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Perfume Experts Reveal the Most Compliment-Worthy Scents for Women
Meet your new signature scent.
No outfit is complete without a spritz (or five) of perfume. That said, there’s something undeniably powerful about finding your signature scent. One whiff can transform your mood, stir up a memory, or announce your presence in any room before you even utter a word. Whether you’re hunting for a fragrance that feels distinctly you, or building a perfume wardrobe to ensure you’re prepared for every occasion, shopping for perfume can feel overwhelming. One moment, everyone’s going for guava; the next, it’s all about sea salt.
Truth is, trends come and go. However, the journey to building a unique collection is all about finding a fragrance that truly resonates—whether that’s floral, gourmand, musk, or a distinct layered blend.
Our picks for the best fragrances for women in 2025
“Fragrance has the power to evoke memories of a person, a moment, an experience,” says DSM-Firmenich perfumer Bérénice Watteau. “We’ve all experienced it: walking down the street, catching a familiar scent on a stranger, and suddenly being brought back to someone we love or a beautiful memory shared with them. Perfume captures those fleeting feelings and makes them timeless.” Your scent should also feel like an extension of yourself—something that reflects your personality, style, and the way you want to be remembered. Don’t be afraid to layer a couple of scents for an irreplicable fragrance of your own creation.
As beauty editors, we have been lucky enough to spritz, sniff, and test hundreds of scents, so it takes a lot for one to impress us. That’s how you know the ones on the list below are extra special. We also consulted three experts and combed through numerous customer reviews to find 18 of the best perfumes for women that we can’t stop wearing.
Pros
- Elegant scent
Cons
- May need to reapply
Starting with bright and surprising whiffs of jasmine, this perfume soon turns dark and seductive with traces of coffee and cocoa. It’s a must-have for any wild night in or out.
Smells like: A femme fatale
Key notes: Almond, coffee, bergamot lemon, jasmine, orange blossom, tonka bean, cacao, vanilla, sandalwood, patchouli and cedar
Size: 2.7 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: “ELLE editors made an entire TikTok about our favorite Good Girl fragrance. This one is perfect for your first date with a guy from Hinge. The aroma is warm yet sweet and sexy. I notice that on my friends who tend to run warmer, the sandalwood, vanilla, and orange blossom do a beautiful dance together.”—Danielle James, beauty expert
Pros
- Subtle yet enticing
Cons
- May need to reapply
Baccarat Rouge 540 is arguably one of the most iconic and coveted perfumes of the 21st century. It smells like pure luxury; the slightly sweet and floral scent settles down into a spicy and earthy aroma as the jasmine, cedar, and saffron take center stage.
Smells like: An exclusive social club
Key notes: Jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, ambergris accord
Size: 2.4 fl. oz
Neiman Marcus rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This perfume is a guaranteed conversation starter. The distinct smell either evokes the response of ‘Ahh, I love 540,’ amongst knowing individuals, or ‘What is that smell?!’ to those that are about to be introduced to the reigning queen of the perfume occult. The smell is intense and sultry without being overbearing.”—Emma Aerin Becker, associate beauty e-commerce writer
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Can be strong at first
Narciso Rodriguez’s For Her perfumes are all symphonies of musk and florals, and the delicate For Her is a shining example. “I’ve always loved chypre and musky compositions, and this fragrance is a timeless favorite,” says Watteau. “The blend of rose, patchouli, and musk is perfectly balanced, feminine, sensual, and incredibly sophisticated.”
Smells like: Clean skin in sunlight
Key notes: Musk, iris, ambrette, pink peppercorn
Size: 3.3 fl oz
Bloomingdale’s rating: 4.7/5 stars
Our expert says: “Anyone should feel free to wear any scent, whether or not the fragrance is ‘gendered.’ However, I do feel as though this is an ideal perfume for those days when you want to lean into your femininity. The scent also lasts on both skin and clothes; I can smell it on my blouses days after I’ve spritzed the perfume onto them.”—Carol Lee, beauty writer
Pros
- Balanced notes
Cons
- May not last on the skin
Perfumer Ben Gorham captured the essence of the color white by combining delicate florals, a woody base note, and a hint of musk; the scent makes you feel fresh, polished, and put-together, even in 90-degree weather.
