9 Best Perfume Oils to Try in 2024: Editor-Tested Favorites
Discover the year's top perfume oils—long-lasting, unique, and expertly reviewed for every scent preference.
9 Best Perfume Oils to Try in 2024 (Editor-Tested)
Perfume oils are taking over vanities and handbags with their intense scent profiles, lasting power, and unique skin feel. Whether you crave a tropical, floral, or clean musk aroma, there’s a fragrance oil to suit every style and season. We’ve tested countless contenders—judging them for longevity, sillage (scent trail), and overall vibe—to bring you this definitive guide to the best perfume oils in 2024.
- Exclusive insights from hands-on testing
- Transparent pros and cons for each pick
- Key scent notes and customer reviews
- Suggestions tailored for every mood and occasion
Why Choose a Perfume Oil?
Unlike sprays, perfume oils sit closer to your skin, delivering a more personal, intimate scent experience. Oils generally last longer and are less likely to irritate sensitive skin, making them an excellent option for fragrance lovers and newcomers alike.
Our Top Picks: Perfume Oils Worth Trying
1. By/Rosie Jane Missy Perfume Oil
- Best for: All-day wear, travel, tropical scent lovers
- Size: 0.23 oz
- Key notes: Frangipani, green mandarin, coconut, pineapple
- Price: $48
Among the dozen plus fragrance oils tested, By/Rosie Jane’s Missy stands out for its unmatched longevity—you can dab it on in the morning and still catch whiffs eight hours later, outperforming most spray perfumes. The scent is reminiscent of a sun-soaked beach day, blending coconut and pineapple with floral frangipani and zesty green mandarin. Its compact rollerball is perfect for your purse, ensuring scent touch-ups are simple on the go.
- Pros: Lasts impressively long; portable
- Cons: Very tropical and sweet, which may not appeal to everyone
Customer review highlight: “This is the one. I have used and loved other scents from Rosie Jane; however, Missy is my new favorite. Reminds me of spring. And just a dab is enough to have the sweet, coconut, and fruit scent linger classily without being overpowering.”
2. Nest New York Balinese Coconut Perfume Oil
- Best for: Warm-weather escapism, subtle coconut lovers
- Sizes: 1 oz, 0.2 oz (rollerball)
- Key notes: Creamy coconut, tropical tiare blossom, salted musk
- Price: $98-102
Dreaming of an island escape? This lush oil channels Bali beaches—the coconut note is fresh and natural, not reminiscent of synthetic sunscreen. Balanced by tiare blossom and a delicate salted musk, it creates the illusion of naturally sun-warmed skin. While some testers wish it lingered longer (about two hours of prominent scent), portable rollerballs make reapplication easy. The distinctive dropper bottle doubles as a gorgeous decor accent.
- Pros: Fresh, not overpowering; attractive bottle
- Cons: Scent dissipates faster than some competitors
Customer review highlight: “This smells amazing. The coconut scent is one of the best I have ever smelled before. It doesn’t smell like suntan lotion, it just smells so much better!”
3. Tom Ford Mini Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil
- Best for: All-day shimmer and classic summer scent
- Size: 1.5 oz
- Key notes: Coconut, pink pepper, pistachio, amber, bergamot, jasmine
- Price: $40
This hybrid body oil/perfume isn’t a standard fragrance oil, but it delivers impressive longevity and a refined golden shimmer that flatters any skin tone. It’s summer bottled: coconut and bergamot evoke sun-warmed skin, with nutty and floral notes adding depth. Many testers prefer it over the traditional spray perfume for longer wear time—and it’s a relative bargain in the Tom Ford lineup.
What others are reading
- Pros: Long-lasting; beautiful shimmer; not greasy
- Cons: Subtler than classic perfume oils (but still endures for hours)
Customer review highlight: “Smells AMAZING and leaves the best glow on the body. Stays on for a long time and isn’t too oily. Highly recommend.”
4. Kai Perfume Oil
- Best for: Fans of fresh, green-floral scents
- Size: 0.12 oz
- Key notes: Gardenia, white florals
- Price: $54
Kai’s cult-favorite perfume oil captures the essence of freshly picked gardenias, enveloping you in a cloud of lush white florals. The compact roll-on is convenient for touchups, and the scent feels airy yet sophisticated rather than overly lush. It’s beloved for its natural, effortless vibe—think, your-skin-but-better perfume for floral devotees.
- Pros: Clean ingredients; light and universally appealing
- Cons: Very subtle on some wearers; may fade faster on dry skin
Customer review highlight: “Wears close to the skin but always gets compliments when people come in for a hug.”
5. Glossier You Perfume Oil
- Best for: Skin-attuned musk lovers; minimalists
- Size: 0.3 oz
- Key notes: Ambrette, ambrox, musk, pink pepper
- Price: $60
Glossier’s innovative oil iteration of their cult-famous “You” fragrance is beloved for its ability to become one with your skin chemistry. The blend of ambrette, musk, and pink pepper radiates warmth—never overpowering, always uniquely you. Testers rave about the “second skin” effect and say compliments quickly follow.
- Pros: Personalized effect; travel-friendly
- Cons: May not project as much as traditional perfumes
Customer review highlight: “It’s the only fragrance I’ve worn where strangers have stopped me to ask what I’m wearing.”
6. Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Perfume Oil
- Best for: Sandalwood fans, woodsy fresh scent seekers
- Size: 0.5 oz
- Key notes: Sandalwood, vetiver, amber wood
- Price: $65
This viral hero is often cited as a more affordable, oil-based dupe for Le Labo Santal 33. A blend of creamy sandalwood, earthy vetiver, and deep amber makes this the sophisticated choice for those who like their scents woodsy but never overpowering. Editors praise the impressive staying power compared to most oils and love the compact rollerball packaging.
