Welcome to T3's guide to the best women's perfumes! You don’t have to have the olfactory detectors of a sniffer dog to know what fragrances you don’t like the smell of, but it’s hard pinpointing the fragrance you want to splurge on when you’re so spoilt for choice.
With every high-profile brand and celebrity churning out a new scent every other month we’re hard-pushed to pinpoint which ones really stand out and which just cause a stink. Of course, heading to your nearest fragrance store can help you narrow down your options as you can smell them and decide what you like.
However, if you prefer to shop online or you're buying for someone else, it can be easier to read about what notes you get from each one and get a look at the style and design of the bottle. We’ve had our work cut out spritzing and sniffing our way through the best female fragrances, but it’s our job to fall on that sword for you...
Looking for men's scents? Try our best men's fragrances and colognes guide.
Beth is Home Editor for T3, covering style, living and wellness. Beth can't get enough of perfume, and is always on the lookout for the latest fragrance launches. If you need advice on how to find your perfect scent, Beth's the one to ask.
The top three
A true classic
Best for: Timeless scent
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Floral Aldehyde
+ Classic and timless scent
+ Stylish bottle
- More modern options available
Chanel N°5 is a timeless, iconic fragrance, earning its spot at the top of our best perfume list. It was created in 1921 and differed from other perfumes at the time due to its unique structure. Chanel N°5 was tangy, sparkly, almost champagne-like. It completely changed perfume forever. This perfume is classified as a refined, floral, soft fragrance. This feminine scent possesses a blend of modern florals with sandalwood and vanilla. It’s completely unmistakable and timeless, with top notes of Neroli that blend into the sensual, floral notes of two exceptional raw materials, May Rose and Jasmine. Of course, it's an iconic fragrance, and the bottle is equally iconic, with a minimalist design and hand-sealed with a baudruche film.
Wild berries and white violets
Best for: Soft, feminine energy
Type: Eau de Toilette
Scent family: Floral Woody Musk
+ Modern and young
+ Perfect for summer
- Could last longer
'A daisy is a friendly flower, not precious, not exotic, but it evokes a spirit in a lot of women,' according to Marc Jacobs, and this is perfectly encapsulated by this charmingly simple fragrance. It's pure and playful, with top notes of succulent wild berries and soft white violets, leaving an irresistibly fresh and radiant scent on the skin. At the heart, velvety jasmine compliments the vibrancy of the florals, while a dry down of sandalwood imparts an aura of warmth and sensuality. We think Daisy by Marc Jacobs makes an ideal gift, with a whimsical, retro-inspired bottle.
Explosive scent
Best for: Explosive scent
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Amber Floral
+ Long-lasting scent
+ Strong and sweet
- Too sweet and strong for some
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum is an explosive floral bouquet, with tens of Cattleyas, hundreds of Sambac Jasmine, thousands of freesia, and millions of rose petals enriched by an addictive scent of patchouli and vanilla. We love the floral explosion of mood-lifting and positive vibes. Flowerbomb isn't too overpowering, however, but we found the sweet scent lasts for ages. Top notes include fresh and sweet accords of bergamot and green tea. The bottle was designed by Fabien Baron, in the shape of a diamond granade.
Best women's perfumes 2024 ranking
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The best Floral Perfumes
The Floral family of perfumes is, without a doubt, the most popular out of the four families. It is used in a number of well-known perfumes and is a favourite due to its feminine and romantic characteristics. Their mass appeal comes from their familiarity, freshness, and ability to be worn on any occasion.
Effortlessly seductive
Best for: Mature scent
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Floral Fruity
+ Grown up
+ Long lasting
- A little simple
J’adore Eau de Parfum is an essential women's floral fragrance by Dior. It features a bouquet finely crafted down to the last detail, uniting the essence of ylang-ylang with its floral-fruity notes; the essence of Damascus Rose from Turkey; and a blend of Jasmine Grandiflorum from Grasse and Indian Sambac Jasmine. It's a very mature fragrance, so perfect for a more mature woman, and is presented in a sensual, curvaceous amphora bottle.
Fresh and youthful
Best for: Youthful scent
Type: Eau de Toilette
Scent family: Floral
+ Very wearable
+ Perfect for summer
- Poor projection
Intensely green and fresh, Gucci Bloom Acqua di Fiori "celebrates the joy and energy of youth". It's created by master perfumer Alberto Morillas, and blends the subtle musky tones of Galbanum leaves and the delicate spiciness of Cassis buds with the blooming floral notes of the original Gucci Bloom fragrance. We found the fragrance uplifting and feminine, delivered in a pale pink bottle that is embellished with a whimsical floral print reflecting the scent’s fresh and energetic notes.
