20 best-smelling perfumes for women, per shopping editors

If you ask anyone what the best perfumes for women are, you’ll get a variety of impassioned responses.

It’s Chanel No. 5, some will say, while others will insist it’s Diorissimo. Depending on your olfactory proclivities, you may cite something from Le Labo, Byredo or D.S. & Durga, and you wouldn’t be wrong. There are a lot of really good perfumes out there.

Which is why you’re here, right? There are almost too many good perfumes out there and you’re not sure which one to go with or gift. Lucky for you, I’m here, along with the ladies of the Post Wanted shopping team, to tell you what’s up.

Of all the beauty products in the world, perfume remains my favorite. Like the right outfit or makeup, it can totally change your mood and influence how others perceive you. Not to be dramatic, but it’s kind of powerful and who doesn’t want a little power?

While I’m of the opinion that every woman should have a signature fragrance, I’m also of the opinion that it’s smart to have a perfume wardrobe. Like clothes, certain scents work best for specific occasions, moods, and ulterior motives (wink, wink), so no one should be reliant on just one.

To figure out the best fragrances for women in 2025, I spent an entire lunch break spritzing testing strips in a Sephora in Midtown, reviewed nearly 30 top-rated perfumes online, and harassed asked my co-workers to dish about the scents they’re currently wearing, have received the most compliments on and rather go naked than be without. Here are our 19 picks.

With notes of bergamot, blackcurrant accord and cashmere, this warm floral fragrance is top-rated for its longevity and overall smell. Inspired by Roman street style and haute couture, its fruity top notes give it a dazzling first impression. After a few moments, the middle notes of jasmine grandiflorum absolute and jasmine sambac absolute start shining through, eventually giving way to bourbon vanilla, guaiac wood essence and cashmeran (cashmere). Many love this for the evening but I think it’s coy enough for day, while still offering passersby a lovely olfactory experience. Although it’s far from the most unique scent, it’s sort of like the Taylor Swift of perfumes — likable, non-offensive, and appropriate for most occasions. When I passed a tested strip of it around the office, everyone said the same thing, ‘Nice.’ See? Taylor Swift of perfumes.

Key Notes: Blackcurrant, Jasmine Grandiflorum, Bourbon Vanilla | Size: 1 ounce

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Best Universally-Flattering: Glossier You

Meaghan, a member of our Post Wanted team (and my desk-mate), wears this. The first time I smelled it on her I literally turned my head and said dramatically, “I like your perfume!”

To this day, I find it a hard fragrance to describe, because it smells different on everyone and everyone who wears it smells good! It’s clean and a little sweet, with this soft, musky undertone that makes you want to keep sniffing the person wearing it (don’t do that, at least in the workplace). This perfume has a cult-like fan base (a reason we dedicated an entire beauty review to it) and even though that would generally make me write it off as a basic-b’s perfume (sorry, Baccarat Rouge 540, you will not be on this list) it’s anything but. If anything, it’s a neo-classic signature fragrance and you would be mad not to try it.

NY Post Review: “I’ve been a Glossier You addict for years. I constantly get compliments when I wear this scent — which is just about every day — to the point where a friend of mine felt compelled to buy her own bottle after loving it so much on me. I love that it truly melts into your skin and lingers while really mixing with your own scent. Think of it as you but better. The warm, slightly sweet and slightly spicy base is universally flattering, without being overpowering, making it a perfect everyday signature scent. While I haven’t been super impressed with other Glossier skincare and makeup products, this one is a winner and will always be a re-purchase for me.” — Meaghan Roche, Commerce Senior SEO Manager

Key Notes: Pink Pepper, Iris, Ambrette Seeds, Ambrox | Size: 50 ml

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Some rose perfumes can smell too ‘mature,’ but not this lovely scent from Noteworthy. It’s modern and approachable (perfect for the office or as an everyday perfume), with a top note of juicy lychee and rose petals at the heart of the fragrance. While its initial impression may leave you thinking, ‘I’ve smelled perfumes like this before,’ I recommend giving it a chance. Its base includes white amber, making it a bit more interesting than the typical rose perfume.

