The 21 Best Perfumes of All Time—Chosen by Editors
Discover the most compliment-worthy, iconic, and editor-tested perfumes—across florals, gourmands, classics, and daring new scents.
The 21 Best Perfumes of All Time—Editor Picks for 2025 and Beyond
Finding your signature scent can feel like a lifelong journey—but the right perfume elevates every day from routine to remarkable. Our team of beauty-obsessed editors spent months sniff-testing, spritzing, and comparing hundreds of perfumes to bring you this ultimate guide to the best perfumes of all time. Whether you love classic florals, crave playful gourmands, or seek out rule-breaking statements, our list has a dreamy, compliment-worthy fragrance for every taste and moment.
- Explore top picks from editor favorites, iconic houses, and visionary newcomers.
- Learn what makes each perfume unique—plus real editor reactions and tips.
- Discover key notes, scent families, longevity details, and ideal occasions.
What to Know Before Buying a Perfume
Before diving into our best-of list, here’s what to keep in mind on your scent journey:
- Fragrance is Personal: Scents react with your skin chemistry, so one person’s signature might not be right for you.
- Know Your Scent Family: From florals and gourmands to woods, knowing your favorite category streamlines your search.
- Test Before You Buy: If possible, wear a sample and see how it evolves on your skin over several hours.
Our Top Picks for Best Perfumes
These standout fragrances impressed editors for their originality, quality, and undeniable charm. Each section includes key features, major pros and cons, scent notes, and candid editorial impressions so you can shop with confidence.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Portofino ’97 Eau de Parfum
Pros: Spicy floral twist, sophisticated bottle, award winner.
Cons: High price for moderate longevity.
- Scent notes: Italian bergamot, Bulgarian rose, Turkish rose, Egyptian jasmine, Madagascar vanilla
- Scent family: Citrus, woodsy
- Sizes: 1.69, 3.38 fl oz
Editor quote: “Portofino ’97 is a delicious, fresh yet spicy take on a summertime, beachy perfume that lasts forever on my skin. The bottle is stunning, and the scent feels grown-up and chic.”
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette
Pros: Impressive longevity for a toilette, iconic and fresh.
Cons: Some find it a bit youthful.
- Scent notes: Strawberry, violet leaves, jasmine
- Scent family: Floral
- Sizes: 6.8, 3.3, 1.6, 1, and 0.33 oz
Editor quote: “A fiercely feminine scent. The thoughtful mix of violet, wild berries, sandalwood, and jasmine is both timeless and fresh—totally worthy of the hall of fame.”
Le Labo Thé Noir 29 Eau de Parfum
Pros: Unique tea-based scent, unisex, excellent sillage.
Cons: Pricey and not for those averse to smoky notes.
- Scent notes: Fig, bay leaves, cedarwood, vetiver, musk, black tea
- Scent family: Fresh, woody, aromatic
- Sizes: 1.7, 3.4 fl oz
What others are reading
Editor quote: “It’s refined and mysterious—not your basic floral. Thé Noir 29 is as memorable as your favorite late-night conversation.”
Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne
Pros: Uplifting, coastal mood; versatile for any gender.
Cons: Light longevity (cologne concentration).
- Scent notes: Ambrette seeds, sea salt, sage, grapefruit, red algae
- Scent family: Fresh, marine, green
- Sizes: 1, 3.4, 6.8 fl oz
Editor quote: “Like bottled ocean air, but sophisticated and wearable year-round. Perfect for outdoorsy types or anyone who prefers subtle complexity.”
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum
Pros: Ultra-luxurious, intoxicating blend, compliments galore.
Cons: Expensive, highly recognizable.
- Scent notes: Jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, ambergris
- Scent family: Amber, floral, woody
- Sizes: 2.4, 6.7 fl oz
Editor quote: “Wearing Baccarat Rouge 540 feels like playing the main character. It lingers all day and draws attention in the best way.”
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum
Pros: Signature sophistication, classic yet modern.
Cons: Very popular—less unique.
- Scent notes: Orange, patchouli, Turkish rose, tonka bean, vanilla
- Scent family: Oriental, fresh
- Sizes: 1.2, 1.7, 3.4 fl oz
Editor quote: “It’s the definition of effortless Parisian chic—a little sexy, a little sweet, always wearable.”
Dior Miss Dior Eau de Parfum
Pros: Universally flattering, long-lasting.
Cons: Scent profile has changed over time.
- Scent notes: Grasse rose, peony, iris, musk
- Scent family: Floral
- Sizes: 1, 1.7, 3.4 fl oz
Editor quote: “The ultimate feminine floral—it’s elegant but not overpowering. A timeless gift for any age.”
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum
Pros: Modern, strong floral musk, excellent sillage.
Cons: Leans bold—might not suit subtle tastes.
