Smell Like A Dream In These 30 Perfect Fragrances
Finding your signature fragrance is like finding the perfect partner: You’re rarely going to know what you’re looking for until you find it. Still, like with any good relationship, you have your standards, right? Your deal-breakers, your all-or-nothings. Maybe you have a specific type you’re searching for—woodsy and dark or fresh and clean? Perhaps you even envision a particular scene you’d like your scent to emulate: long walks along the Mediterranean sea, or climbing into an Uber after an eventful evening in New Orleans?
Thankfully, the fragrance masters have made discovering the ideal perfume a little easier than matching with the perfect date. After scouring the perfume archives for some of the most popular and most interesting Eau de toilettes on the market, we found scents with a proven track record for intrigue. Order a few samples to compare and contrast your favorites, or go all-in on a bottle that doubles as decor. This is your perfume love story. Never settle.
Dune By Christian Dior Eau De Toilette
Dior
Warm and floral with peony, lily, and mandarin orange, it smells like a hot summer day relaxing by the pool.
Warm and floral with peony, lily, and mandarin orange, it smells like a hot summer day relaxing by the pool.
Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum
Ariana Grande
Even if your name isn’t Ari, you can still smell like the smash hit superstar with this flirty, feminine perfume. With sweet floral and fruity scents of lavender blossom, pear, coconut and vanilla, this is a bright, young fragrance for any time of day or night.
Even if your name isn’t Ari, you can still smell like the smash hit superstar with this flirty, feminine perfume. With sweet floral and fruity scents of lavender blossom, pear, coconut and vanilla, this is a bright, young fragrance for any time of day or night.
Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette Spray
Versace
An older fragrance—Versace Bright Crystal was first launched in 2006—it remains a favorite for its bold floral notes of yuzu, pomegranate, peony, lotus and magnolia. A safe but delectable pick for a sunny day.
An older fragrance—Versace Bright Crystal was first launched in 2006—it remains a favorite for its bold floral notes of yuzu, pomegranate, peony, lotus and magnolia. A safe but delectable pick for a sunny day.
Narcisco Rodriguez Pure Musc Eau De Parfum
Narciso Rodriguez
If you're turned off the idea by a musk-heavy scent, here us out: This one's different. Unlike some musk-forward fragrances that end up smelling funky, Pure Musc gives off wafts of clean cotton and washing powder, according to one reviewer. It's a risk, but one you'll be glad you made.
If you're turned off the idea by a musk-heavy scent, here us out: This one's different. Unlike some musk-forward fragrances that end up smelling funky, Pure Musc gives off wafts of clean cotton and washing powder, according to one reviewer. It's a risk, but one you'll be glad you made.
Idôle Eau de Parfum
Lancôme
With ambassador Zendaya as its leading lady, Lancome’s Idole already has a lot going for it. But with its burst of fresh florals— rose and jasmine, in particular—this makes for a fully feminine, but never overpowering, dreamy scent.
With ambassador Zendaya as its leading lady, Lancome’s Idole already has a lot going for it. But with its burst of fresh florals— rose and jasmine, in particular—this makes for a fully feminine, but never overpowering, dreamy scent.
Byredo Bal d'Afrique Eau de Parfum
BYREDO
Cited as perfumer Ben Gorham’s “love letter to Africa,” this blend has seemingly endless depth, featuring notes of vetiver, wood, marigold, bergamot, and lemon. A sumptuous, elegant choice.
Cited as perfumer Ben Gorham’s “love letter to Africa,” this blend has seemingly endless depth, featuring notes of vetiver, wood, marigold, bergamot, and lemon. A sumptuous, elegant choice.
Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Eau de Parfum
Donna Karan
To start, can’t you just imagine this gorgeous bottle making a statement on your vanity? But this fragrance goes far beyond appearances. Luscious and soft with notes of sandalwood, vanilla, and Moroccan jasmine, this elegant fragrance is deep-bodied and sensual.
To start, can’t you just imagine this gorgeous bottle making a statement on your vanity? But this fragrance goes far beyond appearances. Luscious and soft with notes of sandalwood, vanilla, and Moroccan jasmine, this elegant fragrance is deep-bodied and sensual.
Ex Nihilo Fleur Narcotique Eau de Parfum
Ex Nihilo
This luxurious and fruity perfume is like summer in a bottle. Featuring unique traces of lychee, peony, orange blossom and peach, with a little musk mixed in for good measure, this is like a well-made cocktail—worth the extra cost.
This luxurious and fruity perfume is like summer in a bottle. Featuring unique traces of lychee, peony, orange blossom and peach, with a little musk mixed in for good measure, this is like a well-made cocktail—worth the extra cost.
Diptyque Philosykos Eau de Toilette
diptyque
Their candles are already a luxury must-have, but Diptyque also makes high-quality perfumes in several irresistible scents. My personal favorite is this woodsy fig fragrance with notes of pepper and greenery. Inspired by the Greek fig tree, this perfume smells like the earth itself—rich, bright and delicious.