NY Post Review: “When we reviewed n150 for TikTok it came in the most beautiful packaging that can also double as a gift box, honestly. The sweet rose scent is so nostalgic and simple yet stunning. A perfect scent to gift to a close friend, mother in law, or partner.” — Michelle Moezam, Commerce Senior Social Media Manager

Key Notes: Lychee fruit, Quince, Rose petals, Geranium, White Musk, Cedarwood | Size: 3.3 ounces

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If you love perfumes in the Gourmand family, you probably already know Le Monde Gourmand Fragrances. It has a giant library of scents with names like Creme Brulee (an awesome dupe for Phlur’s Vanilla Skin, FYI) and Lait De Coco that will make your nose feel like it’s at a buffet. They’re also incredibly budget-friendly, each costing less than $30.

For this list, I recommend the brand’s Confetti Dorés. It’s like the distant cousin of Cacheral’s Amor Amor. Both fragrances I’d classify as fruit florals, but Confetti Dores is a touch lighter and more playful, making it a wonderful day perfume. You can really smell the apple blossom in the top chord, giving it a bright and sparkling first impression. The drydown, however, is where the real magic happens. In about 30 minutes the rose note becomes evident, as well as the vanilla creme and blonde woods. It’s very delicate and the type of perfume that plays well with others if you like to wear multiple scents at once.

Key Notes: Bright bergamot, Apple blossom, Rose petals, Jasmine, Vanilla Creme, Blond woods | Size: 1 ounce

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I love a vanilla perfume and this may be one of the most popular ones currently on the market. It’s sweet without being cloying, and has a deep amber dry down that’s delicious and sexy. Honestly, the key notes don’t give it justice, as the fragrance also contains creamy jasmine, Madagascan vanilla orchid and patchouli — the latter being somewhat surprising but really makes for a complex scent.

Although it’s not my personal favorite vanilla perfume (Phlur’s Vanilla Skin has that honor), I would 100% wear this 24/7 if every other vanilla lover wasn’t already wearing it. If you’re looking for a fragrance gift for someone who lives for the beloved ingredient, Kayali’s Vanilla 28 is the one to go with.

Key Notes: Vanilla Orchids, Tonka Absolute, Amber Woods | Size: 1.7 ounces

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If you’re looking for a floral scent that’s not overpowering but leaves an impression, go with Gucci Flora Gorgeous Orchid. Its notes of vanilla and marine ozonic accord give off hints of sweetness without making it saccharin-y. While the initial spritz (or impression, if we’re being technical) packs a punch, the dry down is soft like orchid petals, further developing as the scent adjusts to your body’s heat.

NY Post Review: “I bought this during the Sephora sale completely blind to the scent and was blown away at the versatility of such a vanilla forward aroma. When on the skin I pick up very fresh ripened fruit notes — like a soft mango. I love wearing this during fall and winter months since it brings such a warmth to the floral energy in a fresh way.” — Moezam

Key Notes: Vanilla Duo, Vanilla Orchid, Marine Ozonic Accord | Size: 1 ounce

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Beguiling as its neon green bottle, Phlur’s Mood Ring has one of the most intriguing scent profiles I’ve ever come across. The first chord contains fruit gummies, giving the initial whiff of the perfume a fun and youthful vibe. However, it’s not long until the scent morphs and you can smell the blend of florals and amber, making the overall profile oddly sophisticated and attractive. It’s a scent that keeps you guessing even hours after applying it.

NY Post Review: “Phlur’s Mood Ring is a go-to fragrance that never fails to put a smile on my face. Personally, I have loved all of Phlur’s fragrances that I’ve tried, but Mood Ring is a true standout. The floral and fruity scent the brand describes as a “technicolor daydream” is deliciously sweet without being overpowering, and through there are notes of gummy candy, I promise you won’t be walking around smelling like a sour gummy worm. Instead, it’s a complex orange-forward fruity scent with floral notes dancing in the background.” — Angela Tricarico, Commerce Report

Key Notes: Pitaya Pulp, Fruit Gummies, Jasmine, Marigold Flower, Sheer Amber | Size: 1.7 ounces

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You were expecting Lost Cherry, weren’t you?