Smells like: Clean laundry
Key notes: White rose, pink pepper, aldehyde, violet, neroli, peony, blonde woods, sandalwood, musk
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars
Our expert says: “Even though I think things like chocolate cake, bonfires, and the sea smell good, I don’t necessarily want to smell like them. But fresh linens? Sign me up! I bury my nose in my cotton sheets when I take them out of the dryer, and I bury my nose in my wrist when I wear this perfume.”—Carol Lee
Pros
- Versatile scent
Cons
- Can fade quickly
There’s a reason you see this iconic bottle in practically every magazine you’ve ever opened. It’s a classic, and the fruity, floral ingredients never weigh down the luscious elegance of the ylang-ylang, jasmine, pear, and lily.
Smells like: The first warm day of spring
Key notes: Ylang ylang, Damascus rose, jasmine
Size: 5 fl. oz
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert says: “This warm floral somehow smells good on everyone who tries it, and it would be a fantastic gift for any occasion. I gave my roommates (who have very different tastes in fragrance) a bottle each for Christmas, and both of them were beyond delighted.”—Carol Lee
Pros
- Not overpowering
Cons
- Can fade throughout the day
Is there anything more romantic than a perfume inspired by an ancient love story? The tale of the immortal lovers Psyche and Eros led to the creation of Fleur de Peau, a scent that is slightly fruity and filled with sensual musks, as well as powdery florals.
Smells like: Clean skin after an everything shower
Key notes: Musk, iris, ambrette, pink peppercorn
Size: 2.5 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
Our expert says: “Powdery scents were never my category of choice, as they always felt too heavy or even too mature for me. Diptyque’s Fleur de Peau helped me see the light, thanks to its floral touches and subtle nature. Here’s a secret I’ve yet to tell anyone: I’ve actually never gotten quite as many compliments on how I smell than when I layered this perfume and Diptyque’s Eau Rose. Do with that information what you will.”—Carol Lee
Pros
- Sleek bottle
Cons
- Too strong for some
With ambassador Olivia Rodrigo as its leading lady, Lancome’s Idole Intense already has star power. However, it’s also the line’s first fruity and woody floral fragrance—a combo that makes for a fully feminine, never overpowering scent.
Smells like: The girl everyone has a crush on
Key notes: Pomarose, damascena rose, creamy sandalwood
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I normally stray away from floral fragrances for fear of smelling like a grandmother’s home. However, this scent combines fresh floral notes with creamy sandalwood and sweet candied apple—a combination I find irresistible. It’s the perfect, elegant scent for a romantic evening.”—Emma Aerin Becker
Pros
- Great for teens and young adults
Cons
- May not be as long-lasting as other scents
If you wanted to know what Ariana Grande smells like, it’s a sweet and flirty mixture of lavender blossom, pear, coconut, and vanilla. “Cloud by Ariana Grande is one of my all-time favorites,” says Tynan Sinks, a New York City-based beauty writer and the co-host of fragrance podcast Smell Ya Later. “I have been singing its praises since the day it dropped, and I’ve turned a bunch of people onto it.”
Smells like: Your favorite popstar
Key notes: Lavender blossom, juicy pear, bergamot, coconut, vanilla orchid, woods, cashmere
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I get so many compliments—even though, after you initially spray it on in the morning, you physically don’t realize how amazing you smell, everyone else does. It comes in a cute cloud stand with the perfume. It’s worth every penny. The quality is spot on. I will be ordering more real soon. My first bottle is almost gone.”
Pros
- Edgy scent
Cons
- May be overpowering
For those who crave a little danger in their dress-up, this sexy concoction smelling of coffee, vanilla, and pear is a feast for the senses. A little smooth, a little edgy, this is a fantastic fragrance for evening wear.
