A good perfume is one of life’s simplest pleasures, a luxurious addition to your beauty routine that makes your whole look come together. Fragrance is also one of the oldest beauty products, dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, when a simple concoction of flowers and oil was first created. But the fragrance options out there are endless, from classic florals and reinterpretations of old favorites to heady orientals and woody scents. And, like skincare and makeup, it’s a product that’s worth investing in and taking the time to find your perfect match.
If you’re not sure where to start, expert perfumer Kalliope Amorphous suggests uncomplicating the process by asking yourself whether you tend to favor light and fresh smells or more intense and dense aromas. Then, she says, try a few fragrances that contain those notes to see how they linger on your skin. Once you’ve determined what you’re drawn to, she says, it’s time to consider base notes, which are the heaviest fragrance components and include a combination of oils, resins, vanillas, ambers, and musks.
Whether you’re looking for a perfume to embody your feminine strength or just want a light and airy scent that’s pretty and easy to wear, these top women perfumes will leave you feeling heavenly. From the iconic Chanel No. 5 to a modern interpretation of Old Hollywood glamour, these 46 best perfumes for women will make you feel as gorgeous as the bottle it comes in.
For the woman who is unashamedly girly, this heavenly-smelling perfume from Marc Jacobs is the spritz you need. A blend of succulent wild strawberry and zingy grapefruit teases the nose, while white violets and jasmine petals add a softness to the perfume that’s irresistibly feminine.
This unisex Le Labo scent is one of the most popular perfumes for women, and it’s no wonder why. It’s the ultimate sultry perfume, with an evocative mix of dark amber and musk that makes you feel both sensual and mysterious. It’s the kind of fragrance that would be perfect to bring on a romantic date, especially when you want to impress.
If you’re a fan of Thierry Mugler’s iconic Angel, this more intense version is sure to please. A heady blend of white flower petals and lily of the valley, it’s the perfect fragrance to wear to a dinner party or other event where you want to make an impression.
The light and fresh scent of a fresh bouquet will never go out of style, which is why Philosophy’s Amazing Grace perfume remains a best seller. The combination of bergamot, muguet blossoms and musk leaves you with an elegant and feminine scent that won’t overwhelm.