I know, so was I. People are obsessed with it and finding affordable perfume dupes of it, which I get, because it’s not exactly cheap. However, Tom Ford’s Vanilla Sex is soooooo much better. Contrary to its name, the fragrance smells like an orgy where everyone is drenched in vanilla beans and sandlewood. It’s that dank and hedonistic.

The catch? It’s stupidly expensive. Like, so expensive it almost cost as much as my botox treatments. However, a little (like a half a spritz) goes a very long way. I wouldn’t even recommend wearing this if you had to ride on the subway. People may try to devour you.

Key Notes: Vanilla Tincture, Vanilla Absolute, Sandalwood | Size: 1.7 ounces

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I wanted to give ABBOT Papaya Isla the best clean perfume because of its eco-conscious ingredient list. It also has a fresh, citrusy scent that I think those who are a fan of Clean Reserve’s Rain and Skin will enjoy. However, this pick has an undeniable fruity element that makes it more exciting than the ‘I-just-got-out-of-the-shower’ scents I associate with clean-smelling perfumes. It’s juicy. It’s sparkly. It’s all the things, with green notes and ambrox to mimic luxurious ambergris. If you’re looking for a feel-good perfume with a bit more sass, it’s worth the blind buy.

NY Post Review: “The ABBOTT Papaya Perfume is pretty much the only fragrance I wear and the fresh and clean scent that always has people asking me, ‘What perfume are you wearing?’ I’ve been more conscious about what beauty products I’ve been using — and that applies to what I spritz on, too. What I love about the papaya scent is that it’s not overpowering, makes me smell like a Caribbean goddess and doesn’t have a dead-flowery smell. Instead, it’s light and airy with a punch of tang (picture: fruity florals meet the freshest fruit bowl from Hawaii). The bottle is chic and clean, making it look great on my dresser. It’s also cruelty-free and hails from a brand that has an incredible sustainability mission…I can’t recommend this enough and believe it’s 100% fresher and lovelier than any designer fragrance on the market.” — Victoria Giardina, Commerce Reporter & Content Strategist

Key Notes: Papaya, Jungle Greens, Ambrox | Size: 1.7 ounces

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Prada Paradoxe Intense is what you spritz on before a big presentation or date. With its jasmine top note, you’d think this is a basic floral perfume, but the addition of amber and earthy moss makes it quite alluring. Designed to celebrate the multidimensionality of women, its delightfully sophisticated, especially the longer it has to develop on the skin.

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, I’d suggest treating yourself or the lady in your life to the perfume set ($180). However, you can also buy a mini gift set at Ulta ($39).

NY Post Review: “I was originally gifted the travel size for a new job I was starting. I suddenly realized I had gone through the vial in 2 weeks! I was obsessed. The jasmine notes reminded me of the Le Labo jasmine roller but more sweet and intense. I have already bought this bottle three times now and as much as I play around with my scents, I keep going back to this one.” — Moezam

Key Notes: Jasmine, Amber, Moss | Size: 3.0 ounces

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I almost feel bad adding another vanilla perfume to this roundup, but I can’t help that others like the note too! Also, everyone needs a perfume from Bath & Body Works in their rotation and it may as well be Viva Vanilla. It has amber, as well as plum, so don’t expect a one-note wonder.

NY Post Review: “I’m a huge fan of Bath & Body Works, so naturally I’ve smelled every fragrance in their line of Everyday Luxury dupes. The one I’m most impressed with and find closest to the designer fragrance is Viva Vanilla, which is said to be a dupe for Eilish by Billie Eilish. It’s, similarly, a deep amber gourmand scent with hints of sweet plum, but it’s still a slightly less sweet scent than the Eilish fragrance. If a mature vanilla with depth that isn’t cloyingly. If sweet is something you’re looking for, Viva Vanilla makes an excellent affordable option.” — Tricarico

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Warm, soft and sexy, Burberry Goddess is much more than what its notes allude to. Don’t get me wrong — we’ve established how much I love vanilla. However, if you’re looking for a perfume that wreaks of it, this will disappoint. This is sheer and ambery. It kind of drapes on the skin and gets more pronounced as it melts with your body’s heat. It’s not sweet in an obvious way but undeniably feminine, delicate enough for the office but still dangerous for date night.