- Pros: Gender-neutral; great longevity; value for money
- Cons: Sandalwood is prominent—may not suit those who prefer florals or citrus
Customer review highlight: “I get compliments literally every time I wear it. The oil lasts all day, even longer than the spray version.”
7. KAYALI Vanilla | 28 Perfume Oil
- Best for: Sweet gourmand fragrance fans
- Size: 0.34 oz
- Key notes: Vanilla orchid, tonka bean, brown sugar, amber woods
- Price: $85
A must-try for those drawn to cozy, edible sweetness. KAYALI’s blend feels ultra-warm and enveloping, with vanilla at center stage, mellowed by amber and sugared tonka. It’s delicious, never cloying, and the oil base amps up strength and endurance compared to its spray cousin.
- Pros: Rich vanilla; potent, long-lasting on skin
- Cons: Very sweet—may overwhelm those who favor fresher profiles
Customer review highlight: “Three drops persist all day; people around me always ask what smells so good.”
8. Le Labo Santal 33 Perfume Oil
- Best for: Iconic, unisex woodsy aroma
- Size: 0.5 oz
- Key notes: Sandalwood, cedar, cardamom, violet accord, leather
- Price: $152
The Santal 33 legend lives on in oil form. This sophisticated blend of sandalwood, woody leather, and spicy cardamom is a staple among fragrance aficionados. Its cult status is well-deserved for the lasting projection and versatility—works equally for day, night, and any gender. The perfume oil version is extra concentrated, ensuring hours of skin-hugging sillage.
- Pros: Unisex, powerful, and nuanced
- Cons: Higher price tag
Customer review highlight: “Expensive, but nothing else wears or smells quite like this. The oil is worth every penny.”
9. The 7 Virtues Lotus Pear Perfume Oil
- Best for: Fruity-floral lovers seeking clean formulas
- Size: 0.33 oz
- Key notes: Lotus, pear, gardenia, peach, musk
- Price: $35
If you gravitate toward clean, uplifting, and slightly juicy scents, this 7 Virtues creation uses ethically sourced ingredients and delivers a gentle, light trail of pear and white florals. It’s a feel-good choice in every way, from conscious sourcing to approachable price point.
- Pros: Clean, vegan, accessible pricing
- Cons: Subtle and best for those who prefer low-sillage scents
Customer review highlight: “It’s subtly sweet and bright; not overpowering, but puts me in a great mood every time I put it on.”
How to Apply Perfume Oils for Maximum Longevity
- Apply oils to pulse points: wrists, neck, inner elbows, and behind knees
- Layer with matching or complementary lotions for amplified scent
- Apply immediately after a shower to lock in fragrance
- Avoid rubbing the scent into your skin, which can ‘break’ the aroma molecules
Perfume Oils vs. Sprays: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Perfume Oils | Traditional Sprays |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity | Often longer-lasting | May fade faster |
| Projection | Skin-close, intimate | More pronounced sillage |
| Skin Sensitivity | Usually gentler | May contain more alcohol (drying/irritating for some) |
| Portability | Small rollerballs, dropper bottles | Standard spray bottles; sometimes travel sizes |
| Price | Many affordable options; some luxury oils are pricey | Wide range from budget to high-end |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes perfume oils different from regular perfume?
Perfume oils are alcohol-free and concentrated, usually offering more intimate longevity. They tend to project less but linger on the skin much longer and can be better suited to sensitive skin types.
How do I make my perfume oil last longer?
Apply directly on moisturized skin (right after showering or after a body lotion/cream). Focus on pulse points, and avoid rubbing in the oil—to retain the complexity of the scent.
Is perfume oil good for sensitive skin?
Many perfume oils are formulated without alcohol or harsh additives, making them suitable for sensitive skin. Always check ingredient lists for potential allergens if you have concerns.
How should I store perfume oils?
Store perfume oils in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat, to help maintain their integrity and scent profile over time.
Do perfume oils react differently with each person?
Yes—your unique skin chemistry can affect how a perfume oil smells and how long it lasts. Try small amounts first and see how the scent evolves on your skin over time.
Editor Tips: Choosing Your Perfect Perfume Oil
- Consider seasonality: Opt for tropical and bright florals in summer, warm woods and vanilla in colder months
- Check ingredients: Clean, vegan, and ethically sourced formulas are widely available
- Try sample sizes: Many brands offer miniature versions so you can test before committing
- Layering is your friend: Mix oils or layer with body products to create a truly custom scent
Final Thoughts
Perfume oils provide an intimate and long-lasting way to wear fragrance, with options suited for every personality and lifestyle. Whether you want to recreate summer on your skin or find a signature scent that stays close all day, the right oil is waiting in this list. Explore, experiment, and enjoy the power of scent on your terms.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g60245705/best-perfume-oils/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g26477382/best-perfumes/
- https://hannahcaddo.com/the-best-perfumes-for-date-night-according-to-cosmo-editors-aka-the-experts-on-relationships/
- https://perfumehead.com/blogs/news/sure-these-perfumes-are-expensive-but-theyre-worth-every-penny
- https://www.umaoils.com/blogs/press-reviews/cosmopolitan-best-perfumes-of-2021
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pYYPL_MeKw
- https://www.aol.com/according-experts-perfume-smell-rich-140700189.html
- https://perfumehead.com/blogs/news/the-51-best-new-fragrances-of-2025-so-far
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