Sweet and feminine
Best for: Universal
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Floral Fruity Gourmand
+ Wear day or night
+ Sweet, girly scent
- Cloying to some
La Vie est Belle’s delightfully feminine bottle, with its delicate gauze accents and pink hue, is just as sweet as its contents. With iris, jasmine and orange blossom at its heart; juicy pear and blackcurrant at the top; and patchouli, tonka and patchouli at the base, this is an unashamedly girly perfume for day or evening wear. We worry it may be too sickly for some, but for lovers of gourmand and sweet scents, it’s certain to be a winner.
Like a million dollars
Best for: Clubbing
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Floral Fruity
+ Very popular
+ Great scent
- Loud bottle
A hugely popular fragrance, Paco Rabanne Lady Million Eau de Parfum is a luxurious, sexy fragrance designed to make any woman feel like a million dollars. It features top notes of raspberry, Amalfi lemon and neroli, heart notes of gardenia, African orange flower and jasmine and base notes of white honey patchouli and amber. The result is fresh and playful, making Paco Rabanne Lady Million a seductive scent. We think the bold diamond-shaped bottle, dressed in gold will look stunning on any dressing table.
Summer in a bottle
Best for: Summer scent
Type: Eau de Toilette
Scent family: Floral
+ Fresh
+ Light
- Could last longer
This fresh white floral fragrance is perfectly blended and is steeped in mystery with its hints of iris, rose, African orange flower, pink pepper, musk and benzoin. The fragrance reminded us of summer nights, engulfed in the sweetness of a fresh sea breeze. The scent works its wonders to invigorate the senses, helping the wearer to feel refreshed, energised and full of vitality.
Travel through the American West
Best for: Easy to wear
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Floral Fruity
+ Evocative
+ Apothecary-inspired bottle
- A little simple
Coach Dreams is inspired by a sunny road trip through the American West. We love the opening with notes of fresh fruit and finishing with lasting woody notes, it takes you on a journey from beginning to end, evoking anticipation, the open road and memories in the making. The radiant, woody scent opens with notes of bitter orange and juicy pear, revealing a heart of gardenia and cactus flower before drying down to sensual Joshua Tree and Ambroxan musk.
Mediterranean lifestyle
Best for: Holiday
Type: Eau de Toilette
Scent family: Fruity Floral
+ Ideal for summer
+ Light and airy
- Terrible bottle
This colourful, fresh, floral-fruity Eau de Toilette reflects the sensuality and joy of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Sicilian cedar combines with the freshness of the Green apple and the floral allure and spontaneity of the bluebell, the top note captures the essence of a sunny South Italian summer. The freshness of bamboo softens with a feminine bouquet of jasmine and white rose. The bottle is a timeless design inspired by the classic Dolce & Gabbana EDT, Light Blue shape is confident but always very feminine. Its light blue cap evokes the clear skies of the Mediterranean.
A grown-up scent
Best for: Fans of spice
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Floral Oriental
+ Long lasting
+ Great brand
- Mature, despite being a Mademoiselle
- Very strong
The second Channel perfume on this list – this time an oriental fragrance with a strong yet surprisingly fresh personality. Sparks of fresh and vibrant orange immediately awaken the senses, while a clear and sensual heart reveals the transparent accords of Jasmine and Rose. The trail unfurls the pure accents of patchouli and vetiver that emphasise the slender structure of the composition.
Wrapped in a ribbon
Best for: Gifting
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Floral
+ Attractive bottle
+ Long lasting
- Too floral for some
- Heavy on the rose
This scent takes the classic rose and ingeniously translates it into a vibrant perfume: feminine, natural and sexy, suited to a free spirit, according to the marketing copy. The fragrance is a combination of floral powder notes, sprightly hints of peony and lychee, and the embellishment of springtime freesia. We're big fans of the airy, flirtatious head notes that drift away to reveal the heady magnolia and lily of the valley, as well as subtle intimations of warm amber and elegant cedarwood.
The best Amber Perfumes
Previously called the "Oriental" family, amber perfumes typically produce a warm, sweet and very deep scent. These perfumes often include herbs, spices, and dry powdery resin notes. You'll often hear these described as sensual, warm and exotic.
Stunning bottle
Best for: Bottle design
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Amber Vanilla
+ Stunning bottle
+ Great if you don't like floral
- Formulation issues
Angel is a delicate blend of sweet red fruits, soft caramel, honey and praline combined with the captivating power of patchouli and vanilla. Angel is a luxurious, chic and timeless fragrance with a seductive edge, perfect for everyday spritzing and totally irresistible. Plus, this perfume looks great on a dressing table, with the striking star-shaped bottle.
