Perfume is both highly personal and powerful. One whiff of a particular scent and you're instantly transported back to another time or memory. One spritz and you may feel emboldened to take on the day or reenergized for a night on the town. Each fragrance has a personal story attached to it—which is why when I was considering the best perfumes for women, I decided to go straight to fragrance lovers around me. Here, 20 picks that garnered top notes from their wearers, from fresh scents like Clinique Happy Eau de Parfum to woody fragrances like Boy Smells Woodphoria Eau de Parfum.
The 20 Best Perfumes for Women, Vetted by Scent-Obsessed Editors
The best-smelling picks in town
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Updated Jan 17, 2025
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The Best Perfumes for Women at a Glance
How I Vetted the Best Perfumes for Women
I tapped fellow PureWow editors to share their favorite perfumes and offer reasons for why you (yes, you, dear reader) should get your own. Listen, we don't gatekeep here. From there, I did a deep dive into the scent notes, bottle sizes and retailers where you can find them. Keep reading to discover the best perfumes for women.
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"I'm all in on Lovely by SJP and have been for years. It's subtle and not overpowering. I also think it just works so well with the scent of my skin and whenever I wear it, I get stopped by no less than five people telling me how—wait for it—lovely I smell. I've had it in my perfume rotation for more than 10 years, actually, which says a lot. I first discovered it when I was living and working in Boston for my very first job and I associate it so much with that time in my life. A single spritz takes me right back and makes me feel grounded somehow and in the best possible way." — Rachel Bowie, Senior Director, Special Projects and Royals
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: mandarin, bergamot, rosewood, lavender, apple martini
- Size: 1.70 oz
"Without a doubt, my pick is Burberry Brit. I feel like it's a classic. My older sister used to wear it and I'd always steal it from her. One year, my mom finally got it for me for Christmas and I've had the same bottle for years. I wear it on special occasions and weekend outings."—Alyson Owens, Director of Social Strategy
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: pear, lemongrass, peony, vanilla, amber
- Size: 1.6 oz to 3.30 oz
"I struggle with migraines so finding the right perfume can be tricky since overpowering scents often trigger them. When I tested Tory Burch’s signature scent in Sephora, I knew I found a winner. It’s light and citrusy without the headache-inducing musky florals. If you wore Clinique's Happy back in the day, consider this the grown-up version." — Pamela Masin, Director of Affiliate Strategy
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: neroli, grapefruit, cassis, bergamot, peony
- Size: 1.7 oz to 3.4 oz
"I recently fell back in love with Clinique Happy after finding a travel-sized tube buried deep in one of my makeup bags. It was my go-to back in high school, so the nostalgia brings back so many memories, but mostly it reminds me of my mom and the free beauty gifts with purchase she'd snag at our local Macy's. They always included a vial of this bright, floral, citrusy perfume, and I'd sneak into her room each morning to steal a spritz. Wearing it now just makes me, well, happy." — Catrina Yohay, Executive Managing Editor
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: grapefruit, bergamot, mimosa, Hawaiian wedding flower
- Size: 1.0 oz to 3.4 oz
"The 2025 version of Clinique Happy? Me by Snif. This new scent is like nothing I've ever tried before. It has similar fruity hints of plum, peach skin and white moss, but is way more interesting and mellow thanks to a musky blend of orris root and sandalwood. To me, it's reminiscent of skin; like the cool girl in school who always smells good, but you have no idea if it's perfume or just her own personal essence. It's simple but mysterious with a smooth, natural finish you can't quite put your finger on." — Yohay
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: peach skin, plum, white moss, orris, sandalwood, musks
- Size: 1.0 oz