Their candles are already a luxury must-have, but Diptyque also makes high-quality perfumes in several irresistible scents. My personal favorite is this woodsy fig fragrance with notes of pepper and greenery. Inspired by the Greek fig tree, this perfume smells like the earth itself—rich, bright and delicious.
MEMO Paris Irish Leather Eau de Parfum
Memo Paris
Like Game of Thrones if it were set in Ireland, this rich scent pairs autumnal notes of snow and wood with amber, sage, juniper and leather. Inspired by MEMO co-founder John Molloy’s homeland of Ireland, this is a unique, unisex scent with a sophisticated but comforting edge.
Like Game of Thrones if it were set in Ireland, this rich scent pairs autumnal notes of snow and wood with amber, sage, juniper and leather. Inspired by MEMO co-founder John Molloy’s homeland of Ireland, this is a unique, unisex scent with a sophisticated but comforting edge.
La Vie Est Belle
Lancome
The glass on the bottle is cut into the shape of a smile, so you know you’re about to experience something joyful and fun. Featuring iris, patchouli, praline and vanilla, this is a traditionally feminine fragrance with a bold sweetness that still, as one Sephora reviewer put it, avoids smelling “childish.”
The glass on the bottle is cut into the shape of a smile, so you know you’re about to experience something joyful and fun. Featuring iris, patchouli, praline and vanilla, this is a traditionally feminine fragrance with a bold sweetness that still, as one Sephora reviewer put it, avoids smelling “childish.”
Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne
Jo Malone London
A lovely unisex blend reminiscent of a chilly November stroll along a seashore, this fragrance might technically be a cologne, but it doubles as a wonderful perfume for anyone seeking a subtler, more refreshing scent.
A lovely unisex blend reminiscent of a chilly November stroll along a seashore, this fragrance might technically be a cologne, but it doubles as a wonderful perfume for anyone seeking a subtler, more refreshing scent.
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau de Perfume
Carolina Herrera
Starting bright and surprising with whiffs of jasmine, this perfume soon turns dark and seductive with traces of coffee and cocoa. A must-have for any wild night in or out.
Starting bright and surprising with whiffs of jasmine, this perfume soon turns dark and seductive with traces of coffee and cocoa. A must-have for any wild night in or out.
Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum
Gucci
A more modern take on the traditional floral perfume, this inventive fragrance is made all the more dynamic by its inclusion of rangoon creeper, a flowering vine native to tropical Asia. This can be a strong scent, so don’t overdo it, but the whiffs of jasmine and tuberose are simply lovely.
A more modern take on the traditional floral perfume, this inventive fragrance is made all the more dynamic by its inclusion of rangoon creeper, a flowering vine native to tropical Asia. This can be a strong scent, so don’t overdo it, but the whiffs of jasmine and tuberose are simply lovely.
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette
DOLCE&GABBANA
If you’re looking for something that smells fresh and citrusy without wafting into the danger zone of sickly-sweet, this beloved bottle with scents of apple, cedar, bluebell and bamboo is clean and sophisticated, perfect for the office-bound.
If you’re looking for something that smells fresh and citrusy without wafting into the danger zone of sickly-sweet, this beloved bottle with scents of apple, cedar, bluebell and bamboo is clean and sophisticated, perfect for the office-bound.
Black Opium Eau de Parfum
Yves Saint Laurent
For those who crave a little danger in their dress-up, this sexy concoction smelling of coffee, vanilla and pear is a feast for the senses. A little smooth, a little edgy, this is a fantastic fragrance for evening wear.
For those who crave a little danger in their dress-up, this sexy concoction smelling of coffee, vanilla and pear is a feast for the senses. A little smooth, a little edgy, this is a fantastic fragrance for evening wear.
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
TOM FORD
The gorgeous notes of tobacco, cocoa, ginger and dried fruit form an unforgettable scent for a bold first impression. Pairs best with a power suit.
The gorgeous notes of tobacco, cocoa, ginger and dried fruit form an unforgettable scent for a bold first impression. Pairs best with a power suit.
Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb
Viktor&Rolf
It’s all in the name, folks: This perfume is like spritzing on the feeling of a sunset soiree in a romantic palace garden. With orchid, patchouli, tea leaf, jasmine and rose, wearing Flowerbomb is the next best thing to carrying a bouquet wherever you go.
It’s all in the name, folks: This perfume is like spritzing on the feeling of a sunset soiree in a romantic palace garden. With orchid, patchouli, tea leaf, jasmine and rose, wearing Flowerbomb is the next best thing to carrying a bouquet wherever you go.
Dior J'adore Eau de Parfum
Dior
There’s a reason you see this iconic bottle in practically every magazine you’ve ever opened. It’s a classic, and the fruity, floral ingredients never weigh down the luscious elegance of the ylang-ylang, jasmine, pear, melon, peach and lily.
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum
Yves Saint Laurent
Sensual but not intimidating, this YSL staple infuses its white floral notes of Moroccan orange blossom and jasmine with lavender and a hint of vanilla. This is a memorable scent—so much so one Ulta reviewer proclaimed it "beautifully intoxicating."2
Sensual but not intimidating, this YSL staple infuses its white floral notes of Moroccan orange blossom and jasmine with lavender and a hint of vanilla. This is a memorable scent—so much so one Ulta reviewer proclaimed it "beautifully intoxicating."2
The Nue Co. Forest Lungs
The Nue Co.