For date night
Best for: Dates
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Amber Floral
+ Sexy
+ Great for colder weather
- Not for everyone
The attention is captured by a sensuous blend of Black Truffle and Ylang mingled with fresh Bergamot and delectable Black Currant. A dramatic signature unfolds with the custom-made Tom Ford Black Orchard blended with dark, tempting florals and rich fruit accords. The heart is deepened with the intoxicating Lotus Wood. The decadent Noir Gourmand Accord is balanced by Patchouli-incense and Vetiver. Vanilla tears add a fluid creaminess to warm Balsam and smooth Sandalwood.
A true classic
Best for: Pleasure
Type: Eau de Toilette
Scent family: Amber Floral
+ Classic scent
+ Iconic bottle
- Too mature for some
Originally released in 1993, this fragrance is a true classic. The irresistible sweetness of orange blossom is combined with the powerful aphrodisiac notes of ginger. The scent of rice powder, a reminder of JPG's childhood, is given a new twist with the caressing strength of vanilla. Perhaps even more iconic than the scent is the bottle – a tribute to the beauty of women. Etched on the transparent glass is the quintessential item in Jean Paul Gaultier's female wardrobe, the corset.
Sexy starlit evenings
Best for: Deep woody scent
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Amber Floral
+ Sensuous
+ Bottle design
- Not an all-day wear
We can't think of a perfume that has been named so aptly; everything from Decadence’s emerald green glass and tactile python cap to its sensual and exotic aromas has been intended as a heady luxurious treat. Marc Jacobs has infused some unusual notes – orris, plum, saffron, and papyrus woods, to name a few – making for a devilishly grown-up fragrance that’s perfect for evening wear. Its popularity among reviewers is undoubted, and with its Instagram-worthy design, it’s a great gift for romantic partners (or for keeping for yourself).
Unexpectedly complex
Best for: Affordable
Type: Eau de Toilette
Scent family: Amber Floral
+ Broad appeal
+ Affordable
- Needs reapplication
Ghost intended for this fragrance to emanate the image of fledgling love. Infusing blends of fresh mint and lemon with subtle floral scents, Ghost has made sure the sweetness and the excitement are there. White flowers make up the heart; a woody base brings it down to earth; and there’s a powdery, almost talc-like impression as it dries down. The common word is that the scent is a little spontaneous, but Sweetheart manages a wide appeal, all the same, making it the perfect gift for tricky-to-buy-for young ladies.
A sensory voyage
Best for: Something exotic
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Amber Floral
+ Exotic fragrance
+ Beautiful bottle
- Too strong for some
With top notes of bergamot and pink pepper and a smooth sandalwood base, Micheal Kors has developed a beautifully balanced fragrance that reviewers say moves effortlessly from fresh and zingy to soft and mellow over the course of wear. The on-trend ombre bottle with its sunset hues and the luxe gold cap (reminiscent of MK’s famous hardware), has been designed to evoke the memory of a warm summer evening - much like the fragrance inside. For the big Michael Kors fan in your life, or for anyone who would like a deliciously exotic and unexpected fragrance, this makes a great gift.
A great choice for any woman
Best for: Perfect for autumn
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Amber Floral
+ Strong projection and lasting power
+ Great price point
- Not the best in warmer months
Gucci Guilty Eau de Parfum is an ambery floral fragrance that's just perfect for autumn. It’s safe to say the top notes of mandora and pink pepper, coupled with the heart notes of lilac and base notes of patchouli create a long-lasting feminine signature. This perfume makes a great gift for yourself as an act of self-love or as a present for someone you know that loves ambery perfume.
A deliciously floral harmony
Best for: Summer nights
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Amber Floral
+ Super sweet scent, great for all seasons
+ Timeless and elegant fragrance
- Lasting power is weak
Narciso Eau de Parfum Ambree is a luminous fragrance that reveals the vibrant warmth of sun-kissed skin. Although it makes a fantastic summer scent it can very much be used all year round. This perfume is surrounded by an accord of frangipani, ylang-ylang, amber and cedar to create a magnetic fragrance. The perfume is presented in the signature pale amber bottle, evoking the vibrancy of the fragrance and revealing the sensuality of a radiant and confident woman.
Feel the Euphoria
Best for: Blast from the past
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Amber Floral
+ Strong fruity blast
+ Value for money
- Too strong for some
This feminine fragrance opens with succulent persimmon and addictive pomegranate. An intoxicating blend of lotus blossom and orchid envelops it further, layered with liquid amber and lush mahogany wood. Euphoria embodies modern sensuality and provocative freedom. It accentuates feminine mystery and seduction.