"I was recently strolling through Sephora killing time and spotted a bottle of Marc Jacobs's Daisy. It was my scent in high school (like many millennial women), so I decided to try a spritz for a trip down memory lane and it immediately reminded me why I loved this scent so much. I ended up buying a mini version and have been getting back into wearing it lately, making my 16-year-old self proud. As someone who is usually pretty scent averse, I love that Daisy is quite delicate. It smells super fresh and vibrant at first, before fading into the sandalwood base, which is divine. And the bottle design is just the right level of kitschy for me—it's cute and fun, but doesn't look too juvenile." — Abby Hepworth, Fashion Editor
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: strawberry, violet leaves, jasmine
- Size: 1 oz to 6.8 oz
"Both of my sisters have worn Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia for years and I adore it on them so much. The top notes are fruity and fresh, without feeling like a literal fruit salad, and the base note is patchouli for a woody finish that mellows the whole thing out in a gorgeous way. It lasts really well without feeling overpowering, too, which is a major bonus. And the packaging is so simple and elegant. No wonder Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are also fans!" — Hepworth
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: King William pear, fressia, patchouli
- Size: .34 oz to 3.4 oz
"This scent is my go-to. It's not overpowering and it doesn't feel like I just dipped myself in cookie batter. The Madagascar vanilla has a sweet, warm scent that smells pure and not artificial at all. I typically wear it for outings and special occasions, and a little always goes a very long way for me." — Nakeisha Campbell, Associate Editor, News and Entertainment
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: pure Madagascar vanilla, tonka bean
- Size: 0.34 oz to 3.4 oz
"For years I've been searching for the perfect rose perfume and the combo of artichoke and rose in this Diptyque mainstay creates a fresh, fruity scent that reminds me of lychee. I knew I'd picked a winner when I floated past someone on the sidewalk and she was immediately effusive in her compliments. I wear this everywhere— running errands (extra! I know!), to events, on holiday...there's never a bad time for it." — Marissa Wu, SEO Editor
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: rose damascena, centifolia, chamomile, lychee, artichoke
- Size: 2.4 oz
"J'adore my Diptyque Orpheon, which is inspired by Parisian nightlife in the 1960s. It's deep, dark and woody with notes of juniper berry, cedar, tonka bean and jasmine—an overall sexy scent that's perfect for nighttime soirees and romantic date nights. Not to mention, the bottle looks super chic on my vanity." — Stephanie Maida, Senior Commerce Director
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: juniper berry, cedarwood, tonka bean, jasmin
- Size: 2.4 oz
"It's a little more 'rosy' than Diptyque, but ever since I got a bottle last fall I've been using it quite a bit. It's sweeter, but not overpowering, feels true to rose but not powdery. I can see myself restocking when the last drop is sprayed." — Wu
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: musk, patcoili, peony, ruhbard
- Size: 1.7 oz
"This Maison Margiela eau de toilette is the best fall/winter scent ever. The notes of tobacco leaf and warm rum transport me to a cozy and sexy place every dang time. Plus, a little goes a long way so no need to overspray this bad boy. And while the scent is technically unisex, I can assure you that it's not overpowering." — Destinee Scott, Associate Sales and Deals Editor
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: pink pepper, rum absolute, tobacco leaf absolute
- Size: 0.34 oz to 3.4 oz
"Forget Chanel N°5, this scent is so much better. (Sometimes I even spray it before I go to bed.) It has the perfect floral and citrus blend of citron, jasmine and teakwood. That said, it's ideal for spring and summer, but I wouldn't blame you for wearing it year-round (I do)." — Scott
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: citron, jasmine, teakwood
- Size: 1.2 oz to 5 oz
"I'm a fragrance fanatic, and while it's nearly impossible to choose an all-time favorite, Woodphoria by Boy Smells might just take the cake. It's gotten me more compliments than any other scent—and I wear fragrance literally every day. As the brand describes it, 'Sun-kissed notes of fig, coconut and jasmine petals play with the intoxicating textures of sandalwood, cedarwood and musks.' It's the perfect combination of woody and floral." — Sarah Stiefvater, Wellness Director
