tip: If date night is approaching, swiping an oil behind your ears or in the elbow fold helps warm up the scent with your body chemistry.
Our picks for the best perfume oils of 2025
Beyond enhancing your favorite perfumes, oils are also a great entry into the world of fragrances for those who feel intimidated by eau de parfum this and eau de toilette that. Since they’re mainly comprised of oil, the scent tends to last a bit longer and smells even better as it melts into the skin. Plus, some of the ones featured on the list below can also be used all over the body or hair, giving you a well-rounded scent experience. If you’re ready to expand your fragrance collection, scroll through our list of the 10 best perfume oils ELLE editors adore and customers can’t stop raving about.
Pros
- Light, not-too-overpowering scent
Cons
- Will have to apply a few times throughout the day
Thank goodness the Gypsy Water perfume oil is so compact because this is the type of scent you’d want to carry to work, on vacation, and everywhere in between. Really, Gypsy Rose transports you to the depths of the woods, surrounded by bright, tangy bergamot, lemon, and juicy juniper berries.
Key notes: Bergamot, pepper, juniper berries
Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “The fragrance is super fresh and light. It feels natural and earthy, with a subtle, woody sweetness. The scent is refreshing but not overpowering, it’s great for for both day and night wear and lasts. Gypsy Water is perfect for those who enjoy fresh, understated scents with a touch of warmth and mystery. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for something light yet memorable.”
Pros
- Not too overpowering
Cons
- Will have to apply a few times throughout the day
Gucci’s The Alchemist collection features olfactory nods to the four classic elements—fire, air, earth, and water—and this perfume oil is the base that allows all the scents in the lineup to shine. Leaning into woody territory, Garden Ode on Melancholy is less green and bright and more consistent with the earthy woods that surround garden flora.
Key notes: Woods, cypriol, sandalwood
Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I bought this for a friend as a gift; she loved it! It came in beautiful packaging wrapped really nice. Definitely recommend for you or a friend!”
Pros
- Long-lasting scent
Cons
- Powdery notes can be too strong for some
All credit to TikTok for putting Nemat’s oils on everyone’s radar. While the Vanilla Musk scent is a clear standout on the app, Amber rightfully deserves some attention, too. If you notice the notes on your go-to fragrance lean on the warmer side, dot this oil on your pulse points to evoke the coziest vibe ever.
Key notes: Amber
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is just the BEST smelling perfume! I get stopped EVERYTIME I wear it! It’s not overpowering, but it’s oil-based so the fragrance really carries beautifully! Hard to describe...it’s rich and clean, but also deep and layered! THIS bottle I purchased as a gift, but I’ve been wearing it for a few years now and it’s just perfectly female and sensual and attractive!”
Pros
- Airy and subtle
Cons
- Will need to apply throughout the day
Second-skin scents are all the rage right now, and at the forefront of the movement is Phlur’s Missing Person. This perfume oil takes what we love about the clean, airy scent and melts into your skin to create a personalized blanket of woods, nectar, and musks.
Key notes: Skin musk, bergamot, woods
Sephora rating: 2.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I get stopped every single time I wear Phlur’s Missing Person EDP, a sensual, toasty evocation of the warmest embrace you can think of. So, naturally, grabbing the accompanying perfume oil was the next step.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Chocolate notes can be too strong for some
Before you scroll, Choco Musk isn’t the childish, sickly-sweet gourmand scent you’re likely thinking of. Combining everyone’s guilty pleasures—chocolate and vanilla—along with a musk base, this perfume oil is the perfect playground for similar gourmand notes to thrive.
Key notes: Amber, cocoa, vanilla, musk
Amazon rating:
An Amazon reviewer says: “I keep this in my purse for when I am on the go. A little bit goes a long way. And I get so many compliments throughout the day. 10 out of 10 would recommend!!!!”
Pros
- Smells like vacation
Cons
- Can be a little greasy
If you don’t mind your sweets mingling with your spices, Balinese Coconut from Nest is tailor-made for you. The notes offer a burst of tropical goodness, from the milky coconut to tiare blossom. Even better, the oil also nourishes with boabab oil to keep your skin smelling and feeling good.
Key notes: Coconut, musk, tiara blossom
Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “If I could go on vacation every week, I would. Until that’s a reality, this coconut-scented perfume oil brings me pretty close to memories of past vacations. It reminds me of the first sip of a piña colada, sweet and creamy, with salty sea air blowing nearby.”—Nerisha Penrose
Pros
- Delicate aroma
Cons
- Can fade throughout after a few hours
Rose perfumes have often left the ELLE office divided. However, this particular one from Kai has made us all believers in florals. In this composition, rose blends with other delicate flowers like gardenia and white blooms to create a soft and inviting floral medley.
Key notes: Rose, white florals, gardenia
Kai rating: 4.8/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Kai Rose taught me how long-lasting and potent perfume oils could be. While some lighter florals can fade over time, this one sticks to the skin and my clothes; I’ll sometimes get a whiff of it from my sweaters days after I’ve worn them. The scent itself is green, fresh, and a little creamy, since it swirls rose and white florals like gardenia together for an intoxicating blend. It’s also so tiny that I’ll keep one in my purse and reapply when I need a little boost throughout the day—I currently have three in my possession.”—Carol Lee, associate commerce editor
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
Cons
- Some users dislike the soapy smell
The palm trees on the packaging lend itself to the sunny scent that unfurls with each roll. At first, coconut makes its grand appearance, dipping into something sweeter as vanilla peaks through. The initially soft scent is anchored by sandalwood and white musk that can be also worn at nighttime.
Key notes: Coconut, white musk, vanilla, sandalwood
Maya rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Maya reviewer says: “Bought the No 1. It’s a soft, subtle fragrance. Love the way it smells. If you don’t like strong perfumes, this one is for you. I have reordered twice. Recommended!!”
Pros
- Spray cap for easy application
Cons
- Longevity could be better
Fans of Baccarat Rouge 540 will rejoice when they discover their favorite scent is now available in a shimmering body oil. If you belong to the minority who hasn’t yet experienced this viral perfume, then this body oil offers a more affordable introduction to the MFK bestseller. Like its predecessor, this body oil delivers an impressive sillage, complete with a silky, satin finish on the skin.
Key notes: Cedar, ambroxan, hedione
Nordstrom rating: 3.8/5 stars
A Nordsrtrom reviewer says: “Love the smell. The oil on my skin is so moisturizing. Glad it’s a spray not like you open it and pour it onto your hand. Love everything about it.”
Pros
- Great projection
Cons
- Can make your hair a little greasy
If you love the J’adore eau de parfum, then you know you can’t just stop there. Start building your scent bubble with the body cream and radiant gel, then snap up the dry oil to lock everything in place.
Key notes: Ylang-ylang, damascus rose, jasmince sambac
Dior rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Dior reviewer says: “Love how long the scent last on the skin and hair, perfect for layering.”
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
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. For this piece, beauty editor Nerisha Penrose polled editors and combed through customer feedback to find the best perfume oils on the market.
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