The best Fresh Perfumes
The Fresh family does what it says on the tin, these perfumes are light, zingy, and zesty - think citrus fuits and green grasses. These fragrances are perfect for the warmer months and sunny holidays in the Mediterranean.
Affordable and unisex
Best for: Sharing
Type: Eau de Toilette
Scent family: Citrus Aromatic
+ Unisex and affordable
+ 90s cool
- Long in tooth
CK One is an iconic fragrance that is unapologetically bold, yet exudes youthful, fresh simplicity. Bringing together refreshing notes of green tea, papaya, and bergamot, and perfectly balanced with soft accents of nutmeg, violet, cardamom, and rose, CK One harmonizes feminine floral and masculine musk into one unisex scent that we can't get enough of.
Modern classic
Best for: Freshness
Type: Cologne
Scent family: Citrus Aromatic
+ Fresh and calming
+ Luxurious
- Expensive
- Could last longer
The Lime Basil and Mandarin Cologne is a signature fragrance from Jo Malone and has become a modern classic. It's quintessentially British and luxurious, perfectly blending citrus and herbal hues, revealing a unique scent which is both revitalising and relaxing. This fragrance evokes a Caribbean breeze, transporting you to a world of calm. Drying down to the base note of Amberwood, the cologne leaves you with a comforting presence, familiar and warming.
For the modern woman
Best for: Elegant
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Chypre Fruity
+ Chic bottle
+ Modern scent
- Difficult to fault, really!
Enjoy timeless elegance with Giorgio Armani Si Eau de Parfum spray. We found this inviting scent is fused with Mandarin oil, roses de mai, blond woods, amber and vanilla to create a powerful and exuberant fragrance that you will want to take with you for years to come. It's housed in a sleek and effortlessly classic bottle, Giorgio Armani Si Eau de Parfum spray is the must-have scent for the modern woman in our opinion.
A youthful scent
Best for: Sensual
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Chypre Floral
+ Finest essence
+ Smell like Natalie Portman
- Other Miss Dior versions more interesting
The new Miss Dior Eau de Parfum reveals the femininity of a sensual floral fragrance. Its heart is a floral declaration that combines the beauty of Grasse rose with the boldness of Damascus rose, both wrapped in a ribbon of fresh notes of Calabrian bergamot. This handcrafted creation is woven with rosewood from French Guiana and pink pepper from Reunion Island for heightened character.
Ideal for summer
Best for: Summer days
Type: Eau de Toilette
Scent family: Citrus
+ Very feminine
+ Light and refreshing
- Requires top-ups
A bright and breezy scent reminiscent of long summer days. Eau de Givenchy is a perfect harmony of citrus and floral scents the perfect refreshing pick-me-up. If you want something feminine that dances between floral and fruity, we think this is a great option for you.
Bittersweet citrusy aroma
Best for: Gifting
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Citrus Aromatic
+ Makes a memorable gift for someone special
+ Long-lasting power with strong intensity
- On the pricier side
Yuzu by Acqua di Parma is a bright zesty scent with a tart bittersweetness. This scent is very sharp, the heart plays upon notes of lotus, mimosa and jasmine for a soft floral embrace and the base finishes with musk, liquorice, and sandalwood. This sparkling, refreshing aroma with citrus notes makes a great gift for someone who is into a citrus fresh scent for any occasion.
The best Woody Perfumes
The wood family includes perfumes that are warm and opulent - perfect for the colder months and evenings. They often include notes of sandalwood, patchouli, cedarwood, or vetiver.
Clean, crisp air
Best for: Summer days
Type: Cologne
Scent family: Woody Aromatic
+ Unisex
+ Designer bottle
- Too masculine for some
A scent so good you’ll want to spritz twice, or even three times for that matter. Inspired by the blue sky, Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar exudes celebration, enthusiasm, and a newfound intensity for enjoying life. True to Jo’s signature style, Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar is a fresh cologne scent with a clean, crisp air. Powerful base notes give this fragrance a unique intensity, while the classic notes of vetiver, patchouli and cedarwood take on an eclectic twist to create a captivating new scent. Jo Loves, we love.
Classic Le Labo
Best for: Woody and masculine
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Woody Aromatic
+ Unisex
+ Strong scent
- Too masculine for some
- Expensive
Le Labo has been described as 'the haute couture of the fragrance industry' and we think Santal 33 is the perfect example of that. Drawing inspiration from the old Marlboro ads (the American West and the masculinity of the great American cowboy), Santal 33 has an intoxicating aroma of spicy, leathery, musky notes that give this unisex fragrance a unique allure.