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: coconut water, fig leaves, sandalwood
- Size: .34 oz to 2.1 oz
"Way more people should be talking about DedCool, in my opinion. The LA-based brand's 05 Spring scent is one of my go-tos, and features top notes of cardamom, star anise and bergamot. This isn't a scent for the faint of heart—it's bold and unique—but it's a game changer for folks (like yours truly) who want their fragrance to make a statement." — Stiefvater
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: bergamot, cedar, lemon, oak moss, patchouli
- Size: 1.7 oz
"As a self-proclaimed Fraghead, one of my favorite new fragrances is from the brand NOYZ. The genderless brand creates scent profiles from raw, unfiltered feelings and emotions. Their most recent launch, 12:00, is inspired by stopping time. Whether it’s a.m. or .m., you’re wrapped up in all that comes and goes, but this scent lingers. Full of notes like jasmine petals, raspberry and spun sugar, this floral gourmand perfume is the timeless addition you need to your vanity. It’s bright and poppy while also being grounded and warm. Perfect for any time of day, it’s one that I’ve constantly been reaching for." — Delia Curtis, Assistant Editor
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: Australian pink pepper, jasmine petals, spun sugar, jasmine, raspberry
- Size: 0.5 oz to 1.69 oz
"If you’re not trying to smell like anyone else, *this* is the fragrance house to try. My favorite of the line is Haunted Rose, which smells like strong wilted rose petals strewn across the forest floor. It's a spicy floral with woody notes—much sharper edged than most rose perfumes with the addition of black pepper and dark, leathery saffron. It’s also softened by notes of passionfruit and ambroxan. I am nearing my last drop of Haunted Rose and I might just shed a tear." — Curtis
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: rose, passionfruit, saffron, black pepper, sandalwood
- Size: 1.7 oz
"Upon my first sniff, those pear and bergamot notes came in bright and sharp with the soft notes of violet and jasmine revealing themselves as it began to dry—and the dry down is where it's really at. When it finally settles, you’re left with a powdery aroma of vanilla and musk that lingers on your person for hours. I’ve tried to find the right words to describe the true uniqueness of this fragrance for days now and still have come up short. Its elusiveness is almost reminiscent of the white mystery-flavored Airhead candy I ate as a kid, which I still, to this day, do not know the actual flavor of. Is this perfume a floral? Is it a musk? That’s for your nose to decide." — Courtney Mason, Editorial Assistant
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: musk, vanilla, moss
- Size: 1 oz
"I'm usually a vanilla fragrance kind of gal, so this one took me completely by surprised. The luxury fragrance screams one-way ticket to Italy. With notes of tobacco, saffron and dark woods, I feel so fancy spritzing this on. I'll admit it's a big price tag, but it's so worth it for a night out or even a trip to the office." — Chelsea Candelario, Beauty & Cultures Editor
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: tobacco, saffron, dark woods
- Size: 3.3 oz
"If I'm not raving about the Fenty fragrance then I'm talking someone's ear off about this Billie Eilish perfume. Seriously, don't knock celebrity perfumes—this one has an amazing scent that I've been wearing for a couple of years now. It has a nice mix of vanilla, musks and sugared petals. The singer (and her team) knew what they were doing with this gourmand fragrance. Also the bottle is gorgeous and looks fantastic on my dresser." — Candelario
Fast Facts
- Scent Notes: sugared petals, creamy vanilla, warm musk
- Size: 1.7 oz to 3.4 oz
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Difference Between Eau de Toilette vs. Eau de Parfum?
Yes, there's an actual difference between eau de toilette vs eau de parfum. It all comes down to the amount of fragrance concentration (aka oils and alcohol) in the formula. An eau de toilette has a lower concentration of oils and more alcohol, while eau de parfum has the complete opposite.
How Can I Make a Perfume Last Longer?
In a previous story, fragrance experts shared that there are three ways to make your scent last longer: You'll want to check the perfume's concentration, understand the scent note profile and keep your skin moisturized.
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
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