Perfume is the ultimate accessory: a simple spritz can boost your confidence, lift your mood and leave behind a subtle but long-lasting impression. It’s also one of the most cost-effective beauty products on the market, with perfume sales rising by 12% in 2018. And while some women have signature scents that remind them of a specific memory or person, many are happy to try a wide range of perfumes for women, finding one that they associate with their personal style.
For the girl who loves a frothy, fruity fragrance, we recommend Kilian’s Love, Don’t Be Shy. This feminine and floral perfume for women evokes the innocence of first love, with notes of ruby red grapefruit, bergamot, spring mimosa and Hawaiian wedding flower. Plus, it’s one of the cleanest perfumes available, containing no parabens or phthalates.
The best perfumes for women combine a fresh, clean scent with a touch of warmth and mystery. If you’re a minimalist, reach for Philosophy Fresh Cream, which smells like a cozy sweater against cool fall breezes. The scent blends blackcurrant nectar and mandarin with warm vanilla notes for an intoxicating, can’t-get-enough fragrance.
A floral fragrance is a must for any fashionista. Whether you prefer the wide-eyed and awake scent of Clinique’s Happy or the hypnotic depth of Gucci Bloom, these top perfumes for women are a dreamy addition to your collection. The former is a crowd-pleaser and often the perfume of choice for teenagers, while the latter is a classic that’s been beloved by generations of women.
For a perfume that oozes femininity, look no further than Marc Jacob’s Daisy. This youthful scent is the fragrance equivalent of running through a wildflower field and can be easily mixed, matched or layered for a sexy evening scent. For a rich, deep fragrance that’s as sultry as you are, try Black Orchid.
In a recent study, researchers found that perfumes can reduce body odor and help fight the spread of skin infections. To test this, they asked a group of volunteers to spray two different perfumes into each armpit while washing the other with non-perfumed soap. They then tested each of the armpits for odor and noticed that those who had sprayed perfume had significantly less body odor than the unscented armpit. The team believes that the reason is that the perfume masks and eliminates certain smells, thereby eliminating the body’s need to produce them. The results of this research are intriguing, but further studies will be necessary to determine the exact reasons behind the phenomenon. We may receive commission from purchases made via links on this page. Prices are accurate as of publication date and subject to change. For more information, please read our Disclosure Policy. For more articles, visit WWD’s Beauty Guide.