By far one of the most unique options on this list, Forest Lungs smells exactly like you'd expect: Deep and smoky, it's a deep breath of woodsy, earthy scents, accented by cedar, pine, vetiver and patchouli.
By far one of the most unique options on this list, Forest Lungs smells exactly like you'd expect: Deep and smoky, it's a deep breath of woodsy, earthy scents, accented by cedar, pine, vetiver and patchouli.
Chanel Chance Eau de Parfum Spray
CHANEL
A fruity, floral fragrance as traditionally feminine as its color, this is a non-fussy pick for springtime day wear.
A fruity, floral fragrance as traditionally feminine as its color, this is a non-fussy pick for springtime day wear.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Another woodsy scent—but this time with more sweetness and spice—Baccarat Rouge is like a bite of sea salt caramel. That first whiff is sweet, then it evolves into spicy, earthy notes of jasmine and cedar.
Another woodsy scent—but this time with more sweetness and spice—Baccarat Rouge is like a bite of sea salt caramel. That first whiff is sweet, then it evolves into spicy, earthy notes of jasmine and cedar.
Giorgio Armani Sì Eau de Parfum
ARMANI
A classic in the Armani collection, Sì is the ideal bottle for anyone pining for an earthy scent that doesn't smell like...well, earth. With rose and freesia mellowing out this inventive fragrance, it's a great transition perfume from day to evening.
A classic in the Armani collection, Sì is the ideal bottle for anyone pining for an earthy scent that doesn't smell like...well, earth. With rose and freesia mellowing out this inventive fragrance, it's a great transition perfume from day to evening.
Valentino Donna Born In Roma Eau de Parfum
Valentino
Elegant with an edge—much like the city of Rome itself—Valentino's Donna Born in Roma is meant to evoke a lady strolling through the Eternal City. Blended with jasmine, vanilla bourbon, and topped up with black currant and pink pepper, this is a scent as timeless as its muse.
Elegant with an edge—much like the city of Rome itself—Valentino's Donna Born in Roma is meant to evoke a lady strolling through the Eternal City. Blended with jasmine, vanilla bourbon, and topped up with black currant and pink pepper, this is a scent as timeless as its muse.
Maison Margiela Replica Whispers in the Library Eau de Toilette
MAISON MARGIELA
This darling bottle smells just like a waltz through your favorite library—one with ancient cedar beams and books with yellowed pages. Earthy but clean, with a spritz of vanilla and pepper, this is a perfect autumnal perfume.
This darling bottle smells just like a waltz through your favorite library—one with ancient cedar beams and books with yellowed pages. Earthy but clean, with a spritz of vanilla and pepper, this is a perfect autumnal perfume.
Givenchy L'Interdit Eau de Parfum
Givenchy
Not for the faint of heart, this fragrance launches with black pepper but eases back with delectable notes of tuberose, orange blossom and sesame. It's sexy, savory and floral—a combination one reviewer called as "close to gourmand as I can get."
Not for the faint of heart, this fragrance launches with black pepper but eases back with delectable notes of tuberose, orange blossom and sesame. It's sexy, savory and floral—a combination one reviewer called as "close to gourmand as I can get."
Prada Candy Eau de Parfum Spray
Prada
As scrumptious as its namesake, Prada Candy Night is an adventurer's ideal evening scent. Sweet but sexy with bold notes of cacao, caramel, orange and vanilla, this fragrance is all about fun after dark. It's not particularly long-lasting, though, so consider slipping a smaller bottle in your bag.
As scrumptious as its namesake, Prada Candy Night is an adventurer's ideal evening scent. Sweet but sexy with bold notes of cacao, caramel, orange and vanilla, this fragrance is all about fun after dark. It's not particularly long-lasting, though, so consider slipping a smaller bottle in your bag.
PHLUR Sandara Eau de Parfum Travel Spray
PHLUR
We all need a little sprucing during a long day of planes, trains and automobiles, and this compact travel spray is just the stuff. Earthy enough to spark adventure but airy enough to smell clean, PHLUR’s fragrance, with scents of violet, pepper, and moss, is an instant pick-me-up.
We all need a little sprucing during a long day of planes, trains and automobiles, and this compact travel spray is just the stuff. Earthy enough to spark adventure but airy enough to smell clean, PHLUR’s fragrance, with scents of violet, pepper, and moss, is an instant pick-me-up.
Eau de Juice Good Energy Eau de Parfum
Eau de Juice
This new fragrance is as fun as its signature bottle—like a shot of summer in one spray. Ultra sweet and fruity with mango, passion fruit and tiger lily, Good Energy is a high-energy dose of sun-soaked nostalgia.
This new fragrance is as fun as its signature bottle—like a shot of summer in one spray. Ultra sweet and fruity with mango, passion fruit and tiger lily, Good Energy is a high-energy dose of sun-soaked nostalgia.
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