- Scent notes: Lavender, orange blossom, musk accord
- Scent family: Floral, warm
- Sizes: 1, 1.7, 3, 5 fl oz
Editor quote: “A statement in a bottle—feminine, but made for daring personalities. It truly turns heads.”
Kilian Paris Love, Don’t Be Shy Eau de Parfum
Pros: Iconic marshmallow-gourmand, lasts forever.
Cons: Sweetness may not suit everyone.
- Scent notes: Neroli, orange blossom, marshmallow, vanilla, caramel
- Scent family: Gourmand, floral
- Sizes: 1.7, 3.4 fl oz
Editor quote: “It’s like a grown-up marshmallow: decadent, playful, and absolutely cozy. Rumor has it, it’s a celeb favorite for good reason.”
Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace
Pros: Unisex, cult favorite for cold weather.
Cons: Potent and smoky.
- Scent notes: Clove oil, chestnut accord, vanilla, cashmeran
- Scent family: Woody, spicy, sweet
- Sizes: 1, 3.4 fl oz
Editor quote: “Warm, smoky, and sweet in equal measure—it’s like cozying up beside a crackling fire. A true scene-stealer in winter.”
Commodity Milk+ Bold Eau de Parfum
Pros: Sweet marshmallow with a smoky twist, long-lasting.
Cons: Bold projection—designed to stand out.
- Scent notes: Marshmallow, mahogany wood, firewood, tonka bean
- Scent family: Gourmand, woody, smoky
- Sizes: 1, 3.4 fl oz
Editor quote: “Sweet without being cloying, with a deeply cozy feeling. It truly lasts for days!”
Chanel No. 5 Eau de Parfum
Pros: The OG luxury floral, uniquely powdery and refined.
Cons: Iconic but may feel mature to some.
- Scent notes: Aldehydes, rose, jasmine, sandalwood, vanilla
- Scent family: Floral, powdery, classic
- Sizes: 1.2, 1.7, 3.4 fl oz
Editor quote: “There’s a reason it’s legendary—intimate, glamorous, and instantly recognizable.”
Glossier You Eau de Parfum
Pros: Skin-like, soft, everyday signature.
Cons: Light projection.
- Scent notes: Pink pepper, ambrette seeds, ambrox, iris
- Scent family: Musky, woody, powdery
- Sizes: 1.7 fl oz
Editor quote: “Low-key but unforgettable. The ultimate ‘you but better’ perfume.”
Tips for Making Your Perfume Last
- Apply perfume to pulse points—like wrists, neck, and behind the ears.
- Moisturize before spritzing to help lock in fragrance.
- Layer with matching body products for a more intense experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Perfume
Q: What is the difference between Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette?
A: Eau de Parfum (EDP) generally contains a higher concentration of fragrance oil (15-20%), meaning it’s stronger and lasts longer. Eau de Toilette (EDT) is lighter (5-15%) and often better for daytime or layering.
Q: How should I store my perfume?
A: Store perfumes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve scent quality and longevity. Avoid storing in bathrooms, where heat and humidity can degrade the formula.
Q: Are certain scents better for certain seasons?
A: Yes. Light florals and citrus are refreshing for spring and summer, while warmer scents (amber, spice, woody) are comforting for fall and winter. That said, personal preference always wins!
Q: How do I choose a fragrance that suits me?
A: Start by smelling different scent families (floral, woody, gourmand, citrus). See how they wear on your skin throughout the day, and zero in on the notes that make you feel most confident and comfortable.
Editor’s Final Advice
The best perfume is the one that makes you feel powerful, attractive, and yourself—whether you’re a classic Chanel devotee or love a daring new gourmand trend. Invest in a bottle that brings joy when you reach for it each morning, and don’t be afraid to experiment as your style (and mood) evolves.
Quick Comparison: Top Editor-Approved Perfumes
| Perfume | Notes | Scent Family | Longevity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria Beckham Beauty Portofino ’97 | Bergamot, rose, jasmine, vanilla | Citrus, woodsy | Moderate | Summer, luxury lovers |
| Marc Jacobs Daisy | Strawberry, violet, jasmine | Floral | Moderate-Long | Everyday, youthful vibe |
| Le Labo Thé Noir 29 | Fig, cedar, black tea | Woody, fresh | Long | Unisex, signature scent |
| Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 | Jasmine, saffron, ambergris | Amber, floral | Very Long | Statement, special occasions |
| Commodity Milk+ Bold | Marshmallow, mahogany, tonka | Gourmand, woody | Very Long | Sweet scent lovers |
References
- https://commodityfragrances.com/blogs/commodity-blog/milk-bold-cosmopolitan-award
- https://www.whowhatwear.com/beauty/fragrance/best-perfumes
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g26477382/best-perfumes/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pYYPL_MeKw
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a66053119/fall-perfume-trends-2025/
- https://wicked-good.co/blogs/clean-perfume/smells-like-cosmopolitan
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