Whether you’re looking for the perfect signature scent, something special for a romantic night out or an everyday staple that will linger all day, we’ve got you covered. These 46 perfumes for women come in a variety of prices, bottle sizes and fragrance concentrations to suit any taste or occasion. From timeless classics like Chanel No. 5 to modern reinterpretations of classic florals, there’s something for everyone here—and many of these bottles make for excellent gifts too.
Perfume and cologne have been used for centuries to enhance an individual’s smell and help mask any body odor, and it’s believed that the way people perceive a person’s smell is influenced by their environment, gender and mood. Perfume can also impact the way a person feels about themselves, which is why it’s important to find a fragrance that makes you feel confident and happy.
The newest scents from top brands like Gucci, Versace and YSL are a mix of feminine florals, woody musks, citrus and musky aromas to suit any personality. While many people tend to associate floral scents with femininity and woody smoky aromas with masculinity, there’s really no one-size-fits-all perfume or scent that will work for every person.
Fragrance is a personal preference, and there’s nothing wrong with wearing whatever you love, but it’s worth testing out some of the latest scents to see what you like. Using the best perfumes for women will not only enhance your own natural smell, but it can also boost your self-confidence and may even have health benefits.
In a recent study, researchers found that perfume can increase the perceived attractiveness of a person by both men and women, and it may depend on the phase of their menstrual cycle. Researchers tested this theory by applying perfume to a woman’s skin and measuring her level of attraction at each point of the menstrual cycle. The results showed that the most attractive scent was when perfume was applied at the end of the menstrual cycle, while the least attractive was at the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
The perfumes featured in this article are not necessarily products that we own or have been paid to endorse, but they may be referred to as “the best.” We may receive commission from purchases made through links in this article. This does not influence our editorial content or reviews.
If happiness could be bottled, it would look (and smell) like Marc Jacobs’ Daisy. This eau de toilette is fresh and sweet, with notes of crisp strawberry, violet and jasmine paired with a teensy bit of sultry sandalwood. The sprightly, dreamy scent is easy to layer and works well with most other fragrances. Available at Sephora, you can choose from the smaller 1.2 ounce travel spray or go big and buy the larger 3.4 oz bottle to look great on your vanity.
Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she’s been editing and writing beauty stories for over a decade — from cystic acne treatments to the best magnetic eyelashes. She’s always on the hunt for new beauty discoveries, especially perfumes that make you feel as good as you look.