NY Post Review: “This sweet and spicy blend is one of my go-to daytime fragrances. Despite the top notes of vanilla, it’s not overly saccharine — making it perfect for those who prefer a slightly muskier blend.” — Hannah Southwick, Page Six Commerce Writer

Key Notes: Vanilla Infusion, Vanilla Caviar, Vanilla Absolute | Size: 1 ounce

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Tocca is a favorite brand of my mother and sister, two women I find epically stylish. The brand’s Cleopatra fragrance has always been my favorite. Its musky drowndown always reminds me of salty sea air, which may be the fragrance’s patchouli and amber. Although it’s well-known, I don’t know many woman, except one of our commerce reporters, who regularly wear it. It’s utterly enticing and lush, featuring florals and a juicy grapefruit top note.

NY Post Review: “I discovered Tocca as a teenager and never went back. The best-selling Cleopatra scent is a rich, musky aroma that doesn’t have that overly sweet ‘Grandma’ smell that can be a bit of a turn-off. It isn’t a light scent, so a little goes a long way and it sticks for the whole day in my expereince. I also think it must mix with your pheromones because I’ve had friends try it on and it smells wildly different on them. For someone who likes bold, ‘Gardeny’ notes — Tocca is a great choice.” — Miska Salmann, Commerce Writer

Key Notes: Grapefruit, Cassis Bud, White Jasmine, Peach Nectar, Vanilla, Amber | Size: 3.4 ounces

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Consider this the best clean smelling perfume with a punch. Loved by celebrities and members of our commerce teams, Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt has always hit my nostrils as slightly beachy, refreshing and aromatic. There are more than a few folks who’ve said that it doesn’t last long, I’ve found the opposite, with a single application lasting me hours. It is a lovely, fresh scent with lots of personality to spare.

NY Post Review: “Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt scent has been linked to stars like Sofia Richie and Meghan Markle — and after trying it, I can totally see why. It’s woodsy and fresh — but not at all overpowering.” — Southwick

Key Notes: Ambrette Seeds, Sea Salt, Sage | Size: 1 ounce

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Close your eyes and imagine you’re on the sexiest, warmest beach in Europe with the richest people in the world — that’s Diptyque Benjoin Beoheme. At least, that’s what it smells like to me, and I’m so into it! It’s opulent and unique, made from a blend of spices and woods.

If you’re a wall flower, I wouldn’t say it’s for you. It’s not loud but it’s far from shy, with a noticeable projection and a warm drydown you’ll quickly become addicted to.

NY Post review: “Bejoin Bohème is my calling card — a scent to be remembered by. It’s not overbearing but present. I’m not drawn to florals or bright notes. I prefer something darker, with spices and fresh leather. This fragrance hangs in the air like a man’s aftershave, but with an air of mystery, as if you’ve just slipped away from a lover’s embrace, and his scent still lingers.” — Emma Sutton-Williams, Commerce Reporter

Key Notes: Benzoin, Peru balsam, Rockrose, Patchouli | Size: 75 ml

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Best Perfume Mist: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist

You know it, you love it, you probably own it. The Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirose 62 has thousands of avid fans who praise it for its sweet, tropical scent. Its’ warm, a little nutty and has a sultry drydown of salted caramel and sandalwood that utterly addictive. It’s potent but not heavy and good for layering, especially with other products from the brand.

NY Post Review: “I actually had the honor of wearing this scent while in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the birthplace of the company. I loved how light it was, while still noticeable on my clothes, skin and hair. It is on the sweet side of things, and served me better as a body mist for the beach, as opposed to for the office.” — Sophie Cannon, Commerce Strategy Manager & Development

Key Notes: Pistachio, Almond, Heliotrope, Vanilla, Sandalwood | Size: 240 ml

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Please toss your bottle of D&G Light Blue and pick this up instead. It’s so much better, taking three years to compose and filled with zippy notes to perk you up. Featuring orange blossom and petit grain, it’s a cool girl perfume, best saved for Sunday brunches and other occasions where you don’t want to ooze of sex or wreak of inherent girliness. It’s unisex, too, so don’t be afraid to spritz it on your beau or whoever is lucky enough to wake up next to you. But be warned, they may try to nab it when your back is turned.

