A perfume is a defining part of one’s personal style and can serve as an olfactory imprint of oneself for those who encounter it. As such, it’s important to select a fragrance that is uniquely feminine and elevates your mood and confidence when worn. It can also be an investment, as you will likely wear your scent often and may wish to find a signature aroma that will remain with you for years. The way a perfume is crafted and brewed often determines whether it leans toward masculine or feminine tones, with those that are heavier with more musky or woody tones usually being considered as more masculine perfumes while those that are lighter and more floral or fruity tending to be taken as more feminine scents. However, because of the complexity and nuance of perfumery, it is not uncommon for a fragrance that is labeled as masculine to smell incredibly feminine when worn by the right woman, or vice versa.
In the 1930s, perfumery underwent a significant shift: the rise of women’s rights meant that young girls no longer wanted to smell like their grandmothers, and perfumers responded by creating more complex and daring compositions that were connected to the glamour and sophistication of Hollywood. This was embodied in the scent Chanel No. 5, with its sultry blend of rose and jasmine, topped with sandalwood. This is a fragrance that was made for the bold and beautiful, and whose iconic bottle, designed by Elsa Peretti, is regarded as an icon of modern perfumery.
The 1980s ushered in the era of power dressing and successful career women, and as such, perfumes became more sophisticated with darker scents that reflected the strength and confidence of these new role models. This is an era embodied by Halston’s Femme, with its blend of patchouli and musk, and the innovative use of a chemical called dihydromyrcenol to create the fragrance’s unique sillage. This is a perfume that could be worn by the most accomplished of businesswomen and still not feel overbearing or heavy, but still manages to be intoxicating and irresistible.
Today, perfumes continue to evolve and expand in complexity and variety. These 46 perfumes for women offer a range of price points, bottle sizes and fragrance concentrations to suit every personality, with varying tones, florals and musky scents to choose from.
This is a sultry and evocative blend of white flowers, lily, orchid, and tiare, combined with patchouli and sandalwood for a rich, sensuous aroma that will last all day. The bottle is beautifully adorned with gold and crystals, making it a luxe addition to any beauty routine.
Inspired by the healing properties of herbal medicine, Yasmin Sewell created a collection of perfumes that are not only fragrant and uplifting, but contain Herkimer diamonds energized by healer Louisa Mita for added benefits. This is a fresh and floral scent that is great for daytime, and can easily be layered with other fragrances for night time.