Smells like: A sexy little black dress
Key notes: Black coffee, white flowers, vanilla
Size: 3 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert says: “This scent gives off a mature, ‘power woman’ aroma. It’s for the city-living financier who is the only woman on the team—but you aren’t wearing this to work. Spritz it on your neck while you’re in downtown Manhattan, and get ready for a New York night. Plus, it’s a great winter scent. ”—Danielle James
Pros
- Great for layering
Cons
- May be too subtle for some
This perfume is as comforting as slipping on a well-loved cashmere sweater. Sheer notes of white musk, sparkling orange blossom, and blonde wood sit close to the skin, prompting friends and family to lean in and ask, “What are you wearing?”
Smells like: A warm hug
Key notes: Skin musk, bergamot nectar, blonde wood
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Sephora rating: 3.8/5 stars
Our expert says: “I can’t seem to stop recommending this scent. Whenever someone comes over to my apartment and asks for an easy-to-wear fragrance suggestion I beeline toward my Phlur collection and spray Missing Person on their wrist. There’s something undoubtedly nostalgic and warm about the perfume, and the florals add that je ne sais quoi that keeps me coming back to it time and time again.”—Carol Lee
Pros
- Classic aroma
Cons
- May be too strong of a scent for some
Take a chance (pun intended) on this fruity and floral fragrance. Bursting with notes of jasmine, rose, and grapefruit, it’s slightly sweet yet refreshingly vibrant—prepare to field all of the compliments you’re bound to receive.
Smells like: A flower shop
Key notes: Grapefruit, rose accord
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE contributor says: “Of all the perfumes I’ve tried over the years, Chanel's Chance has remained a constant in my lineup. It’s lighter and more modern than the brand’s iconic N°5 scent, yet is still just as effortlessly classic and long-lasting. In fact, I’ve found it to be such a universal crowd-pleaser that even an Uber driver once asked me what I was wearing.”—Sam Peters
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Magnetic cap
Cons
- May lean masculine
Who needs a summer trip to Italy when you can smell like one? The Neroli Portofino Eau De Parfum by Tom Ford is “bright and fresh, like a floral, citrusy escape that instantly evokes a summer day in Italy,” says Watteau. “It’s sunny, elegant, and effortlessly uplifting.”
Smells like: Euro summer
Key notes: Tunisian Neroli, Italian Bergamot, Sicilian Lemon
Sephora rating: 4/5
A Sephora reviewer says: “Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino is a crisp, citrusy fragrance that captures the spirit of the Mediterranean. With bright notes of bergamot, neroli, and orange blossom, it’s fresh, clean, and luxurious. Ideal for summer wear, though the staying power is moderate. A refined choice for those who appreciate classic elegance in a bottle.”
Pros
- Layers well
Cons
- Not as fruity
Fame by Rabanne smells like a sexy night out in a beautiful tropical locale—fruity, spicy, and woody, with appearances from mango, incense, and sandalwood. “Gourmands aren’t usually my thing, but this is the only vanilla perfume I reach for over and over, especially for a night on the town,” says beauty writer Carol Lee. “Nerisha keeps a bottle in the office, and whenever she tries a scent we both can’t stand, she spritzes it all over as a delicious palate cleanser we both enjoy.”
Smells like: A tropical getaway in a futuristic world
Key notes: Mango, jasmine, incense, vanilla, sandalwood
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This sits at my desk and becomes an instant compliment magnet when I spray it on myself and wait for its aroma to permeate our office corner. It's sexy and mysterious, but still inviting. While I don’t typically like to prescribe to day or night scents, this one is for the nocturnal lovers.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- May not be as long-lasting as other scents
The whole point of this perfume is that it smells like the best version of you. That is, a you that showers with expensive body wash and never sweats a drop. “I adore skin scents, and this one is musky, elegant, and intimate,” says Watteau. It creates a soft second-skin effect that feels personal and addictive.”
Smells like: Peppery florals
Key notes: Pink pepper, iris, ambrette
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Our expert says: “If you want to get into scent layering, Glossier You makes a great base scent. It’s familiar on its own, smells like the ‘you’ that just got out of the shower, but better. It's bright, yet soft, and the perfect everyday scent for someone that doesn't want anything too fussy.” —Danielle James
Pros
- Warm and sensual
Cons
- May be too subtle for some
Buckle up tight because this fragrance takes you on a ride. The yin-yang scent composition unfurls a delicate composition of sensual citrus and florals, then comes the dip—warm almond milk, sandalwood, and white musk.