Key Notes: Orange Blossom, Bergamot, Petit Grain, Lemon | Size: 3.4 ounces

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Many are fans of Kilian Paris perfume, including Rolling in Love. The warm floral is soft but also daring — sort of the equivalent of a throw blanket in leopard print. Inspired by a bleeding heart, the fragrance offers a bouquet of orange blossom, gardenia and tuberose doused in creamy almond milk and musk. It’s not complex, unfortunately, so if you don’t love it at first spritz, it may not be for you. However, thousands of folks are gaga over it.

Key Notes: Almond Milk, Iris, Musk | Size: 1.7 ounces

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I don’t love smelling like everyone else, so I’m a big fan of combining perfumes to make a scent unique to me. This one, according to our Senior Social Manager, is perfect for that, having a floral woody base, a bit of lemon and violet leaves.

NY Post Review: “Completely subtle and a perfect nod to its roots of a Japanese-inspired seasonal fragrance – this is the ultimate fresh sweet subtle scent for those who don’t want to be overwhelmed or overpowered by their fragrance. In my opinion – it’s also the understated and perfect base layer for those who like to pile on a new combo of perfumes to match their mood.” — Moezam

Key Notes: Bergamot, Cherry Blossom, Rose Wood | Size: 1 ounce

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I debated putting Chanel No. 5 on this list but frankly, I don’t think most women under the age of 50 can pull it off. Coco Mademoiselle, however, is a different story. It’s soft and sheer — the fragrance equivalent of pink chiffon, with Grasse Jasmine at its heart and Vetiver at its base. It smells luxe like it should only be worn with outfits that call for pearls and red bottom heel but is less than $120, making it on par with most fine fragrances. Is it one of my favorites? No, but I’ve smelled it on others and found it quite delicious. If you loved Jean Paul Gaultier’s Classique for Women but found it too strong, give this a go. Same vibe but more gentile.

Key Notes: Orange, Patchouli, Turkish Rose | Size: 1.2 ounces

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How to find the best perfume

While we have nothing against a blind buy, there’s a better way to find the best perfume for you or someone you love. The same scent can smell completely different from person to person, so know that just because something smells good on your sister or best friend doesn’t mean it will smell good on you.

Here is what to consider when shopping for a new scent:

Fragrance Families

All perfumes fall into one of five categories:

Floral: Perfumes that fall into this category are often seen as feminine, romantic, and girly. They often have notes of rose or jasmine.

Woody: Fragrances in the woody category often have notes of sandalwood or vetiver in their base. They have a warm and/or musky dry down.

Fresh/Aquatic: Perfumes in this category have refreshing notes, such as grapefruit, leaves or lemon. They’re uplifting and invigorating.

Spicy: Generally encompassing notes of amber, vanilla, or star anise, spicy perfumes have a sensual quality.

Gourmand: This is a relatively new fragrance family. Perfumes that fall into this category often give off a dessert-y smell and use notes like vanilla, coconut and chocolate.

Some scents fall into two families, such as woody/spicy or spicy/floral, so if you’re attracted to multiple aspects fo each fragrance family, there’s a good chance you’ll find more than a few perfumes the meet the bill.

Skin Type

How a perfume will smell on you largely depends on your body chemistry. Knowing your skin type, however, can help.

Dry skin: People will dry skin tend not to hold scent as well, so gourmands and spicy perfumes tend to work best. If you prefer florals, look for options that also have notes of vanilla or amber, which will create a foundation for the fragrance to stick. Layering your scent on top of a body butter or body oil can also help it to last longer.

Oily skin: Oil, which is a fat, is able to hold scent longer than dryer skin, so multiple fragrance families work. If you’re seeking something intense, go for a perfume in the woody or spicy family. If you prefer something lighter, go for something that’s considered fresh or aquatic.

Combination skin: Those with combination have both oily and dry elements. While florals or fresh perfumes tend to work with this skin type, the longevity of certain perfumes may not be as strong. To help a scent last longer, layer it with a lotion to give the fragrance something to stick and meld to. This will help the scent’s overall lifespan.

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