For many women, perfume is more than just a scent—it’s an accessory that defines your style and mood. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing citrusy fragrance that pairs perfectly with spring and summer, a rich musky aroma that’s great to wear during winter, or a floral scent that’s best for evenings, there are plenty of options to choose from. And while everyone’s olfactory preferences and skin chemistry can influence the way a perfume smells, there are some classic scents that will never go out of style.
Fragrance notes are more than just a simple smell—they can have specific health benefits, which is why many fragrances incorporate natural ingredients that promote feelings of wellness and calmness. Using perfume as an aromatherapy technique has become increasingly popular, and in recent years, scientists have discovered that certain base notes within a fragrance can positively affect the body’s stress levels, reduce anxiety, and even alleviate symptoms of depression. And as more and more women are looking for long-lasting signature fragrances that embody their unique personality, there are more options than ever to explore.
Finding a women perfume that is right for you can be difficult, but we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up some of the best fragrances in the business, all of which are available at a variety of price points and bottle sizes. And to help you find the perfect scent for you, we’ve broken down the different fragrance families, so you can get a better idea of which one will be the best match.
Floral & Fruity: These fragrances are usually the most feminine and delicate. Those who are naturally shy can benefit from a mild and soft fragrance like lavender or cherry blossom, while those who want to show their romantic side can opt for a rose or jasmine scent. And those who want to be a little bit mysterious can go for deep scents like vanilla or musk.
The scent that will work the best for you also depends on your menstrual cycle. Research has shown that perfume odor intensity increases at certain times of the month. For example, the most intense perfume odor occurs during the middle of the menstrual cycle (days 14-18).
The good news is that you can use this data to your advantage when it comes to choosing your next perfume. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best perfumes to try during those times of the month. And to make your decision even easier, we’ve included the olfactory attractiveness value of each fragrance at different stages of the menstrual cycle.