An iconic fragrance
Best for: Warmth
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Woody Amber
+ Unique packaging
+ Refillable bottle
- A little long in tooth
Alien by Mugler is one of those scents you either love or hate. For the most part, it’s loved all over the world as it’s very rich and feminine. Opening with top notes of Indian jasmine, the fragrance moves into a woodsy heart before drying down to a base of warm white amber. The bottle is also refillable, meaning purchasers will save money in the long run, so consider this an investment.
Fresh, salty and aquatic perfume
Best for: Boat trips
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Woody Aromatic
+ Not overwhelming
+ Refreshing and smooth on the nose
- Can be too masculine for some
Eau des Merveilles Bleue by Hermès takes on mineral notes - a sparkling and brisk plunge into the deep sea of Merveilles. This scent is super classy and watery, and can be used for both day and night. A super crisp, clean scent that is super light on the skin, yet has an incredibly strong lasting power. This perfume makes the perfect gift for someone who enjoys a unisex scent as this perfume can take on a more masculine tone.
Celebrating beauty, travel and fantasy
Best for: Vegans
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Woody Amber
+ Vegan formula
+ Medium Intensity
- Not very long-lasting
Bal D’Afrique is Ben Gorham’s love letter to Africa. It’s a scent inspired by travels and is often described as a rich, complex romance steeped in luxury. Most reviews on this perfume point towards the lemony scent and how refreshing it is on the skin. Although it's quite pricey for something that fades throughout the day it’s still a unique perfume that has rich undertones, which makes the perfect after shower and spring/summer perfume.
Earthly fragrance underpinned by rare, oud wood
Best for: Unisex
Type: Parfum
Scent family: Woody Amber
+ Long-lasting aroma
+ Can be used as a unisex perfume
- Woody spices can be overwhelming
Tom Ford’s Oud Wood Eau de Parfum is a very distinctive cologne that consists of exotic woods and spices to evoke smoky, incense-filled temples. Although at first the top notes stand out and can be very overwhelming, eventually the scent will grow on you as it diffuses into the skin. The bottle is pricey but considering the quality of the perfume, its long-lasting aroma and the fact that a little goes a long way is enough to justify this purchase.
How to choose the best women's perfume
When on the hunt for the perfect scent, it’s hard to judge what will suit just by taking a sniff from the bottle. A good fragrance should have a balance of complementary scents, longevity and one that matches your personality. Essential oils deliver more than synthetics in terms of longevity and balance.
It's also important to know the difference between eau de toilette and parfum – if you're curious, EDT is a perfume with a concentration of 4-15% which gives the wearer typically 3-4 hours of longevity, while Eau de Parfum contains a higher concentration, around 15-20%.
If you’re not sure what sort of scent you, or the intended recipient of the perfume, likes, scent types or “families” can provide some guidance. With men’s as well as women’s fragrances, the buzzwords to look out for are floral, fresh, fruity, citrus, oriental, woody and spicy.
If you need more help deciding which perfume is best for you, you can read our guide on how to choose the right perfume. Use these straightforward descriptors as a starting point, and find the notes (for example rose, jasmine, bergamot or vetiver) that appeal to you to narrow it down.
Lisa Shackley, Givenchy Beauty Expert tells us:
“It’s important not to wear perfume or scented body products when shopping for a new fragrance as this can alter the development of the chosen scent. Always try the fragrance on the skin to see how it develops and how it ultimately matches your personality. I wouldn't recommend trying more than three to four different scents at one time.”
Whilst buying perfume for someone else is often a daunting task, we’ve rounded up the best, so, pick your poison, and if you're looking for the man in your life, you'll find the best men's fragrances. And, if you want your room to smell as good as you do, then you can read T3's guide to the best aroma diffusers.
How we test the best perfumes for women
How we test
We've all, at one point in our lives, gone into a shop, sprayed a few different perfumes on our wrists, sniffed them straight away, and then made a snap decision on which one we like the most. This may seem like a good way to test fragrances, but it's not, and you'll be happy to know that at T3 we spend a little more time finding the best women's perfumes.
We'll either spray the perfume on blotter paper from around 15 centimetres away or test the perfume on our own skin. This will give an accurate representation of what the scent actually smells like.
We'll take in the strong top notes that hit straight away. Of course, we'll then continue to come back to the perfume to test how it develops over time as the heart and base notes come out. This is important as this 'dry down' is what the fragrance will be like for most of the day.
It's important to mention we don't test women's perfumes in a lab at T3 – we use them just as you would. This lets us know how they develop in the real world and means we can give accurate recommendations based on our experiences.
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