Smells like: A damp flower in the woods
Key notes: Calypso orchid, mandarin, Bulgarian rose, almond milk, ylang ylang, iris, white musks, sandalwood
Size: 1.7 fl. oz
Neiman Marcus rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “As someone with over 100 fragrances, my signature scent changes daily. However, I almost always begin most of my scent layers with Yin Transformation, which bursts with creamy florals that feel like a balmy spring morning.”—Nerisha Penrose
Pros
- Summer in a bottle
Cons
- Fades quickly
“I created this fragrance with the idea of vacation in mind,” says Watteau of her scent. “As a French woman living in New York, I wanted to blend the essence of vacation from both cultures.“ It combines sun-kissed notes of monoi and jasmine with hints of vanilla, coconut, and a subtle salty touch. “A warm, sensual ode to travel.”
Smells like: A fresh spring day in NYC
Key notes: Sea salt, Tahitian monoi, vanilla caviar
Sephora rating: 4.8/5
A Sephora reviewer says: “As a fragrance fanatic, I'm loving the sophisticated and seductive vibes I feel when wearing. The layers of floral, orange, and golden vanilla actually define what Golden Muse captures. The bottle itself is absolutely stunning, and I love how secure the cap is and how the nozzle mists a powerful amount that evenly envelopes you. The floral notes are that ‘perfect’ amount, where it's not overwhelming, and the dry down is probably my favorite level of floral meets a creamy sweetness that you crave more of.”
Pros
- Soft and sensual
Cons
- Will need to re-up throughout the day
Kyoto can be within arm's reach with a few spritzes of this bestseller by Glasshouse Fragrances. Fans of the signature candle will love its eau de parfum counterpart, which bursts with white florals and tickles your nose with tonka bean and musk. “It’s the perfect gourmand-musky scent to cut any stronger perfumes in your layers,” says Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor.
Smells like: A jazz bar filled with floral arrangements
Key notes: Pineapple, cream, orris, lotus, sandalwood, amber, patchouli, musk, vanilla, tonka bean
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Glasshouse Fragrances rating: 5/5 stars
Our expert says: “Glasshouse creates fragrances that transport you to exotic locales—Kyoto in Bloom does exactly that. It’s like a gourmet aroma that lingered in a smoky New Orleans jazz bar for a little too long. It’s sweet and sexy.”—Danielle James
Pros
- Sweet yet sophisticated
Cons
- Not very long-lasting
It’s no secret that 2025 is a "guava girl summer.” Thanks to Ellis Brooklyn, you can now smell just like the sweet pink fruit itself. The Guava Granita Eau de Parfum is like your favorite tropical smoothie, blended with notes of guava, banana, mango blossom, cavaillon melon, and a rich underpinning of vanilla and almond milk.
Smells like: A beach day in the tropics
Key notes: Guava juice, banana, vanilla
Sephora rating: 4/5
An ELLE editor says: “I had to sniff this scent for myself after hearing after hearing all the buzz about its unique guava scent from editors and experts alike. It’s very sweet thanks to its fruity composure, but the sandalwood and vanilla give it a touch of sophistication. It’s officially my go-to summer scent.”—Emma Aerin Becker
Meet the Expert
Joan Tanis is the national training and events director at Maison Francis Kurkjian.
Tynan Sinks is a New York City-based beauty writer and the co-host of fragrance podcast Smell Ya Later.
Bérénice Watteau is is a fine fragrance perfumer at DSM-Firmenich
What should you consider when choosing a perfume?
Understanding fragrance notes is one of the most effective ways to find your perfect scent. “Very similar to the fashion industry, there can be trends with fragrances as well,” Tanis says. “Choosing a fragrance isn’t always easy, but make the right choice by selecting one that reflects who you are and makes you feel good. My best advice is to let your personality, tastes, and age guide your choice.”
“The most important part of finding a fragrance is, of course, trying it on,” Tanis continues, adding that you can have multiple signature scents, rather than just one, for variety. “Nowadays, it is all about a collection of fragrances. Much like clothing, modern men and women desire a fragrance wardrobe, allowing them the freedom to choose what fragrance to wear daily.”
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